A NORTH-EAST orchestra brings classical music to rural communities with a tour starting this week.

Royal Northern Sinfonia, renowned for its captivating performances, is launching a local tour from starting with performances from Friday, March 29, to Sunday, April 7. Music enthusiasts across the North in Berwick, Bishop Auckland, Wooler, Yarm, and Barnard Castle will discover that classical music is not confined to concert halls in big cities.

Royal Northern Sinfonia, along with The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, their home base in Gateshead, is amplifying regional pride by taking their performances out and about. This commitment reflects a rare initiative among orchestras to make sure they take classical music to new audiences in unexpected locations.

Classical music is a powerful force, moving listeners one note at a time. The organisation wants to fill a void, especially in rural communities, meaning people can be part of the classical music scene without leaving their local area.

Audiences will hear music by Strauss, Brahms, Mozart, and more, with melodies that will weave stories that linger long after the final chord.

James Thomas, director of Royal Northern Sinfonia, says: "We're lacing up our musical hiking boots and venturing out to bring some magic to your doorstep. We're lucky enough to bask in the beautiful sounds of our Royal Northern Sinfonia every day. We can’t wait to share that joy with as many hearts as possible.

Royal Northern Sinfonia is for everyone in the North, wherever they are. Touring is a big part of how we bring the transformative power of music to communities.

"Whether it’s the bustling city streets or the tranquil countryside, we love exploring new spaces.”

Tour dates are as follows:

  • The Maltings, Berwick, Friday, March 29, 7.30pm, Brahms' Clarinet Quintet;
  • Auckland Castle, West Auckland, Saturday, March 30, 5pm, Brahms' Clarinet Quintet;
  • Wooler Arts, Sunday, March 31, 3pm, Brahms' Clarinet Quintet;
  • Princess Alexandra Auditorium, Yarm, Tuesday, April 2, 7.30pm, Mozart's Dissonance Quartet;
  • The Glasshouse, Gateshead, Saturday, April 6, 7pm, Mozart's Dissonance Quartet;
  • The Witham, Barnard Castle, Sunday, April 7, 2pm, Mozart's Dissonance Quartet.

For more information, visit the website at www.theglasshouseicm.org.