Dan Shilladay conducts a Nonesuch work-shop. Picture: Christine Bradshaw
March 22, 2025
The Nonesuch Orchestra is returning to Chiswick during Holy Week this Easter with a performance of Haydn’s “The Seven Last Words of our Saviour on the Cross”.
This will be a new arrangement by conductor Dan Shilladay and is described as a profoundly moving work of seven movements giving voice to tragedy and redemption, it is framed by an introduction and closing depiction of the earthquake following the crucifixion. This performance will include the
corresponding texts from the Bible, read by the actress Joanne Pearce.
Haydn originally wrote the work in 1786 for full classical orchestra with flutes, oboes, bassoons, horns, trumpets and timpani, as well as strings. Responding to the work’s immediate popularity, he prepared a version for string quartet, which is the version most often performed. Dan Shilladay’s arrangement, which will receive its first performance in Chiswick, broadens the scale and colours of the string quartet version in a new score for full string orchestra.
The event takes place at 7pm on Wednesday 16 April at Christ Church on Turnham Green and will last approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. It will be a free, unticketed performance with doors opening at 6.30pm and capacity for 200 in the church. There will be a retiring collection to support the Nonesuch Orchestra’s work bringing music to London schools. Further information about the concert can be found here.
As well as public concerts, the Nonesuch Orchestra holds workshops in schools throughout London, most recently in Newham, Walthamstow, Enfield, Hackney and Elstree, giving many children their first-ever experience of live orchestral music, up close.
The Nonesuch Orchestra, under conductor Dan Shilladay and leader Stephanie Waite, rehearses on Thursday mornings in Queen’s Park, NW6. Membership is open to string players of Grade 8 standard and above.
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