NSO
A Wonderful Christmas Cracker
Join Northampton Symphony Orchestra for a magical afternoon of music, storytelling and festive cheer in our ever-popular Christmas concert! This year's programme takes us on a journey through fantasy and imagination, from the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland and Lewis Carroll in Deems Taylor's Through the Looking Glass, brought vividly to life with narration by John Griff, to the soaring adventure of John Williams' E.T.: Adventures on Earth. We'll also visit the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli with Joe Hisaishi's music from My Neighbour Totoro, before embracing the icy magic of Disney's Frozen.
And, of course, no Christmas Cracker would be complete without some seasonal sparkle! Enjoy a dazzling Jingle Bells Fantasy, much-loved carols and Christmas favourites, with plenty of opportunities to get into the festive spirit. We'll even be serving festive drinks and a mince pie during the interval. With something for all ages, this is the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends. We can't wait to welcome you!
Tickets Available Now - 3PM 13th December 2026 Spinney Theatre Northampton
Concerts
Sunday, Dec 13
Spinney Hill Theatre
To include:
- Deems TAYLOR - Through the Looking Glass, op.12
- John WILLIAMS - E.T.: Adventures on Earth
- Joe HISAISHI - My Neighbour Totoro
- Kristen ANDERSON-LOPEZ - Music from Frozen
- J PIERPONT, arr. John Wasson - Jingle Bells Fantasy
- Carols and Christmas favourites
- Festive beverages and a mince pie at the interval
Saturday, Feb 27
Christ Church
- Richard STRAUSS - Der Rosenkavalier, op.59: Suite
- Ernö DOHNÁNYI - Variations on a Nursery Song, op.25 for Piano and Orchestra
- Edward ELGAR - Symphony No.1, op.55, A-flat major
Saturday, Apr 17
Spinney Hill Theatre
- Léo DELIBES – Prelude and Les Chasseresses from “Sylvia”
- Aaron COPLAND – A Dance Symphony
- Amilcare PONCIELLI - Dance of the Hours
- Manuel de FALLA – Suite no 2 from “The Three Cornered Hat”
- Igor STRAVINSKY - Petrushka
Saturday, Jun 19
Christ Church Northampton
- Franz LISZT - Les Préludes, S.97 (Symphonic Poem No.3)
- Max BRUCH - Concerto, Clarinet & Viola, op.88, E minor
- Sergei RACHMANINOFF - Symphony no. 3, op.44, A minor
Sunday, Jul 11
- Gioachino ROSSINI -Tancredi: Overture
- Richard STRAUSS - Suite, TrV 132, op.4, B-flat major
- Arnold SCHOENBERG - Notturno
- Franz Joseph HAYDN a movement from Symphony No.101, D major (The Clock)
- Felix MENDELSSOHN - Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage
- NMPAT Concerto Winner movement (TBA)
About us
Founded in 1893, the Northampton Symphony Orchestra is widely regarded as one of the United Kingdom's top amateur symphony orchestras. Our membership is drawn from excellent amateurs, teachers, former professional musicians and students in and around Northamptonshire. Most members have achieved at least Grade VIII on their instrument.
With Musical Director, John Gibbons, we perform regularly in Northampton's many classical music venues with top professional soloists in repertoire that encompasses all styles of classical music. Rehearsals usually take place on a Wednesday evening during school term time.
We are supported by an active and flourishing Friends' scheme that provides many exclusive benefits for supporters.
The Northampton Symphony Orchestra's excellence in amateur music making has led to invitations to play in various local music festivals (such as the one celebrating local composer, Malcolm Arnold and the Northampton Music Festival) and collaborations with other local music ensembles.
Friends of NSO
It is said you can’t buy friendship, but you can buy exclusive membership to the NSO Friends’ Scheme. Why not pay for a friend to become a Friend? It’s a great gift to give.
For a minimum donation of £25 a year, you can become a Friend of the orchestra. There are a number of exclusive benefits available through the Friends’ scheme, and your contribution plays an important part in funding our concerts and securing the orchestra’s future. As a Friend, you will receive:
- Two free tickets to the Friends’ concert and buffet
- A discount on all concert tickets (including the season ticket)
- Regular NSO newsletters about forthcoming concerts
- A free programme each concert
- Your name printed in our programmes and website
A heart-felt thank you goes to
Mr David AllenMrs J AndersonRob BellPhill BrownAlex BrownCatherine BrookeLisa BurnsMrs Ruth ButcherD A ChambersMr J Cleaver