For the last 100 years, City of Newport Symphony Orchestra (CNSO) has proudly served Newport and the surrounding areas with public and private concerts and events.
CNSO began life as part of the Pleasant Sunday Afternoon Movement. These meetings began with an uplifting talk and prayer. Concerts were given with a guest singer on the first Sunday of the month. Originally there were two Pleasant Sunday Afternoon groups in Newport, but by the late 1940s, there was only one. At over 100 years old, the orchestra is still playing strong, with new members joining our ranks regularly.
The name changed to Newport Concert Orchestra around 1960, Newport Orchestra in 2012 and has now (as of 2019) changed to City of Newport Symphony Orchestra (or CNSO for short).
The orchestra is currently conducted by Emily Singh and led by Helena Todd.
CNSO began life as part of the Pleasant Sunday Afternoon Movement. These meetings began with an uplifting talk and prayer. Concerts were given with a guest singer on the first Sunday of the month. Originally there were two Pleasant Sunday Afternoon groups in Newport, but by the late 1940s, there was only one. At over 100 years old, the orchestra is still playing strong, with new members joining our ranks regularly.
The name changed to Newport Concert Orchestra around 1960, Newport Orchestra in 2012 and has now (as of 2019) changed to City of Newport Symphony Orchestra (or CNSO for short).
The orchestra is currently conducted by Emily Singh and led by Helena Todd.
Music has the unique power to tell stories without the uttering of a single word. It creates worlds, capturing everything from the everyday to the fantastical, exploring all the emotions and events of the human condition and beyond. Tonight, we celebrate that power with three works that weave vivid tales: from the tragedy of Shakespeare to the enchantment of Christmas, via a little magical mischief along the way.
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor: 'Othello Suite'
I. Dance
II. Children's Intermezzo
V. Military March
Our story begins with Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s 'Othello Suite'. Composed in 1911, this work distils the essence of Shakespeare's masterpiece in the composer's sweeping late Romantic style, characterised lush harmonies, expressive melodies, and richly detailed orchestration. Tonight’s performance showcases three of its vibrant movements. The opening 'Dance' sets a lively and stately tone, brimming with energy and character, and evoking the grandeur of the Venetian court. The 'Children’s Intermezzo', with a gondolier's lilt, provides a tender as well as playful contrast. We conclude with the 'Military March', written with the commanding rouse that underscores Coleridge-Taylor’s distinct style, epitomising the sound of the late Edwardian era.
Victor Hely-Hutchinson: 'Carol Symphony'
I. Allegro energico
II. Allegro molto moderato
III. Andante quasi lento e cantabile
IV. Allegro energico come prima
The festive spirit takes centre stage in Hely-Hutchinson’s 'Carol Symphony'. This delightful work, written in 1927, reimagines beloved Christmas carols as a symphonic tapestry. Each of the four movements is based on a well-known carol, but Hely-Hutchinson doesn’t simply restate these familiar tunes - he reinvents them, intertwining their melodies with inventive counterpoint and clever orchestral textures. The assimilation of popular styles from across the Christmas period is evident too: the first movement conjures the chorales of Bach, the second's modal harmonies speaks of a Romantic Russian style, and the fourth champions the fugues of Stanford, one of the composer's teachers. Through this, the symphony captures the heart of the season: joy, reflection, and communal spirit. Hely-Hutchinson invites us to rediscover these carols as both nostalgic and freshly inspired, and to celebrate them not just as seasonal favourites but as enduring treasures. See how many you can spot.
Paul Dukas: 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice'
Immortalised in Disney’s animated film 'Fantasia' (1940), the tone poem 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' brings Goethe's mischievous tale to life, recounting the misadventures of a young magician-in-training who, eager to avoid his chores, enchants a broom to fetch water for him. The spell spirals out of control, and the apprentice’s panic grows as the broom multiplies and chaos ensues. Dukas’ masterful use of the orchestra - playful woodwinds, cascading strings, and thundering percussion - paints each moment with vivid clarity, drawing us into a magical world.
Together, these works remind us of music’s ability to transport us into stories that are as moving as they are timeless. From the grandeur of the Shakespearean stage to the cosiness of Christmas, tonight’s concert invites you to experience storytelling in all its richness and joy. And who knows, like any good story, there might just be a little surprise at the end...
