Stoneleigh open their Summer Concert with Sibelius’s patriotic tone poem Finlandia. Composed in 1899 to rouse national pride in the face of increasing Russian censorship, its continuing popularity has led to the final hymn-like theme becoming an unofficial national anthem for the country.

This will be followed by Sibelius' Violin Concerto which combines fiendishly virtuosic writing for the soloist with a lush, symphonic accompaniment. Stoneleigh are joined by soloist Jordan Brooks - a young South African violinist based in London who is fast making name for himself, having already won several international awards and prizes. Jordan is kindly supported by Making Music’s Philip & Dorothy Green Young Artists scheme.

Stoneleigh’s Training Orchestra open the second half of the concert with a Fanfare for King Richard III by Paul Lewis. This will be followed by excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake and the rousing final movement of Dvořák’s first suite of Slavonic Dances.

Tchaikovsky’s 6^th Symphony completes the concert. Widely considered his greatest symphony, its inspiration and possible link to his personal life has been the subject of much debate. Whatever the circumstances of its composition it remains a profound, emotionally charged work that the composer described as ‘my very best…the most sincere of all my compositions’.

Stoneleigh Youth Orchestra is one of the UK’s leading youth orchestras. Based in Wimbledon, it is made up of two full-sized symphony orchestras of over 170 players drawn from across south-west London and Surrey. It rehearses weekly during term time and gives three concerts a year in major concert halls in London and Surrey. Auditions for new players for the 2026/27 season will take place on 5 - 6 September. Visit www.stoneleighyouthorchestra.org.uk for more information and to book an audition.

Musical Director

Robert Hodge

Training Orchestra Conductor

Naomi Butcher