Royal Northern Sinfonia
Chamber music on a grand scale
Sunday, 24th January 2027 – 3.00pm
Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Hexham
Royal Northern Sinfonia: Photo – TyneSight Photographic
The welcome return of the Royal Northern Sinfonia
Chamber concerts by members of our great local orchestra, the Royal Northern Sinfonia, are always something special.
This afternoon’s concert will be no exception. Twelve members of the orchestra join us for a programme of three contrasting works from the 19th and early 20th centuries, culminating in Louis Spohr’s joyful and lively Nonet for wind and strings. This nonet caused a sensation when it was first performed in 1813. Come and find out why!
Introducing the Royal Northern Sinfonia
The Royal Northern Sinfonia needs, of course, little introduction to north-east audiences. It’s an orchestra with an international reputation and while based at the The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead, their 37 musicians share the joy and wonder of orchestral music with thousands of people across the north of England – and beyond – every year.
We’re delighted to have them here in Hexham this afternoon.
Praise and recognition the Royal Northern Sinfonia:
‘Wherever the orchestra play and whoever they share a stage with, every performance is a feast for the heart and mind.’ The Telegraph
‘When the baton fell for the last time, you could almost sense the collective intake of breath and an audience jumping in its seat. It was as if we’d been taken for a ride in a brilliant machine. Magnificent stuff.’ David Whetstone, Cultured.North East
‘The Royal Northern Sinfonia […] delivered a Mendelssohn that was nothing short of glorious, reminding us of the sheer joy and impact of live music.’ Classical Source
Programme
The Royal Northern Sinfonia’s programme begins with Gustav Holst’s Wind Quintet, an early work by the composer best known for The Planets. Holst was a trombonist, and his sympathies for brass and wind instruments shine through this delightful short piece.
Brahms’s attractive String Sextet no. 1 is also an early work, written when the composer was just 27. Scored for the unusual combination of two violins, two violas and two cellos, it is beautiful melodic music with a rich romantic sound.
Louis Spohr’s vivacious Nonet is a real treat. Written for nine players, bringing winds and strings together, it is music full of lush textures, lyrical tunes and playful twists. It was the first piece ever written for this combination of instruments, and every one of them gets a moment in the spotlight.
Holst Wind Quintet, op. 14
Brahms String Sextet no. 1 in B flat major, op. 18
Spohr Nonet in F major, op.31
Watch a recent performance
Full orchestra plays Rossini’s overture to the Barber of Seville
Rehearsing Mozart’s Dissonance Quartet
Book your tickets
Don’t miss this wonderful programme of large-scale chamber music. Come and be mesmerised by the Brahms and have your spirits lifted by the Spohr!
Book direct with Hexham & District Music Society for the best ticket price.
Event details
Venue: Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Hexham, Northumberland
Date: Sunday, 24th January 2027
Time: 3.00pm
Tickets: Online through the Hexham and District Music Society website – £20.
Also available from the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre – £23 plus booking fee.