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor: 'Othello Suite'
I. Dance
II. Children's Intermezzo
V. Military March
Our story begins with Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s 'Othello Suite'. Composed in 1911, this work distils the essence of Shakespeare's masterpiece in the composer's sweeping late Romantic style, characterised lush harmonies, expressive melodies, and richly detailed orchestration. Tonight’s performance showcases three of its vibrant movements. The opening 'Dance' sets a lively and stately tone, brimming with energy and character, and evoking the grandeur of the Venetian court. The 'Children’s Intermezzo', with a gondolier's lilt, provides a tender as well as playful contrast. We conclude with the 'Military March', written with the commanding rouse that underscores Coleridge-Taylor’s distinct style, epitomising the sound of the late Edwardian era.
Victor Hely-Hutchinson: 'Carol Symphony'
I. Allegro energico
II. Allegro molto moderato
III. Andante quasi lento e cantabile
IV. Allegro energico come prima
The festive spirit takes centre stage in Hely-Hutchinson’s 'Carol Symphony'. This delightful work, written in 1927, reimagines beloved Christmas carols as a symphonic tapestry. Each of the four movements is based on a well-known carol, but Hely-Hutchinson doesn’t simply restate these familiar tunes - he reinvents them, intertwining their melodies with inventive counterpoint and clever orchestral textures. The assimilation of popular styles from across the Christmas period is evident too: the first movement conjures the chorales of Bach, the second's modal harmonies speaks of a Romantic Russian style, and the fourth champions the fugues of Stanford, one of the composer's teachers. Through this, the symphony captures the heart of the season: joy, reflection, and communal spirit. Hely-Hutchinson invites us to rediscover these carols as both nostalgic and freshly inspired, and to celebrate them not just as seasonal favourites but as enduring treasures. See how many you can spot.
Paul Dukas: 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice'
Immortalised in Disney’s animated film 'Fantasia' (1940), the tone poem 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' brings Goethe's mischievous tale to life, recounting the misadventures of a young magician-in-training who, eager to avoid his chores, enchants a broom to fetch water for him. The spell spirals out of control, and the apprentice’s panic grows as the broom multiplies and chaos ensues. Dukas’ masterful use of the orchestra - playful woodwinds, cascading strings, and thundering percussion - paints each moment with vivid clarity, drawing us into a magical world.
Together, these works remind us of music’s ability to transport us into stories that are as moving as they are timeless. From the grandeur of the Shakespearean stage to the cosiness of Christmas, tonight’s concert invites you to experience storytelling in all its richness and joy. And who knows, like any good story, there might just be a little surprise at the end...
Emily Singh
Scottish-Guyanese conductor Emily Singh is currently studying Orchestral Conducting at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama with David Jones.
Emily began conducting while at University of Bristol where she founded and led several ensembles. Here she was also awarded the J.H. Britton Prize for Music to pursue conducting alongside her Master's in Clarinet and Musicology. She has participated in courses with leading conductors and pedagogues such as the Royal Academy of Music’s Women Conductors Programme with Sian Edwards, the Royal Northern College of Music’s Orchestral Course with Mark Heron, and the London Conducting Academy with Denise Ham.
Emily is dedicated to the promotion of underrepresented voices in classical music, as well as broader inclusivity and accessibility. In 2022 she curated and conducted two concerts in aid of the DEC’s Ukraine effort with music by Ukrainian composers: this included the UK premiere of Vasyl Barvinsky’s Piano Concerto with pianist Violina Petrychenko, a work presumed lost after the 1939 premiere.
Highlights from the Royal Welsh College include premiering three student works in a new music festival, assisting James Southall and conducting in the David Seligman Opera School’s autumn showcases, and a chamber performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 4. Emily is looking forward to conducting and co-directing a semi-staged production of Handel’s oratorio 'La resurrezione' next spring, the first performance of the work in Wales.
Emily is delighted to have worked with the City of Newport Symphony Orchestra on this term's festive concert, and wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas
Scottish-Guyanese conductor Emily Singh is currently studying Orchestral Conducting at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama with David Jones.
Emily began conducting while at University of Bristol where she founded and led several ensembles. Here she was also awarded the J.H. Britton Prize for Music to pursue conducting alongside her Master's in Clarinet and Musicology. She has participated in courses with leading conductors and pedagogues such as the Royal Academy of Music’s Women Conductors Programme with Sian Edwards, the Royal Northern College of Music’s Orchestral Course with Mark Heron, and the London Conducting Academy with Denise Ham.
Emily is dedicated to the promotion of underrepresented voices in classical music, as well as broader inclusivity and accessibility. In 2022 she curated and conducted two concerts in aid of the DEC’s Ukraine effort with music by Ukrainian composers: this included the UK premiere of Vasyl Barvinsky’s Piano Concerto with pianist Violina Petrychenko, a work presumed lost after the 1939 premiere.
