THE Academy of St Olave’s, the York chamber orchestra, is presenting a special winter concert in aid of York Against Cancer on January 21 at St Olave’s Church, Marygate, York.

Directed by Alan George, the Fitzwilliam String Quartet's vastly experienced viola player, the 8pm programme includes the rarely performed Chamber Symphony in C minor by Shostakovich, the Russian composer’s own reinvention of his 8th String Quartet.

George worked with Shostakovich on his 13th String Quartet when the composer came to York in 1972 and performed it with the Fitzwilliam Quartet in the presence of Shostakovich at a concert at the University of York, an occasion that many York musicians remember well.

Academy of St Olave’s players are keenly anticipating working with Alan George on the Chamber Symphony, gaining an insight into the work from his extensive studies and performances of the 8th Quartet with the Fitzwilliam and from his work with Shostakovich.

York Press:

Alan George, directing the Academy of St Olave's on January 21

The academy's chairman, cellist Christine Smith, says: ‘Having been in the audience at the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall as a sixth former studying a Shostakovich symphony all those years ago, and seeing the diminutive Shostakovich himself acknowledge a standing ovation at the end of the Fitzwilliam’s performance, I'm thrilled to be performing this piece under Alan George’s direction and I know that it will be something very special."

The January 21 concert will begin with Mozart's Overture to La Clemenza di Tito and also will Beethoven's Symphony No 4, Beethoven being the composer most admired by Shostakovich, who cited him as a great influence on his work.

Tickets are on sale at academyofstolaves.org.uk; in person from Visit York, Museum Street; on 01904 550099 or on the door.