Yorkshire Day: New orchestral work trumpets God's Own County

Yorkshire Day is being celebrated today with the preview of a new orchestral work which blows the trumpet for God's Own County.
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Yorkshire for All is a 90 second journey of hope - taking audiences from the start of Covid to rising from the ashes and showcasing the diversity of the region.

It also aims to demonstrate that the arts, in particular classical music, is accessible and inclusive to all communities in Yorkshire.

Ben Crick conductor of the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra, was commissioned by Welcome to Yorkshire to write the new composition to celebrate Yorkshire Day today, August 1.

The Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra (YSO) was reformed this year to support freelance northern musicians hit hard by the pandemic.

It will play the piece live at The Great Yorkshire Proms at Harewood House where the orchestra makes its debut appearance, alongside guest stars Sir Willard White and Aled Jones, on September 4.

BUY TICKETS: For tickets for tThe Great Yorkshire Proms go to www.vivolive.co.uk/harewood.

Jamie Hudson, a leading figure in the arts, social enterprise and community sector, came up with the idea of reviving the orchestra with the acclaimed Skipton musician, composer and conductor, Crick.

“It’s fantastic to work with Welcome to Yorkshire, and I’m delighted to announce its tourism chief, James Mason, will be our newest Patron of the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra," said Jamie Hudson, co-founder of the YSO.

Mason joins fellow Patrons Alan Bennett and the Bard of Barnsley, Ian McMillan.

“Music has the power to break down barriers, bring people together, and make hearts sing. The piece is entitled, ‘Yorkshire for All’ to reflect the down to earth, open, friendly spirit of our county. We take pride in ensuring everyone who visits receives a warm Yorkshire welcome," James Mason said.

Composer Crick is known for performances in unusual places, and once had a chamber orchestra perform outside Sainsbury’s in Leeds Station.

The Great Yorkshire Proms at Harewood House on September 4The Great Yorkshire Proms at Harewood House on September 4
The Great Yorkshire Proms at Harewood House on September 4

He said: “’Yorkshire for All’ is a 90 second journey taking audiences from the start of Covid to rising from the ashes, with a bit of a triumphant finish. That’s the journey our orchestra has been on. As well as blowing the trumpet literally for Yorkshire, it’s a note of hope, not just for our musicians who are desperate to get back to live performances, but for audiences, who now need the uplifting, transformative power of music.”

The Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra will perform ‘Yorkshire for All’ alongside classical favourites at The Great Yorkshire Proms on 4 September. You can then catch them again as they support Queen Symphonic on 5 September, as part of the Picnic Proms at Harewood House in Leeds.