Leonie Stevenson-Jones flautist & physicist |
Leonie Stevenson-Jones visits the Phonic FM studio |
Meeting the master Leonie with Judith Hall Powderham May 2011 |
Back in 2011, Leonie met Australian flute virtuoso, Judith Hall, after a Divertimento concert at Powderham Castle. Judith inspired the audience in the James Wyatt music room with her beautiful playing of Mozart's flute quartets (with Mary Eade, Andrew Gillett and Vicky Evans).
Leonie plays 'Mars, Bringer of War' EMG Symphony Orchestra Mar 2012 |
Having achieved Grade VIII on the flute, Leonie took up a work experience placement with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. As Christmas approached, Leonie had another chance to rehearse with EMG - Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Shostakovitch, and Leroy Anderson's incredible 'Sleigh Ride'.
Tchaikovsky Nov 2012 |
Andrew is also organist at the Church of St Cyr and St Julitta in Newton St Cyres, just north of Exeter. He and his wife Sally are well known for their enthusiasm and generosity where young musicians are concerned. At quite short notice they were able to arrange for Leonie to give a recital at the church on Thursday 8th August.
Bill Holt introduces the concert |
Andrew Daldorph checks the running order |
Andrew plays Boëlmann assisted by Sally Daldorph |
After the usual convivial Newton St Cyres interval, the second half was in two parts. First Andrew treated us to more music on the church organ - Léon Boëlmann's 'Suite Gothique' no less - ending with the rousing toccata. (See Alex West's performance at Glenorchy 27 April 2011.) Andrew reminded us that Naoko Maeda played a toccata on the Newton St Cyres organ in August 2012 - Bach's 'Toccata & Fugue'.
Leonie Stevenson-Jones plays Widor's Flute Suite |
The opening moderato was a delicious duet. during the scherzo the piano was restrained. Andrew played single notes amongst elaborate flute flourishes which led to pregnant pauses. The final crazy passage was brought perfectly to an abrupt halt - just in time for distant church bells to chime out nine o' clock.
The romance was just that - a gorgeous assortment of glissandi and sustained trills which Leonie delivered with mastery. The final opened ominously on the piano, leading to Leonie's most testing passages of all. The flute sweeping around the scale before suddenly stopping, followed by a re-opening of business by Andrew on the piano. As her fingers flashed up the scale faster and faster, the music raced to its spectacular conclusion.
The audience response was so positive and enthusiastic, Leonie was persuaded to return and play the last movement of Fauré's Fantasia again - with exactly the same response. This first outing for a new musician was an unqualified success. Bill Holt's good wishes for her future were echoed by all present. Everyone hopes to hear Leonie Stevenson-Jones in concert again very soon.
Watch this space for details.
Sally and Andrew applaud along with the audience |
Leonie acknowledges her accompanist in true 'gallant style' |
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