David Le Page Artistic Director / Guy Johnston Cello

CPE Bach Symphony in E minor Wq 178
Anon. La Rotta
Bartók, arr. Le Page Romanian Dances
Couperin Les Barricades Mystérieuses
Tchaikovsky arr. Le Page Variations on a Rococo theme
Holst St Paul’s Suite
Purcell arr. Le Page Remember Me
Anon. Istanpitta Ghaetta
George Harrison, arr. Le Page Within You Without You
Rameau, arr. Gordon Triptych
Maxwell Davies Farewell to Stromness

It is a great pleasure to welcome Guy Johnston back to Thaxted Festival. One of the most exciting British cellists of his generation, he performs at prestigious venues and festivals across Europe and the USA. Under the artistic direction of David Le Page, Orchestra of the Swan is passionate about audience inclusivity through its adventurous and accessible programming. Tonight’s wide-ranging programme spans classical Baroque to twentieth century popular music. Guy will play Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme and Purcell’s sombre and moving Remember Me, both in new arrangements by David Le Page.

The richly varied programme ranges from Bach to twentieth-century composers, from Bartók to Maxwell Davies, and including Beatles member George Harrison. Our last night concert has something for everyone, and Holst’s St Paul’s Suite, written to be accessible for young players at St Paul’s Girls’ School, is a fitting inclusion as we look forward to celebrating the 150th year of his birth in 2024.

‘Guy Johnston was a magnificent soloist, delivering luminous, long-spun melodies like the most gentlemanly of baritones, and presenting virtuoso torrents as if they were second nature.’ Jessica Duchen review of BBC Prom, artsdesk.com

This closing night concert is sponsored by a circle of Thaxted Music Lovers Silver members.

Please note start time 6.00pm.

Tickets: £36, £28, £20, £14
£10 special offer: best available seats for those aged 30 and under.