Chester Philharmonic announce details of first 2016 concert at the Cathedral

Chester Philharmonic’s first concert in 2016 will be a performance of specially requested music.

Beethoven’s ever popular Pastoral Symphony and Brahms’ exquisite Violin Concert, played by Qian Wu, may be heard along with Beethoven’s Fidelio Overture in Chester Cathedral on Saturday, March 5 at 7.30pm. The conductor is BBC’s David Chatwin.

Following on from the November concert when the acclaimed Australian Craig Ogden was welcomed as soloist, the orchestra is now pleased to welcome another international soloist in the violinist Qian Wu.

Chinese-born Qian began violin lessons at the age of seven and when 14 was awarded a place at Shanghai Conservatoire of Music. In 1998 she won the second prize in the National Young Violinists Competition in China and in 2000 she was a semi-finalist in the Menuhin International Violin competition in the UK. During this period, she gave many recitals in China.

Coming to England

In September 2000, she came to England to study at Chetham’s School of Music and performed as soloist with several national orchestras including the RLPO and Halle.

While at Chetham’s School of Music, she gave many solo and chamber music performances throughout the UK as well as recitals in Europe.

She also had the honour of playing in a concert for the Royal family at Buckingham Palace.

In 2010 Qian graduated from the Royal College of Music with Distinction. Formerly leader and founder of the former Wu quartet, she now teaches at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester.

Principal conductor

The conductor for the evening sees the welcome return of the orchestra’s principal conductor and artistic advisor David Chatwin who is also principal bassonist with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.

David has been associated with the Chester Philharmonic since 1991 and was appointed as principal conductor and artistic advisor in 2002. He has an international reputation in conducting and has premiered five works by living composers.

He has conducted the BBC Philharmonic Wind Ensemble and coached several youth orchestras, including the National Youth of Great Britain and the Queensland Youth Orchestra.

Tickets are priced at £16, £12 and £9 with children and students at £5 for this Beethoven Brahms concert and are available from 01244 500959 or www.chesterphilorchestra.co.uk.