Event Durham

Haydn: String Quartet in E-flat major ‘The Joke’

Richard Strauss arr. Hasenöhrl: Till Eulenspiegel - Einmal Anders!

Beethoven: Septet

Maria Włoszczowska, director

Royal Northern Sinfonia

Royal Northern Sinfonia, directed by dynamic violinist Maria Włoszczowska, return for their second visit of the season in an evening of music packed full of wit, sparkle and passion.

Haydn’s quartet really lives up to its nickname, ‘The Joke’, full of the composer’s genial humour and sense of play. Till Eulenspiegel - Einmal Anders!(‘Till Eulenspiegel – another way!’) - brings to life a trickster from German folklore in Hasenöhrl’s brilliant chamber reduction of Strauss’ symphonic poem.

Beethoven’s Septet was an instant success on its premiere in 1800 - so much so that the composer lamented its popularity over his other works. The score’s lyrical solos, sprightly dances and warm, generous spirit never fails to delight.