A trio of works exploring the theme of sanctuary in this special concert to celebrate Cambridge’s refugee community, featuring the world premiere of a new Concerto for Kamancheh and Orchestra by Iranian composer and virtuoso Rouzbeh Parsa. This new work has been commissioned thanks to the generosity of local sponsors, with orchestral arrangement supported by Harry Sever our Music Director.
Rouzbeh writes: ‘The Kamancheh is one of the oldest traditional instruments in Iranian music, and I’ve always wanted to write a concerto for Kamancheh and orchestra. I'm excited about blending Iranian music with other traditions. I listen to composers like Mendelssohn, Sibelius, Arvo Part - I feel such a connection to them and their folk roots. I loved working with the Cambridge Philharmonic last year. It opened a new imagination in my mind, it was very inspiring for me. I felt so welcomed, and everyone was so supportive. I can't wait to work with them again on this project.'
Jonathon Dove’s powerful cantata Odyssey celebrates the extraordinary bravery and resilience of refugees fleeing from persecution and suffering. While the Concerto for Orchestra by Bela Bartok, himself a refugee, is a joyful, energetic and always brilliant work.
more about Cambridge Philharmonic
Cambridge Philharmonic, founded in 1887, is one of Britain’s oldest and most distinguished music societies. It comprises both a full symphony orchestra and large chorus. Concerts are held throughout the region, in venues such as West Road Concert Hall, Saffron Hall, King’s College Chapel and Ely Cathedral.
The society’s members are drawn from in and around Cambridge and represent a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Under the direction of Music Director Harry Sever, Cambridge Philharmonic performs a wide range of repertoire as part of its annual concert series, including an opera, family concert, classical and contemporary works. Find out more here