The BSO is bringing a selection of symphonic treats to the region: from Symphonic Pink Floyd (Southampton, 3 Nov) and Last Night of the Christmas Proms (Portsmouth, 20 Dec) to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker suite (Portsmouth, 5 Dec) and a very special performance of Holst’s ‘Mars’ from The Planets under Luke Jerram’s installation at Chichester Cathedral (24 Oct).
Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth and the BSO visit Portsmouth this winter (c)Corin Messer
Mark Wigglesworth
This season marks an historic chapter for the BSO, as it welcomes Mark Wigglesworth as its new Chief Conductor.
One of the world’s leading conductors, Wigglesworth is recognised for his outstanding musicianship, extraordinary interpretations, and breadth of repertoire. Having held a titled role since 2021, his appointment heralds a period of the highest quality music-making as he deepens his connection with the BSO’s musicians, audiences, and communities.
He returns to the region, on Thursday 5 December, at Portsmouth Guildhall – with pianist Boris Giltburg – in a programme that includes Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.3 and the orchestral suite from The Nutcracker (Act II).
Enyi Okpara
Winner of the BSO’s Calleva Conducting Competition and described as a “talent to watch”, Enyi is the Calleva Assistant Conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. He is also the Artistic Director and Founder of Elysium Music, and previously the Conductor in Residence for the London Schools Symphony Orchestra.
Enyi has a special connection to Hampshire and the South Coast: during 2023/24, he was the Bursary Conductor with the Havant Symphony Orchestra, a post previously held by acclaimed conductors such as the BSO’s Chief Conductor, Mark Wigglesworth, plus, Jessica Cottis, Toby Purser and Ludovic Morlot.
Enyi conducts our opening performance at Fareham Live (6 Nov) – a brand-new hall, which boasts an 800-seat auditorium – in a programme that features clarinettist Julian Bliss.
You can also hear Enyi conduct our friends at Havant Orchestra on Saturday 19 October, in a programme entitled ‘Postcard from America’. Click here to book tickets.
If you prefer to watch live music from the comfort of home, don’t miss Enyi conducting the BSO’s Digital Concert, LIVE online, from Lighthouse, Poole on Wednesday 13 November. Click here to find out more.
Calleva Assistant Conductor Enyi Okpara (c)BSO
BSO Pops and Festive
If you’re looking for something different to do with friends and family over the festive period, look no further, we’re touring some fabulous events to suit a range of musical tastes.
The BSO returns to Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre (3 Nov) with conductor Pete Harrison for its magnificent Symphonic Pink Floyd. Experience the music of Pink Floyd in full symphonic glory!
Don’t miss the opportunity to get along to Last Night of the Christmas Proms at Portsmouth Guildhall (20 Dec), which is hosted by Joe Stilgoe.
If you’re looking to swirl into the New Year with style, you’ll love our New Year’s Viennese Gala, which comes to Fareham Live on Thursday 9 January with conductor Tom Fetherstonhaugh and soprano Soraya Mafi.
For full details of what’s coming up in and around Portsmouth and Southampton click here for What’s On listings.
The Calleva Assistant Conductor programme in 2024-2030 is funded by The Calleva Foundation, in memory of Jack Butt.