One of the last works written by German composer Richard Strauss was his Oboe concerto in D Major.
Strauss was inspired to write this work by John de Lancie, an American serviceman who in civilian life was a professional Oboist. After World War II the American army moved into the Bararian town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. There de Lancie met with Strauss on many occasions and asked had he ever considered writing a Concerto for Oboe. Strauss had not and took the challenge. A few weeks later Strauss began to sketch some ideas and by the end of the following month, the composer had completed the work, the finest concerto for oboe written in the 20th Century

Such an iconic work is complemented by the epic music of contemporary film composer, John Williams. Loved by movie music buffs worldwide, Williams has certainly created the most recognisable musical universe ever to accompany a motion picture.

As you would expect from the pen of this brilliant composer, this is music that is grand, poetic, dramatic and lyrical. Whilst some of the works featured here are now well-loved classics, such as Yoda’s Theme, Across the Stars and Rey’s Theme, this concert will also introduce works that have just been newly released, including The Asteroid Field, The Forest Battle and Han Solo and the Princess.

• Strauss, Oboe Concerto in D Major

• Williams, Star Wars - Main Title

• Williams, Music from Star Wars Saga