Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra has been delighting local audiences for the last one hundred years, and their bold, colourful concerts – from classical masterpieces to cutting-edge music – are for everyone.
Pioneering pianist, conductor, curator and composer Joanna MacGregor is one of few female music directors on the UK professional symphony orchestral scene. Her fresh programming and infectious energy ushers in an inspiring, significant new era for the BPO that places it firmly in the orchestral premier league.
Each concert in the centenary season is a celebration with world class soloists featuring throughout. The party continues on Sunday 9 February, as Brighton Festival Chorus join the orchestra for William Walton’s wicked, raucous and outrageously opulent Belshazzar’s Feast. This roller coaster score is for large orchestra, brass band and double chorus with bright American baritone Cody Quattlebaum in his BPO debut. Cody comes to Brighton fresh from San Francisco Opera, Royal Danish Theatre and English National Opera. The Walton is paired with Elgar’s beloved Enigma Variations featuring the famous Nimrod, crowned the greatest piece of British classical music in a recent Classic FM poll. Young Sussex-based conductor – and regular guest of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony and BBC Symphony Orchestra – Ben Gernon conducts this blockbuster concert.
Music by living legend Steve Reich presents a feast for the eyes and ears with his elegant collaboration with artist Gerhard Richter on Sunday 23 March. Described by Steve Reich as ‘one of the greatest musicians in the world today’, Scottish percussionist Colin Currie will conduct and perform music by Reich in this programme of New York groove including works by Terry Riley and Yoko Ono.
The BPO is celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere and hopes this season will encourage many more to join the BPO family. With their LoveMusic scheme the best available seats are only £12, released two days before selected concerts including Reich/Richter. Plus tickets for children and teens are available for only £1.
The BPO Centenary season runs until 13 April 2025.
Visit brightonphil.org.uk for more
