Loops and Verses | Orchestra of the Swan

Orchestra of the Swan (The Swan) are delighted to welcome back to Stratford not only acclaimed pianist Peter Donohoe, but the largest number of Swan Players appearing in one performance since before the pandemic. ‘Loops and Verses’, which takes place on Wednesday 16 February at Cheltenham Town Hall, features Peter Donohoe, who has been described as one of the “foremost pianists of our time”, will be joining The Swan to perform Ravel's breath-taking and concise Piano Concerto in G major, incorporating not only Basque but jazz influences.

The Swan, conducted by Michael Collins (a world-renowned clarinettist in his own right, as well as conductor) will also be performing Ralph Vaughan Williams's The Wasps Overture, which was composed a year after Vaughan Williams studied with Ravel in Paris. Anglo-French relationships are further explored with Britain’s most renowned living composer, Thomas Adés. His Three Studies from Couperin highlight Adés’s obsession with French baroque. By contrast, John Adams’s Shaker Loops demonstrates string texture and rhythmic innovation at its best.

Audiences are also invited to attend their free pre-concert talk with Michael Collins and Peter Donohoe at 6:30pm.