Guildford Spring Music Festival

Transcription

1 Guildford Spring Music Festival March 2016 Festival Programme 2016

2 The following organisations (some merged and some no longer trading under their original names) provided the initial guarantee fund as Founder Sponsors and we continue to be grateful to them for their support at the time when GSMF became a biennial festival in Several Founder Sponsors have also supported individual concerts over the years and their regular support enables GSMF to plan ahead for subsequent festivals. Gold Founder Sponsors Founder Sponsors

3 Welcome We warmly welcome you to the 7th Guildford Spring Music Festival at the Electric Theatre, Guildford. This biennial festival was created in 2004 to showcase the many talented musicians with roots in Guildford and the surrounding area. We are delighted to present a week packed with a wide range of musical events, bringing together both aspiring young musicians and established artists, all of the highest standard. The festival is thrilled to welcome back Michael Collins, the world renowned clarinetist and GSMF President. Other Festival favourites include the GSA Singers, University of Surrey Big Band and lunchtime jazz with Jimmy Hastings and his band. Former BBC Young Musician finalist Charlotte Cox and her sister Francesca give a sparkling recital of music for bassoon and oboe, and outstanding pianist Lucy Parham, well known in the world s famous concert halls, will perform an evening of Chopin, Debussy and Rachmaninoff. The end of the week sees a Jazz Workshop led by international educator Nikki Iles, followed by a toe-tapping evening of music from Tina May and her band. Guildford s finest young string players will be in action on Saturday morning in a masterclass given by international conductor and cellist Kenneth Woods, and GSMF 2016 concludes with a Festival Finale Gala concert by the Surrey Mozart Players. None of this would be possible without the support of the local businesses who are Founder and Concert Sponsors. We salute you. We hope GSMF 2016 will bring a musical spring to your step! Tony Hennessey-Brown (Chair) Follow us on 3

4 Ticket Prices Booking Information Lunchtime events: 10 5 Concessions* Evening events: 17 8 Concessions* SMP Gala Concert: Concessions* * JSA, ESA. Friends Tickets: All tickets 1 off. 3 or more 2 off General Sales: 1 off each ticket if booking 3 events or more. Events must be booked at the same time to receive the discount. These offers are not available online. Jazz Workshop and String Masterclass Tickets to listen cost 5 Festival Box Offices The Electric Theatre Onslow Street, Guildford, GU1 4SZ Opening times: Monday to Saturday, 10.30am to 5pm (or until the start of the performance on performance nights). Sunday opening times may vary. Box Office: Guildford Tourist Information Centre 155 High Street, Guildford, GU1 3AJ Opening times: Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 5pm Box Office: Guildford Spring Music Festival Telephone: chair@gsmf.org.uk website: facebook: 4

5 Sunday 13th March Holy Trinity Church, High Street, Guildford pm Admission Free Stainer Crucifixion Festival Choral Evening - Come and Sing Dr Barry Rose, CBE Guildford Cathedral s first Organist and Master of the Choristers, who subsequently moved on to St Paul s and St Albans, conducts this performance. It will be given by an array of choral singers, including many from local Choirs. Singers will rehearse from 4pm. At 6.30pm they will perform this unique work in the wonderful acoustic of Guildford s Holy Trinity Church. All are welcome to perform (no audition needed!) or else to listen, with the opportunity to join in the hymns which are contained in this moving composition. Barry Rose Conductor Anthony Gritten Organist 5

6 Monday 14th March Electric Theatre 1pm Jazz at Lunchtime Jimmy Hastings and his Quartet featuring Joe Fenning, Trombone Back by popular demand, Jimmy Hastings and his Quartet have performed at every GSMF Festival since it began in They return to the Electric Theatre for a relaxed lunchtime of jazz, and seating will be arranged in a café style with tables and chairs, so bring your lunch, get your drinks and snacks from the Café Bar, sit back and enjoy the jazz. The Jimmy Hastings Quartet has grown from an original duo between Jimmy and John Horler, which started in the late 1970 s. There have been personnel changes and additions during this time but the band has always managed to preserve its own character, playing music both familiar and unfamiliar to jazz audiences. The quartet will be joined by guest trombonist Joe Fenning, who is currently studying at the Guildhall School of Music. Tickets sell out fast for this event, so early booking is advised. The quartet comprises: Jimmy Hastings Tenor saxophone/flute John Horler Piano Paul Morgan Double bass Pete Cater Drums Supported by 6

