THE English Symphony Orchestra is in the mood to celebrate with a gala evening, after being named Orchestra in Residence for Worcester Live.

One of the faithful city's most celebrated international cultural exports will raise the rafters of the Huntingdon Hall, alongside a guest star, the rising soprano star, April Fredrick, whose recent performance in the title role of John Joubert’s Jane Eyre was critically acclaimed as "one of last year's best breakout performances".

A spokesman said: "The concert is a celebration of the ESO’s new role as Orchestra in Residence for Worcester Live.

"The programme, entitled “All Singing, All Dancing” includes Hungarian Dances by Brahms, Slavonic Dances by Dvorak and waltzes and polkas by Johann Strauss alongside some of the most beloved soprano arias in the repertoire."

Kenneth Woods, the ESO’s conductor and artistic director, said: “We wanted to make this first concert of our Worcester Live residency as joyful an occasion as possible, so we’ve chosen a a programme of works very close to our hearts: one which is as full of life and excitement as we could possibly make it.

"April Fredrick is one of the most exciting emerging talents in the UK, and we’re so thrilled she’ll be joining us for this concert.”

Long a mainstay of musical life in Worcestershire, the ESO’s recordings and tours have been one of the county’s most powerful cultural exports for many years.

The orchestra is currently enjoying a major artistic resurgence, having recently released their first full-length CD is 10 years- a recording of Krenek Piano Concertos which won a string of five-star reviews and landed on the Sunday Times Best Recordings of 2016 list.

Last year also saw the release of the ESO’s recording of the Elgar Piano Quintet as arranged for symphony orchestra by Donald Fraser- a recording which became Disc of the Month on Classic FM and a one of the year’s best-selling CDs. Other highlights of 2016 include winning Classical Music Magazine’s Premiere of the Year accolade for the second year in a row and a stream of international broadcasts.

The date for the diary is Friday, February 17, at 7.30pm.

Tickets on, 01905 611427.