English Symphony Orchestra

Mendelssohn – Hebrides Overture 10′
Dvorak  – Silent Woods 7’
Smetana – Vltava from Ma Vlast 12’
Ethyl Smyth – The Wreckers 8’
Sibelius  – 2^nd Symphony 45’

Kenneth Woods – conductor
Joely Koos – cello
Zeb Soanes – presenter

Welcome to ESO’s ‘Monumental Symphonies’ season.

Across its 2026–27 Cheltenham Residency concerts, ESO is proud to celebrate the symphony, with landmark works from some of the greatest masters of the genre — Sibelius, Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky and Bruckner. Alongside this exploration of these monuments of music, we’re joined by some of the most exciting soloists working today, bringing their unique virtuosity and poetry to works by Dvořák, Rachmaninov, Korngold and Strauss.

The season opens with a vibrant evening of evocative works celebrating humanity’s deep spiritual connection to the natural world. Portraits of composers and creators, friends and family, alongside landscapes, mindscapes and seascapes of nature, featuring Sibelius’s hugely popular 2^nd symphony and presented by Classic FM’s Zeb Soanes.

ESO Insight Series

ESO has introduced the new ESO Insight Series. These relaxed, engaging pre‑performance conversations offer a closer look at the stories, ideas, and creative voices behind each programme. Led by the musicians and composers who shape their performances, the Insight Series invites you to arrive a little earlier, at 6.30pm, settle in, and enjoy a more connected start to your evening with the ESO. Free to ticket holders and no booking required.

Season ticket details

5% off per ticket when booking 2 concerts
10% off per ticket when booking 3 concerts
15% off per ticket when booking 4 concerts

This is info is now shown at the bottom of each concert listing page: English Symphony Orchestra: Portraits and Landscapes – Cheltenham Town Hall