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Aldworth Philharmonic’s February concert promises a dazzling evening of piano and orchestra music

ByPhil Creighton24 January 20252 Mins read64

The flyer for the Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra's February concert

Music lovers in Reading are in for a treat this February as the Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra (APO) returns to the Great Hall at the University of Reading’s London Road Campus.

The concert, which will be held on Saturday, February 15, at 7.30pm, sees the APO present a programme packed with the aim of showcasing the power and beauty of the piano.

At the heart of the evening will be guest performer Semra Kurutaç, a pianist whose name is woven into the history of APO.

She was the Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra’s very first soloist over 22 years ago, and she has continued to captivate audiences with her virtuosic performances ever since.

Now, she’s back to take on an exciting and demanding programme that will delight classical music enthusiasts and first-time concertgoers alike.

Semra will perform two solo pieces, each built around a well-known melody and transformed into a stunning set of variations.

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First, she takes on George Gershwin’s jazz-infused I Got Rhythm Variations, a piece bursting with energy and playful brilliance.

Then, she will perform Witold Lutosławski’s intricate and mesmerizing take on Niccolò Paganini’s famous Caprice No. 24.

Both pieces push the limits of pianistic skill.

But that’s not all – this concert is packed with orchestral showpieces that will transport listeners across time and space.

The evening begins with Aaron Copland’s vibrant Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo, whisking the audience away to the American Wild West. Expect toe-tapping rhythms and a rousing finale that evokes the spirit of frontier life.

Closing the programme is Ottorino Respighi’s spectacular The Pines of Rome, a masterpiece that paints four vivid scenes of the Eternal City.

The final movement, depicting the march of a Roman legion along the ancient Appian Way, is one of the most dramatic and spine-tingling conclusions in orchestral music.

Tickets and Special Offers

Tickets for the Aldworth Philharmonic’s event are priced at £15 for adults and £10 for under-18s. They can be purchased directly from the APO website at www.aldworthphilharmonic.org.uk/next-event.

Young music fans are especially welcome.

Aldworth Philharmonic’s free fan club for those aged between five and 15, APO Young, offers members a special discounted ticket price of just £7.

Plus, at 4.30pm on concert day, APO Young members get a unique opportunity to watch the final rehearsal and hear conductor Andrew Taylor explain the music.

There’s even a chance to meet some of the musicians and members of the Reading Youth Orchestra afterwards, a fantastic way to inspire young minds with the magic of live music.

For those who have never attended a live orchestral concert before, APO’s legendary ‘Concert Virgin’ scheme is here to welcome you.

First-time attendees can claim a free ticket with no strings attached.

To take part, visit the Aldworth Philharmonic website to reserve your spot and discover the thrill of live classical music.

About Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra

APO aims to be more than just an orchestra, by being a a community dedicated to making classical music accessible and exciting.

The group brings high-quality orchestral performances to Reading while giving local musicians the opportunity to play at a high level without the commitment of weekly rehearsals. Instead, they take part in intensive rehearsals in the weekends leading up to the performance.

They are known for their innovative approach to music education and their warm, welcoming atmosphere.

For those interested in learning more or even getting involved, visit www.aldworthphilharmonic.org.uk