Highlights from the Royal Welsh College include premiering three student works in a new music festival, assisting James Southall and conducting in the David Seligman Opera School’s autumn showcases, and a chamber performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 4. Emily is looking forward to conducting and co-directing a semi-staged production of Handel’s oratorio 'La resurrezione' next spring, the first performance of the work in Wales.
Emily is delighted to have worked with the City of Newport Symphony Orchestra on this term's festive concert, and wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas
Helena Todd
Helena started playing the violin at school aged 6. A member of the Cardiff county orchestras and the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, she went on to study violin performance at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama before training as a nurse.
Throughout her working life, Helena has remained a determined violinist, performing at weddings with the Aderyn Quartet, charity concerts and in orchestras including Brecknock Sinfonia, Gwent Chamber and most notably Abergavenny Symphony Orchestra, which she led 2018-2021. She achieved her ABRSM diploma in July 2021 with distinction and in Summer 2023 was awarded a scholarship to attend a Jazz course led by Peter Edwards and Violin masterclasses with Thomas Gould at Dartington Summer School. Last year she made her debut performance of the Bruch Violin Concerto with Abergavenny Symphony Orchestra.
Helena is a keen advocate for making music in all its guises, accessible to all. She is currently undertaking work, thanks to the Spitalfield’s Trainee music leader scheme to explore means to modernise the traditional concert experience.
Helena is delighted to be joining Newport Symphony Orchestra as their Leader.
Helena is grateful to Myriam Brunswick and the Citron family for the generous loan of a 1770 L.Hill violin.
Helena started playing the violin at school aged 6. A member of the Cardiff county orchestras and the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, she went on to study violin performance at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama before training as a nurse.
Throughout her working life, Helena has remained a determined violinist, performing at weddings with the Aderyn Quartet, charity concerts and in orchestras including Brecknock Sinfonia, Gwent Chamber and most notably Abergavenny Symphony Orchestra, which she led 2018-2021. She achieved her ABRSM diploma in July 2021 with distinction and in Summer 2023 was awarded a scholarship to attend a Jazz course led by Peter Edwards and Violin masterclasses with Thomas Gould at Dartington Summer School. Last year she made her debut performance of the Bruch Violin Concerto with Abergavenny Symphony Orchestra.
Helena is a keen advocate for making music in all its guises, accessible to all. She is currently undertaking work, thanks to the Spitalfield’s Trainee music leader scheme to explore means to modernise the traditional concert experience.
Helena is delighted to be joining Newport Symphony Orchestra as their Leader.
Helena is grateful to Myriam Brunswick and the Citron family for the generous loan of a 1770 L.Hill violin.
Erin Morgan
Erin was born in London, and from the age of 7 studied violin with Mickey Posner (London Mozart Players, RAM).
Erin's family who have roots in Wales, re-located to Abergavenny when she was 11. She earned a place at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama Junior Conservatoire where she studied violin with Anya Birchall of the Orchestra of Welsh National Opera, and piano with Giordano Ferla.
Following the closure of the Junior Department at RWCMD, Erin continues violin and chamber music studies with Anya Birchall at the Young Musicians Academi, Penarth. She is the recipient of the Robinson Award with Future Talent, with whom she has performed in concerts and attended masterclasses and workshops.
She is the winner of the CNSO Gwent Young Musicians Competition 2024.
Notable performances have been a movement of a Vivaldi Violin Concerto with the London Mozart Players in front of 400 people at the age of 9, touring as 1st violin with the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, and with the NYO Inspire Orchestra with whom she performed at the BBC Proms in 2024.
Erin has led the 2nd violins at the RWCMD orchestra and chamber groups at the college, and has performed with Brecknock Sinfonia, and frequently at the front desk of the 1st violins with Abergavenny Symphony Orchestra
She attained distinctions for ABRSM grade 8 piano and violin, with a mark of 140/150 for violin, described by the examiner as ''...an outstanding performance..''.
Erin loves singing classical and pop music and is a choral scholar with Crickhowell Choral Society. She is passionate about continuing her musical studies and fulfilling her ambition to become a professional violinist.
She is a pupil at Crickhowell High School. She loves running and baking and has a twin sister Kiera, a cellist with whom she enjoys playing chamber music.
Erin was born in London, and from the age of 7 studied violin with Mickey Posner (London Mozart Players, RAM).
Erin's family who have roots in Wales, re-located to Abergavenny when she was 11. She earned a place at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama Junior Conservatoire where she studied violin with Anya Birchall of the Orchestra of Welsh National Opera, and piano with Giordano Ferla.