7 Monday 14th March Electric Theatre 7.30pm Michael Collins MBE The President s Concert An evening of works by Brahms, Poulenc, Liszt and Chopin GSMF is thrilled to welcome back Festival President, the world famous clarinetist Michael Collins, who gets the week off to an exciting start with an enthralling programme to include works by Brahms, Poulenc, Liszt and Chopin. He will be accompanied by Michael McHale, with whom he has performed and recorded to wide acclaim. Collin s dazzling virtuosity and sensitive musicianship have earned him recognition as one of today s most distinguished artists and a leading exponent of his instrument. At 16 he won the woodwind prize in the first BBC Young Musician of the Year Competition, going on to make his US debut at New York s Carnegie Hall at the age of 22. He has since performed as soloist with many of the world s most outstanding orchestras and Collins has become increasingly highly regarded as a conductor and in September 2010 took the position of Principal Conductor of the City of London Sinfonia. His success in this role is testament to the natural musicianship and galvanising leadership that is evident in both his playing and conducting. Michael Collins' dazzling virtuosity and sensitive musicianship have made him one of today's most sought-after soloists. BBC Music Magazine Michael Collins Clarinet Michael McHale Piano 7

8 The Vineyard Trio A selection of music for Bassoon, Oboe and Piano Mozart Oboe Sonata (Movements 1 & 2) Saint Saéns Bassoon Sonata Poulenc Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano Charlotte Cox began her musical life in Guildford before continuing her bassoon studies at the Royal College of Music. Charlotte is currently studying in Germany, and in 2015 was selected for the Britten Pears Young Artist programme in Aldeburgh, and also the LSO Academy. Charlotte will perform Saint- Saens Sonata for Bassoon, written in 1921, a work which amply demonstrates the distinctive sounds and versatility of this beautiful instrument. Charlotte s equally talented sister Francesca, has been awarded a scholarship to study oboe at the Royal Academy of Music. Both sisters have been members of the National Youth Orchestra, and they will be joined by well-known Guildford pianist Margaret Roberts in the Poulenc Trio. The Trio for Bassoon, Oboe and Piano was written in Cannes in 1926 and dedicated to Manuel de Falla. The work reflects the composer s own considerable abilities as a pianist, and his love of wind instruments, and is full of wit, playfulness and Gallic charm. Charlotte Cox Bassoon Francesca Cox Oboe Margaret Roberts Piano Tuesday 15th March Electric Theatre 1pm 8

9 Tuesday 15th March Electric Theatre 7.30pm UoS Big Band An exciting evening of jazz and big band music. The University of Surrey Big Band is a professional multiplatinum award winning 21 piece big band playing a large variety of repertoire swing, Latin and funk. Each year, the band auditions for the most outstanding jazz musicians that Surrey University has to offer and rehearses weekly in preparation for competitions, an annual tour, as well as many sell-out headline gigs across the UK. Boasting a surplus of dedicated, energetic, and talented young musicians, the band has cemented itself as the premiere jazz ensemble of the University of Surrey and the surrounding area. Sam Max Band leader Sam was elected to be the president of the band after a year of performing as the drummer. Since joining the band at Surrey in September, highlights have included a Gold Award at National Concert Band Festival; A sell-out gig at The Electric Theatre, including an open "Buddy Rich Style" drum solo; Performing in several packed student venues within Surrey University 9

10 Wednesday 16th March Electric Theatre 1pm Will Todd in Conversation The Guildford composer demonstrates through words, music the inspiration and process of composing the family opera Alice s Adventures in Wonderland This family opera has enjoyed huge acclaim, culminating in its performance at the Royal Opera House in November It contains a brilliantly eclectic mix of jazz, musical theatre and opera. Featuring Fleur De Bray, who sang the roles of Bottle and Victorian in the opera, this delightful presentation will celebrate the composer s craft and the performer s artistry which give Alice s Adventures in Wonderland a special place in the operatic repertoire. 10

