www.nlso.org

2017-18 SEASON

Symphony of Light

NORTHERN LIGHTS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

2017-18 SEASONSymphony of LightA NOTE FROM OUR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR, ADAM JOHNSONWelcome to our 2017-18 Season where we celebrate our 10 year anniversary.Our very first concert was 21st November 2007 in St. Saviour’s Church Pimlico, which was met with a standing ovation. Our aim then, as it is now, was to provide a unique artistic and creative forum for like-minded professional musicians who are passionate about performing the varied, interesting and at risk repertoire of composers from Scandinavian and other countries where the “northern lights” are visible. Since then, the has gone from strength to strength, expanding our international corporate portfolio and focusing more and more on the promotion of music from where one can marvel at the “northern lights”.Our associations and collaborations have reached heights we never thought possible, and we are continued to be humbled by them.The continues its celebration of Finland100 for our concerts in 2017, and we are also proud to promote “Climate Revolution” in partnership with Vivienne WestwoodWithin our programming for this forthcoming season, we aim to set new standards of concert experience providing our loyal audiences with outstanding music. We are thrilled to make our debut at Wigmore Hall which launches our Season. The joins forces with Cheltenham Bach Choir for the first time in Cirencester Parish Church for a performance of Brahms Requiem in November. We are also proud to promote our associated music charity outside of London, The Yorke Trust in Norfolk. You will see a variety of concerts, and operas performed there.In the new year we return to St. Martin-in-the-Fields for our lunchtime concert series, “Free Fridays”. We are delighted to include our annual Choral Concert with Voxcetera as well as our Family Fun Concert “Peter and the Wolf”.Our Season Finale takes place at The Royal Over-Seas League on 21st June 2017. We look forward to seeing you there, and throughout our wonderful season. We hope you enjoy the rich palette of repertoire, and the various ensembles ranging from duos to much larger and varied forces, which the is unique in offering every season.

CONCERTS PAGETUESDAY 3RD OCTOBER 7.30PM 5SEASON OPENING CONCERT WIGMORE HALLFRIDAY 6TH OCTOBER 1PM 6FAIRY TALE PICTURES ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDSFRIDAY 11TH NOVEMBER 7.30PM 7BRAHMS REQUIEM CIRENCESTER PARISH CHURCHFRIDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 7.30PM 8FAIRY TALE PICTURES SOUTH CREAKE, NORFOLKFRIDAY 15TH DECEMBER 7.30PM 9AMAHL & THE NIGHT VISITORS SOUTH CREAKE, NORFOLKFREE FRIDAYS @ 1PM ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS 105TH JANUARY VOXCETERA2ND FEBRUARY COLLETTE BOUSHELL & ADAM JOHNSON 2ND MARCH PIANO DUETS JO SEALEY & ADAM JOHNSON6TH APRIL ILLUMINA DUO 4TH MAY CHRISTOPHER CULL & NIALL KINSELLAFRIDAY 6TH AND SATURDAY 7TH APRIL 12EASTER IN NORFOLK TUESDAY 17TH APRIL 7.30PM 13MOZART REQUIEM ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDSTUESDAY 22ND MAY 7.30PM 12BEETHOVEN “EMPEROR” CONCERTO ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDSSUNDAY 26TH MAY 12.30PM 14FAMILY FUN CONCERT ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDSTHURSDAY 21ST JUNE 7.30PM 15SEASON FINALE ROYAL OVER-SEAS LEAGUETHURSDAY 19TH - SATURDAY 21ST JUNE 16GLUCK ORFEO ED EURYDICEMUSIC-NEXT-THE-SEA 17FRIDAY 22ND JUNE 7.30PM ST NICHOLAS’ CHURCHSATURDAY 23RD JUNE 1PM ST. MARY’S CHURCH SATURDAY 23RD JUNE 7.30PM ST. MARY’S CHURCH SUNDAY 24TH JUNE 6PM VENUE TO BE CONFIRMED

