Monday, 11 April 2011

April Concert Run-Down - Updated

! !  This is the Run-Down for April 2011 ! !

To see this year's April Concerts see 'post for April 2012'

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Exeter Cathedral Monday 11 April 7.30pm
Exeter Festival Chorus
Conductor: Nigel Perrin
Handel's Messiah
Soprano: Sarah Tynan
Counter-Tenor: David Allsopp
Tenor: Thomas Hobbs
Bass: Janathan Lamalu
Tickets: 665885 

Glenorchy Lunchtime Concerts
Glenorchy Church Exmouth
Wednesday 13 April 12.30pm
The Courtenay Players
Judith Belam
Angela Chapman,
Janet Drake-Law
Cath Palmer-Wills
Admission Free
Exeter Music Group Symphony Orchestra
Exeter Cathedral
Thursday 14 April 7.30pm
Elgar: Sea Pictures
Mezzo-Soprano Alison Kettlewell


-   Mezzo-Soprano Alison Kettlewell





Mahler: Symphony No 2 "Resurrection"
Soprano Catherine Hamilton,
Mezzo-Soprano Alison Kettlewell
with the Exeter Music Group Singers
Conductor: Marion Wood, Leader Clare Smith (q.v.)
Tickets: £8-15 Phoenix: 667080
Soprano Catherine Hamilton      -

Take a look at these remarkable photographs taken by local photographer Nigel Cheffers-Heard at the Marion Wood's rehearsal of Mahlers 'Resurrection' Symphony with the Exeter Music Group Symphony Orchestra last Thursday - ! ! !

Solo soprano Catherine Hamilton and conductor Marion Wood

Leader Clare Smith
Woodwind and . . .










Brass! (Tony Hindley 2nd from left)
I once had a whim, and I had to obey it ...











The extraordinary voice of Catherine Hamilton



A very important member
of the orchestra



















Edward Scull: Marimba
The Helen Foundation
5th Anniversary Concert
St Peter's Church Shaldon
Friday 15 April 7.30pm
Romance of the Marimba
Marimba: Edward Scull
Exeter Chamber Choir: Andrew Daldorph
Monteverdi, Lauridsen, Gorecki, Daldorph
Tickets: £10 Box: 01626 872308


Newton Abbot and District Society of Arts (nadsa)
Courtenay Centre Newton Abbot Friday 15 April 7.30pm
Heath Quartet
Mozart: Quartet No 9
Britten: String Quartet No 1                                                       CANCELLED
Dvořák: String Quartet in E flat
Tickets: £14 (students £2)
Opus Classical (Exeter Guildhall) 214044
 Newton Abbot and District Society of Arts (nadsa)
Courtenay Centre Newton Abbot Friday 15 April 7.30pm
Fitzwilliam String Quartet
Violins: Lucy Russel, Jonathan Sparey
Viola: Alan George  'Cello: Heather Tuach
Barber: String Quartet Op 11
Shostakovitch: String Quartet No 11
Mozart: String Quartet No 17 (The Hunt)
Delius: Late Swallows
Works by Grainger and Dvořák
Tickets: £14 (students £2)
Opus Classical (Exeter Guildhall) 214044


The Honeymead Ensemble
Exeter Cathedral Chapter House
Saturday 16 April 7.30pm
Violin: Tamsin Waley-Cohen
             Vlad Maistorovici
Viola: Joel Waterman
'Cello: Gemma Rosefield
             Thomas Carroll
Halvorsen/Handel: Passacaglia
Glazunov: Quintet in A major, Opus 39
Schubert: String Quintet in C major, D.965
Sponosored by Ashfords Solicitors
Complimentary Tickets
available from the Campaign Office
1 The Cloisters, Exeter EX1 1HS
01392 285974




Ottery St Mary Choral Society
Ottery St Mary Parish Church
Saturday 16 April 7.30pm
Mozart: Mass in C minor
J. S. Bach: Magnificat
Mezzo Soprano: Carolyn Harries







The Torbay Singers
St Matthias Church Torquay
Saturday 16 April 7.30pm
Torbay Singers Chamber Orchestra
Conductor: Tina Guthrie
Divertimento
Leader: Brenda Willoughby
Soprano: Héloïse West
Mezzo Soprano: Louise Mott
Tenor: Rupert Charlesworth
Baritone Alex Poulton
Handel: Coronation Anthems
Mozart: Coronation Mass
Tickets: £10 (U16 free)
Box: 01803 867872


St Peter's Singers
Exeter Cathedral Palm Sunday 17 April 5pm
Service of Music for Palm Sunday
Solo Soprano: Mary O'Shea
(An Anglican service, not a concert)

-   Soprano Mary O'Shea




Music on the Edge (q.v.)
The Art Room Topsham
Sunday 17 April 6pm
Chris Caldwell
Clarinets/Saxaphones
Susie Hodder-Williams
Flutes/Marimba
Rich Bolton
Guitar/'Cello
(Artwork: Benedict Rubbra
12 March -24 April)

Tickets: £10 including wine (U21 free)
Box: 0795 292 3318
(booking recommended)
BRING YOUR OWN
FOLDING CHAIR!
www.theartroomtopsham.co.uk
www.musicontheedge.com

Heard about this one?
??? Handel's Messiah at St Margaret's Topsham Sunday 17 April.
        No details. Contact Tony Yeates.


