The English Symphony Orchestra (ESO) begin their year-long celebrations of composer Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th Birthday with a concert in the historic Shirehall, Hereford on Saturday, February 1.

Making her long-awaited debut with the ESO is pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason, who will be performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.3 and the ESO will also be performing Beethoven’s Symphony No.8 and Mendelssohn’s enchanting concert overture, The Fair Melusine; a musical depiction not far from that of Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’.

Isata Kanneh-Mason, the sister of acclaimed cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, had a breakout year in 2019; her debut recording for Decca topped the charts for several months and was acclaimed as one of the highlights of the year in the New York Times and on Classic FM. Her Carnegie Hall debut, in recital with Sheku Kanneh-Mason, was hailed as “a triumph”, in the New York Times.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Isata,” said Kenneth Woods, the ESO’s Artistic Director and Conductor. “I can’t imagine a more uplifting way to begin our ‘LVB 250’ celebrations; it will be particularly exciting to hear an artist of her already impressive stature in this intimate setting - Hereford’s historic Shirehall has been one of the ESO’s regular homes since the 1980’s – as well as a rare opportunity to hear her up-close.”

Tickets for the concert on Saturday at 7.30pm at the Shirehall are available online at eventbrite.co.uk and on the door