Watford Symphony Orchestra - Music of England at St. Luke's Church, Watford.

A concert for lovers of classical music who enjoy images and sounds of England from yesteryear.
George Butterworth's orchestral rhapsody 'A Shropshire Lad' was written in 1912 only 4 years before his death on the Somme in 1916 during World War 1. The piece was inspired by a poem of this name by A.E. Housman. It evokes the English countryside and the pleasures and uncertainties of youth.
Handel's 'Water Music' was first given in a performance on the River Thames in July 1717 at the request of George 1st. We will be playing Suite no 2 from the music which includes many dance movements, notably a hornpipe which is instantly recognisable.
Elgar's Symphony no. 2 is a passionate 'Pilgrimage of the Soul' and draws on the poem "Invocation" by Percy Bysshe Shelley, a poignant exploration of the poet's longing for 'The Spirit of Delight'. It was first performed in 1911 and is dedicated to the memory of King Edward 7th who had died the previous year. It is at once moving, uplifting and memorable.
Watford Symphony Orchestra has enjoyed rehearsing these three pieces and hope you will enjoy them

Time:  19:30 -  21:30