Saffron Walden Symphony Orchestra
SWSO - Saffron Walden Symphony Orchestra is a community orchestra formed of both professional and amateur musicians based in and around Saffron Walden, Uttlesford, Essex
The orchestra is commonly known as SWSO and has been performing for over 70 years.
Our next concert…
Sunday 3 May 2026, 3pm
Follow the SWSO on a journey through darkness into the light.
Saffron Walden Symphony Orchestra take you on a journey through darkness into light with a programme inspired by composer’s reactions to the inevitability of death. Rachmaninov’s mysterious Isle of the Dead, inspired by Böcklin’s painting, takes us across the River Styx and into Liszt’s Totentanz, a terrifying dance of the dead, using the medieval Dies Irae plainchant as its foundation, performed by Stephen Smithers. Wagner’s brooding but ultimately triumphant Siegfried’s Death and Funeral March from Götterdämmerung is followed by Strauss’ epic tone poem journeying from death into the light of transfiguration.
Tickets available here
Programme
Rachmaninov Isle of the Dead
Liszt Totentanz - Stephen Smithers piano
Wagner Siegfried’s Death and Funeral march from Götterdämmerung
Strauss Tod und Verklärung
Recent Concerts
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Recent Concerts 🎶
