Worthing Symphony Orchestra: Symphony By The Sea

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Sea-swept horizons and symphonic splendour combine in this richly atmospheric programme from Worthing Symphony Orchestra, where the power of the ocean meets the majesty of the organ.

Frank Bridge’s The Sea opens the concert with a vivid and impressionistic portrait of the shifting waters of the English Channel as viewed from the Sussex coast. From glistening calm to surging waves, Bridge’s luminous orchestration captures the coastline's ever-changing moods with remarkable sensitivity and colour.

The spirit of the seaside continues in Paul Lewis’s Seaside Concerto, performed by Richard Hills. Brimming with character and invention, this engaging work evokes the vitality and nostalgia of Britain’s coastal traditions, brought to life with flair and virtuosity.

A moment of unity and reflection follows in Hubert Parry’s Jerusalem, a work whose noble melody and quiet strength have resonated across generations, offering a sense of shared voice and timeless aspiration.

The concert culminates in Camille Saint-Saëns’s Symphony No. 3 ‘Organ Symphony’—a work of thrilling scale and sonic brilliance. With the full force of the organ woven into the orchestral fabric, Saint-Saëns creates a sound world of extraordinary richness, from shadowy mystery to blazing triumph. In the hands of Richard Hills, this iconic masterpiece promises a conclusion of overwhelming power and grandeur.

From the shimmer of the sea to the resounding glory of the organ, this programme is both evocative and exhilarating—music that surges, sparkles and ultimately resounds with unforgettable impact.