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2nd December 2024

Bardi’s biggest audience this year, almost 900 concert goers, enjoyed a fantastic concert on Sunday afternoon, and the enthusiastic comments from the enthusiastic audience are still coming in!

The music was a celebration of centenaries for three of the four pieces which featured in the programme: Sibelius Symphony No.7, Respighi’s Pines of Rome and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. 

Conductor Jonathan Lo struck up an immediate rapport with the Orchestra in rehearsals and the result was an electric performance. Joining the Orchestra for the Gershwin was internationally known pianist Tom Poster, an old friend of the Orchestra, and he and Jonathan clearly enjoyed themselves in the piece. 

Many have commented on the mesmeric performance of Ravel’s Bolero too, including several who had never heard it live before. More guests joined for the Pines of Rome in the shape of the Kibworth Band who appeared on stage in their striking green jackets and featured in the stirring last movement evoking Roman legions marching down the Appian Way. The piece reached a crescendo when joined by De Montfort Hall’s magnificent Taylor organ with all the stops out.  

Certainly a concert which will remain long in the memory of those who came, and those who played.

Photography by Chris Roe

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7th October 2024

There was a distinct air of anticipation building in the foyer of De Montfort Hall on Sunday afternoon in advance of the Orchestra’s first concert of the New Horizons season under conductor Natalia Luis-Bassa.

Orchestra Manager Robert Calow had to step in at the last minute to do the pre-concert talk as listed host John Florance was laid low with covid. Robert did a sterling job and said afterwards it was easy as Natalia and soloist Lydia Shelley were a real pleasure to talk to!  

The concert opener Kauyumari by Gabriela Ortiz brought smiles to the faces of audience and orchestra alike, with a very large orchestra and an amazing battery of percussion instruments. The main theme of the piece emerged and with repetition became a pleasing earworm remaining long in the memory.  

This was followed by a popular return by soloist Lydia Shelley who performed Dvorak’s Cello concerto and provided clear evidence of the rapport between conductor and soloist as they gave a powerful and memorable performance of the work which was clearly appreciated by the audience. 

New merchandise proved a talking point in the interval with the ‘Bardi bears’ making a welcome return to the Friends desk, lots of them went off to new homes after the concert.  

The second half consisted of a single work, Brahms Symphony No. 2 which was, under the dynamic direction of Luis-Bassa, clearly enjoyed by players and audience alike with enthusiastic applause at the end.

The new season is off to a flying start! See you all at the next one on Sunday 1st December for Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and more.

Photography by Chris Roe

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7th August 2024

As we prepare for our New Horizons 2024/25 season, we have gathered together a selection of highlights from last season.

Sunday 8th October 2023, De Montfort Hall
A Celebration of John Williams

Imperial March from Star Wars

Flight to Neverland from Hook

Sunday 24th March 2024, De Montfort Hall
Grieg – In the Hall of the Mountain King from Peer Gynt

Sunday 19th May 2024, De Montfort Hall
Mahler – Symphony No.1 in D “Titan”

See our YouTube channel for more videos from the Bardi