SONGS OLD AND NEW

From the elegance of European Romanticism to the dark mysteries of Czech folklore and the rich musical heritage of America, Market Harborough Orchestra brings its season to a close with a concert celebrating storytelling, tradition and new musical horizons.

We begin with Richard Strauss’s beautiful Serenade, written when the composer was just 17 years old. Scored for 13 wind instruments, this charming and lyrical work showcases the warmth and expressive beauty of the orchestra’s wind players. The mood then turns decidedly darker with Dvořák’s The Water Goblin, a gripping musical tale based on a Czech folk legend. With its sinister supernatural character, dramatic twists and vivid orchestral storytelling, this is music that brings a fairy tale to life — though certainly not one with a happy ending!

Our season concludes with a wonderful opportunity to discover the music of William Grant Still, one of the most important pioneering African American composers of the twentieth century. His Second Symphony, Song of a New Race, is a richly melodic and deeply expressive work that brings together the traditions of the European symphony with the distinctive rhythms, harmonies and musical influences of African American culture.

Written in 1937, the symphony looks towards a changing America, expressing Still’s hopes for a society in which different cultural traditions could come together to create something new. By turns joyful, reflective, spirited and deeply moving, it is a work full of warmth, optimism and memorable music.

Join us for a fascinating and uplifting conclusion to our season, featuring familiar musical traditions alongside a remarkable symphony that deserves to be heard far more often.

FOR MHO PLAYERS

Richard Strauss – Serenade op 7 2223 (1.2.contra) 4000

Antonin Dvorak – Water Goblin, op.107, B.195 3[1.2.pic] 3[1.2.Eh] 2[1.2/bcl(A)] 2 — 4 2 3 1 — tmp+2— str – NOTE -Bcl plays only 21 bars near the end (bars 760-780); could be covered either by cl1 or cl2.

William Grant Still – Symphony no 2 “Song of a New Race” 3[1.2.3/pic] 3[1.2.Eh] 4[1.2.3.bcl] 2 — 4 3 3 1 — tmp+2 — hp — cel — str

REHEARSALS

• Sunday 28 May 2028- 1.45–4.30pm-Methodist Church
• Tuesday 30 May 2028-STRINGS sectional-7.30–9.30pm Venue TBC
• Sunday 4 June 2028-1.45–4.30pm- Methodist Church
• Friday 9 June 2028- WIND sectional – 7.30–9.30pm -Methodist Church
• Sunday 11 June 2028- 1.45–4.30pm – Methodist Church
• Friday 16 June 2028- 7.30–9.30pm -Methodist Church
• Saturday 17 June 2028 – 2.00–5.00pm rehearsal -Methodist Church
• Saturday 17 June 2028- 7.30pm concert – Methodist Church