TONY COOPER Norwich-based Chamber Orchestra Anglia celebrate their fifth anniversary this month with a special gala concert at Norwich Playhouse on Thursday, November 16 (7.

TONY COOPER

Norwich-based Chamber Orchestra Anglia celebrate their fifth anniversary this month with a special gala concert at Norwich Playhouse on Thursday, November 16 (7.30pm) conducted by Sharon Andrea Choa and introduced by Radio 3 presenter, Christopher Cook.

The programme, chronicling the orchestra's short history by bringing together highlights from previous concerts, comprises Copland's Appalachian Spring, Janácek's suite for string orchestra, Schubert's “unfinished” symphony and Haydn's sixth symphony (Le Matin).

And reflecting a continuing commitment of commissioning new music, the orchestra invited Norwich-based composer, Jonathan Impett, to write a short birthday ode which will receive its world premiere and act as a celebratory curtain-raiser to an enterprising and popular programme.

Copland's Appalachian Spring was included in COA's inaugural concert in May 2001 at The Forum in Norwich and is appropriate, therefore, to be on the birthday list performed by a group of players of an orchestra still in the “spring” of its life.

Janácek's suite for string orchestra is an early work although it shows signs of his unmistakable mature style - incisive articulations, daring harmonic turns and complex rhythmic motifs.

For one of COA's earliest orchestral workshops for young musicians, Schubert's “unfinished” symphony was chosen. To re-enact the occasion, the orchestra will perform this popular and inviting work - symbolic of the fact that the orchestra's journey is “unfinished” - with a selected group of fine young players.

And another work to be heard was also programmed for COA's inaugural concert - Haydn's sixth symphony (Le Matin). It was selected as part of its themed programme exploring the journey from afternoon to night. On this occasion the earlier “morning” movement - which represents the early blossoming of the orchestra's journey - will be performed.

The orchestra are committed to an education programme for young musicians. An initiative unique in the UK, they help to develop the region's most promising young musicians into tomorrow's professionals by giving them the opportunity to perform side by side with leading professional musicians.

The scheme has recently seen some of the world's greatest conductors coming to Norwich to work with the young people of the region such as Jiri Belohlavek (BBC Symphony) and Sir Colin Davis (LSO). Sir Colin will return in May of next year to lead a workshop as part of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival.

Tickets £18, concs £15, from the Playhouse box office at Norwich Theatre Royal, 01603 598598

Visit www.chamberorchestraanglia.co.uk