TICKETS will be available on general sale for the Leeds International Orchestral Season 2016/17 from Saturday. (August 20)

Acclaimed as one of the finest orchestral programmes in the country, this series features remarkable orchestras and astounding soloists from all corners of the globe.

The Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra opens the season on Saturday, October 8 with dazzling violinist, and 2002 BBC Young Musician of the Year at the age of twelve, Jennifer Pike who performs Sibelius’ Violin Concerto. Highlights from abroad include Natalie Clein performing Dvo?ák’s Cello Concerto with Czech National Symphony Orchestra (November 19); St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by maestro Yuri Temirkanov (January 28); Vienna Tonkünstler Orchestra (February 25); Norwegian Chamber Orchestra with Leif Ove Andsnes (March 18); and Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra (May 13).

The finest British orchestras continue to visit Leeds Town Hall including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (October 15) and, for the first time in thirteen years, the City of London Sinfonia with clarinettist Michael Collins (February 18) as director and soloist. We are delighted to welcome back the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra with Music Director Vasily Petrenko (January 21) and the Orchestra of Opera North with new Music Director Aleksandar Markovic (April 1). The talented young musicians of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain (April 8) perform Shostakovich’s Symphony No 5 alongside the fireworks of two works by Mexican composers Márquez and Revueltas.

Leeds is lucky enough to boast two great choral societies, both playing an important role in the season. Leeds Festival Chorus performs an all-Italian programme including all-time favourite Nessun Dorma by Puccini and Rossinni Petite Messe Solonelle (November 26), and Leeds Philharmonic Chorus presents Elgar’s The Music Makers (March 25). To end the 2016/17 season both choral societies join forces with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Verdi’s Requiem (20 May) lead by internationally acclaimed choral conductor, David Hill.

General booking for Leeds International Orchestral Season 2016/17 opens from 10am on Saturday, August 20. Tickets can be purchased from the City Centre Box Office on 0113 376 0318 or book online at www.leedsconcertseason.com.

To request a copy of the new season brochure, please call 0113 378 6600, email music@leeds.gov.uk or download a copy at www.leedsconcertseason.com.