Upcoming concerts

Performance

Join the Canterbury Symphony Orchestra for an unforgettable evening of music, under the baton of Joe Davies, an up-and-coming, supremely talented conductor already making waves across the UK. With his dynamic energy and insightful musical leadership, Davies brings fresh intensity and clarity to every performance.

This concert features the biting brilliance of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 9, bursting with character and satire, and the sweeping emotional power of Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto, brought to life by the outstanding soloist Jessica Meakin.

Jessica Meakin is recognised as a dynamic, versatile, and sought-after young artist. Her rich experience spans orchestral, chamber, session, and musical theatre work, and she brings exceptional poise, expressive depth, and captivating musicality to every performance. Her interpretation of Barber’s hauntingly beautiful concerto promises to be a true highlight of the evening.

More than just a performance, this is a celebration of the remarkable musical talent flourishing here in Canterbury. The CSO is your local orchestra – professional, passionate, and performing at an exceptional standard.

🎻 Support local talent. Experience outstanding music. Let Joe Davies, Jessica Meakin, and the CSO take you on a powerful musical journey.
Book your tickets now – and don’t miss this inspiring night of music.

Soloist  Jessica Meakin Violin

Joe Davies  Conductor

Floriane Peycelon  Leader

Programme

Elizabeth Winters  The Serious Side of Madness

Samuel Barber   Violin Concerto

Interval

Dmitri Shostakovich  Symphony no. 9

Performance

Performance

Celebrate the rich emotional depth and grandeur of English music with an evening devoted entirely to Sir Edward Elgar. The Canterbury Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Music Director Joe Davies, presents two of Elgar’s greatest and most heartfelt works.

The programme opens with the iconic Cello Concerto in E minor — a deeply moving and introspective masterpiece, filled with lyrical beauty and quiet intensity. A cornerstone of the cello repertoire, it offers a profound and personal glimpse into Elgar’s later years.

In the second half, the orchestra performs Elgar’s Symphony No. 1, a sweeping and majestic work that combines nobility, tenderness and Elgar’s unmistakable melodic genius. Hailed at its premiere as a triumph, it remains one of the great symphonies of the early 20th century.

This all-Elgar programme promises an unforgettable evening of passion, elegance and English romanticism.

Performance

The Canterbury Symphony Orchestra rounds off its season with a spectacular performance of Holst’s The Planets — one of the most iconic and exhilarating works in the orchestral repertoire. From the relentless power of Mars to the ethereal mystery of Neptune, Holst’s vivid score takes audiences on a cosmic journey full of colour, drama and wonder. A hidden choir adds to the haunting atmosphere of the final movement, creating an unforgettable conclusion.

This thrilling programme also features complementary works to be announced, highlighting the full force and finesse of the CSO under the direction of Music Director Joe Davies, with Leader Flo Peycelon.

Join us for a powerful end to the season, with music that captures the imagination and stirs the soul. Whether you're a seasoned concertgoer or new to orchestral music, this is a night not to be missed.

Tickets will be available via the Gulbenkian box office. Student group discounts available.