Lunchtime Concert: Chichester Symphony Orchestra, with soloist Maria Luc

Chichester Cathedral's popular lunchtime concerts take place on Tuesdays at 1.10pm during term time, in the spectacular setting of the Cathedral Nave. They are free and last approximately 50 minutes. You are welcome to come and go as you please. Coffee is available at no extra charge, and some visitors even bring a sandwich! There is a retiring collection.

Chichester Symphony Orchestra 
Conductor – Simon Wilkins; Leader – Catherine Lawlor; Soloist – Maria Luc

Concert Programme
Ludwig van Beethoven: Overture 'The Creatures of Prometheus' (1800)
Piano Concerto No.5 in E-flat Major, Op. 73, known as  'The Emperor Concerto' (1811)  

The Creatures of Prometheus is Beethoven's only ballet music, from which this relatively short overture, reminiscent of Mozart, is the opening section. By contrast, his Fifth piano concerto is hugely substantial both in length and content. Indeed, its subtitle is not named after any particular monarch but simply for the scale of the work and its sense of nobility in contrast to the stormy character of Beethoven's other music. Unusually for the time the solo pianist enters at the very beginning, with a series of flourishes that precede the movement proper. The adagio is one of the most tender movements Beethoven ever composed and links directly to the rondo finale without a break.

Chichester Symphony Orchestra would like to thank George IdeLLP Solicitors for supporting this afternoon’s concert. Chichester Symphony Orchestra’s next concert will be a family concert going ‘Around the World’ on Saturday 25th January 2020. For more information about the Orchestra, including future concerts and opportunities to join, please visit www.chichesterso.co.uk

Today's soloist is Maria Luc, a 23 year-old British pianist from Chichester. She is currently studying for her Masters of Music at the Royal Northern College of Music with Ashley Wass. She obtained a first class BMus (Hons) degree with Helen Krizos. Maria is supported by the Dorothy Stone Award, Help Musicians UK and the Countess of Munster Musical Trust. Maria won the international Norah Sande Award piano competition in 2017.

 Maria has been a concerto soloist with the Helix Ensemble in Nottingham and has played at such venues as the Wigmore Hall and Wales Millenium Centre. Maria also regularly performs with Wyn Chan. They have toured the U.K. with Stravinsky's Rite of Spring including performances at the South Downs Summer Music Festival, the RNCM Chamber Music Festival and most recently at Liverpool Cathedral for the LightNight Festival.

Outside of music, Maria is passionate about veganism and enjoys walking, cycling and yoga.