December marks the beginning of the Beethoven 250 celebrations, when people all over the world will start commemorating 250 years since the composer’s birth throughout 2020.

In anticipation of the year-long celebrations, the Stroud-based Capriol Chamber Orchestra are set to bring Beethoven to the town this month with special guest pianist James Brawn.

The Capriol Chamber Orchestra is based in Stroud and made up of amateur and professional players from Stroud and the surrounding areas.

Founded in 1988 by Bruce Critchinson, the Orchestra is now directed by Jonathan Trim and led by Steve McDade.

“We perform a wide range of pieces from the 18th to 21st century and have a history of attracting soloists of a very high calibre,” said Angie Spencer, violinist.

“We rehearse monthly and stage three concerts a year as well as enjoying a good reputation for our ability to provide high quality orchestral accompaniment for choral societies.”

Previous events the Orchestra have performed at include the charity performance of Mozart’s Requiem at the Subscription Rooms in March 2018 with the Stroud Refugee Aid Choir, and the World War 1 Centenary performance of The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins with the Phoenix Choir.

The group celebrated their 30th anniversary last year and Angie is looking forward to the next concert.

She said: “The Capriol Chamber Orchestra are very proud to welcome back pianist James Brawn for what will undoubtedly be an electrifying performance of Beethoven’s 5th Piano Concerto ‘The Emperor’.”

James Brawn is an Australian pianist who was born in England, but has lived around the world in New Zealand, Australia and the USA and currently resides in China where he teaches piano at the FaceArt Institute of Music, Shanghai.

He has so far recorded six volumes of Beethoven’s piano sonatas under the title ‘A Beethoven Odyssey’, which have received rave reviews all over the world.

“The all-Beethoven concert also includes the rarely heard King Stephen Overture and the dynamic 1st Symphony and promises to be an event to remember,” added Angie.

The concert will be at Holy Trinity Church in Stroud on Saturday 12th October at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £12 and £10 for concessions on the door, with a £1 reduction when bought in advance from the Stroud Sub Rooms box office.

Find out more about the Capriol Chamber Orchestra at www.capriolorchestra.co.uk