G Live Brings More Classical Concerts to Guildford from Renowned Orchestras

Published on: 19 Oct, 2024
Updated on: 19 Oct, 2024

Theodore Kuchar conducting the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine.

Every year, G Live’s Guildford International Concert Season brings renowned international and UK-based orchestras to our doorstep.

Last week, the 13th season began with a rousing evening of musicianship from the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine, playing works by Rossini, Sibelius, Elgar and Dvorak.

The Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine, established in 1902 and based in the medieval city of Lviv.

Elgar’s Cello Concert in E minor, Opus 85, was a particular highlight, featuring charismatic playing from the acclaimed Czech cellist Jiri Barta. At the evening’s close, conductor Theodore Kuchar brought the G Live audience to its feet as he thanked Britain for its support for Ukraine through two and a half years of war.

Highlights of the coming Season include the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra playing works including Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony at G Live on November 30th; and Christmas: Songs of Celebration with the National Youth Chamber Choir and Emma Johnson, on December 5th. Delights to look forward to next year include the London Mozart Players on February 7th and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra returning on March 1.

Meanwhile, G Live’s popular Lunchtime Concerts return from January, in the Bellerby Studio, with tickets at £9.50.

For more details of G Live’s classical programme, and to book, see www.GLive.co.uk

Responses to G Live Brings More Classical Concerts to Guildford from Renowned Orchestras

N Rockliff Reply

October 20, 2024 at 5:22 pm

Whilst I enjoyed the concert, I noted that the auditorium was probably no more than 60 per cent full and that the audience was very heavily weighted to older age groups; this is a pity. Rather than having so many unsold seats, could the management team for the series not give some thought to making heavily discounted tickets available to young people, even children, particularly if many seats remain unsold three weeks before the concert?

This could be done via schools, colleges and the university; some are supposed to be specialist music establishments (eg County School).

So long as the discounted ticket price(s) covered the marginal costs involved, there would be no loss compared to the cost of unsold seats, and this would not only help fill the auditorium but, it is to be hoped, start to build a long term audience.