2024 Autumn Course and Concert

Sunday 3 November 2024 - Cadogan Hall, London

Entering its 30th year, the English Schools' Orchestra, born in 1994, has been a visionary force, providing exceptional young musicians across the UK with a stage to perform music of extraordinary caliber. These orchestral gatherings, spanning five days, are not just courses but transformative musical adventures.

Students immerse themselves in a challenging repertoire, pushing their boundaries, and culminate in a spellbinding performance at prestigious venues like Symphony Hall in Birmingham, the iconic Barbican, the vibrant South Bank Centre, and our perennial favorite, the enchanting Cadogan Hall in London. Join us in this musical odyssey where talent meets opportunity, creating unforgettable moments for both musicians and audiences alike.

Mark your calendars for a spectacular musical event! On Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, the iconic Cadogan Hall will host the culmination of our thrilling 2024 concert. But that's not all – the journey begins during the half-term week, from Wednesday, October 30th to Sunday, November 3rd, at Mount Grace School in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire.

Throughout this exhilarating week, our talented students collaborate with a team of seasoned tutors and mentors, engaging in a dynamic mix of full, sectional, and individual rehearsals. Fueling their artistic endeavors, students enjoy regular refreshments and lunch, ensuring they stay energized and focused.

For those immersing themselves fully, our residential students find a welcoming haven at the Lincolnsfield Residential Centre. Here, they not only relish a delicious cooked dinner but also partake in a diverse array of organized evening activities, making this musical experience not just educational but truly unforgettable. Join us on this musical journey where every note resonates with passion and every moment is a symphony in the making!

Our upcoming program features a triumphant trio of Wagner's Overture to "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg", Edward Gregson's Tuba Concerto, and Bruckner's Symphony No. 7.

This carefully selected program brings exclusive advantages to student musicians. Wagner's overture invites exploration of lush orchestral traditions, enabling mastery of intricate thematic interplay. Gregson's Tuba Concerto serves as a platform for showcasing individual virtuosity, pushing boundaries and broadening musical horizons. Finally, Bruckner's Symphony No. 7 provides a profound ensemble experience, submerging students in the majestic realms of Romantic orchestral landscapes. Beyond the musical notes, these pieces cultivate teamwork, spur artistic growth, and deepen understanding of diverse musical styles, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching musical education for all participants.

Join us in this transformative journey, where each composition not only enriches your repertoire but also elevates your musical prowess and passion. Seize the opportunity to be part of a musical adventure that goes beyond the score, leaving a lasting impact on your musical journey.

Fees for the 2024 course: Course + Residential £475.00, Course only £250.00. Fees are payable on acceptance to the course.

Applications for 2024 are now open. See the how to apply page for more information. Admission is by online application and teacher recommendation. You need to be aged 13-18, Grade 8 standard or above.

2024 Programme

(Click titles for more details)

• Richard Wagner - Overture from Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg

  Wagner's Overture from "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg" serves as a brilliant prelude to his comic opera masterpiece. Composed in 1867, the overture encapsulates the essence of the entire opera, providing a thematic preview of the unfolding drama. Bursting with energy and exuberance, it opens with a lively fanfare, setting the stage for the vibrant festivities within the narrative. Wagner ingeniously weaves together motifs representing various characters and plot elements, showcasing his thematic mastery.

  The spirited and rhythmic sections are balanced by moments of lyrical beauty, reflecting the opera's diverse emotional landscape. As the overture progresses, it builds to a majestic climax, hinting at the opera's triumphant conclusion. Wagner's use of orchestration and his innovative manipulation of leitmotifs make this overture a compelling and engaging musical journey. From its jubilant opening to its powerful conclusion, the Overture from "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg" stands as a testament to Wagner's ability to create rich and cohesive musical narratives.

• Edward Gregson - Tuba Concerto with soloist Charlie Jones

  Edward Gregson's Tuba Concerto, composed in 1976, is a landmark work in the repertoire for tuba, showcasing the instrument's versatility and expressive capabilities. The concerto unfolds in three movements, each displaying Gregson's modern compositional style and keen understanding of orchestral colors.

  The opening movement introduces the tuba with a rhythmic and dramatic character, setting the stage for the soloist's virtuosic display. The second movement contrasts with a lyrical and introspective atmosphere, allowing the tuba to demonstrate its melodic capacities. The concerto concludes with a lively and rhythmic finale, featuring intricate dialogues between the soloist and the orchestra. Gregson's innovative use of harmony, rhythm, and orchestration elevates the tuba to a prominent and captivating role.

  The Tuba Concerto has become a cornerstone in the tuba repertoire, celebrated for its engaging blend of modernity and accessibility, making it a compelling showcase for both the soloist and the orchestra.

• Anton Bruckner - Symphony no. 7 in E Major

  Bruckner's Symphony No. 7, composed between 1881 and 1883, stands as a pinnacle of late Romantic orchestral brilliance. A testament to his admiration for Wagner, this work exudes grandeur and emotional depth. The symphony unfolds across four movements, with the expansive first movement marked by a majestic theme and intricate development. The contrasting Adagio showcases Bruckner's lyrical prowess, offering a sublime melody that unfolds with poignant beauty. The Scherzo dances with rhythmic vitality, while the Finale culminates in triumphant glory.

  Bruckner's signature use of expansive brass chorales, lush harmonies, and intricate counterpoint defines the symphony's sonic landscape. The work's monumental structure, blending German Romanticism and Austrian tradition, reflects Bruckner's mastery in creating a sonic journey that resonates with both power and introspection. Symphony No. 7 remains a testament to Bruckner's ability to weave emotional depth into the fabric of orchestral sound, inviting listeners into a world of profound musical expression.

Whilst the programme details are published in good faith, the ESO reserves the right to make any necessary changes to repertoire and artists if circumstances require. Such changes shall not be deemed as sufficient reason for any player to withdraw from the course. Refunds of fees are only made if the course does not run.