Playday with ESO: ‘Symphony of a Thousand’
Saturday 17th January 2026
North Leamington School, Sandy Ln, Blackdown, Leamington Spa, CV32 6RD

Join Leamington Sinfonia and players from the English Symphony Orchestra for a hugely exciting day, as Leamington Sinfonia launch the biggest project the orchestra has ever done: Mahler’s Symphony no. 8, ‘Symphony of a Thousand’. Gigantic, monumental, and earth-shattering: this is an era-defining work.

On the 17th January, world-class players from the English Symphony Orchestra will lead participants through the orchestral sections of Mahler’s masterpiece, a work rarely performed given its monumental demands. Conducted by Joe Davies, Assistant Conductor of English Symphony Orchestra and Musical Director of Leamington Sinfonia, this is set to be a hugely exciting day!

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/a2Gxrs6vgG5JmgtB9

9.45-10.15: Signing in, getting seated

10.15-11.30: Full Orchestra Rehearsal led by Joe Davies

11.45-12.45: Sectionals led by ESO players

12.45-1.30: Lunch

1.30-2.30: Sectionals led by ESO players

2.45-3.45: Full Orchestra Rehearsal led by Joe Davies

4.00-4.30: Playthrough of sections (friends and family welcome; free entry with a retiring collection for the orchestra)

Other points
  • There’ll be our word-famous Sectional Selfie competition happening, so do be ready…!
  • Tea, coffee & cake will be provided at the breaks, with donations going to the orchestra

Find out more about the ESO: https://eso.co.uk/