World class music on Wearside as Royal Northern Sinfonia announce run of Sunderland shows
There’s four shows heading our way.
Royal Northern Sinfonia is continuing to bring live orchestral music to audiences across Sunderland, with four upcoming concerts, including two performances later this month as part of its growing programme of performances in the city.
Following a summer concert at Arts Centre Washington with Sunderland-born composer Ben Lunn, musicians from Royal Northern Sinfonia return to the venue on Wednesday 25 November at 7.30pm with Barber, Janáček and Nielsen and a lively programme for wind instruments.
Audiences will hear Samuel Barber's evocative Summer Music, Leoš Janáček's sparkling Mládí and Carl Nielsen's joyful Wind Quintet, alongside music by Ferenc Farkas and Malcolm Arnold.
Drawing on folk traditions and vivid musical storytelling, the programme showcases the colour, character and versatility of the wind ensemble.
Just four days later, on Sunday 29 November at 3pm, Royal Northern Sinfonia brings its annual Winter Tour to The Fire Station, with a programme of atmospheric string music by Mendelssohn, Walton and Dvořák, directed by Jonathan Stone from the violin.
The performances are part of the orchestra's continuing relationship with Sunderland venues and audiences, with further Sunderland Classics concerts at The Fire Station on 18 April and 27 June 2027.
On Sunday 18 April 2027 at 3pm, Royal Northern Sinfonia performs Beethoven's Fourth Symphony alongside Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 2 and Haydn's Symphony No. 82, The Bear.
The Sunderland run concludes for the season on Sunday 27 June 2027 at 3pm, with Maria Włoszczowska returning to The Fire Station to direct and perform Piazzolla's Four Seasons of Buenos Aires. The programme also includes music by Vivaldi, Bach and Geminiani.
Maria Włoszczowska, Artistic Partner of The Glasshouse, said:“Royal Northern Sinfonia really belongs to the region. Being able to bring this music to Sunderland is about making world‑class orchestral performances feel close, welcoming and part of everyday life.
“We’re building something long‑term, where audiences feel connected to the orchestra and are excited to come back again.”