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“Magnificent” SIR PETER MAXWELL DAVIES CH CBE “Terrific Sound” THOMAS ADES “Thrilling” THE SIBELIUS SOCIETY UK

Formed in 2007, The Northern Lights Symphony Orchestra presents professional concerts at the highest level both in the UK, and worldwide. We are unique in our specialisation in repertoire of composers born within the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) region, and our innovative programming includes composers from these territories alongside other orchestral works. We are delighted to be named Orchestra in Association with The Sibelius Society UK and we are proud of the international links we have forged with Norway, Sweden, Finland and of course our support in the UK.We pride ourselves on providing interesting programming with symphonic repertoire in Central London with the finest musicians. It is only through the belief from our supporters, and within our unique orchestra that we have come so far so quickly. The is continually proud of our growing Friends of the Orchestra and is sincerely grateful for all the support from our loyal audience members. If you would like to know more about the benefits of becoming a Friend of the or to join our mailing list, please email info@nlso.orgFollow us on Twitter, Facebook, IndieGoGo, LinkedIn, and visit our website www.nlso.orgNLSØ is gratefully supported by Vivienne Westwood.

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NORTHERN LIGHTS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

2017-18 season opening concert AT WIGMORE HALL

TUESDAY 3RD OCTOBER 7.30PM WIGMORE HALL See page 19 for details

Finland 100

TENOR Nicky Spence HORN David Tollington Northern Lights Symphony Orchestra CONDUCTOR Adam JohnsonSIBELIUS Andante Festivo SIBELIUS Suite Mignonne Op. 98a RAUTAVAARA Epitaph for Bela Bartók BRITTEN Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings Op. 31 TCHAIKOVSKY Serenade for Strings Op. 48

We open our 10th anniversary season 2017-18, with our debut at Wigmore Hall, London. With a programme of string orchestral music by Sibelius and Tchaikovsky, and also Britten Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings (premiered at Wigmore Hall 15th October 1943), this will be a wonderful concert of celebration and commemoration.TICKETS £37, £32, £26, £20, £15 TEL 020 7935 2141 EMAIL boxoffice@wigmore-hall.org.uk ONLINE wigmore-hall.org.uk

NICKY SPENCE

DAVID TOLLINGTON

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Fairy Tale Pictures & other works for piano by Toivo KuulaFRIDAY 6TH OCTOBER 1PM ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS See page 19 for details

PIANO Adam Johnson Join Adam Johnson for this free lunchtime recital in the beautiful St. Martin-in-the-Fields as he plays FairyTale Pictures and other works by Finnish Romantic composer, Toivo Kuula.

Toivo Timoteus Kuula (7 July 1883 - 18 May 1918) was a Finnish conductor and composer. He was born in the city of Alavus, when Finland still was a Grand Duchy under Russian rule. He is known as a colorful and passionate portrayer of Finnish nature and people. A Swedish critic once said that Kuula’s music reaches parts of the human spirit where one is forced to deep examination of one’s self. Toivo Kuula died in

the provincial hospital in Viipuri in 1918 after being mortally wounded 18 days earlier on Walpurgis Night by a bullet fired by a Jäger. The bullet was fired as a result of a quarrel that happened in front of Hotel Seurahuone in conjunction with the first victory celebration of the white victory in the Civil War of Finland. Kuula is buried in Hietaniemi cemetery, Helsinki. Kuula is best-remembered for his large output of melodic choir and vocal works. His instrumental works include two Ostrobothnian Suites for Orchestra, Violin Sonata, Piano Trio and an unfinished Symphony.

His major work is the Stabat Mater which remained unfinished at the time of his death.

FREE ENTRY

Brahms Ein Deutsches Requiem Op. 45FRIDAY 11TH NOVEMBER 7.30PM CIRENCESTER PARISH CHURCH See page 19 for details

Cheltenham Bach Choir Northern Lights Symphony Orchestra CONDUCTOR David CrownSIBELIUS Swan of Tuonela Op. 22 No. 2 BARBER Adagio from String Quartet Op. 11 (original version) HOWELLS Take Him, earth, for cherishing BRAHMS Ein Deutsches Requiem Op. 45

The is delighted to work with Cheltenham Bach Choir for this wonderful programme of choral and orchestral music.

