Harrogate International Festivals & Skipton Building Society Camerata combine to present The Harrogate Festival Orchestra. In 1966, the Harrogate Festival Orchestra was created especially for the first ever Harrogate International Festival. Almost 50 years on, the Festival has recreated this historic event, with a brand new Harrogate Festival Orchestra drawing on the best national and international talent.
Celebrating the rich history of the Harrogate International Festivals, the Orchestra features international cellist Raphael Wallfisch, performing Elgar’s exquisite Cello Concerto. Wallfisch’s world-wide career began in Harrogate as a young musician with Harrogate International Festivals, and now he performs with the London Philharmonic, the Berlin Symphony, and the BBC Proms to name but a few.
This triumphant, uplifting concert stars a wealth of national and international musicians, including the trumpeter for BBC Radio 4’s Daily Service – Anthony Thompson – and New Zealand born cellist Rod Skipp whose demand sees him appear regularly on BBC Radio 3 and Songs of Praise. The Skipton Camerata celebrate their 10th anniversary this year having performed in prestigious venues over the years including Harewood House and Bridgewater Hall. Plus their extensive educational work has brought classical music into schools all across Yorkshire.
The Harrogate Festival Orchestra will be conducted by the visionary Ben Crick, who was made gained a BBC Music Fellowship in 2013. A graduate of the University of Leeds, Ben has staged operas in pubs, as well as conducted at the Royal Festival Hall. Crick’s infectious passion for classical music promises this glorious return of the Harrogate Festival Orchestra will be a concert to remember for the next 50 years.