Tuesday 30 May 2017

Stephen Beville & Jonathan Storer Duet Concert "Mirrors & Meditations" Recital for Piano & Violin Church of the Sacred Heart Friday 26 May 2017

Violin: Jonathan Storer
Piano: Stephen Beville


Frédéric Chopin: Two Nocturnes Opus 27
Piano: Stephen Beville
Following his debut solo concert at the Cathedral Chapter House, Stephen Beville returned to the stage on Friday evening for a second piano concert - but this time with a new and exciting feature. Violinist Jonathan Storer joined him to play duets and solo violin.

The concert at The Church of the Sacred Heart in South Street opened with two extremely moving nocturnes, and a thrilling ballade, by Frédéric Chopin, played by Stephen on a the church's delightful baby grand. Stephen's concentration was intense. Without music he played all three pieces from memory with a wealth of style and interpretive elegance.

Then special guest, violinist Jonathan Storer, took over to play the première of a piece for solo violin - composed by Stephen.

Introducing Violin
Jonathan Storer
Both musicians trained at the Royal Academy of Music and continued their studies at the Royal Northern College of Music before moving to Germany to follow their careers - in neighbouring towns. However, they studied at different times, and never met - until Stephen stumbled upon a music project that Jonathan was running in Fore Street here in Exeter.

Stephen and Jonathan began to work together, and Jonathan was very enthusiastic about Stephen's composition for solo violin, "Monodrama". In the style of a Thespian Greek Drama, the dialogue and action are all presented by a single actor, in this case a violinist with just his violin and bow with which to communicate with the audience.

Stephen's hand-written score was fabulously complicated. In fact, the photocopy of the original was well covered by revisions and detailed instructions. The 'voices' were endlessly fascinating. Some were strident and emotional, while others whispered in the harmonic range. Plucking and using the back of the bow introduced what appeared to be quite distinct characters and at one point the bow was abandoned completely - a chair had been placed ready.

Stephen Beville: "Monodrama"
Jonathan had prepared thoroughly, and allowed a week or more before the concert for 'reminiscence' to enhance his grasp and feeling for the piece. Nevertheless, it was necessary to line up the whole piece on seven or eight music stands - with a chair placed under just the right page for his pizzicato passage. As Jonathan slowly made his way along the huge display of music, the audience followed with rapt attention to every detail. An unforgettable classical tale, beautifully performed.

Extremely Complex
As the beauty of 'Monodrama' sank in, Stephen joined Jonathan at the piano for two more pieces by Arvo Pärt. These Estonian minimalist pieces were the perfect complement to Stephen's composition "Monodrama". "Fratres" involved deliciously lively arpeggios for the Violin, with harmonic top notes evoking a deep sense of tenderness. Interrupted by a deep chord on the piano, the violin enters into a soft and tentative dialogue, incredibly sensitive, and only slowly building in tempo and energy, before the piano introduces a return to the fevered arpeggios - this time with a soft underpinning of piano chords. The interaction between Stephen and Jonathan was amazing to see and hear as they played out another moving drama. A sensational piece.

Arvo Pärt"Spiegel im Spiegel"
"Spiegel im Spiegel" (Mirror in a Mirror) tested Jonathan in a different way. For Stephen's many pages of piano score, there was just one page for the violin - showing a series of single notes  Each was drawn out almost inexorably, and with ecstatic sweetness, while Stephen maintained a slow, and painstakingly precise accompaniment of piano arpeggios. The most disciplined pieces so far (and that really is saying something), this simple but overwhelmingly expressive piece demonstrated both the great skill of both musicians and their perfect coordination and cooperation - after only a few months collaboration.

During the interval, the incumbent at Sacred Heart, Father John Deany - who was thrilled to have such a special performance as his very first recital in the church - provided free wine and food. While enjoying this spread, the audience members were able to study Stephen's manuscript in details (still on its many music stands), an experience as fascinating as hearing Jonathan's performance.

