The Wessex Concert Orchestra is delighted to invite you to its upcoming summer concert, “Summer in Spain,” to be held at the historic Malmesbury Abbey on Saturday, 5th July 2025. This amazing evening of Spanish music will feature the renowned guitarist Richard Durrant performing Joaquín Rodrigo’s iconic Concierto de Aranjuez.
Richard Durrant was still a schoolboy when he first performed the Concierto de Aranjuez with the Brighton Youth Orchestra. Since then he has played the work with numerous orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall, the Hanover Orchestra, the BBC Concert Orchestra, and the Paraguayan National Orchestra.
Richard is one of the leading guitar virtuosos of his generation who, uniquely, performs standing up and writes a high proportion of his own concert music. He has composed a six-movement Ukulele Concerto and a popular work for guitar and strings, The Girl at the Airport, which is included in tonight’s programme. Interestingly, his work has been categorised variously including Indie Classical, English Folk Baroque, and Genre Fluid.
Richard has performed worldwide. He is celebrated in Paraguay for his playing of the music of Agustin Barrios, and his lyrical, virtuosic interpretations of Bach’s works (played on Tenor Guitar, Tenor Banjo, and Ukulele) have received critical acclaim. In the UK, Richard has appeared live on BBC Radio 2, 3, 4, and 6 Music.
Richard studied guitar, composition, and cello at the Royal College of Music between 1981 and 1986. He is a passionate supporter of music literacy, particularly amongst guitarists. Richard shows his concern for the natural environment by playing his annual British Isles midsummer tour carrying everything on a bicycle and trailer.
The evening’s programme includes a vivid selection of Spanish and Spanish-inspired works, as well as the inclusion of Durrant’s own composition for guitar and strings, The Girl at the Airport. Alongside Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, the orchestra will perform his moving Adagio para Instrumentos de Viento. The concert also features Chabrier’s Habanera and España, as well as Turina’s Danzas Fantásticas.
Tickets for “Summer in Spain” are now available online. Join us for an unforgettable evening of Spanish-inspired music in the stunning setting of Malmesbury Abbey.
To purchase tickets, please visit wco.org.uk/buy-tickets.
The Wessex Concert Orchestra, established in 1940, is a friendly and sociable non-professional orchestra based in Chippenham, Wiltshire.
We look forward to welcoming you to this special summer concert.
