Programme Notes

Programme notes

Summer Serenade features the individual performances of our symphony and jazz orchestras. The repertoire list gives you the running order and indicates which orchestra is performing (NYO Nottingham Youth Orchestra, NYIO Intermediate Orchestra, NYTO Training Orchestra, NYJO Jazz Orchestra, Brass Ensemble).

1. NYIO - Romeo and Juliet Overture (Tchaikovsky)

Composed in 1869, Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture is one of the composer’s most dramatic and passionate works, inspired by William Shakespeare’s famous tragedy. The music vividly captures the story’s contrasting emotions: the solemn opening suggests Friar Laurence, the energetic and conflict-filled sections represent the feud between the Montagues and Capulets, and the sweeping love theme portrays the deep affection between Romeo and Juliet. In this arrangement by Andrew, the orchestra brings to life Tchaikovsky’s rich melodies, powerful climaxes, and emotional storytelling, taking the audience on a musical journey from tenderness and hope to tragedy and heartbreak.

2. NYIO - Selections from Les Misérables

Based on the world-famous musical by Claude-Michel Schönberg, Selections from Les Misérables brings together some of the show’s most memorable melodies in a thrilling orchestral arrangement by Lowden. Inspired by Les Misérables, the story follows Jean Valjean, a former prisoner seeking redemption after years of hardship, while being relentlessly pursued by the strict police inspector Javert. Set against the backdrop of poverty, revolution, and social injustice in 19th-century France, the musical explores themes of hope, sacrifice, love, and forgiveness. This arrangement features many of the show’s best-known melodies, moving from powerful marches and dramatic battle scenes to tender, reflective moments, capturing both the emotional depth and epic scale of one of musical theatre’s most celebrated works.

3. NYIO Wind Section - Highlights from the Phantom of the Opera

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera tells the gothic story of a mysterious figure haunting the Paris Opera House who becomes dangerously fixated on the young singer Christine Daaé, drawing her into a world of secrecy, music, and obsession as she is torn between the Phantom and her love, Raoul. This arrangement of Highlights from The Phantom of the Opera brings together some of the most memorable themes, including the dramatic title music, the lyrical beauty of “Think of Me,” and the sweeping intensity of “The Music of the Night.” In its wind band setting, the music is richly reimagined through colourful woodwind writing that captures the Phantom’s eerie presence, expressive horn lines that convey romance and longing, and bold brass fanfares that drive the dramatic tension forward. Percussion adds atmosphere and theatrical impact, echoing the grandeur of the opera house and the story’s darker moments, while the ensemble as a whole is challenged to balance delicate, singing lines with powerful, cinematic climaxes.

4. NYIO String Section - Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head

Burt Bacharach’s Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head became an instant classic when it was written for the 1969 film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, capturing a light-hearted sense of optimism and resilience even in the face of life’s setbacks. In this arrangement by John Clarke, the familiar melody is reimagined for string orchestra, allowing the warmth and lyricism of the ensemble to bring out its gentle, flowing character. The writing often places the tune in the upper strings, supported by soft, pulsing harmonies in the inner voices and a smooth, understated bass line that suggests the steady “falling rain” of the title. Expressive phrasing, light articulation, and careful control of dynamics are essential to shaping its relaxed, singing style, while subtle shifts in texture give contrast and maintain momentum. The result is a piece that invites the orchestra to focus on blend, tone colour, and expressive simplicity, transforming a popular song into a tender and reflective concert work.

5. NYIO - Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity

Jupiter is the most famous movement from Gustav Holst’s orchestral suite The Planets, written during the First World War between 1914 and 1916. Full of energy, excitement, and powerful rhythms, the music captures the joyful and larger-than-life character of the Roman god Jupiter. Holst combines lively dance-like sections with soaring melodies and brilliant orchestral colours to create a sense of celebration and grandeur. In the middle of the movement comes a broad, noble tune that later became the patriotic hymn I Vow to Thee, My Country. Listen for the contrast between the fast, bustling opening music and the majestic central melody, as well as the sparkling sounds of the brass and percussion that make this movement such a thrilling favourite for audiences and performers alike.