Glenorchy Lunchtime Concerts
Glenorchy Church Exmouth
Wednesday 20 April 12.30pm
Josephine Pickering 
Frances Waters
Piano Duets
Admission Free

Glenorchy Lunchtime Concerts
Glenorchy Church Exmouth
Wednesday 27 April 12.30pm
Alex West
Piano and Organ
Admission Free


St Boniface Concert Society
Crediton Parish Church Thursday 28 April 7.30pm
Alexander Sitkovetsky: Violin
Qian Wu: Piano
Brahms: Sonatas 2 & 3
Grieg: Sonata No 3
Prokofiev: Sonata No 1
Season Ticket (5 concerts) £50
Tickets: £12 (child £6)
Box: Opus Classical (Exeter Guildhall) 214044




Ballet Black
Northcott Theatre Exeter
Friday and Saturday 29/30 April 7.30pm
Henri Oguike: 'Da Gamba'
Antonia Franceschi: 'Shift, Trip ... Catch'
Will Tuckett: 'Orpheus'
Tickets: £10-18 (Concessions 1/2 price)



-      Chantelle Gotobed
         and Jazmon Voss
         performing Da Gamba
         by Henri Oguike




 Clyst Valley Choral Society
& St David's Singers
St Margaret's Church Topsham:
Saturday 30 April 7.30pm
Holy Trinity Chruch Exmouth:
Sunday 1 May 3pm
Mendelssohn: Elijah
Conductor: Paul Stock
Soprano: Janet MacDonald
Mezzo Soprano: Carolyn Harries
Tenor: Christopher Hunt
Bass: Julian Rippon
Organist: Mark Perry
Tickets: £8 (advance £7)
from Joel Segal Books 877895
www.clystvalleychoral.org.uk

Glenorchy Lunchtime Concerts
Glenorchy Church Exmouth
Wednesday 4 May12.30pm
Piano: Joyce Clarke
Baldassare Galuppi: Sonata in B flat
(early 18th Century Venetian composer,
born on the island of Burano)
Brahms: Intermezzo in A op118 no 2
Chopin: Impromptu No. 1 Op. 29
Chopin: Fantaisie-Impromptu Op. 66
Harold Noble: Chanson d'Amour
Mendelssohn:Venetian Gondola Song
                      in F sharp minor Op. 30 No. 6
Mendelssohn: Rondo Capriccioso in E Op. 14
Admission Free

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra 
Exeter Cathedral Thursday 5 May 7.30pm
A Festival of the Ukraine
Mussorgsky: St John's Night on Bare Mountain
                     Pictures at an Exhibition
Lizst: Mazeppa
Reinhold Glière: Concerto for Coloratura Soprano & Orchestra
Conductor: Kirill Karabits            Soprano: Ailish Tynan     -
www.bsolive.com





'1769 Organ Restoration Fund'
James Wyatt Music Room, Powderham Castle
Friday 6 May 7.30pm
Music for Flute, Strings and Organ
Flute: Judith Hall  Organ: George Pratt
Divertimento:
Violin: Mary Eade  Viola: Andrew Gillett
'Cello: Vicky Evans
Mozart: 2 Quartets for Flute & Strings
Reger: Serenade for Flute & Strings
Panufnik: 'Homage to Chopin'
Dvořák: Five Bagatelles for Harmonium & Strings
(on the Bryce Reede organ, naturally)
Tickets: £14  Box: 01626 890243


East Devon Choral Society
Conductor of  'Gerontius'
and Director of Exeter Chamber Choir
Andrew Daldorph
Exeter Chamber Choir
St Paul's Church Tiverton
Saturday 7 May 7.30pm
Sir Edward Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius

Full symphony orchestra
conducted by Andrew Daldorph
Mezzo-Soprano: Frances Bourne
Tenor: Iain Milne
Bass: James Arthur
Tickets: Main Aisle £15, other £10 (U16 £6)
EDCS Box Office: 01884 840054
Tiverton Information Centre 01884 255827
Details: 01884 253494
www.exeterchamberchoir.co.uk





