Bishop’s Stortford Sinfonia to open 10th anniversary season with ‘Threads of Fate’ concert featuring works by Amy Beach, Adrian Sutton and Tchaikovsky

Bishop’s Stortford Sinfonia launches its 10th anniversary season in October with a concert that sets the tone for the year ahead in dazzling fashion.

This landmark season promises to be the orchestra’s most ambitious, with four full symphonic programmes, an inspiring line-up of guest artists and increased engagement with the local community through choral collaborations, schools projects and the much-loved monthly Listening Cafés at Bishop’s Stortford Methodist Church.

Since its founding in 2015, the Sinfonia has built a reputation for world-class performances “on your doorstep” and this anniversary year showcases the best of its energy and artistry.

The opening concert, called “Threads of Fate”, begins with Amy Beach’s effervescent Bal Masqué, a sparkling celebration of elegance and dance.

The spotlight then falls on acclaimed violinist Fenella Humphreys, joining the Sinfonia for the first time as soloist in Adrian Sutton’s powerful and lyrical Violin Concerto.

Written for and premiered by Humphreys in 2023, this striking work has been praised for its expressive beauty and dramatic intensity.

The evening concludes with Tchaikovsky’s majestic Symphony No 5 in E minor, a Romantic masterpiece that journeys from darkness to radiant triumph.

Tanya Barringer, artistic director and leader of the Sinfonia, said: “It’s a joy to be launching our 10th anniversary with such a rich and meaningful programme.

“Welcoming Fenella Humphreys as our soloist makes this concert especially exciting – Sutton’s concerto is a modern gem, and alongside Tchaikovsky and Amy Beach, it makes for a truly celebratory evening.”

The concert will take place at the Bishop’s Stortford College Memorial Hall on Saturday October 18 from 7pm. Tickets priced £18 for adults and £5 for students (free for under-18s) are available at the door or in advance from www.bishopsstortfordsinfonia.com. Early-bird ticket prices are available until midnight on Wednesday October 15.

Over the last 10 years, Bishop’s Stortford Sinfonia has established itself as one of the region’s cultural gems, offering concerts of professional standard rarely found outside major cities.

Its players – professional and semi-professional musicians from across the country – share a passion for music-making of the highest quality, bringing world-class performances to local audiences in an accessible and welcoming way.

The Sinfonia’s Listening Cafés are a relaxed and social way to explore music with the orchestra. Held at the Methodist Church on the second Sunday of each month at 4pm, each hour-long session features a member of the Sinfonia sharing and discussing their favourite music through recordings. With tea and cake on hand, it’s an informal, friendly afternoon that’s perfect for anyone curious to discover new sounds and ideas.