Chichester Symphony Orchestra
President: Dame Patricia Routledge
Patron: Mr Charles Harrison
Conductor: Simon Wilkins
Leader: Catherine Lawlor
Programme
Oboe Concerto by Richard Strauss (1864 – 1949) with soloist Andrew Knights
I. Allegro Moderato
II. Andante
III. Vivace-Allegro
Symphony No. 35 'The Haffner' by W A Mozart (1756 – 1791)
I. Allegro con spirito
II. Andante
III. Menuetto and Trio
IV. Presto
Programme Notes
Andrew Knights has enjoyed a diverse career as a soloist, as principal oboe of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Bournemouth Sinfonietta and as a conductor. He now specialises in working, through music, with those living with dementia.
Completed in 1945, the Concerto in D major for oboe and small orchestra is one of Strauss’ last works; the inspiration to write an oboe concerto came from an American serviceman stationed in Germany at the end of World War 2. The movements of this wonderfully lyrical concerto are seamless, and with its long phrases is notoriously difficult for the soloist.
Mozart originally composed this work as a Serenade for the Haffner family – Sigmund Haffner and Mozart had been childhood friends although inevitably moving in different Salzburg circles. In revising it the following year, by which time Mozart had happily abandoned Salzburg for Vienna, he conducted the premier of the work in its final form as a four-movement symphony. As a whole, it is brilliant and witty. Mozart stated that the first movement was to be played ‘with fire’, and that the Finale ‘should go as fast as possible’. One suspects that the Viennese audiences were thrilled and amazed.
Chichester Cathedral's Lunchtime Concert series is self-supporting, and thrives through the generosity of its audiences. While there is no charge for admission, we suggest a minimum donation of £3 per person, with Gift Aid applied if possible.
In line with our hopes to keep everyone safe and well, we will be maintaining socially distanced seating until further notice. As such, with the subsequent reduced capacity, we ask that audiences book their places in advance through Ticketsource. We will have a list of names that have booked on the door: you do not need to bring the tickets with you.