Sheffield Symphony Orchestra and Sheffield Youth Orchestra: Joining Together

Part of the Classical Sheffield Weekend 2023

Sheffield Symphony OrchestraThe Sheffield Symphony Orchestra is a large orchestra of experienced, skilled players and music professionals. It offers adventurous programmes for the larger orchestra. Our aim is to inspire a whole new generation of young music lovers and musicians and to break down barriers between classical musicians and their audiences.

Sheffield Youth Orchestra and River Edis-Smith

Sheffield Youth Orchestra is South Yorkshire's longest-running independent youth orchestra. Since 1964 we've led the way in developing young musicians through outstanding training and performance opportunities across the Steel City.

River Edis-Smith is a multi-disciplinary musician who is musically curious and polyglot. His recent studies in MMus Music at the University of Surrey and his work as an educator (through classroom teaching, workshops and private tuition) has lead to many professional engagements as a violin player, conductor, composer and teacher.

His approach to conducting has been shaped by experiences performing as a violinist in ensembles such as the Hallé Youth Orchestra and Amadeus Orchestra. His previous four year tenure as a conductor of the University of Surrey String Orchestra has encouraged further engagements with local communities – collaborating with schools and charities to promote music education for all through newly founded initiatives.

River is an accomplished composer whose music connects with diverse contemporary idioms such as multimedia installations, algorithmic compositions and mixed ensemble chamber music. His first recorded album 'Harp' was a culmination of his Masters in Music awarded in November 2022.

River is excited to be returning to the North of England for his new role as the Director of Music with Sheffield Youth Orchestra.

In this concert, in the spirit of collaboration, the two orchestras join together to showcase some of the music from their individual repertoires and combine to perform Beethoven's Symphony no. 7 movement 2 and Beethoven's Egmont Overture.

Doors: 11.15am / Start: 11.30am

Programme

• Beethoven (Both): Egmont Overture
• Beethoven (Both): Symphony No.7 Mvt II