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| Pianist John Scarfe gives a final concert at Broadclyst Coffee & Music with flautist Joanna Todd Saturday 8 February |
John Scarfe & Joanna Todd
"The Magic Flute"
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| Joanna Todd: a lively performer |
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| with a new and intriguing instrument: a bamboo flute from Beijing |
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| "Purple Bamboo Melody" |
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| A scintillating recital on the regular flute |
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| Special thanks |
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| A posy for Joanna |
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| A 'little something' for John |
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| A parting gift for the 'backroom boys' Richard & Denise Hammond |
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| And particular thanks to Polly who distributed the programmes on Saturday |
On Saturday we enjoyed one last 'Coffee and Music' concert at the Church of St John the Baptist in Broadclyst. For many years now the Broadclyst organist, John Scarfe has organised delightful Saturday morning concerts in the church, where he accompanies talented Devon musicians at the piano.
Guests have included Gareth Keene (baritone), Rebecca Smith (mezzo soprano), Bethany Partridge and Eleanor Partridge (soprano), Sally Kirby (clarinet), Julia Hill (oboe) and, more recently Mary O'Shea (soprano). John also gives solo recitals on the Broadclyst organ. John even came to Glenorchy in Exmouth - to accompany Mary O'Shea (9 Nov 2011), and has been in the Phonic FM studio with Mary O'Shea, Sally Kirby and Gareth Keene on various occasions to entertain the listeners with a wide range of music.
John has also arranged evening concerts at Broadclyst. Notably he accompanied visiting flautist, Denise Deter from the Woodlawn Arts Academy in Illinois (see photos), and the 'Broadclyst Ensemble' (Flora Farquarson, Hannah Willson, Ayesha Ichsan, Rebecca Willson & Annabel Hope) with whom he performed music for organ and strings - by Albinoni, Bach, Handel and Mozart.
John is also remembered for his work with the 'Jubilee Singers' which featured the voices of Gareth Keene, Bethany Partridge, Jason Bomford and Mary O'Shea. As Christmas approaches their sweet singing was always a pleasure. (see post)
John is by no means retiring from music. In fact he will be back in action at Southernhay United Reformed Church in Exeter on Saturday 10 May 2014 for the first in a new series of 'Coffee and Music' concerts. This time he will be joined once again by the Broadclyst Ensemble - but presumably under a new name. There will be more Albinoni, another chance to hear Mozart's "Epistle Sonata" and Handel's "Concerto in B flat".
John's farewell concert at Broadclyst was a great success. Take a look at Joanna Todd's extra special programme of music for flute and piano:
Gaetano Donizetti: "Sonata in C" (opera for the flute)
Traditional: "Sailor's Hornpipe" (interesting variations with flute glissando to finish)
Ralph Vaughan Williams/Jennifer Grady: "Fantasia on Greensleeves"
(Grady's harp part deftly interpreted by John Scarfe at the piano)
William Babell: "Bourée" (very complex interactions between flute and piano)
William Corbett: "Sarabande" (slower, and very restful)
10th Century Anon: "Watkins Ale" (a surprisingly modern sound)
Arthur Honneger: "Danse de la Chèvre" (Joanna's solo number evokes the image of a sleeping goat - and his dream of a dancing nanny who brings excitement and love - before sleep returns)
Eugene Bozza: "Aria" (French music for Saxophone, for flute - impassioned and sensual)
Georges Bizet: "Entr'acte" from "Carmen" (delicious high pastoral triplets)
Shanghai Opera Theme: "Purple Bamboo Melody" (distinctive new sound - the Beijing flute)
George Gershwin: "Fascinating Rhythm" - "Summertime" - "I Got Rhythm"
(complex but light-hearted jazz gives way to dreamlike softness - and back again)
A fabulous performance by an impressive flautist - Joanna Todd
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| Musical Director of Devon County Junior Choir Rachel Smith Conductor and Leader of Joined Up Thinking Projects Music (South West Camerata Tutti & Cameratinis) Fiona McLean Buechel |
Later on Saturday (at 1.30pm) the Treasurer of Exeter Cathedral, The Reverend Canon Ian Morter, was in the Cathedral Quire to introduce three extraordinarily talented Devon youth ensembles, South West Camerata, Tutti, and Devon County Junior Choir.
For 900 years the voices of children have been heard in the Cathedral Choir. Now the voices of children were joined by the string playing of members of Fiona McLean Buechel's 'Joined Up Thinking Projects Music' - a Devon-wide scheme to teach young people to play in a string ensemble, and to lead and mentor others. In the 10 years that JUTP Music has been in operation, over 20 young people have gone on to study music and become professional musicians. Fiona's 'Emerging Music Leaders' programme has been honoured with the Royal Philharmonic Society's Award for Education.
The Junior Choir is of comparable vintage. In the seven years of its existence, Rachel Smith has built the choir into the highly competent unit it is today, which also provides excellent opportunities for young people to learn and advance in music.
When both groups come together in one place, the outcome is bound to be spectacular.
