Premiere to be performed during North Norfolk orchestral concert

Date published: 31st May 2018

A concert in North Walsham next month will bring together top-class musicians, a historic anniversary, the community and a world premiere.

Members of the acclaimed Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (OAE), directed by Robert Howarth, will be performing at St Nicholas’ Church on Sunday, July 1 (7pm).

North Norfolk District Council has partnered with Orchestras Live to put on the concert, which will include the world premiere of Agnes, a newly-commissioned work by Norfolk-based composer Sarah Rodgers. The concert will also include works by Purcell, Handel, Holborne, Warlock and Mozart.

The performance will also include the Boys, Girls and Men of the Choir of St Nicholas, North Walsham, directed by David Ballard, and soprano Julia Doyle.

The Reliving History concert is part of a wider programme of events to mark the Paston 600 Footprints project, which will celebrate the 600th anniversary of the first Paston Letter. The OAE has already put on various events across the district ahead of the anniversary.

Cllr Becky Palmer, Portfolio Holder for Culture at NNDC, said: “Not only will there be some of the great classics performed but we will be able to enjoy a world-premiere written by a local composer. This should prove to be a fantastic concert, and it’s a huge privilege that such a great orchestra will be coming to North Norfolk.”

Cllr Virginia Gay, Shadow Portfolio Holder for Culture at NNDC and Ward Member for North Walsham West, said: “It will be such a pleasure to welcome this famous orchestra to North Walsham in July. And many congratulations to all the people and groups involved in bringing this together and making it happen.”

Cllr John Rest, Leader of the Independent Group at NNDC, said: “This event is a superb opportunity to enhance the existing reputation of North Norfolk as an iconic music venue.”

Tickets are £12 in advance and £15 on the door, with free entry for under-18s and students. They are available online or in person from North Norfolk Information Centre, Louden Road, Cromer, or North Walsham Community Shop, 1 Market Place, North Walsham.