Sunday 11 October 2026, 4:00pm
America 250 opens Bishop’s Stortford Sinfonia’s 11th season with a vibrant celebration of American music, showcasing four distinctive voices across nearly a century of orchestral writing.
Returning to the beautiful Memorial Hall at Bishop’s Stortford College, the programme begins with the driving energy of Margaret Brouwer’s Pulse, before the lyrical elegance of Samuel Barber’s Essay No. 1 offers a moment of reflection. Leonard Bernstein’s infectious Three Dance Episodes from On the Town captures the excitement and vitality of New York, leading to Aaron Copland’s much-loved Rodeo – a joyful evocation of the wide-open landscapes and pioneering spirit of the American West.
From bustling city streets to expansive horizons, this opening concert is filled with colour, rhythm and unforgettable melodies, launching another exciting season of live orchestral music with energy, warmth and optimism.
Date and Time
Sunday 11th October 2026, 4:00pm
Venue
Memorial Hall, Bishop’s Stortford College, Maze Green Rd., Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 2PQ
Conductor
Rebecca Miller
Box Office Tickets available here.
Also listed on Concert Diary
A Look Inside the Orchestra
Ever wondered what happens before an orchestra takes to the stage?
This October, Bishop’s Stortford Sinfonia is inviting you to look inside the orchestra and discover the music, musicians and stories behind our America 250: Music of Life & Landscape concert.
Listening Cafe
Sunday 4 October, 4-5pm
Bishop’s Stortford – venue TBC
Join members of the Sinfonia for a relax hour of listening and conversation as we explore some of the music in our America 250 programme.
We’ll share recordings of some of the works we’ll be performing, talk about the stories and ideas behind the music, and give you a few things to listen out for when you hear the orchestra live the following week.
No musical knowledge, just come along, enjoy a slice of cake and a cup of tea, have a listen and join the conversation.
Open Rehearsal
Sunday 11 October, 12:45pm
Memorial Hall, Bishop’s Stortford College
Come behind the scenes on concert day and watch the Sinfonia putting the finishing touches to America 250 before our 4pm performance.
See how conductor Rebecca Miller and the orchestra work together in rehearsal, meet some of our musicians and ask questions about the music and instruments. Younger visitors can also explore the orchestra with a special children’s discovery trail.
Supported by:
COMPLETELY FREE TO ATTEND
Both events are completely free, and everyone is welcome – whether you’re already an orchestral music lover, bringing children to discover an orchestra for the first time, or simply curious to find out what happens behind the scenes.
Thanks to support from Arts in East Herts, anyone taking part in A Look Inside the Orchestra can also book discounted £15 adult tickets for our America 250 concert at 4pm on 11 October. Children attend the concert free.
To access the special £15 ticket, click Buy Tickets, select Use ticket access code and enter LOOKINSIDE.
Bishop's Stortford Sinfonia 