For nearly six decades, the Ulster Orchestra has brought classical music to the people of Northern Ireland and beyond in live concerts, in addition to myriad recordings of various classical and contemporary works. In this article we've pulled together some of our favourites from our catalogue.
If you're looking for a place to start, our Essential Ulster Orchestra on the Naxos label is highly recommended. From Holst to Philip Glass, Webern and Arvo Pärt, the album highlights the spectrum of musical colour, light and shade. Also included is the Prelude from our recording of Gustav Holst's Japanese Suite. 2024 marks the 150th anniversary of Gustav Holst's birth.
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Continuing the theme of Gustav Holst, one of his earlier works, the Cotswold Symphony. Conducted by JoAnn Falleta, the rarely heard work much-loved by Holst scholars has at its heart a touching elegy to the writer and artist William Morris whom the composer was especially influenced by.
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Recorded in 2022 and conducted by Honorary Principal Guest Conductor Jac van Steen, Gramophone Magazine described this recording as 'spirited'. The depth and warmth of the brass section compliments the strings throughout making for a highly engaging listen, particularly in the second movement of the symphony.
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A recording from 1983 conducted by the late Bryden Thomson. Showcasing each section of the orchestra, this collection of recordings features a selection of programmatic works . A warm, welcoming hand extended to those listeners unfamiliar with British composer Sir Arnold Bax's musical language and his output from the early part of the 20th Century.
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Featuring French pianist Philippe Cassard and conducted by Thierry Fischer, this set of recordings showcase orchestral colour, and are stylistically charming and quirky yet virtuosic.
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Conducted by multi-grammy nominee Marc-Andre Hamelin, Gramophone described the recording of Bernstein's second symphony The Age of Anxiety as 'Hamelin and the Ulster Orchestra in fine form under Sitkovetsky deliver a well-paced and cogent performance right up to the deliberately inflated, optimistic ending.
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Featuring percussion soloist Colin Currie and conducted by Takuo Yuasa, this recording is a thrillingly virtuosic blend of solo percussion line and intriguing orchestral colour, brimming with energy.
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This cult classic full of drama, conducted by Yan Pascal Tortelier is essential listening. This is a shining example of the orchestra’s individual take on well-trodden ground of the classical canon.
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Conducted by the late Vernon Handley, this pairing of Arthur Bliss' Checkmate Suite with his Colour Symphony written in 1922, showcases the composer's love of vibrant orchestration and big bold statements. The fanfare like conclusion of the second movement - entitled Red - a particular fine illustration. Sir Arthur Bliss was Director of Music at the BBC in the 1940s, and was appointed Master of the Queen's Music in 1953 after the death of Arnold Bax.
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