We are thrilled to be joined by soloist James Gilbert for the Weber Clarinet Concerto no. 2 in E flat major.  James is currently an ABRSM scholar at the Royal Academy of Music, and has appeared as a soloist performing Finzi’s Clarinet Concerto with John Wilson and the Academy Symphony Orchestra.  He has also appeared as Guest Principal with the London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

Carl Weber’s Clarinet Concerto no. 2 was written in 1811.  This playful concerto is reflective of Weber’s many operas, and beautifully shows off the rich tone of the clarinet.

Also being performed are Dvorak’s Symphony no.8, and Brahms’ Tragic Overture.  Dvorak drew inspiration from the Bohemian folk music which he loved, and the piece is described as “cheery and lyrical”.  The four movements are structured in an unusual way and show a remarkable variety of themes, occasionally seeming like improvisation.

In contrast is the “turbulent, tormented” Tragic Overture, written by Brahms in 1880.  In the same year, Brahms wrote the mirthful Academic Festival Overture, and he described the difference in the character of the two pieces as “one laughs while the other cries.