Worthing Symphony Orchestra present their Liberation Symphonies concert featuring Soloist Simon Zhu.

Programme:
Sibelius - Finlandia
Bernard Stevens - Symphony of Liberation
Dvorak - Violin Concerto
Sibelius - Symphony No. 2 in D major

The brilliant young violinist Simon Zhu is a major prizewinner at Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition. Dvorak’s Violin Concerto is one of his most sunny creations with its intensely beautiful slow movement and infectious dance finale built on the Furiant, a Czech folk dance.

Sibelius, after studies in Germany, returned to his native Finland fired up with patriotic zeal as the country sought to free itself from the yoke of the Russian Empire. Finlandia has become an iconic symbol of liberation whilst the Second Symphony delivers one of the truly great uplifting conclusions to a symphony: a moment, in the opinion of the Finnish conductor Georg Schnéevoigt, that describes hope for deliverance from tyranny that stirred in every Finn.

Symphony of Liberation by Bernard Stevens was awarded first prize in the 1945 Daily Express ‘Victory Music’ competition and was premiered by Sir Malcolm Sargent in 1946 at the Royal Albert Hall. Further performances followed under Sir John Barbirolli and Charles Groves and appeared on CD recorded by the BBC Philharmonic under Sir Edward Downes.

From Tue 25 July -Tickets available online
Tue 25th July, 12pm - Individual Shows on sale to WSO Members only (Members will receive code)
Fri 28th July, 12pm - Individual Shows on general sale