6. BRASS SET - Sonata pian’ e forte

Composed in 1597, Gabrieli's Sonata pian’ e forte is one of the most famous pieces of music from the Renaissance. Gabrieli worked at St Mark’s Basilica in Venice, a huge church with balconies facing each other across the building. He took advantage of this by placing groups of musicians in different parts of the church so the music could “answer” from one side to the other.

The title means “soft and loud sonata”, and this piece is famous because it is one of the earliest works to include written dynamic markings, piano (soft) and forte (loud). At the time, composers rarely wrote these instructions into the music.

Gabrieli divided the players into two contrasting brass groups which perform in conversation with each other before joining together in powerful climaxes. Listen for:

The echo-like exchanges between the groups.

Dramatic contrasts between soft and loud passages.

Rich brass harmonies filling the space, and the grand ceremonial sound that influenced later Baroque composers.

Although it was written over 400 years ago, the music still sounds bold, exciting, and surprisingly modern. It remains a favourite for brass ensembles because of its majestic sound and thrilling antiphonal effects.

7. NYO - Huldigungsmarsch (“Homage March”)

Edvard Grieg composed Huldigungsmarsch in 1893 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Norwegian playwright Ludvig Holberg. The title means “Homage March”, and the music has a proud, ceremonial character from the very beginning. Grieg combines strong marching rhythms with memorable melodies inspired by Norwegian folk music, giving the piece both grandeur and warmth. Brilliant brass fanfares and energetic orchestral writing create a festive atmosphere, while contrasting lyrical sections add elegance and charm. Although the work was written for a special celebration, its exciting melodies and dramatic orchestral colours continue to make it a popular concert opener for orchestras today.

8. NYO - City Beautiful

In City Beautiful, composer Ingrid Stölzel creates a vivid musical portrait of a busy modern city, full of movement, colour, and energy. Inspired by the sights and sounds of urban life, the piece combines driving rhythms, bright orchestral textures, and sweeping melodies to capture both the excitement and beauty of a cityscape. At times the music feels bustling and energetic, while in quieter moments it becomes reflective and atmospheric, suggesting the changing moods of the city throughout the day. Stölzel’s imaginative orchestration gives every section of the orchestra a chance to shine, making the work an exciting challenge for young musicians and an engaging listen for audiences.

9. INTERVAL - NYJO in the Bar

This relaxed interval feature presents music in a lighter, more informal style, often inspired by jazz and popular genres. It allows NYJO's musicians to explore different sounds, rhythms, and performance styles while creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for the audience.

10. NYTO - Suite from The Planets

Gustav Holst’s The Planets, composed between 1914-1916, consists of seven movements representing the astrological and mythological characteristics of the planets in our Solar System. Earth is not included in the suite, neither is Pluto as it was not discovered until 1930. Today NYTO is playing arrangements of three of the movements:

Mars, the Bringer of War is an angry and ominous movement featuring a brutal and relentless five beat rhythm.

Venus, the Bringer of Peace brings a calming and cool contrast to Mars with its ethereal horn solo and gentle chord progressions.

Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity is majestic and triumphant leading to the famous sweeping central melody which later has been adapted into the hymn “I Vow To Thee My Country”. (The complete version of this movement will have been heard in the NYIO set earlier in the concert).

11. NYTO - "Surprise" Symphony

Joseph Haydn’s Surprise Symphony, composed in 1791, is one of a group of 12 known as the London Symphonies, having been commissioned by a London music publisher. The “surprise” is the sudden loud chord in the middle of the opening quiet phrases. In the eighteenth century it was not uncommon for people to fall asleep in the quiet movements of a concert and it is reputed that Haydn himself said that it “will make the ladies jump.” The movement is a set of four variations on a simple nursery rhyme theme.

12. NYTO - Symphony No. 7, 2nd Movement

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, second movement is another theme and variations in a sombre, minor key with a quiet rhythmic pulse, which some have likened it to walking through quiet catacombs. Beethoven himself conducted the premiere in 1813 in Vienna in a concert benefiting Austrian and Bavarian soldiers wounded at Hanau while defending their country against the armies of Napoleon..

13. NYTO - SpongeBob SquarePants

Music from SpongeBob SquarePants used for the well known TV and film character needs little explanation; enjoy our little bit of flippancy.

