Orchestras Live concert to help raise funds for Cumbria Flood Relief

Orchestras Live is co-promoting a concert with Cockermouth Music Society on 9 February with Britten Sinfonia performing at Christ Church in Cockermouth. The concert - featuring Mark Padmore, Pekka Kuusisto and Jacqueline Shave - includes Britten's Les Illuminations alongside work by Purcell, Tippett, Steve Reich and John Adams, as well as a new piece by Nico Muhly.

Originally due to take place at the United Reform Church, the concert has been moved to Christ Church as a result of the major flooding last autumn. As well as receiving financial support from Orchestras Live, a significant contribution is being made by Britten Sinfonia - through waiving of fees - in order to contribute to the Cumbria Flood Relief fund.

This programme of music from both sides of the Atlantic delves into the subtle and rich sonorities of strings and voice. It offers a rare opportunity to hear celebrated tenor, Mark Padmore paired with the exuberant and imaginative violinist Pekka Kuusisto in a new work by Nico Muhly. A protégé of Philip Glass, Nico Muhly is gaining a reputation as being one of the most impressive innovators of new music, effortlessly crossing the boundaries between classical and pop.

Henry Little, Chief Executive of Orchestras Live, commented: "It's fantastic that Britten Sinfonia have offered to waive many of their concert fees to help raise funds for the Cumbria Flood Relief. Orchestras Live has developed a close relationship with Cockermouth Music Society, and we are pleased to be continuing to support them both financially and artistically. I'm really glad that an alternative venue has been arranged, and I'm very much looking forward to attending the concert myself."

Find out more about the Cockermouth concert