Roman River Festival: Mahler and Elgar

Orlando Jopling Conductor
Eleanor Corr Leader
Sébastien van Kuijk Cello Soloist
Ellie Neate Soprano Soloist

Edward Elgar Cello Concerto
Gustav Mahler (arr. Iain Farrington) Symphony No. 4

This is a very special concert, generously sponsored by a dear friend and longstanding supporter of Roman River Festival in memory of our founder, Zélie Jopling.

In 2000, Zélie organised a series of music days for children at Fingringhoe Church, planting the seed of what would become today’s festival. Her vision was simple: to bring exceptional music into the beautiful churches and historic spaces of North East Essex and South Suffolk, while making everyone feel welcome. She built not just a festival, but a musical community—bringing together dedicated volunteers, inspiring young people, supporting schools, care homes and retirement communities, and enriching countless lives through music.

Two of her favourite pieces have been chosen by the conductor, her son and our Artistic Director, Orlando. Experience these late-Romantic masterpieces in intimate chamber orchestrations by Iain Farrington, revealing the extraordinary detail and emotional power at the heart of Elgar’s Cello Concerto and Mahler’s 4th Symphony.

Performed by the Wild Arts Ensemble with internationally acclaimed soloists Sébastien van Kuijk and Ellie Neate, this promises to be one of the festival’s landmark performances.