AIREDALE Symphony Orchestra open their 2019/2020 concert season on Sunday, November 17 at 3pm, in the King’s Hall, Ilkley. This exciting programme includes works by Dvorak, Grieg and Sibelius. ASO’s conductor, John Anderson, says: “We are particularly looking forward to this concert as we have managed to secure the services of concert pianist James Kirby, who will be performing the ever popular concerto by Edvard Grieg. I worked with James in Almaty, Kazakhstan in 2015, when he played Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24. James studied at the Moscow Conservatoire, where he reached the semi finals of the International Tchaikovsky Competition. His orchestral performances include concertos with the English and Scottish chamber orchestras at venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Opera House, Birmingham Symphony Hall and the great Hall of the Moscow Conservatoire.

“It has taken us three years to find a date when James was available (he is extremely busy) and we really look forward to welcoming him to Ilkley!”

The concert opens with Dvorak’s overture Carnival, which was composed in 1891. It is a real orchestral showpiece - brimming with exciting Czech rhythms and beautiful melodies. The concert ends with Jean Sibelius’ Symphony No.1 in E minor, which was composed in 1898 - ASO was founded in this year! Sibelius was just 33 years old when he composed this amazing late Romantic work - bursting with energy and full of drama!

Tickets available from Ilkley Tourist Office (in library) 01943 602319, tickets.aso@gmail.com, eventbrite.co.uk and at the door.