EXMOUTH Choral Society and Orchestra
Holy Trinity Church Exmouth Saturday 7 May 7.30pm
Haydn: Creation
Soprano: Emily Griffiths
Tenor Clement Hetherington
Bass:Stephen Conolly
Conductor: Laurence Blyth
Leader Fiona McLean
Tickets: £10 (child/student £5)
Family: £20 (all + £3 on the door)
Box: 01395 275188
www.exmouthchoralsociety.org.uk


- Conductor Laurence Blyth


EXETER Choral Society and Orchestra
St James's Church Exeter
Wednesday 11 May 7.30 pm
C. P. E. Bach: Magnificat
Haydn: Missa Sancti Nicolai
Soprano: Harriet Jones
Counter-Tenor: Jake Arditti
Tenor: David Webb
Bass: Matthew Cann
Conductor: Laurence Blyth
Tickets: £9 (U16 free)  Box: 832474
www.exeterchoral.co.uk


- Conductor Laurence Blyth







Chris Gradwell and Friends
in the basement of Kennaway House Sidmouth
Mike Thorne, Andrew Daldorph, Chris, Andrew Barret
Chris Gradwell & Friends
Kennaway House Sidmouth
Saturday 14 May 7.30pm
Music Poetry Actors
Saxophone & Clarinet: Chris Gradwell
Keyboard: Andrew Daldorph
Guitar: Andrew Barret
Double Bass: Mike Thorne
Character Actors: Wally Cotgrave
                            Rowland Moloney
Authors: Barbara Farquaharson
              Kairen Hooker
              John Torrance
Tickets: £7  Box: 07583 796855
                            

South West Music School
Ship Studio Dartington Sunday 22 May 3pm
Young Artist Showcase: Classical Music
Haydn: Divertimento in D
Freya Hicks: Beethoven Romance No 2
Rossini String Sonata NO 2
Louise Farrenc: Piano Quintet No 1
Tickets £3 (free for students)
www.dartington.org
Exeter Philharmonic Choir
Rebecca Smith Singing Elgar and Britten
Coffee and Music at Broadclyst Parish Church
Last Saturday (26 March)
Exeter Cathedral Thursday 26 May 7.30pm
Bach & Beethoven
Organist: Andrew Millington
Mezzo Soprano: Rebecca Smith
Beethoven: Mass in C
J. S. Bach: Magnificat in D
Tickets: £9,11,14,17,20 (student subtract £2)
Supper Club £40
www.exephil.org.uk








Orchestra of the Age or Enlightenment
Dartington Great Hall Sunday 29 May 3pm
Musical Director: Alison Bury
Soprano: Elin Manahan Thomas
George Frederic Handel:
Concerto Grosso Op 6 No 1
Guilio Desare: 'Da Tempesta'
Rinaldo: 'Lascia ch'io Pianga'
Alcina: 'Tonami a Vagheggiar'
Concerto Grosso Op 3 No 2
Concerto Grosso Op 6 No 7
Cantata for Soprano and Orchestra:
'Silete Venti'
Tickets: £18 (student £5) Box: 01803 847070
www.dartington.org

The Piazzolla Duo
Lympstone Parish Church
Saturday 4 June
Flute: Ruth Avis
Guitar: Clive Betts
Tickets available from Sun 1 May
Lympstone PO: 01395 263928
www.lympstoneentertainments.co.uk


The Piazzolla Duo     -





Coffee and Music - Evening Concert
Broadclyst Parish Church
Saturday 11 June 7.30pm
Flute: Denise Deter
(distinguished flautist & teacher
Woodlawn Arts Academy,
Sterling Illinois)
Piano: John Scarfe
Admission Free 
-   Flautist Denise Deter



Shaldon Festival
St Peter's Church Shaldon
Thu-Sun 16-19 June
Thu 16: English Touring Opera
Fri 17: South West Music School (q.v.)
Sat 18: Choral Workshop with Sir Neville Mariner
Piano: Peter Adcock, Organ: Jonathan Watts,
Soprano: Héloïse West, Alto Rebecca Smith (see above),
Tenor: Gitai Fisher, Bass: Julian Rippon (q.v. & q.v.)
Sun 19: Innovation Chamber Ensemble
(Strings of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra)
Shostakovich, Brahms, Mendelssohn


Exeter Recorder Orchestra  St James's Church Exeter Saturday 18 June 7.30pm
Denis Bloodworth: Arr. of renaissance dances                G F Handel: Concerto Grosso Op 6 No 1
William Mundy: O Mater Mundi                                    William Byrd: Ye Sacred Muses
Steve Marshall: Symphony No 4                                   www.pinwood.net
(Concert repeated at United Reformed Church Dawlish Sat 16 July 7pm)
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Rebecca Smith, Elgar and Britten, Saturday 26 March

