About

Works by Tchaikovsky, Bizet and Grieg feature in the latest charity concert by the Portsmouth Philharmonic Orchestra in aid of the local branch of Read Easy UK.

Taking place at the Church of the Resurrection in Drayton on Sunday December 1 (doors open 2.30pm, show starts at 3pm), the programme includes three popular pieces – Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s Romeo & Juliet Fantasy Overture, Georges Bizet’s L’Arlesienne Suite No 1 and Edvard Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite No 1.

Also featured is Karl Goldmark’s Rustic Wedding Suite, perhaps less well-known, but an accessible introduction to his work. In addition, Leroy Anderson’s A Christmas Festival, based on traditional carols, will add a seasonal touch to proceedings.

Priced at £10 for adults, with accompanied under 18s free, tickets will be available on the door and are also on sale online via Skiddle (booking fees apply).

The event is raising funds for the Portsmouth branch of Read Easy UK which offers free, one-to-one coaching to adults who want to learn to read via trained volunteer Reading Coaches.

Established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in 2011, Read Easy UK now includes more than 80 volunteer-led groups helping 1000+ adults learn to read in their community.

Now in its 17th season, the Portsmouth Philharmonic was formed in 2009 by a group of amateur musicians in the city and has raised more than £23,000 for local charities since then. With more than 30 members, it plays at least three charity concerts a year.