Brahms’ extraordinary “German Requeim” is presented here in the reduced orchestration which enables our orchestral soloists to explore their individual interpretation whilst blending together the rich sonorities of the chorus and soloists.TICKETS £18 (unreserved). Students and children £8. Tel 0333 666 3366 Email tickets@cheltbachchoir.com

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Fairy Tale Pictures & other works for piano by Toivo Kuula Presented by The Yorke Trust

FRIDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 7.30PM THE OLD CHAPEL, BURNHAM RD, SOUTH CREAKE, NORFOLK See page 19 for details

PIANO Adam Johnson Another opportunity to hear pianist Adam Johnson as he plays FairyTale Pictures and other works by Finnish Romantic composer, Toivo Kuula. Performed as a culmination of a two day recording for Grand Piano Records on a specially hired 9ft FAZIOLI piano.TICKETS £10 TEL 01328 710885 EMAIL boxoffice@wigmore-hall.org.uk ONLINE www.wellsmaltings.org.uk “What’s on and tickets”

Amahl & the Night Visitors Presented by The Yorke Trust – affiliated Charity organisation in Norfolk

FRIDAY 15TH DECEMBER 7.30PM ST. MARY’S CHURCH, SOUTH CREAKE, NORFOLK NR21 9LX See page 19 for details

Following the success of the collaboration with student musicians and local choral singers, the Yorke Trust in South Creake, Norfolk, presents another community event: Gian Carlo Menotti’s magical Christmas Opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors, to be performed in St. Mary’s Church, South Creake.

Set in the star-lit hills of Bethlehem, this heart-warming story finds the Three Wise Men following a star and taking shelter at the house of a poor mother and her crippled child. While the inquisitive boy cross questions the kings on every subject, the mother plans to steal some of their gold in order to save her son. As the events unfold, their lives are changed forever.

The work will be accompanied on the piano by Adam Johnson, and directed by Jennifer Hamilton.

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In the first half, the soloists will sing a programme of Christmas songs by composers including Fauré, Debussy, Ravel, Wolf, Quilter and Respighi.TICKETS £10 TEL 01328 710885 EMAIL boxoffice@wigmore-hall.org.uk ONLINE www.wellsmaltings.org.uk “What’s on and tickets”

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Piano Duets • Jo Sealey & Adam Johnson GABRIEL FAURÉ Dolly Suite Op. 56 ROBERT SCHUMANN Bilder aus Osten Op. 66 FRANZ SCHUBERT Fantasie in F Minor Op. 103

Adam and Jo have worked together for over 20 years and performed throughout the UK. In this afternoon’s lunchtime concert they will be playing piano duets by Fauré, Schumann and Schubert.

ADMISSION FREE

FRIDAY 6TH APRIL

Illumina Duo TRUMPET Ellie Lovegrove ORGAN Richard MooreA firm favourite of our chamber music season, Illumina bring a varied programme from Bach to the 21st Century. It is always a fantastic experience to hear their antiphonal music making!

ADMISSION FREE

FRIDAY 4TH MAY

BARITONE Christopher Cull PIANO Niall KinsellaCurrently studying in Vienna, Irish-born lieder recitalist, Niall Kinsella joins forces with Northern Irish Baritone, Christopher Cull. Their programme includes Beethoven’s An die ferne Geliebte and Vaughan-Williams’ Songs of Travel.

ADMISSION FREE

FRIDAY 5TH JANUARY

CHOIR Voxcetera CONDUCTOR Jane Hopkins Voxcetera will be performing from Rutter’s ‘Sprig of Thyme’ and a selection of British folk songs

ADMISSION FREE

FRIDAY 2ND FEBRUARY

SOPRANO Collette Boushell PIANO Adam JohnsonIrish operatic soprano, Colette Boushell presents an intimate programme of songs by Fauré, Grieg and Toivo Kuula.