Mezzo Soprano Rebecca Smith sings Elgar and Britten
At the Church of St John the Baptist, Broadclyst
Pianist John Scarfe assisted by his wife Jean
The music of Edward Elgar is being performed quite a lot just now.  Last Week, at Glenorchy, Val Howels sang a selection from his Opus 37, 'Sea Pictures'.  On Thursday this week we can enjoy the whole of 'Sea Pictures', sung by Alison Kettlewell, with the Exeter Music Group Symphony Orchestra and Choir, at Exeter Cathedral.  On Saturday 7 May Elgar's Opus 38, 'The Dream of Gerontius' will be sung, at St Paul's Tiverton, by another mezzo soprano, Frances Bourne, with tenor, Iain Milne, Bass, James Arthur, the East Devon Choral Society and the Exeter Chamber Choir with a full symphony orchestra conducted by Andrew Daldorph!! (Watch out for more information on that one as the time approaches.)

A large audience at the Church of St John the Baptist, Broadclyst, enjoyed Elgar's Sea pictures recently, sung by yet another wonderful mezzo soprano, Rebecca Smith.  Rebecca is a native of Devon.  She graduated in music at Trinity College of Music in London (not to be confused with Trinity College, Cambridge, where Broadclyst Rector, Rev Michael Partridge's daughters Hannah and Bethany will be taking their degrees . . . ).  She is now a member of the Glynbourne Festival Chorus and Touring Opera and has performed in many operas - Monteverdi, Stravinsky, Purcell.  She has played Wigmore Hall, St Martin's-in-the-Fields, the Queen's Concert Rooms, Hanover Square et c. - not to mention our own Exeter Cathedral where Rebecca performed 'Carols in the Cathedral' with Exeter Philharmonic Choir and Cathedral organist Andrew Millington.

In six weeks time Rebecca returns to the Cathedral to sing Beethoven's Mass in C and J. S. Bach's 'Magnificat', again with the Exeter Philharmonic Choir and Andrew Millington.  Regular listeners to 'Classical Journey' on Phonic FM, and 'Coffee and Music' concerts at Broadclyst, knew they didn't have to wait that long to hear Rebecca's lovely voice. On Saturday 26 March, at 10.30 in the morning, 'Coffee and Music' presented Rebecca Smith (Mezzo Soprano) accompanied by John Scarfe (Piano).

Rebecca sang the whole cycle of five songs starting with 'Sea Slumber Song' with words by Hon. Roden Noel.  Rebecca's voice is incredibly low and resonant and this song includes very low notes, especially for the final "Good - Night".  'In Haven' by Elgar's wife Alice (originally 'Love alone will Stay') her description of a building storm reflects the urgency of love.  Rebecca was even more impassioned in Elgar's setting of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's 'Sabbath Morning at Sea' where the line, "And, on that sea co-mixed with fire . . . The full Godhead's burning!" was delivered with full force.  'Where Corals Lie" (Richard Garnett) was full of yearning, carried into Rebecca's high upper range.  Finally 'The Swimmer', by Adam Lindsay Gordon, was surprisingly vehement.  Like the previous song, this was not as familiar as the other three.  Gordon was Australian and his descriptions of sea storms are likely to have been inspired by the coastal waters of his home in Melbourne.  Once again the description of storm flung waves ("oh! brave white horses! you gather and gallop,") is a vehicle for impassioned talk of - love!


Having completed Elgar's five 'Sea Pictures' in style, Rebecca moved on to another cycle of five songs written a century later in 1947.  The composer, Benjamin Britten, had recently moved into his new home of Crag House in Aldeburgh.  Kathleen Ferrier had made his new opera 'The Rape of Lucretia' a great hit, and her understudy, Nancy Evans, had worked with Britten and tenor Peter Pears to establish the, now famous, Aldeburgh Festival.  In gratitude Britten dedicated his Opus 41  'A Charm of Lullabies' to Nancy and she sang the première in The Hague, with Felix de Nobel at the piano, the following year.  The odd title was thought up by Aldeburgh librettist Eric Crozier - although he did not write any of the lyrics!  Britten, by the way, never became a 'Sir' like Elgar. He refused his knighthood.  However, rather ironically, in 1976 just before he died, he did accept a life peerage, and is now remembered as Baron Britten of Aldeburgh.