The opening music was the first movement of J S Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto VI" played by South West Camerata. Fiona McLean Buechel joined five other violinists and violists, but did not lead. The JUTP students were in control throughout. The four 'cellists (including Rosie Lester) created the compelling continuo, while the violin solos were played by students. The resulting sound was beautiful. Fiona plans for South West Camerata to prepare the whole concerto for future concerts.
Young double bass player, Katie Gibbings, introduced the next pieces played by Tutti - the intermediate level ensemble. They played "Black Jack" and "Take it from There" from Pamela Wedgewood's "Jazzing About Suite".
Wedgewood's simple hypnotic rhythms allowed the larger group to build a sensational sound. Fiona took control more, but there were plenty of opportunities for the Tutti members to come to the fore. Katie herself joined the continuo with her double bass, alongside music teacher and double bass supremo, Melanie Lester.
"Take it from There", with keyboard accompaniment and lots of pizzicato on the strings, had a decidedly Scottish flavour. As the work drew to a close, however, a flavour of Gershwin crept into Wedgewood's music.
The "Grand Galop", from Jacques Offenbach's "Orpheus in the Underworld", was perfect for this group. With plenty of players, they were able to make the plucking and slurring of the ominous build up to the dance very delicate indeed. The continuo, meanwhile, was commendably solid. The galop ("The Can-Can") is always popular, and received a warm round of applause. This was the perfect opportunity for Tutti to demonstrate another important concert skill - a well coordinated bow to the audience.
Camerata and Tutti joined forces for Dmitri Shostakovich's "Prelude", for even greater delicacy - a mesmerising sound like falling leaves.
Naomi Lester stood forward bravely to introduce Karl Jenkin's "Palladio". This piece is a sort of 'signature piece' for JUTP. They all know it well and love to play it often. The opening is strangely ominous, but lightens into a thoughtful lyric, interspersed by aggressive chords, just to keep things interesting!
The Cathedral Musical Director, Andrew Millington, took over the keyboard for some choral music by Devon County Junior Choir. Despite having lost her voice, the DCJC Director, Rachel Smith, was able to lead the choir in three very moving religious songs. First was an English translation of Claudio Monteverdi's "Cantate Domino" (Sing a song of joy to God. Alleluyah!).
Following the joyous excitement of the Cantate, the choir performed a very clever version of Ralph Flanagan's adaptation of the spiritual 'Joshua'. Starting as a whisper the story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho built to a tumult of counterpoint harmony and dynamic wordless continuo, before ending spectacularly with a slick shift to the minor key. Brilliant.
Finally they sang Richard Stilgoe's magical choral creation for Youth Music, "Building". Combining clever chordal singing and sound effects (carefully orchestrated handclaps) the work is an exciting way to celebrate our ability to 'put something where nothing was before'.
Next we had three 'pop' songs. First Mama Cass's hit "Dream a Little Dream of Me" (originally a 1930s collaboration by Fabian Andre, Wilbur Schwandt and Gus Kahn). Choir members Owen Rutherfoord Jones and Poppy Evans, both had the opportunity to sing the chorus as a solo, "Say nighty-night and kiss me."
Gavin Sutherland's "Sailing" retained the lyrical intensity of Rod Stewart's 1975 hit - not as harsh as the Sutherland Brothers original 1972 recording, and perfectly brought together by Rachel for a combination of youthful voices.
They choir closed with a traditional Irish Gaelic blessing - "May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back." A perfect ending to a glorious little recital.
There was time for one more special number - arranged by JUTP member James Knowles for choir and string orchestra (i.e. everyone!) The original Andrew Lloyd Webber and Gary Barlow collaboration was for the Diamond Jubilee - to be performed by The Commonwealth Band and The Military Wives Choir. Despite being somewhat fewer in number, and lesser in stature, the combination of Camerata, Tutti and Junior Choir were fully equal to Lloyd Webber and Barlow's original vision. They played and sang magnificently. Another signature number perhaps?
Fiona is planning more concerts for the JUTP string orchestras, and Rachel will certainly be back in action with DCJC soon. After the resounding success of South West Camerata at the Edinburgh Festival last year (Vivaldi's "L'Inverno" at St Giles Cathedral) the sky is the limit!
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| Rachel Smith Conducts Tutti, South West Camerata and the Junior Choir in "Sing" (arranged, James Knowles) |
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| Mezzo Soprano Carolyn Harries is interested to engage JUTP for another choral concert |
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| A hard worker reliable and conscientious Double Bass: Melanie Lester |
The music (and drama) continues:
Events for the week to come . . .
