The Orchestra of Opera North rounds off the season with a delightful afternoon concert.

Directed by its Leader, Katie Stillman, there’s an American accent in parts, on American Independence Day. Jessie Montgomery’s Banner draws on the country’s national anthem – alongside other patriotic songs’ – in an exploration of the USA’s many complexities and contradictions. In doing so she asks, ‘What does an anthem for the 21st century sound like in today’s multicultural environment?’

Set in 19th-century Pennsylvania, the Pulitzer-prize winning ballet Appalachian Spring depicts the wedding day of a young frontier couple. It is rich with the quintessential ‘Americanness’ – wide, open harmonies, rhythmic vitality – that we associate with Aaron Copland. And there’s also a cameo for the famous Shaker tune ‘Lord of the Dance’ ‘Tis the gift to be simple'.

We also hear two works that hark back a century earlier. A musical tribute to the writer and philosopher Ludvig Holberg, Grieg’s suite for string orchestra is modelled on a series of dances popular during Holberg’s time. It’s a romp, cast through the prism of Grieg’s rich compositional style. And, to finish, Schubert’s Fifth Symphony. Written when the composer was just 19, this work is a cheerful tribute to the Classical style of his beloved Mozart. But hidden within its sunny exterior lies a rich, experimental and forward-looking mechanism.

Part of the Kirklees Concert Season 2026–27

Programme
Jessie Montgomery Banner
Grieg Holberg Suite
Copland Appalachian Spring
Schubert Symphony No. 5

Pre-concert talk 3.10pm

Performers
Katie Stillman director
Orchestra of Opera North