Rhapsody for a Rascal
7th November 2026, 7.30pm West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge
Stravinsky Petrushka
Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue
Strauss Don Juan
Strauss Feierlicher Einzug
Strauss Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche
Duration : 90 minutes, plus interval
Performed by:
Cambridge Philharmonic Orchestra
Piano : Junyan Chen
Conductor : Harry Sever
Lead Violin: Simon Hewitt Jones
Duration:
At the heart of this fiery programme is a trio of notorious pranksters: the Russian puppet Petrushka, the Spanish libertine Don Juan, and the German folk hero Till Eulenspiegel. Set to some of the 20th century’s most lavish and brilliant music by Richard Strauss and Igor Stravinsky, this promises to be a musical tour-de-force, showcasing our virtuosic orchestral musicians, led by our new concertmaster Simon Hewitt-Jones.
In the first half, we are delighted to welcome internationally acclaimed young pianist Junyan Chen to perform Gershwin’s ever-popular piano concerto Rhapsody in Blue, a timeless evocation of 1920’s America.
Tickets
Tickets: £15, £22, £28, £33 (student concessions and free essential companions tickets available)
Pre-bookable programme £2
Please note that tickets are purchased on a non-refundable basis.
Access: The building is fully accessible to wheelchair users, with wheelchair / companion seating ramps and accessible toilet facilities. Click HERE to find out more.
If you require a free carer’s ticket or have additional access requirements, please get in touch tickets@cam-phil.org.uk
getting to west road concert hall
West Road Travel Arrangements
During the development of the Sigwick site there is some disruption to parking arrangements for our audience and performers. Please see the notes below and allow extra time to park should you be traveling by car, or use public transport where possible.
Parking in front of West Road Concert Hall
There is limited parking in front of the concert hall and this is reserved for guest performers. Please do not double park in this area as it is frequented by pedestrians and cyclists as well as drivers, so needs to be accessible and safe.
Cycling – there are bike racks right outside the entrance to the concert hall
Sigwick site parking
The barrier to the Sidgwick Avenue car park will be raised about half an hour before the hall hire begins (from about 5pm). The barrier will remain open until shortly after the concert starts, and will then open automatically for vehicles exiting. This parking is free of charge.
Blue Badge Holders
There are six disabled parking spaces on the Sidgwick Site.
Other parking
The nearest free designated parking location is at Madingley Road Park & Ride, which is approximately a 35 minute walk, or 18 minute journey via the Busway. The Route U bus departs from Eddington Avenue next to the Park & Ride site.
There is limited metered parking on West Road and Sidgwick Avenue, near to the site.
Limited non-metered, on-street parking may be found on Adams Road, Herschel Road and Sylvester Road.
Patrons are reminded that on-street parking is free on West Road and Sidgwick Avenue after 5pm
Pay & display parking on West Road costs £1.40 per 30mins Monday-Sunday from 9am-5pm, max 4hr stay. Please be aware that payment is via cash or app.
The nearest unregulated streets are Herschel, Sylvester and Cranmer Roads, a c.10 minute walk away on the other side of Grange Road. Please note Adams Road currently is closed until June 2026
Public Transport
Busway Route U
The Route U bus departs from Eddintgton Avenue (5 minutes’ walk from Madingley Park & Ride, which has free parking) every 15 – 20 minutes.
Take the bus from Eddington Avenue departing for Addenbrooke’s and alight after 11 stops for the Sidgwick Site, on West Road outside the University Library.
From Cambridge station you can catch the Universal/Route U bus to the University Library stop on West Road approximately 50 metres from the front door.
Here’s a useful site map with bus stops
The Concert Hall is a 10 to 15 minute taxi ride from the main Cambridge railway station.
Park & Ride
Cambridge’s Park & Ride network includes sites at five locations around the city. Please see the Park & Ride website for full details of routes, timetables and prices.
Photo Credits throughout: Bill Hiskett Photography

