The Epic of Gilgamesh
7:30pm
10th March 2023
Sheldonian Theatre, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AZ

Programme

Robert Saxton Scenes from the Epic of Gilgamesh (30′)
Bruch Scottish Fantasy, op.46 (30′)
INTERVAL (20′)
Mendelssohn Symphony No.3, op.56, A minor (Scottish) (40′)

Artists

English Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Kenneth Woods
Soloists: Esther Abrami (Violin)

About this Concert

The English Symphony Orchestra undertake a journey of discovery in a programme that captures the imagination.

Tonight’s concert opens with a world premiere from Robert Saxton, until recently Professor of Composition at Worcester College, Oxford. Taking inspiration from the Epic of Gilgamesh, the oldest written literary text in Near Eastern/Western cultural history and itself said to be an influence on the Iliad and Odyssey, the work promises to be an exciting opener.

From ancient Mesopotamia, we then travel to the Scotland for Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy on Scottish Folk melodies, tonight performed by social media superstar and Sony Classical artist, Esther Abrami. This is followed by Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony inspired by a walking tour of Scotland that he undertook in 1829.

About the Soloist – Esther Abrami (Violin)

Violinist Esther Abrami’s story is that of a young, modern day woman of the internet age who has succeeded on international stages and secured a coveted recording contract with a major label due to her courage, determination and willingness to share the ups and downs of her own remarkable life as a musician with a wide online audience.

To read Esther’s full biography, please visit Esther’s website.