Following a landmark 50th anniversary season that saw packed audiences and sold-out performances, Rutland Sinfonia is looking ahead to an ambitious and inspiring 2026/27 programme that promises to continue the orchestra's long tradition of musical excellence.

The orchestra's golden jubilee year proved to be one of its most successful seasons to date, drawing enthusiastic audiences from across Rutland and beyond.

Celebrating half a century since its founding in 1976, the orchestra marked the occasion with memorable performances and a renewed appreciation for its unique place in the county's cultural life.

Often described as "an amateur orchestra that plays like professionals", Rutland Sinfonia has built a reputation over five decades for presenting music of exceptional quality and ambition. A full scale symphony orchestra with over 60 players drawn from the area, as it enters its sixth decade, that commitment remains as strong as ever.

Chair Rachel Rayner said the orchestra was delighted to build on the momentum generated by the anniversary celebrations.

"Celebrating 50 years of music-making was a remarkable milestone," she said. "The support we received from audiences throughout the season was extraordinary, and we are excited to carry that energy forward into a new season filled with outstanding music and exceptional guest artists."

The forthcoming programme offers audiences a rich and varied musical journey, featuring accomplished soloists and a wide-ranging repertoire that combines beloved masterpieces with lesser-known gems.

The new season opens with Mendelssohn's evocative Hebrides Overture and Mozart's much-loved Clarinet Concerto, featuring soloist Easher Austin, before concluding with the vibrant energy of Kodály's Dances of Galánta.

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Russian masterpieces take centre stage in the second concert, with pianist Jeremy Young performing Shostakovich's sparkling Piano Concerto No. 2, followed by Tchaikovsky's powerful and deeply moving Pathétique Symphony.

Drama and storytelling define the third programme, featuring Beethoven's Egmont Overture, Bruch's lyrical Scottish Fantasy, played by violinist Fenella Humphreys, and Dvořák's orchestral tale, The Noonday Witch.

The season concludes with a nostalgic celebration of British light music, including favourites by Eric Coates, Ronald Binge and Albert Ketèlbey, featuring many instantly recognisable melodies that have become part of Britain's musical heritage.

Throughout the season, Rutland Sinfonia continues its mission to bring high-quality orchestral music to audiences across Rutland and the surrounding area. While maintaining the warmth and friendliness that have long defined the orchestra, it remains committed to presenting concerts that entertain, inspire and encourage musical discovery.

As the orchestra embarks on its next chapter, audiences old and new are invited to join a musical journey that continues to surprise, delight and inspire—proof that after 50 remarkable years, Rutland Sinfonia's story is far from finished.

Tickets for the new season on sale from June 7th 2026, via www.rutlandsinfonia.org.uk. Given the sell-out success of the most recent season, book tickets early so as not to miss out!