Ludwig van Beethoven:
"Kreutzer" Sonata - Andante
The second part of the concert was somewhat shorter. Stephen and Jonathan played just one work - Beethoven's "Kreutzer" Sonata. Although much more 'classical' in style, Beethoven's masterpiece suited the mood of the evening perfectly. Both performers delighted and astounded their audience all over again with a brilliant tour de force of virtuoso playing. Two fabulous prestos are interspersed by an equally outrageous andante.

Listeners had heard the final presto on Soundart Radio's 'Classical Journey Redux' earlier in the day, which gave some indication of what to expect. In the flesh, the "Kreutzer" was even more exhilarating. The unassuming looking baby grand has a quite magnificent tone (especially in Stephen's hands) and the combined sound of piano and violin carries perfectly in the intimate and inspiring setting of the nave of the Sacred Heart, with its lavish ornamentation and long spiritual history.

Presto!
Many thanks to Father Deany for opening up his church to the general public for a concert in a such a spectacular venue. And congratulations on such a spectacular choice of performers. Father Deany is keen to continue with more concerts at the church - a sentiment which I very much endorse.

Stephen Beville and Jonathan Storer have plans to continue their work together, and we can look forward to further concerts in the near future. Most important, Jonathan has suggested that he would like to give another public performance of "Monodrama" - a unique experience not to be missed!







Jonathan Storer & Stephen Beville
A sensational partnership

Wednesday 24 May 2017

Shaldon Festival Thursday-Sunday 22-25 June 2017 News from Website Editor Enid Hayles

SHALDON FESTIVAL
Church of St Peter the Apostle
Bridge Road TQ14 0DB


Julian Bliss Septet
Julian Bliss Septet

St Peter's Church Shaldon
Thursday 22 June 7.30pm
LATIN PROGRAMME

Clarinet: Julian Bliss
Trumpet: Martin Shaw
Piano: Neal Thornton
Guitar: Colin Oxley
Bass: Tim Thornton
Drums: Chris Draper

Percussion: Will FryAlfredo da Rocha Viana Jr: "Um a Zero"
Mario Bauzá: "At the Mambo Inn"
Sebastián Iradier: "La Paloma"

Ástor Piazzolla: "Oblivion"
Paquito d'Rivera: "Paquito's Samba"
Waldir Azevedo: "Brasileirinho"
Hank Levy: "Seresta"
Paquito d'Rivera: "Samba for Carmen"
Dizzy Gillespie: "A Night in Tunisia"
INTERVAL
Zequinha de Abreu: "Tico Tico"
Consuelo Velázquez: "Besame Mucho"
Dámaso Pérez Prado: "Happy Mambo"
Luciano Pozo González/Dizzy Gillespie: "Tin Tin Deo"
Luiz Bonfá: "Manhã de Carnaval"
Ástor Piazzolla: "Libertango"
Ernesto Lecuona: "Y la Negra Bailaba"
Victor Young/Chucho Valdes/
Irakere (Chucho Valdés): "Stella Va A Estallar"
Luiz Bonfá: "Samba d'Oerfeu"
Arturo Sandoval: "Caprichosas de la Habana"
Box Office Contact: Malcolm Watson
Box Office Email: tickets@shaldonfestival.co.uk
Online Events Details
Amatis Piano Trio
Amatis Piano Trio
St Peter's Church Shaldon
Friday 23 June 7.30pm
GASSENHAUER TRIO
Violin: Lea Hausmann
'Cello: Samuel Shepherd
Piano: Mengjie Han
Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Trio, Op.11
Dmitri Shostakovich: Piano Trio No.1, Op.8
INTERVAL
Josef Suk: "Elegie" Op.23
Felix Mendelssohn: Piano Trio No.1
Box Office Contact: Malcolm Watson
Box Office Email: tickets@shaldonfestival.co.uk 

Gavin Carr
Choral Workshop
St Peter's Church Shaldon
Saturday 24 June 10am
DREAM OF GERONTIUS
Musical Director: Gavin Carr
Piano Accompanist: Peter Adcock
Mezzo Soprano: Alison Kettlewell
Tenor: Jonathan Stoughton
Bass: Piran Legg

