HSO is thrilled to be joined by flautist Emma Halnan to perform Lowell Liebermann's tempestuous Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, a work of both staggering virtuosity and compositional rigour.

We will open with a concert favourite, Smetana's Vltava, which musically chronicles the journey of the eponymous river, from trickling mountain spring to wide open sea. The concert ends with Shostakovich's momentous Fifth Symphony. Informally subtitled 'A Soviet Artist's Practical and Creative Response to Just Criticism', its mix of deep tragedy, dark humour and sardonic triumph warrants its prestige as a symbol of art as covert political resistance.

Tickets are available via:

- Members of the orchestra

- Hitchin Information (1A Churchyard, cash only)

- www.ticketsource.co.uk/hitchin-symphony

In Advance: £12 (available until midday on the Friday before the concert). On the Door: £15. Accompanied under 16s are admitted free of charge.