11 Wednesday 16th March Electric Theatre 7.00pm (Please note the earlier start time) Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music High Scorers Concert An evening of performances by some of the most outstanding young music exam candidates in the Guildford area This will be the 3rd successive time that GSMF has included a High Scorers concert in its programme. Because of its popularity, the concert will be an evening event this time so that even more talented young performers can be included. In conjunction with ABRSM, a selection of the highest scoring exam candidates from 2015 will be featured. Expect a wide range of instruments and ages in what will be a fascinating line up of local talent. 11

12 GSA Singers Guildford School of Acting Thursday 17th March Electric Theatre 1pm Tickets will be flying out of the door for this, the final performance by this outstanding company of performers from the Guildford School of Acting s 2nd Year Musical Theatre and Acting courses of The group, with their usual talent, enthusiasm and panache will perform a delightful blend of songs across the years, from musical theatre through the ages and much more, beautifully sung and choreographed. The GSA Singers are a company of performers from the 2nd year Musical Theatre and Acting courses formed specifically to provide entertainment for business functions, private parties, fundraising events and concerts. Their wide repertoire offers songs from Musical Theatre and popular classics and each year features a new selection. Peter Roberts Musical Director Samantha Lloyd Director/Choreographer 12

13 Thursday 17th March Electric Theatre 7.30pm An evening with Lucy Parham A highly gifted and sensitive musician. This was playing of real artistry and stylistic conviction." The Daily Telegraph Lucy will take the listener on a on a musical journey through some of the finest keyboard works from the Romantic era, performing pieces by Chopin, Debussy and Rachmaninoff. One of Britain s finest pianists, Lucy Parham first came to public attention as the winner of the Piano Class in the 1984 BBC TV Young Musician of the Year, and made her Royal Festival Hall debut at 16. Lucy has gone on to perform throughout the world as a concerto soloist and recitalist and is also a regular broadcaster and guest on BBC Radio 3 and 4, appearing regularly on CD Review, Composer of the Week and In Tune. Lucy will take the listener on a on a musical journey through some of the finest keyboard works from the Romantic era, performing pieces by Chopin, Debussy and Rachmaninoff. "Lucy Parham played with truly delicate grace. She gave a dazzling version of Debussy's L'isle Joyeuse, which she sailed through with considerable energy, and in the Rachmaninoff she gave herself up to the sonorous warmth of this big-boned music. The Independent 13

14 Peter Medhurst An English Orpheus A Lecture Recital on Henry Purcell Friday 18th March Electric Theatre 1pm Peter Medhurst appears in the UK and abroad as musician and scholar, giving recitals and delivering illustrated lectures on music and the arts. Peter, who has lectured at the University of Surrey, will present an illustrated talk on Henry Purcell - The English Orpheus. Despite his early death in 1695, Henry Purcell remains one of the finest musical figures of the late Baroque era, an all round English composer who wrote in a wide variety of musical forms ranging from tiny 16-bar harpsichord pieces to large scale works for the theatre. Peter will look closely at Purcell s music to see exactly what it is that gave him his unique and distinctive musical voice. It also will compare his style with that of contemporary musical wizards on the Continent, and go on to assess the impact that Purcell had on later generations of composers, including Handel, Haydn, Tippett and Britten. 14

15 Friday 18th March Electric Theatre 4pm - 6pm Jazz Workshop Led by Nikki Iles Come and hear this Jazz Workshop for young musicians between the ages of 13 and 21 led by Nikki Iles, one of the UK's finest composers and pianists and a well respected jazz educator. Twice nominated for the Parliamentary Jazz Education Award, Nikki is a senior lecturer at Middlesex University and visiting Professor at the Royal Academy of Music, The Guildhall School of Music and Trinity College of Music. She has developed the graded exams for The Associated Board of Music and is a tutor for the National Jazz Collective. Performers should apply (cost 5) by to Marianne Windham at m.windham@ntlworld.com Sponsored by Friday 18th March Electric Theatre 7.30pm The Tina May Quartet Tina May is, without doubt, one of the UK s top female jazz vocalists. She has toured extensively in Europe and the Far East. With echoes of the legacy of the great American ladies of Jazz, she has developed her own unique style and interpretations of the great jazz repertoire. Tonight she is joined by Nikki Iles, one of our finest composers and pianists, whose duets with Tina are well known by performers and audiences in the UK Jazz scene for their outstanding and intuitive partnership. Supported by renowned and much loved jazz favourite, drummer Steve Brown, together with Guildford s own Marianne Windham on double bass, this quartet will present a joyous evening of jazz classics, performed to the very highest level. Tina May Vocals, Nikki Iles Piano, Steve Brown Drums, Marianne Windham Bass Sponsored by 15

