Save the date for Wymondham Symphony Orchestra’s Spring Concert on 21 March 2026!

“To hell with them! I do not know how to write symphonies, and besides, I have no real desire to write them.” This famous statement by Sergei Rachmaninoff followed the critical failure of his 1st Symphony, in 1897, and demonstrates his struggle to complete the 2nd. Little did he know that the 2nd Symphony would not only be a great success, but it would also be his largest orchestral composition. Featuring a wonderfully lyrical motif introduced by the lower strings in the first movement before reappearing throughout the piece, the opening Largo slowly reveals itself before arriving at the main Allegro. The second movement lightens the tone with cheerful moments interweaved with flowing passages. The Adagio third movement brings to the fore the main theme: a sweeping melody that develops to an intensely romantic melody. Moving to the finale with athletic vigour, a whirlwind coda brings the symphony to a close.

To complement the symphony, the orchestra will also perform English Dances Set 1 by Malcom Arnold and Concertino for Flute by Cecile Chaminade. Performed with soloist Leila Hooton, the Concertino was originally written for flute and piano before being orchestrated soon after it premiered. Opening with a broad melody with a highly decorative solo part, it is regarded as a demanding piece for the flautist and was originally written as an examination piece for flute students. We do not doubt that Leila will bring her own unique flair to the performance.

The orchestra hopes to see many of you again in the Abbey for what promises to be a wonderful evening.

Tickets are available online at our website or at the Wymondham Abbey shop. There will also be some availability on the door, but we encourage you to purchase tickets in advance to beat the queues. Prices are £15, Friends of the WSO £13 and under 18s are free.