Shaldon Festival Choir
St Peter's Church Shaldon
Saturday 24 June 7.30pm

Shaldon Festival Chorus
DREAM OF GERONTIUS
Sir Edward Elgar: "The Dream of Gerontius"
Conductor: Gavin Carr
Piano: Peter Adcock
Mezzo Soprano: Alison Kettlewell
Tenor: Jonathan Stoughton
Bass: Piran Legg
Box Office Contact: Malcolm Watson
Box Office Email: tickets@shaldonfestival.co.uk
Online Event Details

Innovation Chamber Ensemble
St Peter's Church Shaldon

Innovation Chamber Ensemble
Sunday 25 June 7.30pm
VERKLÄRTE NACHT
Violin: David Le Page
Violin: Catherine Leech
Viola: Louise Williams
Viola: Catherine Yates
'Cello: Richard Jenkinson
'Cello: Jessica Burroughs  

Double bass: John Tattersdill
Arnold Schönberg: "Verklärte Nacht"
W A Mozart: "Grand Sestetto Concertante" K364
Richard Strauss: "Metamorphosen"
Box Office Contact: Malcolm Watson
Box Office Email: tickets@shaldonfestival.co.uk
Online Event Details

Friday 19 May 2017

Classical Journey Phonic FM 2-4pm Friday 19 May 2017

Andrew Millington Final Concert
as Musical Director of
Exeter Philharmonic Choir

Sir Edwar Elgar: "The Dream of Gerontius"
Exeter Cathedral Saturday 21 May
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String Theory Quartet (-1)
St Paul's Church Starcross
Friday 19 May
CLASSICAL STRINGS
Incomplete String Theory
Violin: Julia Iddon
Viola: Richard Wood
'Cello: Angela Irshwin
Classical Guitar: Richard Foran
Music Ancient & Modern
Tickets: £7 (+ buffet)
Licenced Bar
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Leo Geyer
(Photography: Nigel Cheffers-Heard)
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EMG Symphony Orchestra
Princesshay Exeter
Saturday 20 May 10-11.45am
EMG LIVE
Conductor: Leo Geyer
Supporting Childrens Hospice Southwest
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Claudia Álvarez Calderón
Music at St Mary's
St Mary's Church Totnes
Saturday 20 May 11am
BENEFIT CONCERT
in aid of War Child
& in memory of Helga Watts
Soprnao: Claudia Álvarez Calderón
Piano & Tarogat: Elie Fruchter
Devon Harp School: Lucy
Guitar & Vihuela: David Stanley
Poetry & Prose: Jacqui Cousins
Tickets: £5 (child FREE)
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Andrew Millington Final Concert
as Musical Director of
Exeter Philharmonic Choir
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Exeter Philharmonic Choir
          & Sinfonietta
Exeter Cathedral
Saturday 20 May 7.30pm
MASTERWORK CONCERT
Conductor: Andrew Millington
Sir Edward Elgar: "Dream of Gerontius"
Tickets: Aisles £12 (child/student £7)
        Rear Nave £17 (child/student £12)
       Front Nave £25 (child/student £17)
     Supper Club £49 (child/student £44)
EPC Tickets: 01392 499211
Exeter TIC: 01392 665885
Online BookingTicketSource
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Philip Thorby
Chagford Parish Events
Church of St Mary the Virgin Throwleigh
Sunday 21 May 4.15pm
RENAISSANCE MUSIC
Director of Music: Philip Thorby
A day of rehearsal and concert
Collection for church funds.
Contact Details: Mrs Kit Newsome
(Churchwarden): 01647 433319
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University of Exeter Chapel Choir
Dr Ed Jones
Mary Harris Memorial Chapel
Sunday 21 May 7-8pm
CHORAL COMPLINE
A service of sung night prayer,
with music led by the Chapel Choir
Lazenby Chaplain: Rev Chantal Mason.
Director of Music: Michael Graham
Organist: Dr Ed Jones
Introit: Und Unser Lieben Frauen (Max Reger)
Nunc Dimittis (Phillip A. Cooke)
Anthem: Salvator Mundi (Paul Mealor)
All welcome to stay for cheese and wine
which will be served after the service.
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Music at St Mary's
St Mary's Church Totnes
St Mary's Church Totnes
Sunday 21 May 6.30pm
CHORAL EVENSONG
Introit: "The Lord Ascendeth up on High"
(Michael Praetorius ed. Timothy Morris)
Preces & Responses: Richard Ayleward
Hymn 250 "All creatures of our God and King"
("Canticle of the Sun" Francis of Assisi)
Psalm 36;5-10: "Your Love, Lord, Reaches to the Heavens"
"Magnificat" & "Nunc Dimittis" in A: Herbert Whitton Sumsion
Anthem: "For the Beauty of the Earth" (John Rutter)
Anthem after the prayers:
"Through the Day thy Love has Spared Us" 
(Thomas Morley adapted Rev H.Sparling)
