ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF NORTHAMPTON’S MUSICAL GENIUS

The Malcolm Arnold Festival, a community-focused annual celebration honouring the music of Sir Malcolm Arnold in his hometown of Northampton, will showcase the composer's sparkling chamber, brass and orchestral music performed by guests including local ensembles, the Northampton Symphony Orchestra and Towcester Studio Band.

Probably best known for his internationally famous film scores, symphonic showpieces, and a canon of powerfully emotive semi-autobiographical symphonies, the Malcolm Arnold Festival is an annual programme of events celebrating one of England’s most prolific, colourful and charismatic composers – Sir Malcolm Arnold (1921-2006).

GALA CONCERT PROMISES ARNOLD SHOWPIECES

For the evening concert at 7:30pm at St Matthew’s Church, the Northampton Symphony Orchestra presents a rousing celebration of orchestral music by Malcolm Arnold alongside two of his fellow-composers and performed under the baton of the orchestra’s musical director and life-long Arnold champion John Gibbons BEM.

An evening of high-octane performances is promised featuring the composer’s characteristically tuneful themes from the film soundtrack to 'The Sound Barrier', and his final work, the Little Suite No.3, also known as A 'Manx' Suite, which incorporates traditional tunes from the Isle of Man. The Philharmonic Concerto – a three-movement orchestral showpiece featuring a wealth of percussion including bongos, tam-tam, side drum and tambourine – is to be performed to mark the 250th anniversary this year of the American Declaration of Independence.

Alongside these works will be the spirited Oboe Concerto by Ruth Gipps, written when the composer was just 20 years old and studying under the legendary Léon Goossens at the Royal College of Music, where Malcolm Arnold was a fellow student. As a fine oboist herself, the work demonstrates Gipps’ deep understanding and technical mastery of the instrument and reflects the expressive, lyrical style inspired by her teacher. For this performance, the oboe soloist will be the CBSO’s Principal Second Oboe, Emmet Byrne.

Two contrasting works by Dmitri Shostakovich bookend the programme: his exuberant Festive Overture, and the satirical Symphony No. 9 – a piece famously banned in Soviet Russia until 1955. Acknowledging the composer’s creative influence and shared sentiment, Arnold viewed the symphony as a masterclass in artistic defiance, declaring “we’re kindred souls in a very rough barbaric world.”

A DAY OF MUSICAL DISCOVERIES

Earlier, from 11:00am at Cripps Hall (School for Boys), the festival is to be opened by its President, the internationally renowned cellist and educator Julian Lloyd Webber, who shares a profound personal connection with one of the many standout performances: Malcolm Arnold wrote his 'Fantasy' for the cellist in 1986.

Reflecting on the work, Lloyd Webber notes that Arnold's writing is incredibly generous and direct, demonstrating a genuine love for the instrument through lyrical phrasing that naturally draws out the richest, warmest qualities. Recalling the origin of the piece and their mutual admiration, Lloyd Webber has said that on requesting a commission from the composer, “he readily agreed while refusing to accept a commission fee, explaining that his music was “a gesture of friendship”.

Consisting of seven short continuous movements, the work conveys the same intensity of expression found in Arnold’s finest works. And fittingly, it will be Lloyd Webber’s wife, Jiaxin Cheng Lloyd Webber – herself an acclaimed cellist – who will take centre stage in this performance.

GUEST ENSEMBLES AND RISING STARS

Joining Jiaxin will be guest ensembles including the Albion Orchestra, Towcester Studio Band, Roger Coull (violin), Nicholas Roberts (cello) and Lynn Arnold (piano), as well as rising stars from the premier international music academies and conservatoires.

An affordable Day Ticket offers low-cost entrance, with free admission for students and those under 18. The evening's Gala Concert is priced separately, please see below. Full details and ticket sales via the website or on the door.

FESTIVAL CONTINUES WITH FREE-TO-VIEW LIVE-STREAM

The Malcolm Arnold Festival continues online with a free-to-view live stream presenting a complementary programme themed around the composer’s music of 1956 and a discovery of his piano repertoire. The live stream can be accessed on Sunday 1st November from the website.

HOW TO BOOK
– DAY TICKET
Cripps Hall, Northampton NN1 5RT
£18.00, Under 18s / Student FREE
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/malcolmarnoldfestival/2194895

– GALA CONCERT
Saint Matthew's Church, The Drive, Northampton NN1 4RY
£15.00, Concession £12.00, Under 18s £5.00
https://ti.to/nso/nsoconcert241026