University of York Symphony Orchestra

John Stringer conductor

Elgar Cockaigne Overture, op. 40 Delius Paris: The Song of a Great City Percy Grainger Dreamery Ravel, arr. Grainger La vallée des cloches Gershwin An American in Paris

Musical portraits of London and Paris at the turn of the twentieth century open University Symphony Orchestra’s first concert of our 2022/23 season. Musical portraits of London and Paris at the turn of the twentieth century open University Symphony Orchestra’s first concert of our 2022/23 season. Elgar described his 'Cockaigne Overture' to his friend the music publisher August Jaeger as ‘cheerful and Londony’ and ‘stout and steaky’. The work uses a variety of vivid themes to create a snapshot of London at the time of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Delius’ nocturne for orchestra, 'Paris: The Song of a Great City', was inspired by memories from his time living in Paris and offers impressions of daybreak and Parisian nightlife. While referencing the sounds and energy of Jazz-Age New York, Gershwin’s musical response to the French capital, his highly popular tone poem An 'American in Paris', evokes city life during the 'Années folle'.