ABOUT
This programme celebrates the elegance, charm and sheer joy of the Viennese tradition with a dazzling selection of orchestral and vocal favourites.

At its heart is the music of Johann Strauss II, the “Waltz King”, whose works capture the wit, sparkle and irresistible energy of 19th-century Vienna. From the effervescent Die Fledermaus Overture to the playful Tritsch-Tratsch Polka, literally "chit-chat" or “gossip”, culminating in The Blue Danube, one of the most famous waltzes ever written: an unofficial anthem of Vienna and a piece that has enchanted audiences for generations, from grand ballrooms to the silver screen in 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Alongside Strauss, the programme explores the many moods of the waltz, from Shostakovich’s jazz-infused Waltz No. 2 to the haunting beauty of Sibelius’s Valse triste. Tchaikovsky brings a touch of magic with the graceful Waltz from The Sleeping Beauty and the much-loved Nutcracker Suite, with some of the most recognisable music ever written — from the delicate sparkle of the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” to the sweeping beauty of the “Waltz of the Flowers”.
The programme also shines a light on the golden age of operetta, with soprano favourites including Lehár’s Meine Lippen, sie küssen so heiß and Vilja, Suppé’s Hab’ ich nur deine Liebe from Boccaccio, and two sparkling moments from Die Fledermaus: Adele’s famous Laughing Song and the fiery Csárdás. Korngold’s Serenade from The Snowman adds a note of nostalgic warmth to this richly coloured programme.

Full of elegance, nostalgia and exhilarating musical colour, this is a concert to lift the spirits and delight audiences of all ages.

PROGRAMME
Strauss II – Overture to Die FledermausStrauss II – Tritsch-Tratsch-PolkaShostakovich – Waltz No. 2Sibelius – Valse tristeTchaikovsky – Waltz from The Sleeping BeautyKorngold – Serenade from The SnowmanLehár – ‘Meine Lippen, sie küssen so heiß’ from GiudittaSuppé – ‘Hab’ ich nur deine Liebe’ from BoccaccioStrauss II – ‘Laughing Song’ from Die FledermausTchaikovsky – Selections from The Nutcracker, including Pas de deuxLehár – ‘Vilja-Lied’ from The Merry WidowStrauss II – ‘Csárdás’ from Die FledermausStrauss II – The Blue Danube

Description

The Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Wilfrid, commonly known as Ripon Cathedral, is a cathedral in the North Yorkshire city of Ripon. Founded as a monastery by Scottish monks in the 660s, it was refounded as a Benedictine monastery by St Wilfrid in 672.

Ripon Cathedral is a beautiful, ancient church with a history reaching back to the 7th Century. It is a mother church for the Diocese of Leeds and home for the cathedra (throne) of the Bishop of Leeds. The Cathedral is an active, living Church with a community of Christians who seek to make worship a priority for life and to reach out in service to the wider community. We enjoy welcoming both pilgrims and tourists, hoping that they will capture a glimpse of God’s love for them through the witness of this remarkable building and its people. We look forward to welcoming you.