Colourful lights of the classical scene

Aurora Orchestra return to The Apex next week with one of their famed memorised performances, which sees musicians performing without sheet music or music stands.

Saint-Saëns’ “Carnival of the Animals” is a vibrant introduction to orchestral instruments comprising of 14 short (sometimes very short) pieces of music, each one about a different kind of animal.

Performing from memory, Aurora Orchestra (pictured above) will explore the versatility of an orchestra, in a performance infused with movement and full of joy.

Prepare to be dazzled by a spectacular carnival parade – from the virtuosic flight of the flute to the demon speed of the pianists and the floor-shaking footsteps of the double bass to the soft glides of the cello. 

In a playful twist, the second part of Aurora’s Carnival asks: what happens when the carnival is over?  

Specially commissioned for this production, Richard Ayres’ new work “Dr Frompou’s Anatomical Study of an Orchestra” introduces us to the madcap scientist Dr Frompou, who keeps the instruments of the orchestra captive in a laboratory, performing musical experiments and finding new ways to make strange and powerful sounds. 

Find out what happens when the performers begin to stage a rebellion. 

 Aurora Orchestra: Carnival is at The Apex on Friday, May 23, at 7.45pm. See www.theapex.co.uk or ring 01284 758000 for more information, or to book tickets.