Created by and for the emergency services community, the Blue Light Symphony Orchestra brings together serving and former emergency services personnel, NHS staff, members of the military and others connected to the blue light community.
The orchestra comes to The Forum with a programme of powerful and emotionally charged music, reflecting the high emotional intensity of the work carried out by those in the emergency services.
The concert opens with Vaughan Williams's luminous Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, in which separate groups of string players combine to create an extraordinary sense of space and resonance. Cellist Yoanna Prodanova then joins the orchestra for Elgar's deeply personal Cello Concerto. Written in the aftermath of the First World War, the concerto moves between intimacy, passion, reflection and defiance. The music raises questions about humanity that remain unanswered.
After the interval comes Dvořák's much-loved Symphony No. 9, "From the New World". Written during the composer's time in America, it is filled with longing, excitement and drama, as well as some of the most memorable melodies in classical music. It explores ideas of identity, belonging and cultural exchange, drawing inspiration from Native American and African American musical traditions while reflecting Dvořák's own Czech heritage.
Bulgarian-born cellist Yoanna Prodanova grew up in Canada before continuing her studies in London at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Royal Academy of Music. She performs internationally as a soloist and chamber musician and is a founding member of the acclaimed Barbican Quartet, winners of First Prize and four special prizes at the 2022 ARD International Music Competition. Her performances have taken her to leading concert halls and festivals across the UK, Europe and Canada, and her debut recording was released as part of the Royal Academy of Music Bicentenary Series. Find out more at www.yoannaprodanova.com.
Conductor Seb Valentine grew up in Keynsham and attended King Edward's School in Bath, last performing at The Forum with the school orchestra around 25 years ago. He went on to study conducting and singing at the Royal College of Music before joining the police service, and currently serves as a Detective Sergeant with Surrey Police. In 2015 he founded the Blue Light Symphony Orchestra to provide accessible orchestral music-making opportunities for members of the emergency services community, using music to improve wellbeing, build friendships and support those working in some of society's most demanding professions.
Join this unique orchestra of over 70 musicians for an uplifting and moving evening supporting your emergency services.
The full programme and performers are:
Vaughan Williams – Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis
Elgar – Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85
Dvořák – Symphony No. 9, "From the New World"
Yoanna Prodanova – cello
Seb Valentine – conductor
