Worthing Symphony Orchestra: Rossini, Schumann & Mozart

Effervescence, lyricism and classical poise come together in this elegant and finely balanced programme from Worthing Symphony Orchestra.

Gioachino Rossini’s Overture to The Silken Ladder opens the concert with sparkling wit and irresistible momentum. Effortlessly light on its feet, the music brims with playful energy, setting the tone for an evening of charm and brilliance.

At its heart lies Robert Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A minor, performed by Maria Marchant. A work of deep intimacy and poetic insight, the concerto moves seamlessly between turbulence and tenderness, its lyrical beauty unfolding in close dialogue between soloist and orchestra. Rather than a virtuosic display alone, this is music of sincerity and emotional depth, where every phrase feels both personal and profound.

A moment of reflection follows with Emilie Mayer’s Romanze, a hidden gem of the Romantic repertoire. Warmly expressive and gracefully shaped, it offers a lyrical interlude of quiet intensity and understated beauty from a composer known in Germany as “The female Beethoven”.

The programme concludes with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 39 in E-flat major, a work of grandeur, elegance and radiant invention. From its noble introduction to the exuberance of its final movement, Mozart’s symphony combines clarity with richness, its textures glowing with warmth and vitality.

Multi-award-winning London-based pianist & conductor Maria Marchant performs frequently at numerous festivals, music societies, recordings, projects, and concerts at leading venues in the UK and abroad. Her performances have been featured on radio stations internationally, including BBC Radio 3 ‘Breakfast’, ‘In Tune’ and ‘Record Review’, WMNR Radio in the USA and Premier Christian Radio, in addition to TV shows such as the BBC Great British Menu and the BBC One Show. 

Maria Marchant performs at leading venues in the UK and abroad. She has played piano at numerous venues, including Cadogan Hall, Champs Hill, Konzerthaus (Berlin), Royal Albert Hall, Southbank Centre, St David’s Hall (Cardiff), St John’s Smith Square, Steinway Hall, St Martin-in-the-Fields, Wigmore Hall and the Y Theatre (Hong Kong). She has extensive experience as a concerto soloist and has performed with Worthing Symphony Orchestra, conducted by John Gibbons, and the English Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Brian Kay, in addition to working with leading international orchestral players and singers.