THE Philharmonia Orchestra will take Basingstoke audiences back to the early romantic era during an exciting show in Janurary.

They are at The Anvil on Sunday, January 15, alongside conductor Nodoka Okisawa.

Weber’s magnificent overture to Der Freischütz, his most successful opera, concentrates the most important elements of the drama into a memorable tone-poem. These first 10 minutes offer a tantalising taste of the whole work. 

The spotlight is then on the brilliant Michael Collins as he demonstrates all that the clarinet has to offer in Weber’s radiant first clarinet concerto, which brilliantly exploits the qualities of the instrument. 

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The music ranges in character from grand to jaunty and playful, with a particularly imaginative and effective slow movement.

The concert ends with Brahms’ First Symphony, full of dramatic moments and melting lyricism, one of his most satisfying works.

The Philharmonia Orchestra is Anvil Arts’ orchestra in partnership.

Contact the Anvil Arts box office on 01256 844244 or visit anvilarts.org.uk.