It was interesting to see the five ways in which different poets have captured the essence of a lullaby - and how Britten encapsulated each in music.  William Blake's 'A Cradle Song' is fairly predictable song of 'sweet dreams' and 'happy sleep' with a slight christian overlay.  Robert Burns, writing much earlier, in the late eighteenth century came up with a very odd song - certainly as Rebecca sang it in Britten's arrangement.  The odd half-English-half-Scots dialect opens the lyric with a protracted, "Hee balou - ou - ou . . . " ("Call 'Lullaby y y . . .'") before expressing the hope that 'Sweet Wee Donald' will live long and prosper - as a horse thief!  A very odd lullaby for a law-abiding exciseman like Burns.  There was an interesting typographical error to the next song, attributing it to the twentieth century English Poet Robert Graves, who died in 1985 at the age of 90.  However, the poem, 'Sephestia's Lullaby' was not written by him, but by Robert Greene - in the sixteenth century.  This song to a 'wanton' child is somewhat different to Burns'.  The child is told repeatedly not to weep - because he'll have plenty to cry about when he's older!




Quiet!
Rebecca is very expressive in her singing, fully acting out the feelings and ideas expressed in the poems.  The fourth poem, 'A Charm' by seventeenth century poet, Thomas Arnold, brought a new character which was surprising and very disturbing.  'A Charm' is anything but charming.  Whoever the poor child was, the method of getting him to go to sleep was to shout, "Quiet!",  "Sleep!" and bombard him with terrifying threats, mainly supernatural - more of a curse than a charm.  Rebecca did not hold back.  Although we assume it was all acting, and that she would never talk to her own children like that, for a few minutes she was truly terrifying.  Following the apparent progression in the poems to that point, one might expect the last 'lullaby' to involve threats of violence, but in fact it is John Philips' tender sixteenth century poem 'A Nurse's Song'.  Rebecca gently repeated the last two syllables of 'lullaby' in a hypnotic rhythm and reassured baby that the gods - and nurse - would shield and comfort, and tend 'as duly as may be'.


Sleep!


Rebecca's performance of both song cycles was highly polished and professional, and full of little personal touches which endeared her to her audience.  Naturally everyone hoped there might be a little something extra to finish off the recital.  They weren't disappointed.  Her encore was Madelaine Dring's setting of 'It was a Lover and his Lass' from Shakespeare's 'As You Like It'.  Madelaine Dring's musical settings are very popular with singers and audiences.  Glenorchy regulars will recall that soprano Alison Burnett is also a fan, and sang this lovely song, accompanied by Nicky Perry, at their concert on 16 February.  Rebecca's version was equally enjoyable - lively and joyful, and bounding with energy.


Thank you so much!
Thank you very much Rebecca, for taking time out from your busy professional schedule to bring your beautiful music home to the people of Devon.  Thanks also to Broadclyst Parish Church organist John Scarfe who accompanied Rebecca so beautifully and made a beautiful spring morning into a joyful musical occasion.


Don't forget that Elgar's 'Sea Pictures' are getting another airing on Thursday this week (14 April) when mezzo Alison Kettlewell will sing all five songs at Exeter Cathedral, with the accompaniment of the Exeter Music Group Symphony Orchestra, before singing the wonderful Mahler 'Resurrection' Symphony with soprano Catherine Hamilton.


And we don't have to wait long to hear Rebecca again.  She will be at the Cathedral on Thursday 26 May to sing Beethoven's Mass in C major and J. S. Bach's Magnificat in D with the Exeter Philharmonic Choir and organist Andrew Millington.





Exeter Music Group Symphony Orchestra
Exeter Cathedral
Thursday 14 April 7.30pm
Elgar: Sea Pictures
Mezzo-Soprano Alison Kettlewell

Mahler: Symphony No 2 "Resurrection"
Soprano Catherine Hamilton,
Mezzo-Soprano Alison Kettlewell
with the Exeter Music Group Singers
Conductor: Marion Wood, Leader Clare Smith (q.v.)
Tickets: £8-15 Phoenix: 667080



Rebecca Smith Singing Elgar and Britten
Coffee and Music at Broadclyst Parish Church
Last Saturday (26 March)
Exeter Philharmonic Choir
Exeter Cathedral Thursday 26 May 7.30pm
Bach & Beethoven
Organist: Andrew Millington
Mezzo Soprano: Rebecca Smith
Beethoven: Mass in C
J. S. Bach: Magnificat in D
Tickets: £9,11,14,17,20 (student subtract £2)
Supper Club £40
http://www.exephil.org.uk/book-tickets

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Update on Rebecca Willson

Following her impressive piano recital on 14 March in the Music Room, many people have been asking for details of the programme, and wondering whether we will be able to hear any of her playing on Phonic FM.


