Autumn : Light from Darkness

Autumn: Light from Darkness invites audiences into a moving celebration of resilience, remembrance, and musical brilliance. The Cheltenham Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Stephen Belinfante, honors the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz with a program that honors the profound influence of World War II on contemporary composers. In a heart‑rending premiere, Belinfante brings to life the rediscovered work “Awakening – A Pastorale” by his great‑uncle Daniel Belinfante, a composer who perished in Auschwitz. The piece, found in Amsterdam, reflects a quiet courage that has been preserved across generations. The program also welcomes the beloved President and violin soloist Diana Galvydyte back to the stage for Ernst Wolfgang Korngold’s lush Violin Concerto in D major, featuring lyrical themes drawn from classic films such as *Another Dawn*, *Anthony Adverse*, and *The Prince and the Pauper*. The day culminates in the dramatic sweep of Alexander Zemlinsky’s Symphony No. 2, a stirring tribute that resonates with the concert’s themes of light emerging from darkness. Join us for this unforgettable journey—a tribute to memory, a celebration of artistic renewal, and an invitation to experience music that bridges past and present. Details & tickets are available online.