If you are an avid classical music fan and keen to find out more about concerts in Lancaster and North Lancashire, you might want to check out the Haffner Orchestra.
Lancaster House Hotel has sponsored the Haffner Orchestra’s latest sell-out concert in the Great Hall at Lancaster University.
The hotel is right next door to the university campus. So we are always looking for opportunities to work together, support each other and help promote the City of Lancaster.
And of course Lancaster House is a great place to stay when attending a concert in North Lancashire. The venue is also within easy driving distance for live music in Blackpool and concerts in the Lake District.
One of the best classical music concerts in Lancashire
Over 600 people enjoyed a spectacular evening of classical music. To set the scene, the Lancaster House Hotel team hosted an intimate gathering with pre-concert drinks and canapes at the venue.
Prior to the start of the Lancaster University concert, Haffner Orchestra musical director Alex Robinson and highly respected UK pianist Martin Roscoe delivered an insightful talk.
With a nod to the film history of the area, the highlight of the first half of the concert was Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.2, which featured in Brief Encounter.
Martin Roscoe kindly gave up his time at the interval to mix with our guests while they tucked in to festive treats.
Supporting the music scene in North Lancashire
The concert culminated in an exciting second half headlined with Finnish composer Sibelius’ Symphony No.2.
Lancaster House Hotel general manager Emma Underwood said: “This was a tremendous concert and a night we were proud to be involved in. Whether you’re a classical music enthusiast or curious about the genre, coming to music concerts in Lancashire to see talented musicians performing together live is magical.
“It was great to mingle with our guests and other concertgoers to discuss the performance. In some cases the conversations continued over a nightcap back at the Sandeman Bar in the hotel.”
Lancaster House is also supporting the Haffner Orchestra with sponsorship for two further concerts in March and June 2024.
History of the orchestra
The Haffner Orchestra has a proud history as the City of Lancaster’s symphony orchestra. Established in 1976, it consists of a host of amateur and local professionals. They come together for three official music concerts in Lancashire each year.
The orchestra’s talented musicians and polished direction allows it to deliver an array of well-known music pieces, from classical and baroque periods to more contemporary commissions.
Music for the local community
The orchestra team also loves to deliver occasional community performances. As part of the Lancaster Music Festival, Festa Italia’ and ‘Light up Lancaster’ events, it has played in the city’s market square, Marketgate and St Nicholas’ Arcade. Smaller groups of its musicians will thrill more intimate audiences in pubs and other venues too.
The Haffner Orchestra also offers workshops, masterclasses and one-off concerts to encourage greater musical education for the local Lancaster community.
For further information about the Haffner Orchestra and classical music concerts in Lancaster, visit www.haffnerorchestra.org
