Sheffield Chamber Orchestra (SCO) has announced the appointment of internationally renowned classical soloist Laurence Perkins as their new Principal Conductor and Artistic Director. Perkins brings with him a wealth of experience and a worldwide reputation for his chart-topping solo bassoon recordings for the Hyperion record label.
With a career spanning over four decades, Perkins has served as Principal Bassoonist for the Manchester Camerata from 1974 to 2017. This prestigious appointment marks the first time that SCO has had an Artistic Director, a role Perkins sees as a crucial part of his commitment to and enthusiasm for amateur music-making.
In his own words, Perkins explains, “The word ‘amateur’ means ‘for the love of’. I really value the passion and dedication that the SCO members show in their playing, and I’m looking forward to exploring the incredibly rich, varied, and exciting music for chamber orchestra at the highest level.”
The first SCO concert under Perkins’ leadership will take place on Saturday 30th November at All Saints Church in Ecclesall. Titled ‘Sheffield Music Makers’, the concert will feature a diverse program showcasing each section of the orchestra. The only soloist for the evening will be the leader of SCO, Ralph Dawson, performing a delightful Romance by 19th century Norwegian composer Johan Svendsen. The strings will be featured in Tchaikovsky’s evocative musical portrait of Florence, while the winds will take center stage in Caplet’s exotic piece. The brass will shine in Handel’s beloved ‘Water Music’, and the full orchestra will come together for classics by Rossini, Elgar, Rachmaninov, and Mozart.
Tickets for the concert are priced at £12 for adults and £6 for students and children, and are available through SCO’s website.
For media inquiries, please contact Laurence Perkins at 07866 802248.
In addition to the exciting program planned for the concert, SCO will also be performing Sir Edward Elgar’s rarely heard but much-loved orchestral work ‘Mina’. Written as a tribute to one of the composer’s beloved pet Cairn Terriers, the piece will be accompanied by a short film of Elgar at his final home, Marl House in Worcester, where he is seen playing with his dogs and driving through the Malvern hills, which served as inspiration for his music.
Other highlights of the concert include Rossini’s overture from “The Barber of Seville”, Handel’s second suite from “The Water Music”, and Mozart’s Symphony 31 “Paris”.
Sheffield Chamber Orchestra was founded in 1950 and is a registered charity. Comprised mainly of amateur musicians, the orchestra is led by professionally trained conductor Laurence Perkins and leader Ralph Dawson. Each year, SCO presents three concerts in Sheffield, showcasing a diverse and innovative repertoire from the baroque era to present day. The orchestra also provides a platform for young, professional, local musicians at the start of their careers as soloists.
For more information about Sheffield Chamber Orchestra, please visit their website.
Editor’s Notes:
High-resolution images are available for download at https://SCOrchestra.uk/press.
A 144-second interview with Laurence Perkins can be viewed at https://youtu.be/BQRvIADJBVI.
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