We heard:


1. Caleb Burhans: 'In Time of Desperation' (2003)
2. Joyce Beehuan Koh: 'Piano Peals' (2002)
3. Somei Satoh: 'Incarnation II' (1978)
4. Graham Fitkin: 'The Cone Gatherers' (1987)
5. Permagnus Lindborg: 'Bugo Resonances' (2003)
6. Rodesik De Man: 'Wajang' (2002)
7. Graham Fitkin: 'Fervent' (1994)


Mike Gluyas recorded the concert, and is so far able to release a recording of Rebecca playing 'Incantation II' composed by Tokyo pianist Somei Satoh in the contemporary traditional 'gendai hogaku' style.  A compelling piece with a gentle rippling rhythm which Rebecca swelled to a superbly controlled crescdendo giving a wonderful effect like a full organ.


Picture
click for a blow-up of the
'Nonclassical poster'
We shall hear this recording towards the end of this Tuesday's 'Classical Journey' or, depending on time, next week.
In the excitement of 'Springtime is Coming' and the 'B minor Mass' on Sat 2 April, the launch of  new project, in Plymouth on the same night, was overlooked. The project is called 'Nonclassical' and involved Rebecca's playing,   To see what that was about, and check for details about future 'Nonclassical' performances at the Bikeshed here in Exeter, go to;
rebeccalouisewillson.weebly.com
www.bikeshedtheatre.co.uk
www.nonclassical.co.uk
Watch out for a post about Rebecca on the Phonic FM website, where you will be able to listen to Rebecca playing Satoh's 'Incantation II'.
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Friday, 8 April 2011