ADMISSION FREE

2018 ‘Free Fridays’ lunchtime concerts @ 1pm ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS See page 19 for details

NIALL KINSELLA

COLLETTE BOUSHELL

CHRISTOPHER CULL

ILLUMINA DUO

JANE HOPKINS

JO SEALEY

Beethoven Emperor Concerto TUESDAY 22ND MAY 7.30PM ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS See page 19 for details

Northern Lights Symphony Orchestra CONDUCTOR Adam Johnson PIANO Adam JohnsonLUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat Op. 73 Symphony No. 7 in A Op. 92

Following the huge success of a similar concert last season, we are thrilled to offer another opportunity to see Adam Johnson perform a piano concerto, conducting from the piano. For this concert, we are programming the mighty “Emperor” Concerto and the 7th Symphony by Beethoven. This Symphony was the very first Symphony the performed 10 years ago, and we are tremendously excited to include it in this powerful programme.TICKETS £22, £18, £14 TEL 020 7766 1100 then press option for box office FAX 020 7389 0773 EMAIL BoxOffice@smitf.org ONLINE www.smitf.org

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Mozart Requiem

TUESDAY 17TH APRIL 7.30PM ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS See page 19 for details

SOPRANO Luci Briginshaw MEZZO SOPRANO Arnheidur Eiríksdóttir TENOR Oliver Martin-Smith BASS Adam Marsden Northern Lights Symphony Orchestra Voxcetera CONDUCTED BY Jane Hopkins | Adam JohnsonWILLIAM BYRD Sanctus and Benedictus from Mass for 5 voices • OLA GJELIO London Sanctus WILLIAM BYRD Ave verum corpus • R. VAUGHAN WILLIAMS Byrd Ave Verum Corpus reimagined WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART Ave Verum Corpus THOMAS TALLIS Te lucis ante terminum BALFOUR GARDINER Evening Hymn THOMAS TALLIS O nata lux • CARL RÜTTI O nata lux SIGURBJÖRNSSON Heyr himna smiður WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART Requiem K. 626

Our annual choral concert with Voxcetera is always a highlight in our season and this year we are thrilled to present a performance of Mozart Requiem. In the first half of this programme, Voxcetera take centre stage with their Conductor, Jane Hopkins with a fantastically considered programme of beautiful choral works. A concert not to be missed!TICKETS £22, £18, £14 TEL 020 7766 1100 then press option for box office FAX 020 7389 0773 EMAIL BoxOffice@smitf.org ONLINE www.smitf.org

Easter in Norfolk

FRIDAY 6TH APRIL AND SATURDAY 7TH APRIL J.S. BACH CantatasThe Yorke Trust Easter course provides choral and vocal tuition for aspiring young singers from conservatoires around the UK, including The Royal Northern College of Music – where the majority of musicians are also alumni.

This year, course director Alec Crowe presents a wonderful programme of Bach Cantatas.TICKETS £10 TEL 01328 710885 ONLINE www.wellsmaltings.org.uk “What’s on and tickets”

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Family Fun Concert Peter & the WolfSUNDAY 26TH MAY 12.30PM ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS See page 19 for details

CONDUCTOR Adam Johnson SIGN LANGUAGE TRANSLATOR Kate Shortt Northern Lights Symphony OrchestraW. A. MOZART The Marriage of Figaro Overture DAN WATTS The Lion and the Mouse (for children’s choir and orchestra) SERGEI PROKOFIEV Peter and the Wolf Op.67 (arranged David Matthews)

Our annual Family Fun concert is always highly anticipated, and our next Guest Narrator will be announced before the end of 2017 – top secret at the moment…!

Included in this concert is the world premiere of The Lion and the Mouse based on Aesop’s popular fable composed by co-founder and Trustee, Dan Watts. The piece is scored for solo piano, children’s choir, with narration and will feature some talented young musicians taking the solo roles.

This programme has become a firm favourite at St. Martin-in-the-Fields, and we are delighted to provide this annual lunchtime concert for all the family to enjoy. (Duration 50 mins.)

