Free pre-concert performance and craft activity

FREE craft activity in B:Eats (ground floor) from an hour before concert. Join us from 2:15pm in the Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space for a performance from the CBSO Children’s Chorus.

Programme notes

Aileen Sweeney,
Glisk

This sparkly piece by Scottish composer Aileen Sweeney is all about light – the kind that shines through the clouds or bounces off the sea. “Glisk” is a Scottish word for a sudden flash of sunshine, and that’s what the music feels like – quick glimmers of brightness that come and go, like a musical game of peekaboo with the sun!

Beethoven,
Symphony No.5

You’ve definitely heard this one before – it’s one of the most famous pieces in the world! It starts with four notes that sound like destiny knocking at the door. Beethoven wrote it when he was going deaf, which makes it even more amazing. This music is powerful, dramatic, and totally unforgettable – like a musical superhero theme!

Brahms & Schoenberg (arr. Jack Lovell-Huckle),
Piano Quartet No.1 (Mashup)

Johannes Brahms wrote this music for just four musicians – like a secret musical conversation between friends. But years later, Arnold Schoenberg said, “Let’s make this HUGE!” and turned it into a version for a full orchestra – complete with wild colours and unexpected twists. We’ll hear bits of both – so listen out for the differences: small and cosy vs. big and bold!

Valerie Coleman,
Red Clay and Mississippi Delta

This piece is a jazzy, toe-tapping celebration of African American music and life in the deep South of the USA. The instruments (a wind quintet – that’s five wind players!) swirl and dance like voices at a family gathering. You might even hear sounds that remind you of blues, jazz, and old folk songs – music that tells stories of hope, heart, and history.

Vijay Iyer,
Dig the Say

This string quartet is cool, clever, and full of groove. “Dig the Say” is all about rhythms and voices – it’s inspired by the speeches of civil rights hero Malcolm X. Sometimes the music sounds like someone talking with passion; other times, it feels like a protest march or a quiet moment of reflection. It’s serious but also super inventive – listen out for the “talking strings”!

Edward D. Argenziano,
Stinkin’ Garbage

Yes, that’s really the title – and yes, it’s as fun as it sounds! This piece is played using actual trash – think metal bins, bottles, and whatever else the percussionists can find. It's noisy, messy, and full of energy – proof that you don’t need fancy instruments to make brilliant music. Warning: you might want to go home and start drumming on the recycling!

Debussy,
Clair de Lune

Imagine the moon rising slowly in a silent sky… That’s what this gentle, dreamy music feels like. “Clair de Lune” means “moonlight” in French, and it’s one of the prettiest pieces ever written. Originally for piano, it’s been turned into a lush version for orchestra – like starlight shimmering across a quiet lake.

Shostakovich,
Symphony No.10, II. Allegro

Hold onto your seats – this one is FAST and FIERCE! A “scherzo” means a musical joke, but this one feels more like a wild chase. The orchestra sounds like it’s racing through a thunderstorm, with brass blasting and strings zooming. Shostakovich had a lot to say with his music – and sometimes he did it by cranking up the speed to full turbo!

Aaron Copland,
Fanfare for the Common Man

This piece starts with a BOOM – huge drums and shining brass! It’s like a musical sunrise for ordinary heroes – the people who work hard, care for others, and make the world go round. Copland wanted to write something noble and strong, and he totally did. It’s simple, powerful, and perfect for standing tall.

MishMash Productions

MishMash Productions are Creative Associates at the CBSO. Transforming perceptions of what classical music could and should be, MishMash Productions have been producing and touring award-winning music-led performances since 2015. Creating inclusive, warm and welcoming live music experiences that actively challenge the preconceived notion that classical music is ‘not for us’ their work champions high quality programming for children and young people through productions, school residency programme, training for musicians, and advocacy role.

www.mishmashproductions.co.uk
@MishMashProds