Brandon Hill Chamber Orchestra

The concert opens with the overture to Hänsel and Gretel. Its dreamy charm and fairy-tale atmosphere provide a fitting prelude to a programme that, in different ways, explores lyricism, orchestral colour and contemplative inwardness. Conductor Meesun Hong Coleman Violin Cristian de Sá Soprano Layla Claire Humperdinck Overture to Hansel and Gretel Delius Violin Concerto Mahler Symphony No 4 Delius’ Violin Concerto, written during a particularly focused and productive period in his output, reflects his distinctive voice at its most lyrical and atmospheric. Our violin soloist is Cristian de Sá – a rising star rapidly establishing himself as one of the most compelling young artists of his generation. His performances have been praised for “creating a delicate alchemy… irresistible energy… radiance” (Crescendo Magazine, Paris), and he has been described as a “Young Classical Star” (Classic FM) and “one of the great violin stars of the future” (Gulbenkian Orchestra). Concluding the evening’s programme Mahler’s 4th Symphony is one of his most intimate and transparent works – a striking contrast to the vast scale and philosophical ambition of his larger symphonies. The slow movement is among Mahler’s most serene and otherworldly compositions, and the final movement, with its vocal line, resolves the piece with an unexpectedly calm, childlike vision of heaven. We are delighted to be joined by Irish Canadian soprano Layla Claire, celebrated internationally for her “rich, luminous instrument” (Chicago Classical Review). Conductor Meesun Hong Coleman makes her debut with Brandon Hill Chamber Orchestra at St George’s Bristol. She holds posts at the Mozarteum University Salzburg, Camerata Bern, and is Principal Conductor of the Australian Chamber Orchestra.