The Malcolm Arnold Festival, live in Northampton!

St Matthew’s Church provides the venue for the festival’s Gala Concert when the Northampton Symphony Orchestra presents a rousing celebration of orchestral music by Malcolm Arnold alongside two of his fellow-composers and performed under the baton of the orchestra’s musical director and life-long Arnold champion John Gibbons BEM. 

An evening of high-octane performances is promised featuring the composer’s characteristically tuneful themes from the film soundtrack to The Sound Barrier, and his final work, the Little Suite No.3, also known as A Manx Suite, which incorporates traditional tunes from the Isle of Man. The Philharmonic Concerto – a three-movement orchestral showpiece featuring a wealth of percussion including bongos, tam-tam, side drum and tambourine – is to be performed to mark the 250th anniversary this year of the American Declaration of Independence.

Alongside these works will be the spirited Oboe Concerto by Ruth Gipps, written when the composer was just 20 years old and studying under the legendary Léon Goossens at the Royal College of Music, where Malcolm Arnold was a fellow student. As a fine oboist herself, the work demonstrates Gipps’ deep understanding and technical mastery of the instrument and reflects the expressive, lyrical style inspired by her teacher. For this performance, the oboe soloist will be the CBSO’s Principal Second Oboe, Emmet Byrne.

Two contrasting works by Dmitri Shostakovich bookend the programme: his exuberant Festive Overture, and the satirical Symphony No. 9 - a piece famously banned in Soviet Russia until 1955. Acknowledging the composer’s creative influence and shared sentiment, Arnold viewed the symphony as a masterclass in artistic defiance, declaring “we’re kindred souls in a very rough barbaric world.”

Earlier in the day at Cripps Hall (School for Boys), celebrated cellist Julian Lloyd Webber launches a day of live performances honouring the music of Malcolm Arnold at Cripps Hall in the composer’s hometown. The Malcolm Arnold Festival, a community-focused annual celebration, showcases his sparkling chamber, brass and orchestral music performed by guest ensembles including Albion Orchestra, Towcester Studio Band and guest artists. An affordable Day Ticket offers low-cost entrance, with free admission for students and those under 18, with the Gala Concert priced separately. Find full details on the website.