
Wrexham Symphony Orchestra to perform at William Aston Hall
Final rehearsals are currently underway as the Wrexham Symphony Orchestra prepares to deliver a special concert at the venue.
The concert, titled Symphonic Steps, will take place on Saturday, May 3, at 7.30pm.
The event is described as 'a journey through life with tempo and grace' and will feature an array of musical works.
This includes the Overture from Benvenuto Cellini by Berlioz, Violin Concerto No. 3 by Saint-Saëns, and Symphonic Dances by Rachmaninoff.
The orchestra will be joined by guest conductor Richard Howarth and violinist Kiana Chan.
Matthew Ellis, chairman of Wrexham Symphony Orchestra, said: "We are delighted to welcome Richard Howarth back to the podium as the conductor for our concert at the William Aston Hall, Wrexham, on the 3rd May 2025.
"We are also thrilled to welcome talented violinist Kiana Chan, who will perform Camille Saint Säens's wonderful Violin Concerto No. 3."
Mr Howarth has led and directed orchestras for more than 30 years.
He has worked with both professional and amateur groups, serving as principal conductor for orchestras far and wide.
These include the Sale Chamber Orchestra, Westmorland Orchestra, and Blackburn Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Amman Symphony Orchestra in Jordan.
He has also worked as an educator at colleges, universities, and schools, including the Royal Northern College of Music and Chetham's School of Music in Manchester.
Mr Howarth regularly conducts the Wrexham Symphony Orchestra, including a memorable performance of Mahler's 2nd Symphony at Bridgewater Hall.
Violinist Kiana Chan was born in Hong Kong and is currently honing her musical skills at the Royal College of London as a Noel Croucher Scholar under the guidance of Professor Alexander Gilman.
Ms Chan is a current member of the world-renowned ensemble, LGT Young Soloists, which has propelled her onto stages worldwide.
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She first debuted as a soloist at the age of 11 when she performed Lalo's Symphonie Espagnole as a soloist with the Shanghai Philharmonic in 2014.
Appearances continued with solo performances of Saint-Säens Violin Concerto No. 3 alongside the Hong Kong City Chamber Orchestra in 2015 and the Shanghai Baroque Orchestra in 2016.
In 2022, Ms Chan made her debut in the UK as a soloist, performing Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E minor with the Alderley Edge Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Richard Howarth.
For more information, you can visit www.wrexhamorch.co.uk, where tickets can be booked online.
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