New Sinfonia Viva leader makes Lincoln debut

5 Sep 2019 11:31 AM

Derby’s Sinfonia Viva, the ‘Orchestra of the East Midlands’, is set to return to Lincoln Drill Hall next month with a new leader at the helm.

Award-winning violinist Sophie Rosa has been appointed as Orchestra Leader following the retirement of Benedict Holland, who is going to pursue other professional music opportunities. Benedict has been a firm favourite with audiences over the years – directing the chamber orchestra from the violin for 17 years.

Sophie has appeared as soloist with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Manchester Camerata and has released CDs on Champs Hill and EM Records labels to critical acclaim.

New Sinfonia Viva Orchestra Leader, Sophie Rosa (c) Helen Rae

Peter Knott, Area Director for Arts Council England, recently said:

“We would like to welcome Sophie as the new leader of Sinfonia Viva, with her wealth of experience, and also to pay tribute to the commitment, contribution and passion of Benedict Holland.

“Sinfonia Viva bring participants, communities and professional musicians together to create exceptional music and we are proud to support them as part of our National Portfolio. We look forward to seeing them continue to create exciting and imaginative performances with Sophie at the helm.”

Sophie Rosa, Leader of Sinfonia Viva, recently said:

“I am delighted that one of my first concerts will be to direct and perform with the chamber orchestra at Lincoln Drill Hall.

“Benedict has always spoken fondly of the afternoon concerts at this venue and particularly of the warm reception that the orchestra receives from the Lincoln audiences. I am greatly looking forward to joining my fellow musicians as leader and soloist and to introducing and sharing some wonderful music with audiences.”

The latest in their series of mid-afternoon concerts is on October 6 at Lincoln Drill Hall.

Click here for details.