Final rehearsals are underway as the Chester Philharmonic Orchestra gears up for the last concert of its current season. Titled 'The Power of Three', the performance is scheduled for Saturday, June 27, at 7:30 PM at Chester Cathedral. The evening will feature music by beloved classical composers such as Brahms and Sibelius.
Special Guests Join the Orchestra
The orchestra will be joined by special guests, including solo violinist Xander Croft and conductor Robin Wallington. The concert will showcase Brahms' 3rd Symphony and open with the Drysdale Overture, composed in 1937 by New Zealander Douglas Lilburn. Additionally, the Sibelius Violin Concerto will be performed by the rising classical star Xander Croft.
About Xander Croft
A graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, Xander Croft performs on a Tommaso Carcassi violin from 1750, generously loaned by The Harrison-Frank Family Foundation. He has performed as a soloist and chamber musician across the UK and Europe, with highlights including a tour of Scotland, a performance at Wigmore Hall, concerts in Italy, Switzerland, France, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands, and performances of Bruch and Mendelssohn violin concertos. In June 2024, he won third prize with the Elmore Quartet at the prestigious Premio Paolo Borciani International String Quartet Competition in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
About Robin Wallington
Guest conductor Robin Wallington has built a reputation for versatility and dynamism across contemporary and established repertoire. He has worked extensively in opera, including tours with OperaUpClose as Music Director and Music Supervisor, and as Assistant Conductor for English Touring Opera. Passionate about British 20th-century music, he has recorded lesser-known works by Bax, Moeran, and Carwithen for BBC Radio 3. Robin is also a professional composer, arranger, and editor, having arranged for classical and crossover projects with ensembles like the BBC Philharmonic and OperaUpClose. He has conducted his own arrangements live on television for events such as BBC's Children in Need.
Orchestra Chair Comments
Diana Anderson, Chair of Chester Philharmonic Orchestra, said: "As we bring our current season of concerts to a close, we are delighted to be joined by Xander Croft and Robin Wallington for this special concert showcasing works by three very different composers. It promises to be an evening not to be missed."
Ticket Information
Full details of 'The Power of Three', Chester Philharmonic Orchestra's season finale at Chester Cathedral, can be found at www.chesterphilorchestra.co.uk, where tickets can be booked online. Tickets are also available in person at the Chester Cathedral Box Office.
