French theme for Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra’s autumn concert

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Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra's poster for its autumn concert
Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra is peforming Debussy's La Mer at its autumn concert
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An evening of French-themed music is coming to Reading’s Great Hall thanks to the Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra.

Its autumn concert features a performance of Claude Debussy’s La Mer.

The orchestra’s spokesperson said it is a piece comprising three musical sketches are a tour de force for them to play, “creating wonderful sound combinations and colours to portray the vastness of the ocean From Dawn to Noon on the Sea, the skittish Play of the Waves, and the threatening stormy chaos in Dialogue of the Wind and the Sea”.

The programme opens with the Hungarian March from Berlioz’s The Damnation of Faust opens the show, while Xesar Franck’s Symphony in D minor completes the programme.

This is a romantic drama in its outer movements, complemented by a languid second movement with a cor anglais solo.

“I know I’m biased being a cor anglais player myself, but it obviously makes the nicest sound in the orchestra,” says APO music director Andrew Taylor.

“The melody in the second movement suits the instrument’s character so well.”

The concert is on Saturday, October 19, starting at 7.30pm.

It takes place at The Great Hall on the University of Reading’s London Road campus.

Tickets cost £15, and £10 for under 18s.

The orchestra has a free fan club, the APO Young. This is for children aged five to 15, and allows entry for £7.

For those who have never been to an orchestral concert before, there is a Concert Virgin scheme, offering free entry.

Full details can be found on the APO’s website, www.aldworthphilharmonic.org.uk/next-event

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