Category: latest-news

“…the evening was a huge success for the orchestra…”

16th May 2019

SASO’s spring concert of English classics by Elgar and Vaughan Williams found the orchestra playing at the top of its form, according to critic John Manning, writing in the Herts Advertiser. Describing the performance of Elgar’s Symphony No 1, he writes: “Once more the orchestra produced a very fine performance for the work which, by …

Epoch-making Elgar and Vaughan Williams at SASO’s spring concert

22nd April 2019

Two epoch-making works by English composers are brought together in the St Albans Symphony Orchestra’s spring concert on Saturday 11 May (7.30pm, St Saviour’s Church, Sandpit Lane, St Albans AL1 4DF). Premiered within thirty months of each other, the Symphony No 1 by Edward Elgar (pictured, left) and the Fantasia on a Theme by …

“Clare Howick’s performance was completely outstanding…”

14th March 2019

Clare Howick, the leading British violinist who performed Brahms Violin Concerto with SASO on March 9, was ‘completely outstanding’ according to John Manning, music reviewer for the Herts Advertiser: “Brahms’ Violin Concerto is a huge and powerful work which is demanding for both soloist and orchestra, but neither flagged in the performance. Indeed, Clare Howick’s …

SASO welcomes internationally-acclaimed violinist Clare Howick as soloist

22nd February 2019

A leading British violinist will appear with SASO on Saturday 9 March playing one of the greatest of all concertos written for her instrument (7.30pm St Saviour’s, Sandpit Lane, AL1 4DF) Clare Howick, whose reputation has soared following a series of internationally-praised recordings, will join St Albans Symphony Orchestra (SASO) to perform the …

New Year Concert review: “Throughout the evening the orchestra performed outstandingly.”

10th January 2019

“It wouldn’t be New Year’s Day in St Albans without the annual concert at St Albans Abbey provided by the city’s symphony orchestra,” says critic John Manning, writing in the Herts Advertiser (10/1/19) “For hundreds of people it is a much-loved annual event that brings an extra sparkle and evening of fun to the first …

Delightful dances and marvellous movie music: SASO’s New Year Concert has something for everyone!

10th December 2018

Is your idea of a perfect New Year celebration strictly dancing? Or how about an evening enjoying classic movies? Better still, you can join St Albans Symphony Orchestra in the city’s Cathedral on January 1st 2019 (7pm) for a concert of music that offers the best of both worlds! Under Principal Conductor, Tom Hammond, the …

Yo, ho, ho, oh no! Our pirate-themed children’s concerts are sold out

11th November 2018

Shiver me timbers! Record demand for St Albans Symphony Orchestra’s Pirates Aaarh-hoy! concerts for children on the afternoon of Sunday November 18th means they are both sold out. The fancy dress concerts in St Saviour’s Church this year feature family-friendly classics that include Wagner’s Flying Dutchman Overture and the famous Sailor’s Hornpipe played at …

SASO welcomes multi-talented Matthew Sharp as ‘cello soloist

29th September 2018

‘Cello soloist Matthew Sharp, who performs with St Albans Symphony Orchestra (SASO) on Saturday October 13, is also an internationally successful singer, actor and director. (7.30pm St Saviour’s Church, Sandpit Lane, AL1 4DF) He has not only appeared as an instrumental soloist with London’s leading orchestras, but also sung principal baritone roles with Opera North …

New SASO season celebrates the life-enhancing power of music

9th September 2018

From enduring hope in dark times to the exuberant enjoyment of living, a new season of concerts from St Albans Symphony Orchestra (SASO) celebrates the power of music to portray and enhance contrasting aspects of human experience. The grim realities of life in Stalin’s Russia are prominent in the opening concert on Saturday 13 October …

Calling string players: play wonderful Walton with SASO! (workshop evening August 31 & daytime September 1)

3rd August 2018

External string players are warmly invited to take part in a two-day workshop with St Albans Symphony Orchestra to prepare and perform Walton’s dazzling and technically demanding First Symphony. The workshop starts with a Friday evening play-through on 31 August. Sectional tutorials led by professional instrumentalists will take place on the morning of Saturday 1 …