NSO
Our Next Concert Chabrier, Rachmaninov, and Bax
25th April 2026 - 7:30 PM - Spinney Theatre
Join Northampton Symphony Orchestra for an evening of vivid colour, virtuosity, and sweeping symphonic drama. Chabrier’s exuberant España opens the concert with irresistible energy, its brilliant orchestration capturing the warmth and rhythm of Spain. At the heart of the programme is Rachmaninov’s towering Piano Concerto No. 3, one of the most demanding and emotionally powerful works ever written for piano, performed by acclaimed soloist Julian Chan, whose artistry brings both breathtaking technical brilliance and profound lyric sensitivity to this monumental work. The concert concludes with Arnold Bax’s richly atmospheric Symphony No. 2, a powerful and deeply expressive journey from brooding intensity to radiant triumph, revealing one of Britain’s most distinctive symphonic voices. This is a programme of colour, passion, and symphonic scale.
Concerts
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