Wednesday, 23 April 2025 09:55
Final rehearsals are underway as one of the region’s top orchestras prepares to stage a special concert at William Aston Hall in Wrexham.
Described as "A journey through life with tempo and grace" the concert, entitled "Symphonic Steps", will be performed by Wrexham Symphony Orchestra on Saturday 3rd May at 7.30pm.
Continuing the orchestra's theme of dance for its 2024/25 season, works featured will include the Overture from "Benvenuto Cellini" by Berlioz, "Violin Concerto No.3" by Saint-Saëns and Symphonic Dances" by Rachmaninoff. The Orchestra will be joined on stage by guest conductor Richard Howarth and renowned violinist Kiana Chan.
Speaking about the concert, 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."
Having led and directed orchestras for over 30 years, including the Manchester Camerata, the Ulster Orchestra, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Richard Howarth brings a wealth of experience and passion to his work. Richard has worked with both professional and amateur groups, serving as Principal Conductor for orchestras far and wide, from the Sale Chamber Orchestra, Westmorland Orchestra, and Blackburn Symphony Orchestra to more exotic groups such as the Amman Symphony Orchestra in Jordan. Richard has also worked as an educator at prestigious colleges, universities, and schools, including the Royal Northern College of Music and Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester. Richard regularly conducts the Wrexham Symphony Orchestra, including a memorable performance of Mahler’s 2nd Symphony at the iconic Bridgewater Hall.
Born in Hong Kong, violinist Kiana Chan is currently refining her musical skills at the renowned Royal College of London as a Noel Croucher Scholar under the guidance of Professor Alexander Gilman. Kiana is a current member in the world-renowned ensemble, LGT Young Soloists which has propelled her onto stages worldwide, from Australia and Thailand to Singapore, Hong Kong, Austria, and Germany, where she performs as both soloist and ensemble member. Kiana’s musical journey commenced at the age of 5 when she started playing the violin as part of an after-school program at YCIS in Shanghai. By the age of 11, she became a student of the esteemed Takako Nishizaki, and at 14, she was accepted into Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester with Jiafeng Chen. Kiana first debuted as a soloist at the age of 11 when she performed Lalo’s Symphonie Espangole as a soloist with the Shanghai Philharmonic in 2014. Notable 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, Kiana 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.
Full details of "Symphonic Steps" can be found at:
www.wrexhamorch.co.uk
…where tickets can be booked online.
Pictured – Wrexham Symphony Orchestra are set to take to the stage at William Aston Hall on 3rd May.
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CELEBRATION OF CLASSICAL DANCE MUSIC SET TO BE STAGED AT WREXHAM'S WILLIAM ASTON HALL – Chester's Dee Radio
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