Starting our evening of popular classics at Hayling will be the Overture ‘Leonora’ no 3 by Beethoven.  This is one of four attempts Beethoven made at writing an overture for his opera ‘Fidelio’.  The one actually called ‘Fidelio’ is usually used when the full opera is performed but all four are heard separately in orchestral concerts, number 3 being probably the most popular.  In the opera, Leonora disguises herself as a boy – ‘Fidelio’ – in order to rescue her husband Florestan from a Spanish prison.  This intense drama is certainly reflected in the overture!

Fenella Humphreys is a violinist on a mission.  Following a successful career with the Lawson Trio she is now going it alone and making a great impact as a soloist.  Bruch’s first Violin Concerto has slipped back a little to number 13 in the Classic FM Hall of Fame this year but is still surely one of the most beautiful pieces for violin.

The evening concludes with Dvorak’s most enduring Symphony, his number 9, subtitled ‘From the New World’.  This blend of Czech/Slovak and American sounds is always a joy to listen to and not only for the big tune from the Hovis ad!  Listen out for the magical, plaintive sound of the cor anglais and few quiet moments for string quartet.