Hymn 18 "O Strength and Stay" (John Bacchus Dykes)
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Church of St John the Evangelist
Withycombe  Exmouth
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Withycombe Lunchtime Concerts
St John the Evangelist Church Exmouth
Wednesday 24 May 12.30pm
TO BE ARRANGED . . .
Admission FREE  Retiring Collection
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Jonathan Storer & Stephen Beville
Piano Violin Duo
Church of the Sacred Heart
(South Street Exeter EX1 1EB)
Friday 26 May 7.30pm
MIRRORS MEDITATIONS
Piano: Stephen Beville
Violin: Jonathan Storer
Frédéric François Chopin:
                     Two Nocturnes, Op 27
               Ballad No.3 in A-flat, Op 36
Stephen Beville: "Monodrama" (2011)
Arvo Pärt: "Fratres" (Brothers 1980)
                   "Spiegel im Spiegel"
             (Mirror in the Mirror -1978)
Interval & Refreshments
Ludwig van Beethoven: 'Kreutzer' Sonata Op 47.
Tickets: £11
Phoenix Box Office: 01392 667080
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Avraunches Orchestra
1. Mint Methodist Church Exeter
    Friday 26 May 7.30pm
        FREE CONCERT
42 Musicians
Special Guest: Paul Morgan
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Music at St Mary's
Sirocco Saxophone Quartet
St Mary's Church Totnes
Saturday 27 May
LUNCHTIME CONCERT
Sirocco Saxophone Quartet
Tenor: Michaela Stapleton
Tenor: Greta Schaller
Tenor: Huw Wiggin
Baritone: Gregor Böhmerle
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Avraunches Orchestra
2. Holy Cross Church Crediton
   Saturday 27 May 7.30pm
        FREE CONCERT
42 Musicians
Crediton Parish Church Choir
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Dawlish Arts Festival
Strand Community Centre
Saturday 27 May 7.30pm
STELLA MARIS TRIO
Stella Maris Trio
Mezzosoprano: Iryna Ilnytska
Soprano: Victoria Armillotta
Piano: Sam Baker
Frédéric Chopin:
Prélude in D Op. 28 No 15 “Raindrop”
Cristoph Willibald Gluck:
Orfeo ed Euridice, aria “Che fiero momento”
Vincenzo Bellini:
Adelson e Salvini, aria “Dopo l’oscuro nembo”
Erik Satie: Gnossienne No. 1
Christoph Willibald Gluck:
Orfeo ed Euridice, duet
“Vieni, appaga il tuo consorte!
– No, piu cara a me la morte”
Ludwig van Beethoven:
Pathéthique Sonata No. 8, 2nd movement
Georges Bizet: Carmen, Carmen’s Habanera
Jacques Offenbach: The Tales of Hoffmann,
duet “Belle nuit, ô nuit d’amour”
Georg Friderick Handel: Alessandro,
aria “Lusinghe più care”
Jacques Offenbach: La Perichole, aria “Ah quel diner”
Gioachino Rossini: The Duetto buffo di due gatti
Claude Debussy: Le petit nègre
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Cosi fan Tutte,
duet “Prendero quell brunettino”
Franz Schubert: Marche Militaire D733 No.1
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: The Queen of Spades,
duet “My darling little friend”
Tickets: £10 (child £5 concession 1/2)
Online BookingEventBrite
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George Malcolm Memorial Series
Grange Restaurant Buckfast Abbey
Saturday 27 May 7.30pm
HARPSICHORD & STRINGS
Harpsichord: Richard Lea
Violin: Mary Eade
'Cello: Vicky Evans
Admission FREE Retiring Collection
Pre-Concert Dinner (6pm): £19.50
Online BookingConcertDinners
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Rotten Apple Orchestra
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Rotten Apple Orchestra
Old Firehouse Exeter
Sunday 28 May 10pm-1pm
EXTUNES
(Exeter University Students' Guild)
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Mary Burman
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Withycombe Lunchtime Concerts
St John the Evangelist Church Exmouth
Wednesday 31 May 12.30pm
MEZZO SOPRANO RECITAL
Mezzo Soprano: Mary Burman
Admission FREE  Retiring Collection
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Duo 'Elegance'
St Lawrence Chapel Ashburton
Friday 2 June 6.30 for 7pm
PIANO VIOLIN RECITAL
Piano: Ekaterina Shetliffe
Violin: Yulia Northridge
Felix Mendelssohn: Violin Concert in Em Op 64
Antonio Vivaldi: Le Quattro Stagioni "Primavera"
John Williams: Themes from "Schindler's List"
Paul Nero/Florian ZaBach: Hot Canary
Tickets: £10 (U16 FREE)
Box Office: 07505 884271
Ashburton Info Centre: 01364 653426

