I recently had the pleasure of conducting the BBC Concert Orchestra for BBC Radio 3’s Friday Night is Music Night at The Anvil, Basingstoke, in a programme entitled Celestial Wonders.
The concert explored the beauty and mystery of the night sky, from moonrise and sunset to planets, comets and the brightest stars. I was delighted to be joined by the outstanding saxophonist Amy Dickson, whose virtuosity brought an extra sparkle to the evening.
The programme journeyed through music inspired by the heavens and the natural world, featuring works by composers including Debussy, Sibelius, Ferde Grofé, Jonathan Dove and Lord Berners. Alongside these were much-loved melodies by Henry Mancini and George Melachrino, evoking enchanted landscapes, starlit romance and the wonder of the cosmos.
From glittering sunlight and dancing clouds to the magic of the night sky, Celestial Wonders celebrated the enduring inspiration that the heavens have provided to composers across the centuries. It was a joy to share this memorable evening with the orchestra, Amy and the audience.
If you missed the concert, it will be broadcast in Autumn 2026 – keep an eye on my website for more details.
Programme
Tabakova Orpheus’ Comet
Ketelby In The Moonlight
George Melachino Starlight Roof Waltz
Patric Standford Celestial Fire Suite
Joby Talbot The Transit of Venus
Debussy Claire de Lune
Mancini Moon River
Strauss Music of the Spheres
Interval
Jessie Montgomery Starburst
Sibelius Pelleas et Melisande (Theme from The Sky at Night)
Williams E.T. Adventures on Earth
George Dyson Woodland Suite: III. Moon Fairy
Lord Berners The Triumph of Neptune Suite: IV. Cloudland
Jonathon Dove Sunshine
Grofe Grand Canyon Suite: Sunset
Ross Edwards Full Moon Dances – Concerto for Alto Saxophone