BGSO host concert featuring Young Musician of the Year

The Birmingham Gay Symphony Orchestra, proud to be the LGBT orchestra of the Midlands, presents ‘Stone to Sky’ at St Paul’s Cathedral in the Jewellery Quarter.

Spanning continents and centuries, the programme opens with Beethoven’s Ruins of Athens Overture, Op. 113, evoking the shattered stones before transforming into an exuberant celebration of the once-bustling ruins.  

From here, the programme moves to Brazil with Ney Rosauro’s Marimba Concerto No. 1, performed by soloist Andrew Woolcock, former winner of the BBC Young Musician of the Year percussion category. Andrew is sure to dazzle in this concerto, which fuses driving Brazilian rhythms with jazz influences and a solo part that virtuosically explores the full extent of the marimba’s unique sound.

Finally, the concert concludes with Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 43. The work is one of Sibelius’s most famous embodiments of Finland’s national spirit and identity.

Coalescing out of fragments of melody and rhythm, the symphony moves from a dark intensity to a triumphant soar into the sunlight of the last movement.

The finale’s expansive melodies and sparkling brass fanfares echo the grandeur of the Finnish landscapes that Sibelius was so inspired by.

Musical director Neavan Lobban, who will conduct the concert, said: “Celebrating diversity is central to BGSO, and this programme shows the full range of what we do.

"From Beethoven to contemporary Brazil, and finishing with the soaring heights of Sibelius’ second symphony – it’s a brilliant journey. Ney Rosauro’s Marimba Concerto will be a real highlight – Andrew is such an electric performer, and this is a rare chance to hear this wonderful work live.”

BGSO is delighted to have received financial support for this concert from the Arts Council England via the National Lottery.

Liz Johnson, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Birmingham Gay Symphony Orchestra's ‘Stone to Sky’ performances thanks to £1,350 from the National Lottery.  

"We believe that playing and listening to music have the power boost wellbeing, confidence and self-expression for all involved, and it’s great that funding from the National Lottery will support BGSO in sharing these pieces of classical music in Birmingham.”

To book tickets for the show on at 3pm on Saturday 28th March, visit ticketsource.co.uk.