The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) returns to the Bay again on Friday 9 January 2015.

Waltzes, Gallops, Polkas and Marches are on the menu of the New Year Johan Strauss Gala Concert at the Riviera International Centre (RIC) in Torquay.

Conducting this popular event will be widely acclaimed Viennese maestro Thomas Rösner. Joining the party will be soprano Elizabeth Watts who International Record Review described as “one of the most beautiful voices Britain has produced in a generation”.

Taking place from 7.30pm* to 9.45pm, the performance promises to take the audience on a musical journey through the power of a full symphony orchestra. The BSO believes in making performance accessible to all by offering reasonably priced tickets, starting at £11 for a full priced ticket and a special ticket price of £1 for children under 18.

Torbay’s Mayor Gordon Oliver said; “I am delighted that the BSO will return to the Bay for the third consecutive year. It is important that we give residents and visitors access to a variety of events; which they would normally have to travel to see.

“We are working closely with the Arts Council to bring a variety of small and large cultural events to the Bay and this includes classical performances. These partnerships give people the opportunity to see performances right on their doorstep. With tickets priced so reasonably it is an opportunity not to be missed.”

Many of the favourites from Johann Strauss Jr, known as ‘The Waltz King’, will be performed, including his Emperor Waltz, Pizzicato Polka and Voices of Spring, plus the most famous of them all - The Blue Danube.

This was written for the Vienna Men’s Choral Association in 1867 and was originally scored for chorus and orchestra. In that form it achieved something more akin to the status of a national anthem. The music flows as serenely as the Danube itself!

Also on the programme will be the lively Poet and Peasant Overture by the Viennese operetta composer Franz von Suppé. Like most of his output the complete work is rarely heard, but the overture has become popular with both bands and orchestras.

The Merry Widow, often called the queen of operettas, was a huge box office success for the Austro-Hungarian Franz Lehár and in fact the most successful of all Viennese operettas next to Die Fledermaus. The BSO will perform The Merry Widow Overture before Elizabeth Watts joins them to sing Vilja Song, popular with audiences around the world, as well as a number of other sweeping Viennese classics.

Seating prices range from £11 to £20 with concessions available. To book tickets call the RICC Box Office on 01803 206333 or visit www.rivieracentre.co.uk/events/301. For further information visit www.bsolive.com

*Doors open at 7pm, concert starts at 7.30pm, finish time approximately 9.45pm

For further information, enquiries & requests please contact: Esme James at Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra ejames@bsorchestra.co.uk / 01202 644737/ 07860 776646.

Notes to editors

1. BSO’s Education and Participation programme aims to ensure that everyone irrespective of circumstance has the opportunity to experience its world-class music. Working across the South West region, the BSO organises a variety of activities from inspirational workshops in schools to special performances in care homes.
2. As a registered arts charity it is increasingly reliant on the support of individuals, charitable trusts and companies. The income earned from ticket sales, commercial activity and grants from public funding sources help the Orchestra greatly and is increasingly invaluable in supporting BSO’s on-going mission to enrich and inspire the cultural lives of many.
3. Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra is the UK’s busiest orchestra, reaching around 5000 concert-goers per week across 35 venues across 10,000 square miles of the UK. 2014 marks the Orchestra’s 121st consecutive year of bringing the highest quality live music to the South and South West. The BSO has just been voted the World’s Favourite Orchestra on classical music website Bachtrack.