The world-class English Symphony Orchestra is an ensemble which in recent years has become synonymous with artistic excellence, innovative and visionary programming. Now in their second year of residency at Cheltenham Town Hall, ESO promises a thrilling season full of music you know you love – Mozart, Beethoven, Mahler, Rachmaninov, Elgar and Strauss – as well as incredibly exciting and accessible works by new composers. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Friday 22 May 2026 @ 7.30pm
Programme
Elgar – Serenade for Strings 12’
Matthew Taylor – Romance for Strings 10’
Copland – Clarinet Concerto 16’
Mahler – Adagietto from Symphony No.5 12’
Schoenberg – Verklarte Nacht (Transfigured Night) 30’
Artists
Kenneth Woods, conductor
Julian Bliss, clarinet
Schoenberg was one of the most revolutionary & challenging composers, but his early works are among the most lyrical & romantic pieces ever written. Mahler’s heart-rending Adagietto needs little introduction and is regularly in the Top 40 of Classic FM’s annual Hall of Fame, while Schoenberg’s impassioned Transfigured Night is a musical realisation of a Richard Dehmel poem, in which a young woman confesses to her betrothed that she bears another man’s child, conceived before they met. His acceptance of her, and resolve to raise the baby as theirs, is one of the most touching moments in classical music.
English Symphony Orchestra Residency: Schoenberg, Mahler, Elgar, Taylor & Copland – Cheltenham Town Hall
