Durham residents will soon have the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of classical music as Orchestra North East returns for the first time since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

The orchestra will perform at The Gala Theatre on Sunday, September 24, at 3pm.

The concert will begin with Wagner's Good Friday Music from his opera 'Parsifal'.

This orchestral extract is known for its intense and meditative qualities, setting the tone for an afternoon of mesmerising music.

Renowned conductor Philippe Bach, who has collaborated with Orchestra North East on numerous occasions, will guide the orchestra through the performance.

Bach currently serves as the Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Kammerphilharmonie Graubünden in Switzerland and has an extensive repertoire that spans from grand opera to contemporary compositions.

Joining the orchestra as the soloist for the concert is Peter Francomb, the Principal Horn of the Royal Northern Sinfonia.

Audiences in the North East are already familiar with Francomb's extraordinary talent, and they can look forward to his captivating performance of Richard Strauss' lively and virtuosic Horn Concerto no. 1.

The concert will conclude with Vaughan Williams' Symphony no. 2, also known as 'A London Symphony'. This expressive work paints a vivid musical picture of Edwardian London, capturing the city's atmosphere, fog, and even the iconic Westminster chimes.

With its large orchestral forces, the symphony promises to transport audiences to another era.

Tickets for the concert are priced at £16 for full admission, £14 for concessions, and £8 for students.

Accompanied individuals aged 16 and under can attend for just £1 at the door.

Tickets can be purchased ahead of time from the Gala Theatre Box Office by calling 03000 266600 or online at www.galadurham.co.uk.

Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door on the day of the concert.