The Protecting Veil: Guy Johnston plays Tavener, Max Richter/Vivaldi, Vaughan Williams

The Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) is presenting a concert focused on the power and lyricism of a large string orchestra this spring. The event, titled The Protecting Veil: Guy Johnston plays Tavener, Max Richter/Vivaldi, Vaughan Williams, takes place on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the Concert Hall in the Brighton Dome. The performance starts at 2:45 pm, with doors opening at 2:00 pm.

The main feature of the afternoon is the acclaimed cellist Guy Johnston, who will be performing under the direction of conductor Joanna MacGregor. The program opens with Vaughan Williams’ sublime Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis. Following this, the orchestra offers a contemporary twist on a classic: they will perform the Spring and Winter movements from Vivaldi’s The Seasons, but in the version ‘reimagined’ by the influential composer Max Richter, known as Vivaldi Recomposed. The second half of the concert is dedicated entirely to the title work, John Tavener’s The Protecting Veil. This is a substantial 45-minute cello concerto, described by Tavener as an attempt to capture the ‘cosmic power of the Mother of God.’ It’s a piece famous for its intensity, as the cello soloist, Guy Johnston, ‘never stops singing during the entire work,’ promising a deep, contemplative journey for the audience.

If you are planning to attend, standard tickets are priced between £13 and £39. The BPO offers several ways to make the trip more affordable, including discounts if you book multiple concerts in their season. For younger audiences, tickets for under 30s start at £10, and children can attend for just £1 (up to two per adult ticket). There are also concessions available, including a 50% discount for those receiving benefits or disability support. Just a practical note: while it is family-friendly, the venue specifies that unaccompanied under 14s are not permitted.