There are some composers – think Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn – who are known for a large body of work, and others – think Albinoni, Pachelbel – who, although they may have composed many works, are only known for one or two. Johann Nepomuk Hummel (1778 – 1837) was one such composer. A child prodigy, who was a pupil of Mozart, he gave his first concert at the age of nine. His father took him on a European tour, and he stayed in London for four years, where he met, and was taught by, Haydn. On his return to Vienna, he met the young Beethoven, whose amazing talent was said to have nearly destroyed Hummel’s self-confidence! He was a great virtuoso on the piano, writing eight concertos and many other piano works, plus numerous other works for cello, mandolin and bassoon, and 22 operas. In his life, his works were immensely popular. And yet he is only really known for his Trumpet Concerto, and you will instantly recognise the main theme. It is a joyful work, albeit quite short. The orchestra will also be playing Eric Coates’ ‘Countryside Suite’ and, in the second half, Beethoven’s great ‘Symphony No 8’, both works that the orchestra has not played before. Liz Worth will be conducting. She has conducted the orchestra once before, at the Young Soloist concert 2023, where she was an immediate hit. Tickets for the concert, which is on Saturday 11th May at 7.30pm in the Village Hall are, as usual, £10 for adults and £8 for concessions. Just email northdownssinfonia@gmail.com or phone 01959 577659 to reserve tickets, which may be picked up and paid for on the door or buy them in Sheree’s Store nearer the date. Hope to see you there!