Classically Yours – Enjoy World Class Live Music

As part of the East Riding’s celebration of Hull UK City of Culture 2017, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Orchestras Live have joined forces to bring more orchestral music to the area.

Thanks to a grant from Arts Council England, and investment from the council – which is a Principal Partner in Hull UK City of Culture 2017 – and Orchestras Live, Classically Yours will see some of the UK’s top orchestras, including Manchester Camerata, Sinfonia Viva and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, coming to the area.

Classically Yours will consist of a number of orchestral concerts taking place in Beverley, Bridlington, Pocklington and Withernsea throughout 2017, alongside community work, culminating in a concert with all orchestras joining together at The Spa Bridlington in January 2018.

Performing in Beverley, Bridlington, Pocklington and Withernsea, as well as other smaller places across the East Riding, there will be special concerts for children, families and older people, and opportunities for community groups to work with the orchestras, and composers James Redwood and Richard Taylor, to compose music and perform with them. Classically Yours aims to increase the amount of high quality music available in the East Riding and to encourage more participation in arts and culture.

Orchestras Live Chief Executive Sarah Derbyshire thinks it’s an innovative move, saying;

“Each orchestra brings with them a distinctive style, but all have a passion for sharing great music with more people.”

“Professional orchestras don’t often work together but we were determined that the people of East Riding, especially those in the more out of the way places, had the opportunity to hear world class music and importantly to be part of the creative process, writing and performing a large-scale piece of new music at a massive event, involving both orchestras, at The Spa, Bridlington in January 2018.”

Councillor Richard Burton, portfolio holder for civic wellbeing and culture, added:

“I am delighted that we are able to increase the amount of orchestral music in the area.

“It really is a coup to be having all these fantastic orchestras here in the East Riding and I hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to hear them and also be part of the creative process by participating in and supporting the projects in Pocklington and Withernsea.

“Classically Yours is one of our key events in Hull 2017, and I for one am really looking forward to seeing local people get involved in it.”

Community arts officer June Mitchell said;

“You don’t have to be a musician to take part, just have enthusiasm and curiosity about music. If you or your group are interested in taking part, then please get in touch to express an interest.”

Classically Yours kicks off on 8 January 2017 at the Spa, Bridlington with Manchester Camerata with a sparkling New Year Viennese concert conducted by Jean-Claude Picard featuring soprano Ailish Tynan.

Dancers from East Riding Youth Dance County Company will join the orchestra to give their own interpretation of some of the Viennese dance music.