MUSICAL MILESTONES: 200th Anniversary Celebrations
SCHUMANN: (i) Early years to 1841
A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton
If a single composer had to be selected to represent the features of Romanticism, Schumann would be a splendid choice. Images of literature pervade his music, he was preoccupied with self expression, he was a miniaturist with a strong lyrical and harmonic gift, and his own life embodied Romantic events in abundance. Tonight we explore the outstanding piano works of the 1830s – 'Abbegg' Variations, 'Papillons', 'Carnival', 'Fantasiestucke', 'Etudes Symphonique', 'Kreisleriana' – the great song cycles 'Frauenliebe und leben' and 'Dichterliebe', and the joyous 'Spring Symphony'.
Admission £4 (student £1) at the door
Saturday 13th February 12 noon
PHILIPPA MURRAY (soprano) DANIEL TURNER (tenor)
ADRIAN BOYNTON (piano)
A Recital for Valentines Weekend
HANDEL: Arias from Partenope MOZART: Despina’s Aria (Cosi fan Tutte)
STRAUSS: Leider, Op 10 FAURE: Cinq Chants de Venise
BRUNT: De La Mare Cycle FINZI: Song Cycle ‘O Fair to see’
A former choral scholar at King's College, London and the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, Philippa Murray won a scholarship to study with Emma Kirkby at Dartington International Summer School and now holds a postgraduate scholarship at Guildhall School. She sings regularly with leading ensembles such as Da Chiese Baroque and the Armonico Consort, and last year made her operatic debut in Mozart's Magic Flute at Bridgewater Hall. Former St Matthew's Northampton chorister and Queens College Oxford organ scholar Daniel Turner has sung solo roles with London Handel Players and recently made his debut with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra at the Sheldonian, Oxford. He has collaborated with James Bowman in Britten's 'Canticles' and pianist David Owen Norris in Elgar's songs. Join us for what promises to be a delightful lunchtime programme for Valentine's weekend.
Admission £5 (conc £4.50, child £1) at the door
Thursday 11th February 7.45pm
LIBOR NOVACEK (piano)
HAYDN: Sonata in C (English) CHOPIN: Two Nocturnes Op 48
CHOPIN: Ballade No 1 in G minor DEBUSSY: L’isle Joyeuse
MUSSORGSKY: Pictures at an Exhibition
'Beautifully phrased, subtly coloured, acutely characterized. His command of the keyboard is very impressive, & he aspires to the highest interpretive ideals' [Gramophone 2007]
Prague-born Libor Novacek graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2004 with highest honours and was immediately selected by the Young Concert Artists Trust. He went on to take top prizes in international competitions leading to solo recitals and concert performances in prestigious venues throughout the world. In February 2007 his third CD (of Liszt) was Editor's Choice in Gramophone Magazine and in June he was awarded a Diploma d'Honneur at the 33rd Liszt International Record Grand Prix in Hungary. Tonight's compelling programme culminates in the original version of Mussorgsky's epic cycle.
Admission £8.50 (conc £8, child £2) at the door
Sunday 21st February 6pm
CHORAL EVENSONG FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
THE CHOIR OF THE CITY CHURCH directed by Adrian Boynton
Freewill offering
Thursday 25th February 7.45pm
EXPLORING MUSIC: 20th Century Masters
STRAVINSKY (i) Early Years to 1920
A talk illustrated with fine CD recordings by Adrian Boynton
In terms of both creative accomplishment and influence Stravinsky stands as the dominant figure of the 20th century. His music went through several changes, often startling at the time, but revealing an inner consistency. The early years in Russia find him absorbing influences from his compatriots in Symphony No 1, 'Scherzo Fantastique' and 'Fireworks'. 1910 sees the beginning of his international career with Dyagilev's Ballet Russes in Paris, and the premieries of 'The Firebird', 'Petrushka' and 'The Rite of Spring'. Then come the years of exile in Switzerland during which he completed 'The Soldier's Tale', 'Symphonies of Wind Instruments' (in memory of Debussy) and the great ballet score 'Les Noces'.
Admission £4 (student £1) at the door