ASMF & Sterling Elliott

The evening begins with the dramatic overture to Haydn’s L’isola disabitata, a work noted for its turbulent energy and emotional shifts. You will then hear the cello take a central role in two contrasting pieces. Schumann’s Cello Concerto is a cornerstone of the Romantic repertoire, known for its continuous structure where three movements flow into one another without pause. Following this, the orchestra performs Dvořák’s Silent Woods, originally a character piece for piano four-hands, which offers a reflective and lyrical moment for the solo cello. The second half of the concert focuses on Brahms’s Variations on a Theme of Joseph Haydn. This work showcases a series of intricate orchestral transformations based on a theme originally attributed to Haydn, leading to a grand passacaglia finale. Throughout the programme, listen for the way the ensemble balances the solo cello against a clear, classical orchestral texture, moving from the stormy temperament of the overture to the technical complexity of the Brahms variations.

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields is a celebrated chamber orchestra based in London, renowned for its clarity of sound and flexible approach to various musical eras. Originally founded to perform Baroque and Classical works at the church from which it takes its name, the ensemble has expanded its reach to include Romantic and contemporary repertoire. For this performance, they are joined by cellist Sterling Elliott. Elliott is a rising presence on the international stage, recognised for his technical command and the depth of his interpretations in both concertos and shorter melodic works.

This performance takes place at the Church of St Martin-in-the-Fields in central London, the historic spiritual home of the ensemble. The concert has a total running time of 120 minutes, including an interval. The mix of a dramatic overture, a major concerto, and a well-known set of variations makes this an accessible choice if you are attending an orchestral concert for the first time. There is no specific dress code for this venue; most attendees choose smart-casual attire. You should arrive early to locate your seat within the church’s fixed pews.