Studio Symphony Orchestra Concert: Orchestral Masterpieces

The Studio Symphony Orchestra are at RBAI (Inst) Common Hall on Saturday 17 October, and it's a bit of a milestone for them: the concert opens their 80th anniversary season. They've put together a programme of orchestral masterpieces that runs from the dramatic to the melodic, with a soloist taking centre stage for the second half.

The night starts with Mussorgsky's Night on a Bare Mountain, that stark, atmospheric piece that's hard to mistake, followed by Havelock Nelson's Caribbean Suite, which brings a completely different, sunnier energy to the first half. The second half belongs to the trumpet: principal player David Johnson takes the lead for Arutiunian's Trumpet Concerto, and the whole thing closes with Stravinsky's Firebird Suite, one of the most recognisable works of the twentieth century. It's a broad spread of styles, so there's plenty to hold onto throughout the evening.

Behind the music is an orchestra that's a well-known name in Northern Ireland's amateur music scene. They draw skilled musicians from across the country, and their standard is shaped by professionals from the Ulster Orchestra. They're a limited company registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, and with the anniversary season just kicking off, they're still looking for more players to join their sections. The concerto features David Johnson, who's been the orchestra's principal trumpet for about fifteen years; he took up the instrument at twelve and studied at Kneller Hall (RMSM).

On the night, Tanya Houghton conducts and Zuzanna Edmonds leads. The concert starts at 7:45pm at the RBAI (Inst) Common Hall on College Square East, BT1 6DL. Tickets are £18 for general admission and £16 for concessions, with a booking fee on top.