Congratulations to long-time supporter of this website Dr Paul Harper, who has won two tickets to attend next Monday’s gala concert by the Swedish Philharmonia at the Fairfield Halls.

The programme next week features the works of Sibelius, who Paul knew was born in Finland, the answer to our prize competition, just one of the various benefits provided exclusively for Inside Croydon patrons.

The Swedish Philharmonia – also known as the Gävle Symphony Orchestra – is the second event in the Fairfield Halls’ international orchestra series.

Next Monday’s concert features Serbian virtuoso violinist Nemanja Radulovic playing Tchaikovsky’s concerto.

Radulovic, whose recording of the same piece has been commended in Gramophone Magazine, has appeared with many of the world’s leading orchestras.

Well-conducted: Swedish Philharmonia’s Jaime Martin

The concert, conducted by the Phiharmonia’s director, Jaime Martín, will open with “A Merry Overture Op. 14”, a work by Swedish composer Bo Linde.

Linde’s works, which include orchestral, chamber and vocal music, often explore themes of nature and the human experience, and draw inspiration from Swedish folk music and poetry. He is among the most notable 20th Century neoclassical composers.

“We are very lucky, because our soloist is one of the most amazing, exciting, original musicians I know: Nemanja Radulovic,” said Martín. “I cannot wait to be with all of you with the Swedish Philharmonia.”

Also on the Fairfield Halls’ international series is the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, who will be performing in Croydon in October.

Fairfield Halls’ acoustics are considered among the best in the UK. With this series, the venue is honouring its long and prestigious history of staging concerts by some of the world’s most notable classical artists and symphony orchestras.

Inspiring the next generation of classical music lovers, the venue is making tickets for under-18s free (when accompanied by an adult), and helping people spread the cost of seeing world-class music with a multi-buy discount of up to 15per cent off.

Tickets are now on sale. More information and booking links available at fairfield.co.uk

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