Czech National Symphony Orchestra set to perform at The Apex next month

The Czech National Symphony Orchestra (pictured above) are probably best known for their movie soundtracks and they are due to perform at The Apex, in Bury St Edmunds, next month.

The ensemble records numerous film scores and had an important association with Ennio Morricone, playing his European tours and recording his score for Quentin Tarantino’s “The Hateful Eight”.

The orchestra’s long-standing collaboration with Morricone also included studio recordings and numerous European tours. He said the quality of their performance of his work was truly outstanding.

The last time the Czech National Symphony Orchestra came to Bury St Edmunds it was for a sold-out performance in the Cathedral in 2004. Now, the orchestra returns to the town with a programme that includes Beethoven’s “Emperor piano concerto” with soloist Mark Bebbington (pictured above).

Bebbington is fast gaining a good reputation in the media. Reviewers have said: “Bebbington is without doubt one of Britain’s finest pianists” (Michel Fleury in Classica) and “A truly a remarkable pianist” (The Times). The programme also includes Smetana’s “Bartered Bride Overture” and “Moldau” and Dvorak’s “Symphony No 7”.

Over the past 30 years the Czech National Symphony Orchestra has become one of the most highly sought-after orchestras in Europe. Its glowing reputation can be attributed to the members’ versatility, performing a wide range of genres, spanning classical works, film music and jazz, as well as musicals, including a European tour with the acclaimed musical “La La Land”.

Other notable conductors, composers and film directors who have worked with the orchestra include Danny Elfman, Hans Zimmer, James Newton Howard, Vince Mendoza, Giuseppe Tornatore and Carl Davis.

Artists who have performed with the orchestra include Andrea Bocelli, José Carreras, Plácido Domingo, Sting, George Michael, Natalie Cole and Angélique Kidjo.

In April 2022, the CNSO won a Grammy Award for “Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals” for the composition “To The Edge of Longing” from Vince Mendoza’s record “Freedom Over Everything”.

The Czech National Symphony Orchestra perform at The Apex on Saturday, May 18, at 7.30pm. Seewww.theapex.co.uk or ring 01284 758000 for more information or to book tickets.