Southampton Concert Orchestra
An Evening of Russian Music with Fireworks

Programme includes:

1812 Overture - Tchaikovsky
Experts from Spartacus - Khachaturian
Night on Bald Mountain - Mussorgsky
Capriccio Espagnol - Rimsky-Korsakov

The Southampton Concert Orchestra, conducted by Paul Ingram and led by Cerys Hughes, will delight you with a programme of classical orchestral favourites accompanied by fireworks and cannon fire. (Thanks to the Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson for the kind loan of an original 1918 First World War 18-pounder field gun.) There will be an interval and the event will end at 10.00pm. The SCO plays a range of music from light to classical. Its members are drawn from all walks of life: teachers, academics, doctors, engineers, craftsmen and former professional players.

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens was established in 1953 by the distinguished plantsman Sir Harold Hillier. The magnificent collection of over 42,000 plants from temperate regions around the world grows in over 180 acres of beautiful rolling countryside.

Refreshments: Light refreshments and alcohol are available in the Pavilion Restaurant before the performance and during the interval. Please bring a picnic, low-backed seating or rugs. Tables can be brought and positioned towards the back of the amphitheatre. Sorry, no BBQs or naked flames.

Arrival and parking: Please note that concert ticket holders cannot be admitted until the gate opens at 6.30pm. There is a set down area at the front of the Visitor Pavilion. All cars must be parked in the main (free) car park. There is limited disabled parking near to the amphitheatre but these spaces must be booked in advance.

Dogs: Only guide and hearing dogs are allowed in the Gardens. Please take care at dusk if you are walking in the Gardens. In the event of extremely inclement weather the performance may not take place.

Mentoring Scheme

Some talented young musicians from Romsey will be playing with the orchestra as part of a mentoring scheme involving the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and funded by Test Valley Borough Council. Following one-to-one workshop sessions with members of the BSO, the young players will sit with their 'mentors' during rehearsals and during the concert itself. This is a marvellous opportunity for gifted young musicians to experience the thrill of playing in a full symphony orchestra.