SEE in the New Year in style with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s traditional celebration of Johann Strauss, the King of Waltz on Sunday, January in Cheltenham. Following on from his hugely successful debut at the BSO with the New Year Gala in 2013, the Orchestra is delighted to welcome back charming Viennese conductor Aleksandar Markovi? for what is sure to be a festive evening looking towards the excitement of the New Year.

From 2009-2015 Markovi? was Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Brno Philharmonic Orchestra, an appointment he gained immediately after his debut in 2008. He commands a wide range of symphonic and operatic repertoire ranging from classic and romantic to contemporary styles and is a regular guest at international music festivals.

Markovi? who will be joined by stunning soprano Rebecca Bottone, leads the Opera North orchestra in concert featuring Strauss’ Ein Heldenleben, before making his debut with Bavarian Radio Orchestra at Festival of Nations in Bad Wörishofen, Germany. This season he will appear for the first time with several other orchestras before returning to perform with the world-class Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

Bedfordshire-born Soprano, Rebecca Bottone recently graduated from the Royal Academy of Music. Already her ability to bring to life roles across the widest repertoire has met with considerable acclaim, and her Baroque and particularly Handelian performances have received especial praise. Bottone’s operatic career has seen her working with conductors including Sir Colin Davis, Sir Charles Mackerras, Richard Hickox and Marc Minkowsk.

Both Bottone and Markovi? collaboration will make for an exciting concert that celebrates the life and works of Johann Strauss Jr. who became a success in 1849 and surpassed his father in fame and fortune. At the height of his popularity, the younger Strauss employed several orchestras (all bearing his name) and dashed from one ballroom to another to put in a nightly appearance with each. Eventually Strauss, Jr. would be acclaimed as the Waltz King.

Don’t miss your chance to hear the works of the King of Waltzes, marches and polkas as they should be heard – played by a full symphony orchestra! - at 3pm on Saturday, January 3. Visit bsolive.com for tickets and more details.