The unique orchestra that celebrates the planet through music

There can’t be many orchestras for whom environmental action and education is just as important as the music, but then Orchestra for the Earth isn’t your average orchestral group.

Set up in 2018 by the conductor and current artistic director John Warner, Orchestra for the Earth has spent the past seven years harnessing the power of music to inspire action on climate change.

This unique orchestra is performing at St Wilfrid’s Church on July 4, as one of the ‘Gigs at Gaia’ hosted in the atmospheric building at this year’s Festival.

Led by Warner, an acclaimed conductor who has conducted some of the world’s leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra and BBC Philharmonic, it is driven by the belief that classical music is for everyone, and a greener future is a fairer future.

This passion for the natural world is reflected in the orchestra’s repertoire which often reflects themes of nature and the environment. Their Harrogate performance will open with Grieg’s ‘Morning Mood’ from Peer Gynt and will also include a string of popular pieces including Mendelssohn’s ‘Hebrides Overture’ finishing with Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending, a much-loved classical piece evokes a sense of serenity and celebrates the beauty of the English countryside in all its glory.

This is a musical journey through light, shadow, and open sky – an evening to stir the senses and reconnect with the natural world through sound.