14. NYTO - Guantanamera and Havana

Guantanamera and Havana; two Latin American pieces played consecutively. Guantanamera, which translates as The Girl From Guantanamero is a Cuban folk song and became a patriotic song in the 19th century. Havana gave Camilla Cabello, a Cuban-American singer/songwriter, worldwide recognition and several music awards, winning a Grammy, scoring number 1 on Billboard Hot 100, number 1 in the UK Official Charts and much more.

15. NYTO - Pennsylvania 6-5000

Originally made famous by the Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1940, Pennsylvania 6-5000 is one of the best-known pieces from the Big Band Swing Era. The title comes from the telephone number of the Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City, where Glenn Miller’s orchestra often performed. Full of catchy rhythms, energetic brass lines, and swinging melodies, the piece captures the excitement and glamour of American dance music during the 1930s and 1940s. Victor López’s arrangement brings the style and energy of a professional jazz band to young performers, giving every section of the orchestra a chance to join in the fun. Listen for the lively syncopated rhythms, punchy brass interjections, and the famous repeated “Pennsylvania 6-5000” musical motif that made the tune such a memorable hit.

16. NYTO - Glorioso

Glorioso is a concert piece composed as a closer for a concert. Its title is derived from the word glory –   to rejoice triumphantly, to exult.

17. BRASS SET - Sonata pian’ e forte

Composed in 1597, Gabrieli's Sonata pian’ e forte is one of the most famous pieces of music from the Renaissance. Gabrieli worked at St Mark’s Basilica in Venice, a huge church with balconies facing each other across the building. He took advantage of this by placing groups of musicians in different parts of the church so the music could “answer” from one side to the other.

The title means “soft and loud sonata”, and this piece is famous because it is one of the earliest works to include written dynamic markings, piano (soft) and forte (loud). At the time, composers rarely wrote these instructions into the music.

Gabrieli divided the players into two contrasting brass groups which perform in conversation with each other before joining together in powerful climaxes. Listen for:

The echo-like exchanges between the groups.

Dramatic contrasts between soft and loud passages.

Rich brass harmonies filling the space, and the grand ceremonial sound that influenced later Baroque composers.

Although it was written over 400 years ago, the music still sounds bold, exciting, and surprisingly modern. It remains a favourite for brass ensembles because of its majestic sound and thrilling antiphonal effects.

18. NYO - Juba Dance

Florence Price was the first African American woman to have a symphony performed by a major American orchestra, and Juba Dance is one of her most popular orchestral works. The piece is inspired by the “juba”, a lively African American dance tradition that used clapping, stamping, and energetic rhythms. Full of syncopated patterns, colourful orchestration, and playful melodies, the music creates an atmosphere of excitement and celebration. Price combines influences from spirituals, folk music, and Romantic orchestral writing to produce a piece that feels both joyful and sophisticated. Listen for the bouncing rhythms, spirited exchanges between sections of the orchestra, and the vibrant energy that drives the music from beginning to end.

19. NYO - William Tell Overture

Rossini’s William Tell Overture is one of the most famous pieces of orchestral music ever written. Composed in 1829 as the introduction to his opera William Tell, the music tells the story of the legendary Swiss hero who fought for freedom against oppression. The overture is made up of four contrasting sections: it begins with a peaceful cello melody suggesting sunrise in the mountains, followed by a dramatic storm, a calm pastoral scene featuring the cor anglais, and finally the thrilling galloping finale that many listeners recognise from films, television, and the “Lone Ranger” theme tune. Full of excitement, brilliant orchestration, and memorable melodies, the overture remains a spectacular showcase for the orchestra and a favourite with audiences of all ages.

20. NYO - Finlandia

Jean Sibelius composed Finlandia in 1899 during a time when Finland was struggling for independence from Russian rule. The music quickly became a powerful symbol of national pride and freedom for the Finnish people. The piece begins with dark, dramatic brass and powerful orchestral chords, creating a sense of tension and determination. As the music develops, Sibelius introduces energetic rhythms and sweeping melodies before reaching the famous Finlandia Hymn, a calm, noble tune that has become one of the most loved melodies in classical music. Through its contrast of powerful drama and quiet hope, Finlandia remains an inspiring work that demonstrates the emotional power of orchestral music.