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| QQUORUM |
Glenorchy Church Exmouth
Wednesday 12 February 12.30pm
QQUORUM
Piano: Margaret Chave
Soprano: Janet Macdonald
Clarinet: Philip Bonser
Admission FREE
Villages in Action1. Clayhidon Parish Hall (EX15 3PL)
Wednesday 12 February 7.30pm
2. Manaton Parish Hall (TQ13 9UJ)
Thursday 13 February 7.30pm
3. Littlehempston Community Space
(St John's Church TQ9 6LY)
Friday 14 February 7.15 for 8pm
4. St Leonard's Church Sheepstor (PL20 6PF)
Saturday 15 February 7 for 7.30pm
BEN & ALFIE -
NEW ACOUSTIC MUSIC
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| Bass: Alfie Weedon Violin: Ben Weedon Wednesday - NE Devon Thursday - E Dartmoor Friday - South Hams Saturday - W Dartmoor |
Double Bass: Alfie Weedon
Original song compositions
some inspired by Senegalese composer
Seckou Keita
Tickets:
1. Clayhidon £7.50 (OAP/student) £5.50
tea, cakes & savouries for the interval: £2.50
Licenced bar available
only about 10 seats left - booking essential
Telephone: Bee Hill 01823 680347
beehill@hotmail.co.uk
2. Manaton £8 (60+/concession £6)
Family (of four) £24
Interval food provided (donations welcome)
Booking: Gaynor Bartlett 01647 221478
gaynorbartlett@btint.com
3. Littlehempston £7.50 (child £6)
Booking: Sandra Law 01803 865458
4. Sheepstor £7.50 (U18/60+/student £5.50)
Interval wine & cheese (donations welcome)
Booking: Patrick Drennan 01822 853186
drdartmoor@doctors.org.uk
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|
Conductor Bournemouth
Symphony
Orchestra
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Exeter University Great Hall
Thursday 13 February 7.30pm
HEROES & SUPERHEROES
Erich Korngold: 'Robin Hood' (1938)
James Horner: 'Apollo 13'
Michael Kamen: 'X-Men'
Elmer Bernstein: 'The Magnificent Seven'
John Williams: 'Saving Private Ryan'
Danny Elfman: 'Batman'
Michael Giacchino: 'The Incredibles'
Alan Menken: 'Hercules'
Danny Elfman: 'Spiderman'
John Williams: 'Superman'
John Barry: 'James Bond'
John Williams: 'Harry Potter'
Conductor: Peter Harrison
Tickets: £16-£20.50 (reductions for groups)
Under 16s: £8.50-£10.50
Book using link on BSO website
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| Tim Othen Bicton Classics Night |
Bicton Inn Exmouth
Thursday 13 February 8.30pm
Bring your instruments
and/or voice and
share performance
in a convivial atmosphere
New approaches to
classical music always welcome
Enquiries: Sydney Hemsley
sehemy@btinternet.com
SoundArt Radio & Totnes Bridge Project
Totnes Civic Hall (TQ9 5SF)Friday 14 February 7.30pm
FANTASTIC ROMANTIC
VALENTINE CABARET
Live Performance:
Jackie Juno Dada Sinfonietta
Sam 'n' Dave Shadow Factory
Poets Corner
Live Music:
Frankie Love Gabriel Collins
Live Entertainment:
Tantric Wardrobe Contact Juggling
Valentine Quiz Speed Dating
Tapas & Licensed Bar
Rights of Admission Reserved
Over Sixteen Years Only
Admission: £8 (Couple £15)
Proceeds to SoundArt Radio
and Totnes Bridge Project
Substance and Shadow Theatre CoExeter Barnfield Theatre
Fri 14 & Sat 15 February 8pm
DUPLICITY
by Midge & Rosie Mullin
The Silver Jubilee, London 1977
Punk Rock, Anarchy and Chaos
Tickets: £8
Box Office: 01392 271808
book online
Substance & Shadow Facebook Page
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| St Lawrence Chapel Ashburton |
(St Lawrence Chapel granted to Ashburton by Bishop Stapledon 1314)
St Lawrence Chapel Ashburton
Saturday 15 February 1-5pm
REHEARSALS for the
HIGH SCORERS' CONCERT
(Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
candidates achieving merit/distinction
in the July & December 2013 exams)
CONCERT 5pm
Classical & Jazz
Interval Bar
Concert Tickets: £7
01364 653414 11am-4pm Mon-Fri
Proceeds towards restoration of the
St Lawrence Chapel Tower
Buckfast Abbey
Saturday 15 February 7.30pm
LET THERE BE LOVE
Musical Director: Kit Perona-Wright
Assistant: David McKee
Howard Goodall: "Love Divine"
J S Bach: "Jesu, Joy"
Eric Whitacre: "This Marriage"
Felix Mendelssohn: "Ave Maria"
Ralph Vaughan Williams:
"Serenade to Music"
Tickets: £12 (advance £10) The Serlo Consort
from Emma Perona-Wright 30 Lichfield Drive
01242 513581 Cheltenham
info@serloconsort.co.uk GL51 3DH
Counterpoint Website
Exeter Contemporary SoundsExeter Northcott Theatre
Sunday 16 February 2pm
EARWORMS
Suitable for family with children
from babies to 11 years.
"HARP NOIRE"
(Emma Graham & Liz Grier)
Host: Mervyn Bedford
Tickets: £4.50 (child £3 U2 FREE)
01392 493493 or book online
Northcott website / Earworms website
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