On Saturday 17th January, I had the pleasure of attending Charnwood Orchestra’s first concert of the year, held at Humphrey Perkins School. Audience members were invited to “dance into 2026” with a selection of popular and beloved Viennese musical pieces. The previous January’s concert was particularly focused on works from Johann Strauss (II), or ‘The Waltz King’, in celebration of his 200th birthday. This New Year, we explored music from both friends and rivals of Strauss (II), including waltzes from Waldteufel and Ziehrer and a joyful Galop by Lumbye. Drinks were available to pre-order for the interval and there was a table of raffle prizes to be won.
Musicians bedecked their music stands with fairy lights and wore sparkles and bow ties, making the occasion feel rather festive. The show commenced with a lively overture: ‘Die Schӧne Galathée’ by Franz von Suppé. This piece is a satire on the myth of sculptor Pygmalion and his creation, Galatea, who comes to life and with whom he falls in love. It is a classic example of 19th-century Viennese operetta music, which is characterised by chirpy waltzes and light-hearted, often romantic, plots. With the orchestra’s performance, you can’t help but get the gist of the composer’s cynical or flippant view on romance and love. Though Galatea is indeed beautiful, charming and quite literally made from Pygmalion’s dreams, she is demanding and capricious, bringing not romance but jealousy, strife and regret to her creator.
The story behind Elgar’s ‘Salut d’amour’- or ‘Love’s Greeting’ - was especially warming to listen to. A musical love letter from Elgar to his wife, Alice, this piece is already gentle, heartfelt and romantic, and the orchestra perfectly captured the tender affection and true devotion of Elgar himself. I made special notes of the performance of Mussorgsky’s ‘A Night on a Bare Mountain’, which many may recognise from Disney’s 1940 film, Fantasia. It is a whirlwind of strings and intense brass. The orchestra brought power and chaos to the hall, evoking a sense of perilousness and yet, with the coupling of lovely woodwind and harp melodies towards the finale, there was a sense of overcoming it.
The second part of the show brought jaunty polkas from the all three of the Strauss brothers, including the youngest, whose predilection for the fast-paced, sharp musical style associated with 19th-century railway travel shone through in ‘Bahn Frei’; and their father Josef Strauss, with a polka-mazurka named ‘Frauenherz’, dedicated to his beloved wife. Of course, no tribute to Viennese music would be complete without Johann (II) Strauss’ ‘An der schӧ more widely known as ‘The Blue Danube’. The most famous waltz of them all, many will associate this piece with the sci-fi film, 2001: A Space Odyssey, or other space-related film & television. Nowadays, the music is prominent throughout popular culture, and it is not uncommon for me to come across it during one of my social media ‘doomscrolling’ sessions. I’m really pleased I got to hear a live performance of this iconic music.
I enjoyed learning about the minds and stories behind the masterpieces played that night, which were presented by Nic Fallowfield, the orchestra’s director. For me, that is what these musical pieces represent: people, lives and anecdotes from long ago, but which have not died and will continue to impress modern culture. Charnwood Orchestra has plenty of Leicestershire- based performances planned for 2026, as well as two special Scotland dates. Tickets are usually available on the door, but to avoid disappointment, you can buy your tickets in advance. You can visit www.charnwoodorchestra.org.uk for more details.
Ruth Olivia
Charnwood Orchestra’s next concert is at Emmanuel Church in Loughborough on 28th March 2026
The programme is packed with wonderful tunes from three marvellous composers:
Mendelssohn: Ruy Blas overture
Bruch: Scottish fantasy with soloist Fennella Humphreys
Dvorak: Symphony no.5.
Tickets may be reserved in advance by emailing: tickets@charnwoodorchestra.org.uk