Cambridge University Orchestra performs Ruth Gipps, Rodrigo and Brahms

Sat 20 November 2021

West Road Concert Hall

The Cambridge University Orchestra (CUO) returns to West Road for its first symphonic concert of the new season. The orchestra is joined by conductor Natalia Luis-Bassa, professor of conducting at the Royal College of Music, as well as guitarist Kevin Loh, joint-winner of the CUMS 2020 Concerto Competition and undergraduate student at Girton College.

Ruth Gipps’ Song for Orchestra was composed in 1948 and is a short tone poem for orchestra. Whilst retaining some qualities of her mentor, Ralph Vaughan Williams, this rarely performed composition presents a strong personal voice from Gipps, one that would permeate throughout the rest of her oeuvre.

Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez is by far the composer’s best-known work, and its popularity has cemented his reputation as one of the most significant Spanish composers of the 20th century. Infused with flamenco rhythms and dances in the outer movements, the middle movement gives way to perhaps one of the most beautiful yet mournful melodies in the repertoire.

Compared to the 21 year composition period of his First Symphony, Brahms’ 2nd was composed in a matter of months during a summer holiday in 1877. Its bright and pastoral mood often invites comparison with Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony. From the lulling opening notes of the first movement to the sprawling cello melody of the slow movement; the perky oboe of the third movement to the rushing strings of the finale, this cornerstone work of the orchestral repertoire is sure to delight!

Cost: £12-22, concs £10-20, students and under 18s £5