The New World at 250 - a concert in memory of Jon Foster
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Autumn : The New World at 250
A concert in memory of Jon Foster
Sunday 15th November 2026, 3pm
Princess Hall, Cheltenham Ladies College
Dvorak : Symphony No 9 “A New World”
Copland : Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo
Barder : Adagio for Strings
Gipps : Song for Orchestra
This concert marks 250 years since the founding of the United States, taking a reflective look at the music inspired by the American landscape and experience. The performance is dedicated to the memory of our friend and colleague Jon Foster, who played oboe and cor anglais with the orchestra for many years before his passing in 2026.
The programme centres on Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, "From the New World", one of the most recognisable and enduring works in the orchestral repertoire. Composed during Dvořák’s time in America, its memorable themes—including the famous Largo—draw heavily on African American spirituals and Native American traditions. Alongside this, audiences will hear Aaron Copland’s energetic Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo, capturing the rhythm and spirit of the American West, and Samuel Barber’s deeply moving Adagio for Strings.
Opening the concert is a lesser-known gem: Ruth Gipps’ Song for Orchestra. Brief and lyrical, it features a prominent, tender oboe solo that provides a fitting moment of remembrance for Jon.
A concert in memory of Jon Foster
Sunday 15th November 2026, 3pm
Princess Hall, Cheltenham Ladies College
Dvorak : Symphony No 9 “A New World”
Copland : Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo
Barder : Adagio for Strings
Gipps : Song for Orchestra
This concert marks 250 years since the founding of the United States, taking a reflective look at the music inspired by the American landscape and experience. The performance is dedicated to the memory of our friend and colleague Jon Foster, who played oboe and cor anglais with the orchestra for many years before his passing in 2026.
The programme centres on Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, "From the New World", one of the most recognisable and enduring works in the orchestral repertoire. Composed during Dvořák’s time in America, its memorable themes—including the famous Largo—draw heavily on African American spirituals and Native American traditions. Alongside this, audiences will hear Aaron Copland’s energetic Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo, capturing the rhythm and spirit of the American West, and Samuel Barber’s deeply moving Adagio for Strings.
Opening the concert is a lesser-known gem: Ruth Gipps’ Song for Orchestra. Brief and lyrical, it features a prominent, tender oboe solo that provides a fitting moment of remembrance for Jon.
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Where is it happening?
Cheltenham Ladies' College, Cheltenham Ladies College, Bayshill Road, Cheltenham, GL50 3EP, United Kingdom
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherCheltenham Philharmonic Orchestra
