City of Southampton Orchestra

City of Southampton Orchestra present a very special concert marking the centenary of World War I. Elgar's pre-war depiction of the beauty of Italy is followed by Ravel's Piano Concerto for the Left Hand which was written for the war-wounded pianist Paul Wittgenstein.

After the interval there is a rare opportunity to hear Lilian Elkington's Out of the Mist. This atmospheric piece depicts the arrival at Dover of the ship carrying the body of The Unknown Warrior, en route to his final resting place in Westminster Abbey. This will be followed by Vaughan William's Symphony No 4, itself perhaps a commentary on the nature of war.

We are delighted to welcome guest conductor Toby Purser. Toby is ENO Mackerras Conducting Fellow, Artistic Director of the Orion Orchestra, Artistic Director of the Peace and Prosperity Trust, and Music Director of New Sussex Opera.