Online BookingWeGotTickets
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Duo 'Elegance'
St Matthias Church TQ1 1HW
(Babbacombe Road Torquay)
Satruday 3 June 6.30 for 7pm
SUMMER CONCERT
"CLASSICAL HEAVEN"
Piano: Ekaterina Shetliffe
(Dargomizsky College of Music, Tula)
Violin: Yulia Northridge
(Petrozavodsk Conservatoire)
Soprano: Maria Nicol
(Gnesin College of Music, Moscow)
Felix Mendelssohn: Concerto
   for Piano & Violin Em Op 62
John Williams: Themes from
         "Schindler’s List"
George Gershwin: Porgy & Bess
             "Summertime"
Sergei Rachmaninov: "Vocalise"
Louiguy (Louis Guglielmi)/Edith Piaf:
           "La Vie en Rose"
Harry Warren(W)/Mack Gordon(M)/Glen Miller:
   "I Know Why - and So Do You"
Pavel Gherman(W)/Boris Fomin(M):
        "Только раз в жизни"
      (Only Once in a Lifetime)
Mikhail Matusovsky(W)/Vasily Solovjev-Sedoy(M):
        "Midnight in Moscow"
     (Подмосковные Вечера)
Tickets: £11
Box Office: 07505 884271
Riviera Tourism Info: 01803 211211
Online BookingWeGotTickets
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DANTE QUARTET
Yuko Inoue, Oscar Perks
Richard Jenkinson, Krysia Osostowicz
Cavatina Chamber Music Trust
Lympstone Parish Church
Friday 2 June 7pm
Saturday 3 June 6.30pm
Sunday 4 June 3.30pm
BEETHOVEN'S
QUARTET JOURNEY
[continued from 4-7 May]
Friday: The Early Quartets II
              (Opus 18 No 4/5/6 1800)
Saturday: Transformations
  (Harp Op 74, Serioso Op 95 & Op 127)
Sunday: The Late Quartets II
 (Opus 130 & 133, Grosse Fugue Opus 135)
David Timson
Musicians: The Dante Quartet
Violin: Krysia Osostowicz
                Oscar Perks
Viola: Yuko Inoue
'Cello: Richard Jenkinson
Presenter: (as Beethoven himself)
                    David Timson
      ("Opera Explained" Naxos)
Writer: Clare Norburn
Tickets: £15
Weekend Pass: £35
Two Weekend Pass: £65
Weekend Friend's Pass: £80
Two Weekend Friend's Pass: £150
50 free tickets available for 8-25s
(£5 deposit required)
Online Booking FormLympents
Demelza Henderson: 01395 272243
email: lympentsboxoffice@gmail.com
2 Brookfield Cottages EX8 5ES