English Symphony Orchestra Announces New Partnership with Crumplebury

Crumplebury’s Grand Hall

The world-renowned English Symphony Orchestra is planning a series of concerts at Crumplebury to mark a thrilling new partnership with the Herefordshire venue.

Crumplebury, with its acclaimed fine dining restaurant Green Cow Kitchens, 11 bedrooms and a series of dazzling events spaces, will mark the collaboration with an exciting programme of concerts starting this autumn on the Whitbourne Estate.

Founded in 1976, the ESO has recorded many of Elgar’s compositions to critical acclaim.

Along with masterpieces by world-famous classical composers, it now also champions groundbreaking British composers from under-represented ethnic and gender groups.

Andrew Farquharson joined the orchestra as CEO last August from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

A trumpet player, pianist and Army reservist, he can also frequently be seen playing cornet on the pitch at international rugby fixtures with the Regimental Band of the Royal Welsh.

“Our home has always been in Worcestershire,” he said.

“After a year in which both the music and hospitality industries have taken a major hit, this is a strong, natural partnership which will ensure a return to live music in the area.”

From the Elgar and Three Choirs festivals to its outreach work in education and care settings, the ESO marries an ambitious, national artistic vision with a local focus.

Wisconsin-born cellist and guitar maestro Kenneth Woods is the orchestra’s Artistic Director.

“The ESO is unique in terms of British orchestras,” he said.

“We’re not a chamber orchestra, we don’t focus solely on Elgar and Mahler symphonies, we can be a 12-piece ensemble or a 60-piece string orchestra.

“That we’re so flexible and play such an eclectic programme, that we like experimenting with different formats, is hugely exciting for us.

“The ESO makes a unique contribution to British musical life, and we’re excited to bring this to Crumplebury.”

Joe Evans, owner of Crumplebury, which sits on the Herefordshire/Worcestershire border, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have built this exciting new partnership with the ESO.

“To bring a world-class orchestra to Crumplebury, with the facilities we have to host concerts and other music events alongside our fine dining restaurant and bedrooms, is fantastic.

“We’re working together on a truly extraordinary programme now, and will release details this spring.”

To register your interest in the ESO programme at Crumplebury, email hello@crumplebury.co.uk