In association with participating Schools for Assisted HearingTICKETS £15 (Children under 16 £7.50, Children aged 3 and under FREE) TEL 020 7766 1100 then press option for box office FAX 020 7389 0773 EMAIL BoxOffice@smitf.org ONLINE www.smitf.org

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Season Finale at The Royal Over-Seas League THURSDAY 21ST JUNE 7.30PM ROYAL OVER-SEAS LEAGUE See page 19 for details

Northern Lights Symphony Orchestra CONDUCTOR Adam JohnsonJUDITH WEIR Still Glowing JEAN SIBELIUS Suite Mignonne Op. 98a RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS Lark Ascending (arr. for String Orchestra) PYOTR ILLYICH TCHAIKOVSKY Serenade for Strings Op. 48

For this Season Finale we are very excited to perform at the ROSL in their Princess Alexandra Hall. In this concert we bring together music from our opening season launch concert, and also include Judith Weir’s beautiful Still Glowing as well as the much-loved Lark Ascending by Vaughan Williams performed by a ROSL award winner.TICKETS £20 (General Admission) £15 Friends of ROSL Arts TEL 020 7408 0214 ONLINE www.rosl.org.uk

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Summer Opera Course with The Yorke Trust

THURSDAY 19TH JULY – SATURDAY 21ST JULY

The Yorke Trust Summer Opera Sinfonia Members of the CONDUCTOR Adam Johnson DIRECTOR Jennifer Hamilton CHRISTOPH WILLIBALD GLUCK Orfeo ed Eurydice

For their annual summer opera course, The Yorke Trust presents Gluck’s masterpiece Orfeo ed Eurydice. These three consecutive performances are a culmination of a month’s opera course in South Creake, North Norfolk with dedicated vocal coaches, répétiteurs, and international opera students.TICKETS TEL 01328 710885 ONLINE www.wellsmaltings.org.uk “What’s on and tickets”

Music-next-the-Sea A WEEKEND OF CHAMBER MUSIC IN NORTH NORFOLK in association with The Yorke Trust

This is a brand new concert series for the North Norfolk area and brings together players from the and is in association with The Yorke Trust.

We aim to present only the very best chamber music for everyone to enjoy in these beautiful venues and churches, with the magical coastline as our inspiration. We look forward to welcoming you.

FRIDAY 22ND JUNE 7.30PM ST. NICHOLAS’ CHURCH, WELLS-NEXT-THE-SEA

WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor K. 478 EDWARD ELGAR Piano Quintet Op. 84 ROBERT SCHUMANN Piano Quintet Op. 44

SATURDAY 23RD JUNE 1PM • VILLIERS QUARTET ST. MARY’S CHURCH WESTGATE, BURNHAM MARKET EDWARD ELGAR String Quartet in E Minor Op. 83 ANTONÍN DVORÀK String Quartet No. 14 in A Flat Op. 105

The critically acclaimed Villiers Quartet perform a lunchtime concert of Elgar and Dvoràk

SATURDAY 23RD JUNE 7.30PM ST. MARY’S CHURCH, SOUTH CREAKE

WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART Piano Quartet No. 2 in E Flat K. 493 GABRIEL FAURÉ Piano Quartet No. 1 in C Minor Op. 15 CÉSAR FRANCK Piano Quintet

SUNDAY 24TH JUNE 6PM VENUE TO BE CONFIRMED

A Lieder Recital of Schumann & Mahler with Mezzo-Soprano Anna Huntley and Baritone Philip Smith. The performance begins at 6pm with a pre-concert talk by Richard Stokes.

