Sheffield Chamber Orchestra unveils new season focused on discovery and emerging talent
Sheffield Chamber Orchestra has revealed its 2026–27 concert calendar, promising audiences a blend of celebrated classics, overlooked masterpieces and opportunities to hear emerging talent from across the region.
Building on the momentum of its 75th anniversary, the orchestra’s new season is designed to offer both familiar works and fresh discoveries. Audiences can expect a journey through Romantic, Baroque and contemporary music, with each concert curated to showcase a wide range of composers and styles.
Chair Julie Ryan said the season will reflect the orchestra’s ongoing mission to engage and inspire. She added: “Our new season reflects what we love about Sheffield Chamber Orchestra: great music, played with enthusiasm and commitment, and the opportunity to introduce our audiences to composers and musicians they may not have encountered before.”
The season launches on December 5 at Ecclesall Parish Church with ‘New Voices’, conducted by Gina Hazell. Making her SCO debut, Hazell brings experience from symphonic, operatic and choral settings, and has worked with renowned mentors. The programme features Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream Overture, Dvořák’s Czech Suite, Handel’s Concerto Grosso in B-flat major and Louise Farrenc’s Symphony No. 1—a Romantic work by a composer gaining renewed attention.
March 13 sees John Lyon, a familiar presence in Sheffield’s music scene, return to conduct a concert spanning Beethoven, Fauré, Emilie Mayer and John Rutter. The programme is designed to juxtapose well-known names with less familiar voices, continuing the orchestra’s tradition of adventurous programming.
The season concludes on May 22 with ‘Accent on Youth 2027’, again under Lyon’s baton. This concert will spotlight outstanding young performers, giving them a platform to play alongside the orchestra and reinforcing SCO’s commitment to nurturing new talent.
Full details, including concert programmes and ticket information, are available on the Sheffield Chamber Orchestra website.