Soprano Baritone and Piano Wednesday 6 April


This week's vocal soloists
soprano Val Howels
baritone John Brindley

and pianist Frances Waters

(below)
Following the resounding success of their last concert at Glenorchy at the end of November last year (see Dreamy Songs and Poems) soprano Val Howels and pianist Frances Waters returned with a new and exciting programme.  The most noticeable development was the appearance of a new face, and voice, in the line-up.  John Brindley, a wonderful baritone singer, added his musical skill to the already impressive combination of Val and Frances.
Although Val and John planned to take turns in singing during the concert, they started with a duet.  Ralph Vaughan Williams' 'Dorset Song' ('Linden Lea') became very popular, and lucrative for him, after its first airing in1902 in the remote village of Hooton Roberts where his Cambridge chums Nick and Ivor Gatty lived.  'Linden Lea' was really only a PhD project for Ralph, when he was at Cambridge, and he was very embarrassed when it became so popular.  However, the sentiments it expresses have remained a delight to subsequent generations up to the present day.  In Wednesday's performance, Val's soprano harmony contrasted with and complemented John's baritone perfectly.  The whole piece was vivacious and joyful from start to finish, with Frances' steady piano accompaniment adding to its sweetness.
By a strange coincidence Val's choice for her first solo songs were three of Sir Edward Elgar's 'Sea Pictures', a series of poems which Elgar originally set to music for soprano voice but later transposed to contralto with orchestral accompaniment for their première performance by Clara Butt at the 1899 Norwich festival.   Appropriately to this week's concert, Clara subsequently (in 1900) married, and became performing partner to, baritone Kennerly Rumford.  Furthermore, she was appointed DBE in the 1920 civilian war honours - making her Dame Clara Butt-Rumford.
Possibly without knowing it, Val was giving us a delightful preview of the a forthcoming performance of the entire song cycle, which will be sung by mezzo soprano Alison Kettlewell with the Exeter Music Group Symphony Orchestra in Exeter Cathedral next Thursday (14 April).  
Val's first selection, 'In Haven' (with words by Edward Elgar's wife Alice), warned of storms but was surprising gentle, with a delicious descending note at the end of the verse.  The lovely finish to the whole piece was, however, reserved for Frances on the piano. Then Val sang Elgar's setting of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's 'Sabbath Morning st Sea', in a soft but ominous voice.  Even as she described the anguish of the storm her enunciation was beautiful, softening, only to build in power again.  The fiercest verses were still lovely - as was Frances' vigorous ending on the piano - which Val joined in applauding.  Finally Elgar's setting of Richard Garnet's 'Where Corals Lie' opened with a soft syncopated piano theme leading into a gentle and dreamy vocal section which sweetly delivered a series of lovely compliments to the listener.
John then took Val's place on the stage for a selection of songs from the Victorian and Edwardian eras - a time when emotion and sentiment were very popular.  He started with a song by Launceston man, Wilfrid Sanderson.  Sanderson's 'Until' was a 1910 setting of Edward Lockton (aka Teschemacher)'s poem, "No rose in all the world until you came."  This very emotional ode to a lover sung with great pathos by John, but always under control.  Frances' support on the piano was responsive but unobtrusive.
Going back in time, John traded one intense emotion for another.  J. Airlie Dix's 1904 setting of J. Francis Barron's 'The Trumpeter' was a rousing tale of adventure and daring, based on the experiences of the Boer War.  Frances produced the fanfares on the piano and John sang three verses on the theme of bugle calls.  A description of early morning in camp led to 'Reveille', the excitement of battle led to 'Charge' and, finally, in the miserable aftermath of slaughter, the sad sound of 'Rally to the Chief'.  The last 'Rally' was made to sound triumphant, by suggesting that the dead will be 'rallied' to the angel Gabriel.  A very questionable sentiment, but beautifully portrayed.
Going forward again to 1914, John sang Oley Speaks' setting of Clinton Scollard's 'Sylvia'.  John's sensual description of Sylvia was loving and warm.  Sylvia sounds gorgeous!
In a similar vein, but from a different time and place, Val's next song 'Jeg Elsker Dig' was written by Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg in 1864.  The words are by Grieg's contemporary and friend, Hans Christian Anderson.  Anderson's words are actually in Danish but mean pretty much the same in Norwegian - "I love you".  The object of Grieg's affection was, of course, his future wife Nina Hagerup.  They married three years later (at their future home of Troldhaugen).  Glenorchy regulars will recall that Jill Govier played Grieg's lyrical piano celebration of that day, 'Wedding Day at Troldhaugen', at Glenorchy on 16 March.
Grieg, like Schumann before him, composed initially for the 'only true interpreter' of his music - his future wife.  I couldn't tell whether Val was singing in Norwegian or Danish, but the sentiments were beautifully and clearly expressed whatever the language.  (Val had given us a brief translation beforehand, which helped a great deal!)  Val's delivery was rapturous, almost tearful, and the audience couldn't help being carried along.
Continuing the 'modern languages masterclass', Val moved straight into Gioachino Rossini's 'La Chanson du Bébé'.  As Val explained, Rossini stopped writing major operas in about 1830 and started to write comic songs for his friends.  This very irreverent song expresses the words of a naughty child, playing its parents against each other and demanding jam and other treats, while ending each verse with fake sneezes ('because he knows it teases' one imagines) and a final triumphant cry of 'poo-poo!'  It was fortunate that Val gave a detailed translation before embarking but, even without it, the story would have been pretty clear.  John stood in as 'papa' and Sue Tyler was dragged from the audience to take the part of 'maman'.  Their mimed responses left us in no doubt about where the conversation was going.  Val herself was hilarious as the 'bébé'.  As has happened before, I found that I was sitting next to a visitor from France - the ultimate test.  The uncontrolled laughter from my left confirmed that Val had passed!
As the scandalised John and Sue withdrew, Val stepped forward to sing another number.  In the excitement she had forgotten that the 'Chanson' was her last solo song.  John, however, had two more solo pieces for us.  The first was 'The Sentry's Song' from Gilbert and Sullivan's 1882 comic opera 'Iolanthe' ('The Peer and the Peri').  Act Two of this satire on the Victorian government and electoral system opens with the sentry at the Palace of Westminster, Private Willis, pondering the workings of democracy in the Victorian British Parliament. A lot of his comments are just as relevant today, and John went further by adding his own words about 'Nick and Dave' which came as quite a surprise to anyone who wasn't expecting it.  John acted the part of the sentry perfectly - he never forgot he was 'holding' an imaginary rifle, and executed a perfect 'order arms' at the conclusion.  John's seriousness, and disgust at the failings of MPs, added to the wonderful comic effect.
Just to put us all back in a romantic mood, John finished his final set with another poem by 'Teschemacher' (Edward Lockton), this time set to music by Alan Murray in 1936.  'I'll walk beside you' is a gentle reverie describing a lovely walk with a lovely girl.  John's singing was tender and extatic, ending with rapturous delicacy.
Finally Val, John and Frances joined forces for Helen Taylor's prayer in poem, 'Bless the House'.  Set to music by May Brahe in 1927, this song was made popular by Irish Tenor John Mc Cormack (who changed the name to 'Bless this House').  The counterpoint between the voices of Val and John, and Frances' piano playing, worked together perfectly as they systematically invoked blessing on each part of the house (chimney, roof, windows etc) and everyone 'dwelling within'.  McCormack was right to think that such forthright sentiments would appeal to a wide and varied audience.


Thank you and well done:
Frances Waters, Val Howels, John Brindley
The audience at Glenorchy thoroughly enjoyed the whole performance.  The quality of music at Glenorchy never seems to falter.  Credit must go to David Lee who organises the series, and has performed concerts himself at the piano and organ.  But the praise this week was mainly for Val and John for their wonderful singing - and for Frances' piano playing, exemplary as always.  Val even presented Frances with a bouquet to express the gratitude of all.

Good show!


Next week at Glenorchy? - Recorder ensemble!


