Chester Philharmonic Orchestra Announces Spectacular 2026 Cathedral Opening Concert
The Chester Philharmonic Orchestra has revealed exciting plans for its inaugural performance of 2026, set to take place within the magnificent setting of Chester Cathedral. This highly anticipated event will feature a distinguished member of Britain's most celebrated classical music family as the special guest soloist, promising an evening of exceptional musical artistry.
An Evening of Musical Masterpieces
Scheduled for Saturday, 28th February 2026 at 7:30pm, the concert programme showcases a compelling selection of classical works. The orchestra will present the Overture to 'Der Freischütz' by Carl Maria von Weber, a piece that premiered in Berlin back in 1821. The programme continues with Beethoven's groundbreaking Symphony No. 3, 'Eroica', a composition that revolutionised symphonic form and is widely recognised as a pivotal work bridging the Classical and Romantic eras.
Star Soloist: Mariatu Kanneh-Mason
The centrepiece of the evening will be a performance of Sir Edward Elgar's poignant Cello Concerto by the acclaimed 16-year-old cellist, Mariatu Kanneh-Mason. Written in 1919 following the First World War, this concerto is often viewed as Elgar's musical farewell, imbued with profound emotion, dignity and introspection rather than overt celebration. Although it did not gain widespread popularity until a landmark 1965 recording by Jacqueline du Pré, it has since become a cornerstone of the cello repertoire with over seventy recordings by masters including Rostropovich and Yo-Yo Ma.
Mariatu, who studies at the Junior Royal Academy of Music and achieved a distinction in her Grade 8 cello exam at just ten years old, brings significant performance experience to the cathedral stage. She has appeared with her renowned musical family at prestigious venues worldwide, including the Royal Albert Hall for the BBC Proms, and has performed this very Elgar concerto recently with orchestras such as the North Downs Sinfonia. Her television appearances span major networks, featuring on programmes like The One Show, Strictly Come Dancing and the documentary Young, Gifted and Classical.
Visionary Conductor: Robert Guy
Leading the orchestra for this special occasion will be the internationally recognised conductor Robert Guy. Hailing from Wrexham, Robert's journey is particularly inspiring; born with severe hearing loss, he underwent a life-changing operation as a child and has since channelled his experiences into creating powerful, electrifying musical performances. His career evolved from playing viola with ensembles like the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic to conducting world-class orchestras across the globe, from Hong Kong to Austria.
Robert, who serves as Principal Conductor of the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, is a passionate advocate for new music and community engagement. He co-founded NEW Sinfonia in North Wales and was instrumental in the community opera 'Gresford: Up From Underground', which honours Welsh heritage. His broadcasts for Classic FM and the BBC have brought his dynamic leadership to wide audiences.
Anticipation Builds for Cathedral Performance
Diana Anderson, Chair of Chester Philharmonic, expressed great enthusiasm for the upcoming concert, stating: "We are delighted to welcome Mariatu Kanneh-Mason as our soloist. One of the most compelling cellists of her generation, Mariatu is celebrated for her rich tone, sensitivity and expressive storytelling. Her interpretations are praised for their warmth, insight and emotional clarity - qualities perfectly suited to Elgar's deeply moving and iconic masterpiece. We are also looking forward to working with acclaimed conductor Robert Guy who brings a wealth of experience as an internationally renowned conductor."
This concert represents a significant cultural event for Chester, blending historic architecture with world-class musical talent. It offers local audiences and visitors alike the opportunity to experience a programme of timeless classics performed by exceptional artists in one of the city's most iconic venues.
