Pioneers - Aurora Orchestra

Charlotte Bray New work (world premiere)
Mozart Piano Concerto No. 22 in Eb major, K482
Louise Farrenc Symphony No. 3 in G minor

Angela Hewitt piano
Natalie Clein cello
Duncan Ward conductor

‘The complete performer…with the ability to convey a spiritual seriousness that nonetheless does not exclude an utter charm.’ The Times on Angela Hewitt

This powerful programme celebrates women pioneers past and present in the company of pianist Angela Hewitt and cellist Natalie Clein.

One of the world’s most celebrated pianists, Angela Hewitt makes her debut with us in Mozart’s effervescent Piano Concerto No. 22, bringing her illuminating and thoughtful artistry to this radiant work.

Louise Farrenc was a towering figure in the musical landscape of 19th-century France, achieving the distinction of being the first female Professor of Piano at the Paris Conservatoire (where she successfully fought for equal pay with her male counterparts). Yet despite being admired by such luminaries as Berlioz and Schumann, Farrenc’s music was relatively unknown after her death, and has only recently begin to enjoy the prominence it deserves.

Farrenc’s early fight for equal opportunities symbolised a wider struggle for female professional recognition. In this programme, we spark a dialogue across the centuries between her overlooked Third Symphony – muscular, ambitious and expressive – and a new work for cello and strings by Charlotte Bray, commissioned to mark the centenary of the landmark legislation paving the way for women to enter professional life in the UK.