City of Peterborough Symphony Orchestra
Autumn Concert
Prom Favourites
9th November at 7.00pm
The Cresset Performing Arts Theatre
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Conductor: Bjorn Bantock
Violin: Michał Ćwiżewicz
Mezzo: Liz Williams
Programme​ Includes:
Vaughan Williams: The Lark Ascending
Walton: Crown Imperial
Nicolai: The Merry Wives of Windsor
Elgar: Pomp & Circumstance March
Next Concerts
​Friends - 7th December
Spring 2026 - 8th March
Summer 2026 - 6th June​​
Bjorn has an extensive performance schedule conducting ensembles and orchestras internationally. He is principal conductor of the Irish Memory Orchestra and has been a guest conductor for the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philharmonia Choir of Cape Town, the European Bienniale in Naples and the Svanker Music Festival. Bjorn was also principal conductor for the St Albans Symphony Orchestra, the London Medical Orchestra, the Huntingdonshire Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, the Europa Ensemble and the Film Score Spectacular Orchestra and the International String Orchestra Festival in Malta.
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Passionate about teaching, Bjorn runs the Conducting Course for the National Schools Symphony Orchestra course in Malvern College and the Conducting Course for the Open Strings Festival in Denmark. He also founded and is principal conductor for the London Chamber Strings which showcases London’s finest string professionals. Hand-picked specifically for their musical integrity and stunning virtuosity the London Chamber Strings are led by David Juritz.
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Bjorn regularly conducts the Hertfordshire Philharmonia and worked as conductor at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, the London Contemporary Dance School and the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain. He has broadcast live on the SABC, BBC and S4C and has recorded and produced CD’s for the Kingsway Record label. Bjorn studied conducting with Colin Metters, Head of Conducting at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He has won numerous prizes, bursaries and scholarships including first prize in the Sir John Barbirolli competition, RNCM Contemporary Music Performance Prize
 and a Full International ABRSM Scholarship.
British-Polish violinist Michał Ćwiżewicz has given concerts across Europe, the Middle-East and USA and his playing has been broadcast on BBC television and Radio and Polish national television.
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He performs frequently in the violin duo Cwizewicz Brothers, the acclaimed Minerva Piano Trio and is also concertmaster and co-director of the Górecki Chamber Orchestra and director of the Ognisko Chamber Ensemble.
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As a sought-after teacher, Michał is a violin professor at the Royal College of Music and the Head of Strings at Uppingham School.
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Numerous prizes enabled his studies at the Royal College of Music, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, the Paris Conservatoire, the Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofia in Madrid and with celebrated musicians Krzysztof Åšmietana, Itzhak Rashkovsky and members of the Alban Berg, Arpeggione and Ysaÿe quartets. In 2007 MichaÅ‚ received his Masters in Aeronautical Engineering from Imperial College. In 2009 he graduated with distinction as postgraduate at the Royal College of Music. He was presented to Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace’s Young Artist’s Reception and has performed for HM King Charles III.
Other musical passions include the folk music of Eastern Europe (in particular, of the Carpathian Mountains which he has been playing since early childhood - taught by legendary violinists of the Podhale, Eugenius Wilczek and Władysław Trebunia-Tutka) and the music of Javanese Gamelan which he performed throughout his youth as a member of the Southbank Gamelan Players.
Liz Williams is an accomplished mezzo-soprano celebrated for her rich tone, expressive artistry, and commanding stage presence. A versatile performer, Liz has delighted audiences across the region in a wide range of operatic, oratorio, and concert repertoire.
She has appeared with many ensembles and opera companies, taking on both lead and supporting roles in productions such as Carmen, The Marriage of Figaro, and Il Trovatore. Her oratorio credits include alto solos in works by Handel, Vivaldi, and Mozart, where her musical sensitivity and vocal warmth have earned consistent praise.
Liz is also a frequent soloist in concert settings, known for her engaging interpretations of classical song, romantic arias, and contemporary works. She has featured in well-received recitals at St John’s Church in Peterborough and other notable local venues, often supporting community outreach and education initiatives through her performances.
Equally at home on the stage and in intimate recital settings, Liz brings both professionalism and passion to her singing. Whether performing operatic drama or sacred works, she continues to captivate audiences with her expressive voice and dynamic musicality.
A concert of great classical music with an English connection, brimming with familiar tunes.
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Following Nicolai’s entertaining take on Shakespeare’s “Merry Wives of Windsor”, a gentle clarinet solo introduces Butterworth’s evocation of the English countryside, “The Banks of Green Willow”.
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Classic light music follows with Ronald Binge’s “The Watermill” and “Elizabethan Serenade” both well-used for signature tunes. After Purcell’s yearning Dido’s lament “Remember Me”, the first half concludes with popular radio tunes by Eric Coates, “Knightsbridge”,
“By the Sleepy Lagoon” and “Calling All Workers”.
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The second half is a Last Night of the Proms sequence, with Walton’s glorious march “Crown Imperial”, Vaughan Williams beloved “The Lark Ascending” and Henry Wood’s uplifting “Fantasia on British Sea Songs”.
Sing along to “Rule Britannia!”, Elgar’s rousing “Land of Hope and Glory” and finally to Hubert Parry’s 1916 setting of William Blake’s poem “Jerusalem”.
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An evening of nostalgic joy!