News…
Safe in Sound
English Sinfonia is delighted to be involved in a new project ‘Safe in Sound’ in collaboration with Chiltern Music Therapy. This programme is designed to provide vital support to individuals living with dementia and their carers in Chesham and the surrounding area. The pioneering initiative, led by expert music therapists from Chiltern Music Therapy, in partnership with professional musicians from English Sinfonia, offers a transformative series of group music therapy sessions aimed at enhancing communication, fostering relationships, and ultimately improving the overall quality of life through the universal language of music. Over 12 weeks, participants (including carers) will enjoy music therapy sessions, culminating in a community performance at The Elgiva.
English Sinfonia welcomes Nicholas Korth as Composer in Residence
One of the main objectives of the English Sinfonia is to champion new music, and we are delighted to announce the appointment of Nicholas Korth as Composer in Residence. Nicholas’ first piece for the orchestra will be ‘Jubilare - An Enigmatic Fanfare’ which will be premiered on 24th July 2022 at The Elgiva, Chesham.
Nicholas writes:
“I’m honoured to have been appointed as Composer in Residence with the wonderful English Sinfonia. This is a marvellous opportunity for me to write new works for such a vibrant and versatile ensemble under the leadership of superb musicians Janice Graham and Chris Hopkins. I’m particularly excited as I am a local resident and also Principal Horn of the orchestra. I look forward immensely to contributing to the English Sinfonia’s future in both roles.”
For further information on Nicholas and his work please visit: nicholaskorth.com/composition
English Sinfonia announces residency at the Elgiva Theatre
We’re delighted to announce our new residency at the Elgiva Theatre in Chesham starting with concerts this May, June and July.
Janice Graham, Leader and Artistic Director writes:
‘l am delighted that English Sinfonia will be joining the Elgiva as their resident orchestra. We look forward to a rewarding artistic partnership and can’t wait to be engaging and performing for live audiences.’
Chris Hopkins, Principal Conductor writes:
‘I’m really excited to be returning to the Elgiva Theatre with English Sinfonia with this series of concerts signalling the start of a new residency. After such a difficult year for performers and audiences alike, these concerts will not only hold a special significance for us, but they also herald the beginning of what we hope to be more wide-ranging activities in the local community, supported by this new collaboration.’
Theatre Manager, David Cooper, says:
‘I am beyond delighted to welcome such talent to The Elgiva stage; music has incredible power to bring people together, and we hope that the English Sinfonia residency will do just that, bringing our community closer together, while experiencing something truly beautiful. We are committed to the ethos of Elgiva for Everyone, and this residency is part of our dedication to showcase local talent and ensure a wide-ranging programme.’
For more information go to the Elgiva website here:
https://elgiva.com/news/english-sinfonia-announces-elgiva-residency/
English Sinfonia welcomes Chris Hopkins as Principal Conductor
English sinfonia is delighted to announce the appointment of our new Principal Conductor Chris Hopkins. Chris is not only a highly talented conductor but also a renowned concert pianist. We are looking forward to collaborating with him in both conducted performances and piano chamber music. We will be celebrating 60 years in 2021 so watch this space!
Chris writes:
ʺI am delighted to have been invited to become Principal Conductor of the venerable English Sinfonia. This is an orchestra with a long history of championing brilliant and often neglected repertoire, not least in bringing a looking glass to my own passion of British music. Their unique and luxurious sound pervades the extensive discography, from Schubert to Holst, Dohnányi to Haydn, the highest musical and emotional values always shine through, in no small part in their more recent history thanks to the brilliant leadership of Janice Graham.
I am so excited for the future of this brilliant ensemble, to continue to discover and promote great music, to make records and concerts of exceptional quality and to play an important part again in the musical fabric of our communities.ʺ
‘English Miniatures’ from St John’s Smith Square available to stream
Our ‘English Miniatures’ concert recorded live from St John’s Smith Square is now available for free (donations welcome) via this link: www.sjss.org.uk/english-sinfonia