TICKETS Available from Wells-next-the-Sea Tourist information centre Tel 01328 710885ANNA

HUNTLEY

JAMIE WALTON

KATYA APEKISHEVA

VILLIERS QUARTET

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venuesST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JJ TEL 020 7766 1100 then press option for box office FAX 020 7389 0773 • EMAIL BoxOffice@smitf.org ONLINE www.smitf.org UNDERGROUND Leicester Square; Charing Cross

THE YORKE TRUST The Old Chapel, Burnham Rd, South Creake, Norfolk NR21 9LX ONLINE www.yorketrust.org

CIRENCESTER PARISH CHURCH Market Place, Cirencester GL7 2NX

THE ROYAL OVER-SEAS LEAGUE Over-Seas House, Park Place, St. James’s Street, London SW1A 1LR TEL 020 7408 0214

WIGMORE HALL 36 Wigmore Street, London W1U 2BP UNDERGROUND Bond St, Oxford Circus

NLSØ debut cd details“Magnificent” SIR PETER MAXWELL DAVIES CH CBE

“Terrific sound” THOMAS ADES

“Thrilling” THE SIBELIUS SOCIETYWe are thrilled to present our debut CD which is a live recording taken from our electrifying concert at Pamoja Concert Hall November 2011.Albanian virtuoso Alda Dizdari plays Sibelius Serenade No.2 and Brahms Violin Concerto, and the CD includes the mighty Tubin Symphony No. 5 – never before recorded by a UK orchestra!PRICE £10 (+P&P) Please email northernlightsorchestra@yahoo.co.uk for copies

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD – FASHION DESIGNER & ACTIVIST

Vivienne Westwood has always used her collections and catwalk shows as a platform to campaign for positive activism. She has spent many years tirelessly speaking out about the effects of climate change and overconsumption, and has mobilised international attention around ecological crusading. As well as Human rights, Vivienne is passionate about the environment and actively supports the charity, Cool Earth, in their efforts to save the rainforest and stop climate change, as well as supporting the Environmental Justice Foundation and Friends of the Earth – amongst others. Vivienne is also an ambassador for Greenpeace and in 2013 designed their official ‘Save the Artic’ logo and in 2015 launched a global campaign to stop drilling and industrial fishing in the area.

Vivienne inaugurated the ‘Climate Revolution’ at the 2012 London Paralympics closing ceremony and continues to rally charities, NGO’s and individuals to join forces and to take action against disengaged political leaders and big business.

“The Revolution has already begun. The fact of man-made climate change is accepted by most people. Through every walk of life people are changing their values and their behaviour. This continues to build the Revolution. The fight is no longer between the classes or between rich and poor but between the idiots and the eco-conscious.” VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

Vivienne has also written her ideas in a Manifesto called “Active Resistance to Propaganda”. The AR Manifesto evolved through her fashion shows which she uses as a platform for her cultural and environmental concerns. It is a call to become more cultivated and in doing so gain the strength and wisdom needed to live life well now and to save the planet for the future. Vivienne’s monthly diary and more information on her concerns, passions and campaigns can be found at www.climaterevolution.co.uk

BROCHURE DESIGNED BY www.sharppencildesign.co.uk

PICTURE CREDITS: COVER IMAGE © Timothée Mathelin • & Adam Johnson © Chris Hudson • Amahl poster original image © Paul Ingram • Peter and the Wolf © Luiza Lale • Nicky Spence © Raphaelle Photography

Support the NLSØ Orchestra in Association with the Sibelius Society UKPATRON Lady FraserPRESIDENT Rodney Slatford OBEHONORARY PATRONS Joanna Lumley OBE Jonathan Pryce CBE Leif SegerstamYou can also support the in a number of ways to ensure future seasons and wonderful concerts:CHEQUES payable to “The Northern Lights Symphony Orchestra” GIFT AID The Northern Lights Symphony Orchestra can claim Gift Aid on the whole of your donation if you are a UK tax payer and pay a minimum tax equal to the donation in addition to any other Gift Aid commitments you have. Please email us if you’d like a gift aid envelope. PAYMENT ONLINE Please visit our website www.nlso.orgPAYMENT FROM OTHER CHARITIES AND TRUSTS The Northern Lights Symphony Orchestra can receive any sum of money payable by CAF voucher from a Charity or Trust.

The Northern Lights Symphony Orchestra is a private limited company (Companies House No. 7031460) and is a registered Charity (Charity Commission No. 1136322).