16 String Workshop Led by Kenneth Woods Saturday 19th March Electric Theatre 10.30am - 1pm Guildford Spring Music Festival is delighted to be holding a String Masterclass at the Electric Theatre, Guildford, under the expert tuition of Kenneth Woods. GSMF have chosen some of Guildford s finest young string players to be tutored, many of whom will be considering pursuing a career in music. The class is open to players under 21 with a minimum standard of Grade 8 pass. The morning will culminate in a GSMF Bursary of 300 being awarded to the most promising player. Kenneth Woods is a cellist, conductor, composer and author, who has worked with the RPO, the National Orchestra of Wales and the Budapest Festival Orchestra amongst others. Kenneth took up the position of Artistic Director of the English Symphony Orchestra in 2013 and is currently cellist in the string trio Ensemble Epomeo and the Music Director of the Surrey Mozart Players. His wealth of knowledge and experience working with young musicians will make for an inspiring morning. 16

17 Saturday 19th March Electric Theatre 7.30pm Surrey Mozart Players Festival Finale Concert Mozart Symphony No. 29 in A Haydn Cello Concerto in C Soloist Jane Lindsay Beethoven Symphony No. 8 in F Surrey Mozart Players traditionally bring the GSMF Festival week to a rousing close, and this year is no different. Mozart was just eighteen years old when he wrote his 29th Symphony, and this work is regarded by many as a turning point in his development as a composer. The orchestra is joined by talented young cellist Jane Lindsay in Haydn s cello concerto in C. Jane is rapidly developing a reputation as an exciting and compelling performer, and has been awarded a place on the prestigious Countess of Munster Musical Trust Recital Scheme. Under the baton of the orchestra s Music Director Kenneth Woods, a performance of Beethoven s ebullient Symphony No 8 in F will provide a fitting finale to the evening. The symphony ended with tremendous energy, an exhilarating close to an exhilarating evening. This talented orchestra goes from strength to strength, season by season The Surrey Advertiser, Sept 2014 Kenneth Woods Conductor Gillian Wallace Leader Sponsored by Barlow Robbins LLP 17

18 Saturday 19th March St Mary s Church, Quarry Street, Guildford 12noon pm Play the Organ! Day with Surrey & North Hampshire Organists Associations Here is a golden opportunity to explore learning the organ, with FREE taster sessions for pianists. Recitals will be given on the hour by student organists on the easy to see and use St Mary s pipe organ. At 3pm a workshop for students and beginners with Tom Bell, highly regarded international recitalist, broadcaster and tutor. FINALE CONCERT pm Admission 5 (Students & U16 Free) 18

19 Become a Friend Become a Friend or renew your subscription before you buy your tickets to receive Friends discount of 1 off each ticket as well as other special benefits. A complimentary invitation to the programme launch concert held in the autumn before the Festival week. Gold level Friends (over 50 subscription) receive two complimentary tickets for a Festival event of their choice. Both Gold and Silver ( 20 subscription) Friends receive advanced notice of the programme and priority booking periods. Please contact the Friends Secretary: Rhoda Nevins at: friends2016@gsmf.org.uk or fill out the form below! I wish to become a GSMF Friend * Silver Subscription / *Joint Subscription Gold Subscription / *Joint Subscription *I enclose cheque payable to GSMF for. *I am paying by Standing Order and have sent instructions to my Bank to make payment to: Bank: Santander Sort Code: A/C No:??????????????? Ref: GSMF Friend *please delete as appropriate Name /Names (please print) Address Post Code Telephone No. Signature & Date

20 Guildford Spring Music Festival President: Michael Collins Follow us on Facebook Follow us on