NSO
The Best of British Christmas Cracker
14th December, 3:00 PM
Celebrate the season with Northampton Symphony Orchestra’s Best of British Christmas on Sunday 14 December, 3–5pm at the Spinney Theatre. This festive afternoon brings together sparkling orchestral favourites and charming narrated works for all ages. Enjoy Nigel Hess’s vibrant A Christmas Overture, Herbert Chappell’s much-loved Paddington Bear’s First Concert, Malcolm Arnold’s warm and evocative Holly and the Ivy: Fantasy on Christmas Carols, and Lawrence Killian’s delightful A Christmas Carol. The programme is rounded out with classic carols and Christmas favourites, offering a joyful start to your holiday celebrations. During the interval, guests can enjoy mulled wine, child-appropriate beverages, and mince pies. Join us for an uplifting seasonal concert that captures the heart of a British Christmas.
Concerts
Sunday, Dec 14
Spinney Theatre
To include:
- Nigel Hess - A Christmas Overture
- Herbert Chappell - Paddington Bear's First Concert
- Malcolm Arnold - Holly and the Ivy: Fantasy on Christmas Carols
- Lawrence Killian - A Christmas Carol
- Carols and Christmas favourites
Saturday, Feb 28
Spinney Theatre
- William Grant Still - Symphony no 1 "Afro American"
- Aaron Copland - Quiet City
- Ferde Grofé - Hollywood Suite
- George Gershwin - Porgy and Bess: A Symphonic Picture
Saturday, Apr 25
Spinney Theatre
- Emmanuel Chabrier - España
- Sergei Rachmaninov - Piano Concerto, No.3, op.30, D minor
- Sir Arnold Bax - Symphony No.2, E minor/C major
Saturday, Jun 20
Saint Matthew's Church
- Gustav Mahler - Symphony No.3, D minor
Sunday, Jul 12
Christ Church
A thank you to members of the Orchestra's Friends' Scheme.
About us
Founded in 1893, the Northampton Symphony Orchestra is widely regarded as one of the United Kingdom's top amateur symphony orchestras. Our membership is drawn from excellent amateurs, teachers, former professional musicians and students in and around Northamptonshire. Most members have achieved at least Grade VIII on their instrument.
With Musical Director, John Gibbons, we perform regularly in Northampton's many classical music venues with top professional soloists in repertoire that encompasses all styles of classical music. Rehearsals usually take place on a Wednesday evening during school term time.
We are supported by an active and flourishing Friends' scheme that provides many exclusive benefits for supporters.
The Northampton Symphony Orchestra's excellence in amateur music making has led to invitations to play in various local music festivals (such as the one celebrating local composer, Malcolm Arnold and the Northampton Music Festival) and collaborations with other local music ensembles.
Friends of NSO
It is said you can’t buy friendship, but you can buy exclusive membership to the NSO Friends’ Scheme. Why not pay for a friend to become a Friend? It’s a great gift to give.
For a minimum donation of £25 a year, you can become a Friend of the orchestra. There are a number of exclusive benefits available through the Friends’ scheme, and your contribution plays an important part in funding our concerts and securing the orchestra’s future. As a Friend, you will receive:
- Two free tickets to the Friends’ concert and buffet
- A discount on all concert tickets (including the season ticket)
- Regular NSO newsletters about forthcoming concerts
- A free programme each concert
- Your name printed in our programmes and website
A heart-felt thank you goes to