I Got Rhythm – Cambridge University Sinfonia

Fri 3 December 2021

West Road Concert Hall

Eleanor Alberga – Overture to Jupiter’s Fairground
Gershwin arr. Farrington – ‘I Got Rhythm’ Variations
Mendelssohn – Symphony No.3, ’Scottish’

Jess Hoskins conductor (CUMS Conducting Scholar 2021/22)
William Hu piano (CUMS Concerto Competition Prizewinner 2020)


The Cambridge University Sinfonia return to West Road Concert Hall for their concert since March 2020, conducted by CUMS Conducting Scholar 2021-22, Jess Hoskins. The orchestra will also be joined by pianist William Hu, prizewinner in the CUMS Concerto Competition 2020, performing Gershwin’s iconic ‘I Got Rhythm’ Variations, based upon the hit song from his musical, Girl Crazy. The concert opens with Jamaican-born, British composer Eleanor Alberga’s Overture to Jupiter’s Fairground. This rarely played work will be the first performance with a new critical edition of the score, completed especially for CUS.

In the second half, the orchestra performs Mendelssohn’s ever popular ‘Scottish’ Symphony. The composer began working on the symphony in 1829 during a trip to Scotland, though the symphony was not completed until 1842. Throughout the symphony, thematic content is derived from characteristic Scottish folk dances and rhythms. Despite the overriding concern for musical unity throughout the symphony, as evidenced by the interconnected movements and cyclic thematic return, the work displays and wide emotional scope. From the dark and turbulent opening movement, the joyous second movement and folk derived finale, this symphony is sure to delight!

Cost: £10-18, concs £8-16, students and under 18s £5