A rising star of the classical music world is set to join Chester Philharmonic Orchestra for its first concert of 2026. 

Mariatu Kanneh-Mason, a member of the talented Kanneh-Mason family of classical musicians, will perform at Chester Cathedral on Saturday 28 February at 7.30pm.

Alongside music by Beethoven and Weber, the concert will feature Mariatu Kanneh-Mason performing one of the most celebrated and moving works in the cello repertoire, Sir Edward Elgar's Cello Concerto.

Written in the aftermath of the First World War, the concerto, often regarded as Elgar's musical farewell, is described as being filled with longing, dignity and introspection rather than celebration.

Chester Philharmonic Orchestra will also spotlight the Overture to the opera 'Der Freischütz' by Carl Maria von Weber which received its premiere in 1821 at the Royal Playhouse in Berlin, and Beethoven's celebrated Symphony No.3 - Eroica.

"We are delighted to welcome Mariatu Kanneh-Mason as our soloist," said Diana Anderson, chair of Chester Philharmonic Orchestra.

"One of the most compelling cellists of her generation, Mariatu is celebrated for her rich tone, sensitivity and expressive storytelling. She has performed on stages across the UK and internationally, and her interpretations are praised for their warmth, insight and emotional clarity — qualities perfectly suited to Elgar's deeply moving and iconic masterpiece."

A rising star of the classical music world, 16-year-old Mariatu Kanneh-Mason studies cello and piano at the Junior Royal Academy of Music.

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She has performed with the Kanneh-Masons in a series of concerts around the UK, Europe, Australia, USA, Canada and in Antigua and Barbuda - alongside The Royal Albert Hall for the 2021 BBC Proms.

The orchestra will also welcome Robert Guy as its guest conductor. 

Born with severe hearing loss, Guy is an internationally recognised conductor who transforms his early silence into powerful, electrifying performances. Guy has conducted concert broadcasts for Classic FM and the BBC, alongside leading orchestras and choirs from London's West End to Hong Kong, Austria and Kazakhstan.

Full details of Chester Philharmonic Orchestra's first concert of 2026 at Chester Cathedral can be found here, where tickets can be booked online.

Tickets can also be booked in person at the Chester Cathedral Box Office.