THE York Guildhall Orchestra is to begin a new journey through the symphonic works of the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius next month after polishing off all nine of Gustav Mahler’s symphonies.

“Completing the Mahler marathon last year is a boast that very few professional orchestras could make, let alone an amateur group such as ours,” says conductor and musical director Simon Wright.

York Barbican’s orchestra in residence will set off on its Sibelius travels on February 8 with Finlandia, a work composed when Finland was experiencing difficult political times. “Although not written specifically for this purpose, the rousing piece caught the hearts and minds of the Finnish population and became the unofficial anthem of Finland to celebrate its political freedom,” says Simon.

“On a clear day, anyone standing on the Helsinki shore and looking out over the Gulf of Finland can see the twin towers of the Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg. So perhaps it is not surprising that Russian influences are clearly discernible in the early music of Sibelius, especially so in his first symphony. However, he makes the form all his own in this gloriously tuneful and evocative composition.”

Sibelius’s aforementioned Symphony No 1 will conclude the 7.30pm programme, which also gives a first performance to a set of Symphonic Dances written for the orchestra by York composer Dick Blackford, a great friend of the YGO.

Bruch’s Violin Concerto No 1 will feature soloist David Greed, who became the youngest leader in the country when appointed to that position in the newly formed Orchestra of Opera North in 1978.

“Full of brilliant tunes and pyrotechnics, Bruch’s 1st Violin Concerto is a very popular piece, often played in concert hall and on the radio,” says Simon. “From the opening through to the exciting finish, it keeps everyone on their toes – orchestra and soloist alike.”

As part of an outreach venture started last year, the Guildhall Orchestra has asked soloist David Greed to hold a masterclass session for talented young violinists from the York area. Already, cellist Jamie Walton and pianist Alessandro Taverna have hosted masterclasses; Greed will follow suit in the chapel of York St John University between 2.30pm and 5pm on February 7.

“Audience members are strongly encouraged to attend,” says Simon. “Entry is only £5 to help cover costs.” The YGO’s outreach work extends to inviting talented youngsters to sit with the regular orchestra players and join in the first rehearsal run-through. “Keeping youngsters interested in music and playing instruments is vital to the future of music – any music, be it classical orchestra or pop band,” says Simon. “The youngsters always enjoy these rehearsals and find it a real eye – and ear – opener as the orchestra is put through its paces, hopefully helping the youngsters to see and appreciate how it all works.”

• Tickets for the February 8 concert are available from the Barbican box office, 0844 854 2757, and at yorkbarbican.co.uk