We’re bringing the foot-tapping energy and flair of the jazz club to the Weston Auditorium as the de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra presents a vibrant celebration of classical jazz music!
- Gershwin – American in Paris
- Gershwin – Rhapsody in Blue
- Shostakovich – Tahiti Trot (Tea for Two)
- Shostakovich – The Suite for Variety Orchestra
At the heart of the performance is George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue – a bold, genre-defying piece bursting with personality. Having just celebrated its centenary in 2024, the piece is inspired by the sounds and rhythms of New York, capturing the energy and diversity of the city. Originally written for piano and jazz band, the orchestra performs Ferde Grofé’s lush orchestral arrangement, bringing out every glimmering note and sweeping melody. The orchestra is thrilled to welcome back pianist Jamie Cochrane to perform this timeless American masterpiece.
The repertoire also features Gershwin’s An American in Paris – a colourful symphonic postcard from the French capital. Inspired by the composer’s time there and bursting with joie de vivre, the piece captures the sounds and spirit of Paris in the 1920s – complete with authentic Parisian taxi horns that Gershwin famously brought back for the 1928 Carnegie Hall premiere!
Alongside these works are two jazz-inspired gems from Dmitri Shostakovich. Tahiti Trot offers a witty, fast-paced orchestral take on a popular American tune, while movements from his Suite for Variety Orchestra bring a playful and cinematic flair. Featuring a sparkling mix of dance tunes and waltzes, the suite includes the much-loved Waltz No. 2, famously featured in Stanley Kubrick’s 1999 film Eyes Wide Shut. Compiled from Shostakovich’s earlier film and stage scores, it is irresistibly stylish and full of charm.
In addition to these classics, the orchestra is also delighted to showcase two compositions by current University of Hertfordshire students. Each year the BSc (Hons) Music Composition and Sound for Film and Games students have the opportunity to take part in a special workshop where their creations are brought to life by the University’s resident orchestra. Alfie Loxdale’s work, titled Spring, was originally composed to accompany a short animation about wonder, dread and peace, and Josef Krista’s The Last Day for a Flock of Birds (Movement I) depicts the awakening of birds in a meadow at sunrise.
We look forward to enjoying this light-hearted and lively afternoon with you!
About Jamie Cochrane
A sensitive and versatile pianist, Jamie Cochrane has performed at prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall and the Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford. A Tillett Trust Debut Artist, his recent successes include prizes at the Bromsgrove International Musicians’ Competition 2025 and the 2024 Norah Sande Award. Jamie first performed with the de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra as part of American Celebrations in February 2024 and received a standing ovation from the audience.
Jamie completed his Master’s degree at the Royal Academy of Music, where he was also awarded a DipRAM for outstanding performance in a postgraduate final recital. His studies were generously supported by the Wayne Sleep Foundation, Robert Turnbull Piano Foundation and the Cullis Bursary Fund.
Please note that we have a new booking system. If you have any issues or feedback, please email us at uharts@herts.ac.uk or call our Box Office: 01707 281127 (Mon-Fri, 10:00-12:00)
Venue + Parking
Parking on campus is FREE on Sundays. Click here for more travel + parking information.
For events taking place at the Weston Auditorium, Bar Ambition is the place to go for food and drink. We strongly advise pre-ordering any refreshments to avoid a delay in the interval. Click here to find out more.
All tickets now include a complimentary concert programme. Please note that all UH Student tickets will be allocated within the upper circle of the auditorium.
Please note, our Box Office is cashless. We can only accept card and contactless payments.
Interested in supporting the orchestra? Click here to find out more. Alternatively, you can get in touch via email: uharts@herts.ac.uk or call our Box Office: 01707 281 127
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