The Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra welcome back soprano Jane Streeton to perform with them in their forthcoming concert this Saturday, 12th March.

The concert which is being held as usual at the Medina Theatre will open with the Orchestra performing a rarely heard piece “Scherzo Fantastico” by Josef Suk. Suk was a student of Dvorak and his music is strongly influenced by that more famous composer. This work is no exception with wonderful flowing tunes and sparkling orchestration. Suk also married Dvorak’s daughter before his untimely death aged just 61 in 1935.

Strauss' Four Last Songs
The Orchestra will then be joined by Jane Streeton for a performance of the Four Last Songs by Richard Strauss.

Composed right at the end of his life, Strauss never heard the work performed, but it has gone on to be one of the best loved of all his works. The sublime melodies and harmonies makes you wonder did Strauss realise it was almost time for him to meet his maker, as the work is “heavenly”!

Rachmaninov's Symphony No.3
The second half of the concert will just have one work, but what a work the Symphony No.3 by Rachmaninov.

Again, another work written towards the end of the composer’s life it contains all the elements that Rachmaninov has become famous for, glorious tunes, wonderful orchestrations and excitement. Although not as well known as his first two symphonies this is a epic work that deserves to be heard.

The concert takes place on Saturday 12th March, starts at 7.15pm and tickets are already selling well, so early booking is advised especially as the first two concerts of the season were sell outs.

Tickets are available from the Medina Theatre box office tel: 01983 823884 or via their Website.

Image: © With kind permission of Allan Marsh