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HSO - Carnival Fantastique
The Drill Hall
Sat 4th July 2026
7:30pm
Join Hertford Symphony Orchestra in festive mood with Carnival Fantastique, a colourful evening of orchestral favourites inspired by dance, celebration and imagination.
Conducted by Jonathan Mann and featuring around 60 musicians from across Hertfordshire, the orchestra includes many players who are active in local schools and community music organisations.
The programme features Rimsky-Korsakov's dazzling Capriccio Espagnol, a brilliant display of Spanish-inspired melody and orchestral virtuosity. Audiences will also hear Márquez's Danzón No. 2, whose infectious rhythms and sweeping melodies have made it one of the most popular orchestral works of recent decades.
Other highlights include Debussy's atmospheric Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune, Mussorgsky's dramatic Night on Bare Mountain, and Offenbach's exuberant Can-Can. Together, the works create an evening of music that is by turns exciting, evocative and entertaining.
Jonathan Mann, conductor of Hertford Symphony Orchestra, said: "This programme captures something of the colour and celebration associated with carnival. From the elegance of Debussy to the energy of Márquez and Offenbach, there is a wonderful variety of music and plenty for audiences to enjoy."
Hertford Symphony Orchestra is one of the region's leading amateur orchestras and presents a regular season of concerts throughout the year, bringing musicians and audiences together from across the local area.



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