One of the world’s most famous classical guitarists is coming to perform at Ely Cathedral.
Craig Ogden will join Ely Sinfonia to perform guitar concerto Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez at the cathedral on Saturday September 30 at 7.30pm.
Cambridgeshire is lucky to have one of the country’s most prestigious and beautiful venues, Ely Cathedral.
Known as one of the most electrifying classical guitar players of his generation, Craig frequently tops the UK classical chart and composers are queuing up to write music especially for him, organisers say.
Born in Australia, he has lived in the UK for many years and performs globally.
Steve Bingham, Ely Sinfonia conductor and artistic director, said: “It says a lot for the growing competence of our local orchestra that we can attract soloists of Craig Ogden’s stature.
“For local musicians, this is an exceptional opportunity to play alongside a world-class guitarist and it is an extraordinary chance for local people to hear an outstanding guitarist playing right in our own cathedral.”
Inspired by the gardens at Philip II’s spring palace, the Palacio Real de Aranjuez, the Concierto de Aranjuez is an exquisite piece that evokes the sounds of nature to transport the listener to another place and time.
The programme also includes Rimsky-Korsakov’s glorious Capriccio Espagnol and Beethoven’s majestic Symphony no.2, and will end with Danzon no.2, a piece organisers say is full of South American flamboyancy, written by the Mexican composer Arturo Márquez.
It was made famous when it was played at the 2011 London Proms by the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra many of whose players started life as street children, conducted by the then 30-year old Gustavo Dudamel.
The concert also marks the debut of Ely Sinfonia’s new leader, Kate Clow, a talented local violinist who is also co-leader, with Steve Bingham, of the Cambridge Philharmonic Orchestra.
Ely Sinfonia has become one of the region’s best respected amateur orchestras, playing everything from mainstream to modern works, including special commissions.
• Tickets from Ely Cathedral at £25, £20 or £15 (reserved) or £8.50 (unreserved). Concessions are £15 in the £20 seats. Call 01353 660349 or box.office@elycathedral.org, or online from https://tickets.elycathedral.org.
• Visit www.elysinfonia.co.uk, call 01353 721007 or email publicity@elysinfonia.co.uk.
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