Classical concert: Renowned cellist Matthew Sharp joins the Northern Chamber Orchestra

The internationally recognised cellist Matthew Sharp is joining one of the region’s finest ensembles, the Northern Chamber Orchestra, for a very special show on Wednesday 4 March. Taking place at Stockport’s Forum Theatre, it promises to be a night that even classical neophytes can enjoy. That’s because Matthew is an accomplished Animateur – a musical professional whose role is to engage audiences who are unfamiliar with a kind of music and help bring it to life beyond what might be expected in a traditional performance. The programme includes the overture from Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro, Haydn’s Symphony No. 101 (The Clock), plus the final two sections of Aaron Copland’s ballet Rodeo: Saturday Night Waltz and Hoedown. Matthew Sharp will join the orchestra before the interval to play Antonín Dvořák’s Cello Concerto in B minor, one of the most performed cello concertos of all time and recorded by many of the world’s greatest cellists, including Jacqueline du Pré (who Sharp performed for at the age of 12) and Yo Yo Ma. In the days before the concert, Matthew will be working with local schools on an education project based on the Dvořák piece. Unreserved tickets are available for £15, while under 18s and students go free.