A top local orchestra will launch its latest season at a special concert inside Chester Cathedral.

Chester Philharmonic Orchestra is set to stage its autumn concert on Saturday 15 November, featuring music by Shostakovich, Strauss and Rachmaninov.

Led by guest conductor Stephen Threlfall, the orchestra will also be joined by special guest soloist, oboist Jonathan Small, who will perform Richard Strauss' Oboe Concerto.

Written by Strauss in 1945, the Oboe Concerto was one of the final works he composed towards the end of his life, during what is often described by biographers, journalists and music critics as his "Indian summer."

It received its premiere in Zurich in 1946 with its British premiere taking place at The Proms later the same year.  

"We are delighted to launch our brand new season of concerts in the historic surroundings of Chester Cathedral," said Diana Anderson, chair of Chester Philharmonic Orchestra.

"We are pleased to be joined our wonderful soloist, oboist Jonathan Small and our esteemed guest conductor Stephen Threlfall for what promises to be a superb evening of music."

A renowned oboist, Jonathan Small also enjoys a parallel career as a much sought after conductor.

Jonathan stepped down from his position as Principal Oboist with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in May 2024 after 40 seasons.

Since then, he has been more active as a conductor but has also played as a featured artist at the Ulverston International Festival, and played as guest principal oboe with the Hallé.

In addition to Strauss' Oboe Concerto, the concert will also feature Shostakovich's Festive Overture and Rachmaninov's Symphony No.3.

Chester Philharmonic Orchestra will once again be joined by guest conductor Stephen Threlfall. 

Formally Director of Music at Chetham's School of Music, Stephen is a highly acclaimed conductor with many years' experience directing orchestras and ensembles.

Full details of Chester Philharmonic's 2025/26 season of concerts can be found here, where tickets can be booked online.

Alternatively, tickets can be booked in person at the Chester Cathedral Box Office.