Following the closure of the Junior Department at RWCMD, Erin continues violin and chamber music studies with Anya Birchall at the Young Musicians Academi, Penarth. She is the recipient of the Robinson Award with Future Talent, with whom she has performed in concerts and attended masterclasses and workshops.
She is the winner of the CNSO Gwent Young Musicians Competition 2024.
Notable performances have been a movement of a Vivaldi Violin Concerto with the London Mozart Players in front of 400 people at the age of 9, touring as 1st violin with the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, and with the NYO Inspire Orchestra with whom she performed at the BBC Proms in 2024.
Erin has led the 2nd violins at the RWCMD orchestra and chamber groups at the college, and has performed with Brecknock Sinfonia, and frequently at the front desk of the 1st violins with Abergavenny Symphony Orchestra
She attained distinctions for ABRSM grade 8 piano and violin, with a mark of 140/150 for violin, described by the examiner as ''...an outstanding performance..''.
Erin loves singing classical and pop music and is a choral scholar with Crickhowell Choral Society. She is passionate about continuing her musical studies and fulfilling her ambition to become a professional violinist.
She is a pupil at Crickhowell High School. She loves running and baking and has a twin sister Kiera, a cellist with whom she enjoys playing chamber music.
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Violin 1
Helena Todd Chloe Menzies Deborah Cooper Javier Gonzalez Lindsay Savine Nadine Hazen Sara Raza Sarah Norton James Russell Violin 2 Debbie Frost Bryony Gettins Eithne Deignan Eleanor Chiu Eve Bellamy Joy Irvine Julie Bellamy Karen Payne Samantha Elson Viola Clare Bailey Gareth Allmand Huw Coburn Meryl Jones Mary Geldart |
Cello
Andrew Muggleton Andy Summers David Rose Derrick Pettit Jake Lewis Lily McAllister-Sutton Melanie Davies Sana Raza Piccolo/Flute Lynne Fulcher Flute Wendy Wade Erin McGill Oboe Philip White Catherine Webb Clarinet Roberta Veryard Jayne Bennett Francis Taylor Bassoon Holly Wright Mollie Bristow |
French Horn
Tim Holliday Martyn Ford Sarah Page Branwen Thistlewood Trumpet Connor Edwards David Jones Rebekah Middleton Graham Middleton Trombone Philip Ellwood Rebecca Rickard Dave Rose Tuba Elizabeth Forester Percussion Dennis Gardner Katherine Evans Charlotte Griffin Elizabeth Forester |
The CNSO Concerto Soloist 2025 competition is a fantastic opportunity for young classical musicians (string, wind, brass, piano, percussion) under 21 (as of August 31, 2025), living or studying in South Wales. Perform a concerto movement in March and the full piece in May. The entry fee is £20.
The CNSO Young Musician Competition 2025 is for aspiring musicians aged 16 or under (by August 31, 2025), based in South Wales, with at least Grade 6 ABRSM or equivalent. You'll perform a 5-minute piece in March and a 7-10 minute program in May. The entry fee is £10.
For further information about the competitions, please e-mail: [email protected] or checkout our website: www.cnso.org.uk
The CNSO Young Musician Competition 2025 is for aspiring musicians aged 16 or under (by August 31, 2025), based in South Wales, with at least Grade 6 ABRSM or equivalent. You'll perform a 5-minute piece in March and a 7-10 minute program in May. The entry fee is £10.
For further information about the competitions, please e-mail: [email protected] or checkout our website: www.cnso.org.uk
With thanks to our Friends of CNSO
Annette Fillery-Travis and Bruce Perkins
Mike Burgess
We would like thank the following for their support:
Gwent Music
Canon Colin Westbrook
Print and Embroidery Limited
CNSO volunteers and commitee
Minuteman Press
Our next concert will be Saturday 29th March, 7.30pm at Rougemont School. We will be playing pieces by Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky and Sibelius. The concert will also feature the Rougemont school choir. The evening will be conducted by Edmund Whitehead and led by Helena Todd.
Annette Fillery-Travis and Bruce Perkins
Mike Burgess
We would like thank the following for their support:
Gwent Music
Canon Colin Westbrook
Print and Embroidery Limited
CNSO volunteers and commitee
Minuteman Press
Our next concert will be Saturday 29th March, 7.30pm at Rougemont School. We will be playing pieces by Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky and Sibelius. The concert will also feature the Rougemont school choir. The evening will be conducted by Edmund Whitehead and led by Helena Todd.
