SUNday 26 July 2026
Curious Creatures
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra at Corfe Castle
An unforgettable summer evening of live orchestral music from just £29.95
Discover a wonderful world through an evening of live orchestral music.
Performed by an ensemble from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, enjoy a relaxed summer evening in the magical grounds of Corfe Castle. Bring a picnic, or treat yourself to speciality coffee, a drink from The GOAT bar and refreshments, or an ice cream from Cherry Ices.
Inspired by nature, wildlife and the world around us, this colourful programme celebrates the beauty and wonder of our planet through music.
Suitable for audiences of all ages, it’s a memorable evening of outstanding live orchestral music in a truly unique setting.
Programme
- Haydn Symphony: No. 6 (Le Matin): I. Adagio
- Rimsky -Korsakov: Flight of the Bumblebee
- Shaw Plan & Elevation IV. The Orangery
- Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending
- Villa-Lobos Florestra do Amazonas (excerpt)
- Elgar The Wild Bears (from the Wand of Youth)
- Mancini Baby Elephant Walk
- Williams Sea Sketches, I. High Winds
- Various Gatherum of Oceanic Tunes
Interval
- Darin Beyond the Sea
- Still Wood Notes: III Moon Dusk
- Saint-Saëns Danse Macabre [Short version]
- Ravel Mother Goose Suite: Beauty & the Beast
- de Falla Ritual Fire Dance
- Björk Crystalline
- Various Moana: You’re Welcome
- Bailey & Palmer Curious Creatures Song
Here's a selection of the tracks the BSO will play on the night
What to Expect
- The dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle provide a stunning outdoor setting — ideal for picnics under the stars
- Drinks and refreshments are available at The GOAT bar, and ice creams from Cherry Ices van.
- 14 piece BSO mixed ensemble led by conductor and presenter Patrick Bailey
- Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy drinks and refreshments available on site
- Doors open from 4.00pm, concert starts 5:00pm
- Please note: As this performance takes place earlier than the other Summer Nights at the Castle events, the light show will not be included.
Whether you’re young or young at heart, this evening promises adventure, wonder and unforgettable music in one of Dorset’s most iconic settings.
Corfe Castle
Set in the heart of Purbeck, Corfe Castle is a dramatic historic ruin cared for by the National Trust. Its towering walls and panoramic views provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable summer evening of music.
Corfe Castle is a fortification standing above the village of the same name on the Isle of Purbeck peninsula in the English county of Dorset. Built by William the Conqueror, the castle dates to the 11th century and commands a gap in the Purbeck Hills on the route between Wareham and Swanage.
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
One of the UK’s best-loved orchestras, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has been enriching lives through music since 1893. Based at Lighthouse, Poole, the Orchestra performs across the South West, bringing world-class live music to towns and communities throughout the region.
The BSO has a long history of working with leading composers and continues to champion new music today, while also reaching audiences around the world through its pioneering Digital Concerts.
Beyond the concert hall, the Orchestra delivers extensive community, education and wellbeing programmes, creating more than 58,000 musical experiences last year alone through schools, healthcare settings and local partnerships.
Whatever your age or musical taste, prepare to make new memories this summer with three nights of brilliant live music. From classical favourites and film scores to the sounds of the ’80s, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Refreshments
Bar and refreshments also available in the Castle from The GOAT. Based in the Purbeck and with stores in Wareham, Poole and shortly Broadstone they’re known for awesome speciality coffee in a unique environment. They will also be providing a bar including Purbeck Cider and Eight Arch beer as well as a range of wine and spirits.
Ice cream will be provided by Cherry Ices. Cherry Ices will be serving a range of ice cream flavours for anyone wanting to grab a treat during the event.
