The York Guildhall Orchestra’s second concert in their 45th year will see them recognise this year's celebration of a composer with the spectacular name of Carl Maria Friedrich.

Ernst von Weber. Born in 1786, he was a German composer, conductor, virtuoso pianist, guitarist, and a music critic in the early 19th Century - dying at the tragically early age of 39 in 1826. The orchestra is delighted to be able to introduce one of the world's finest clarinettists, Julian Bliss, in his York debut. The second of Weber's clarinet concertos is a classic in the repertoire and the opportunity to hear Julian perform it should not be missed.

It has been several years since YGO completed their extended journey through the major symphonic works of Gustav Mahler, so it's about time his repertoire was revisited. For this concert, they have chosen his hauntingly beautiful 5th symphony. This large five movement work contains many beautiful tunes, including the famous adagietto fourth movement said to be an expression of Mahler's love for his wife Alma - and perhaps remembered for its use in Visconti's equally beautiful film 'Death in Venice'.