Dorchester Abbey

Beethoven’s mighty third symphony strikingly marked the end of the classical era. Tonight’s concert sees it perfectly paired with the final orchestral work of his worthy successor, Johannes Brahms. Soloists Charlie Lovell Jones and Yoanna Prodanova come to the stage alongside OSJ Voices for this evening of seminal works from the German masters. The concert starts with Agnus Dei, Barber's own arrangement for choir of his Adagio for strings.

Our autumn season opens with an evening of sublime music from J.S. Bach. We are delighted to welcome back young violinist Poppy McGhee who, alongside Michel Tirabosco, will join the Orchestra in conjuring all the musical richness and joy of one the world’s most seminal composers.

From magical forests and rustic fairs to triumphal revolution and sweeping romance, tonight’s concert will transport you to lands far away. Rupert Egerton-Smith and the orchestra will bring to life music from four Russian greats, each one a master of musical storytelling.

The wild beauty of mountains provides the inspiration for tonight’s concert. Stollery’s 2014 overture, in its first English performance. evoking the majesty of the Grampians, sits alongside the rolling romance of Mendelssohn’s ‘Scottish’ Symphony. Jan Schmolck performs Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, composed in 1878 during a stay amidst the breath-taking Swiss Alps.

Written in 1948, Britten’s captivating Cantata conjures the adventures of St Nicholas, depicting the exploits, magic and miracles of this most beloved character. With its inclusion of popular hymns, OSJ Voices will join together with the audience to raise the roof in song, ensuring that the Christmas gift of music is delivered in perfect harmony. We start with a Sequence of Carols orchestrated by Jeremy Lubbock.

Christmas wouldn’t be complete without Handel’s great oratorio. This seasonal classic will be performed by renowned soloists and backed by the full forces of the Orchestra of St John’s and OSJ Voices.