Ulster Orchestra’s new season unveiled

With the anticipation of new Chief Conductor, Rafael Payare and Principal Guest conductor, Jac van Steen, this forthcoming season is set to be one of the strongest and most diverse in the Ulster Orchestra’s history.

Beginning on the 19th of September in the Ulster Hall with a Grand Opening Concert celebrating the work of Strauss, Penderecki and Beethoven, featuring Belfast Philharmonic Choir and conducted by Maestro Payare, the new season will reach out to all with a diverse programme encapsulating UK premieres, débuts, familiar favourites and unique settings.

Adding several new works to its repertoire, the Ulster Orchestra will celebrate the centenary this year of the birth of Richard Strauss and those next year of Sibelius and Nielsen. In January, Rafael will also conduct a concert of music from Latin America in Latin Rhythms, including his native Venezuela and Spain which promises to be one of the highlights of the season.

Taking in film and children’s events, a Sci-Fi Weekender in March sees the Ulster Orchestra’s first ever series celebrating the greatest musical collaborations in science fiction with Gottfried Huppertz’s original score for Metropolis performed live to the film. Completing the weekend, there will be a disturbance in the force at the Ulster Hall with a performance of Star Wars in Concert celebrating the music from Episodes 1-3.

The Children’s Festival of Music in June will combine a week of music, workshops and fun activities for children and young people – including a live performance to film of Peter and The Wolf, Disney in Concert, baby-friendly performances and an instrument petting zoo.

The Orchestra will continue its award winning partnership with NI Opera with a performance of Salome, a one-act opera based on the play by Oscar Wilde. In keeping with NI Opera’s practice of casting the very best local singers wherever possible, Belfast-born Giselle Allen returns to the Grand Opera House to sing the role of Salome.

Tickets will be available to book online at the new Ulster Orchestra website ulsterorchestra.com, ulsterhall.co.uk and waterfront.co.uk or by telephone on 9033 4455.