The Isle of Man Symphony Orchestra is promising to deliver a music spectacular for its Gala Charity Concert.
The concert, in aid of Crossroads Young Carers, takes place at the Villa Marina this evening (Saturday).
Conductor Maurice Powell said the audience could expect ‘the sight and sounds of a very large orchestra in some of the most spectacular music ever composed’.
Highlights of the programme are Grieg’s piano concerto and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 overture, the first time the original orchestral version has been performed complete in the island.
Maurice explained: ‘We chose some of the most popular classical works in order to attract the widest possible audience.
‘Grieg’s piano concerto is probably the loveliest and most lyrical in the repertoire.
‘The 1812 overture is overwhelming in a live performance with a very large orchestra and special effects. You might call it “the hit he grew to hate” as Tchaikovsky had mixed feelings about it.
‘He didn’t want the commission in the first place and delayed composition until the last minute.
‘He had a poor opinion of the piece and was horrified when it became so popular.’
Maurice admitted that Tchaikovsky’s complete 1812 overture was a big ask: ‘Rehearsing such a large-scale piece does present problems. We have had to call on all available brass players in particular and some guest musicians from the UK.
‘Because of this, as conductor I won’t get to hear the full orchestra until the final rehearsal, but I’m used to that.’
The evening will start with Roman Carnival by Berlioz, which Maurice described as an energetic and colourful show-piece which will get the evening off to a brilliant start’.
Soloist for the Grieg is island-based, Russian born pianist Olga Eggert.
This year’s Cleveland Medal winner and one of the island’s most popular performers, soprano Karen Elliott, will be singing a selection of popular operatic arias by Mascagni, Handel and Mozart.
‘It is always a pleasure to work with such a professional,’ Maurice said.
The orchestra, led by Tom Field, will also play Haydn Wood’s Royal Castles Suite, which has never been performed in the island before.
Maurice said: ‘Wood spent his childhood on the island and we try to include as much of his music in our programmes as possible.’
When asked what the audience could expect, he said:
Maurice urged people to buy their tickets for the concert: ‘Help us to fill the Villa. The music is wonderful, the cause – Crossroads Young Carers – couldn’t be more worthy of support, and it’s our own Isle of Man Symphony Orchestra playing. Does it get any better?’
The gala concert starts at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost from £13.50 for adults, from £12.50 for concessions and £5 for children.
They are available from the Villa box office on 600555, from the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal and online at www.villagaiety.com