Glenorchy Lunchtime Concerts
Glenorchy Church Exmouth
Wednesday 13 April 12.30pm
The Courtenay Players
Judith Belam
Angela Chapman,
Janet Drake-Law
Cath Palmer-Wills
Admission Free

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Thursday, 7 April 2011

Solo debut for soprano Mary O’Shea at the Cathedral next Sunday 17 April 5pm

A very versatile soprano:
Mary O'Shea
Mary O'Shea is an aspiring young Soprano from Somerset, whose beautiful baroque and classical singing has been heard many times on Phonic FM.  She will be giving her first public solo performance at Evensong at the Cathedral on Palm Sunday, 17 April.
Regular listeners to Phonic FM will be familiar with the voice of Mary O’Shea. On 16 August last year Mary joined Martin Hodge on ‘Roots and Shoots’ to sing her own compositions from her album ‘DollyO’.
It quickly became apparent that Mary is a very talented classical singer. Her next appearance was on the ‘Classical Journey’ with Luch Càise-Dearg on 5 October. She immediately amazed us all with ‘Nulla in Mundo Pax Sincera’ by Vivaldi, and proceeded to perform two hours of beautiful singing ranging from Bach to Schumann to Reger. Following that success she teamed up with another Phonic FM regular, pianist John Scarfe, and returned on 15 March this year for an outstanding session of baroque and classical music starting with Alessandro Scarlatti’s "Già il sole dal Gange" and ending with Mozart’s ‘Don Giovanni’.
Mary studied music at Winchester University. She trained as a soprano but also plays several instruments including the violin. After graduating she spent time in Ireland where she learned traditional Irish violin styles. She is also a very accomplished dancer.  As she herself puts it, she is simply passionate about music.
Mary now lives in Somerset.  She is regularly in Exeter to perform with the St Peter’s Singers at the Cathedral under the direction of David Davies.  David has clearly recognized her talent as she has been chosen to sing the solo soprano part in the ‘Sequence of Music for Palm Sunday’ which will be performed at Anglican Evensong service in the Cathedral at 5pm on Sunday 17 April.
Mary has also recorded her own, classically inspired, modern compositions for the album CD ‘DollyO’ which is on sale to raise funds for the Cenon Perez Education Project in Luzon in the Philippines.
Copies are on sale at Bar Venezzia on the quay in Exeter or available online at www.dollyo.com


St Peter's Singers
Exeter Cathedral Palm Sunday 17 April 5pm
Service of Music for Palm Sunday
Solo Soprano: Mary O'Shea
(An Anglican service, not a concert)

-   Soprano Mary O'Shea

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Music on the Edge at Topsham Art Room next Sunday 17 April 6pm

Music on the Edge
Flute: Susie Hodder-Williams, Bass Clarinet: Chris Caldwell
photographs Chris Chapman

Topsham Art Room are currently hosting an exhibition of paintings, drawings and prints by Benedict Rubbra. “Nature is the main source of Rubbra’s inspiration. From early youth to maturity he has been acutely aware of art’s kinship with nature. He sees the artist as part of the natural cycle, part of the process of growth.”  “The rhythms of nature, the cyclical processes that link genesis, decay and regeneration, the patterns and harmonies to be found within natural and man-made forms –these are the essential concerns that underlie all Benedict Rubbra’s work.”
This Sunday two local musicians, who are very sympathetic to those sentiments, will be performing a selection of pieces to complement the exhibition from 6pm this Sunday.
Chris Caldwell and Susie Hodder-Williams are an inspired musical duo.  They live on Dartmoor and often perform at the Long Room of the Drewe Arms in Drewsteignton.  They are also well known throughout the UK and tour extensively. There music has been heard on BBC Radio 3’s ‘Late Junction’ and, more recently, Phonic FM’s ‘Classical Journey’.
They were last seen in Exeter on Sunday 21 November last year, at Gallery 36 in Denmark Road.  With Poet James Turner they performed a selection of music and poetry entitled ‘Time and Distance’ which astounded the audience. Their amazing skill and technique, together with their highly inspired and original style, has to be heard to be fully appreciated. Their subtle overlaying and combination of sounds is quite breathtaking.
(jump to the review of that concert)
On Sunday Chris and Susie will be joined by special guest Rick Bolton, playing ’cello and guitar, for a selection of music by Bach, Steve Goss, Nick Drake, Karl Jankins – and their own compositions and improvisations of course.  Anyone under 21 can attend free and tickets for those over 21 cost £10, which includes wine. The audience will be free to enjoy the exhibition while listening to the music, or bring their own folding chairs and make themselves comfortable for the whole performance.
This will be a popular performance, so booking is recommended:
telephone: 0795 292 3318
email:theartroom@eclipse.co.uk
www.theartroomtopsham.co.uk
www.musicontheedge.com



The unmistakable sounds of Dartmoor
Susie Hodder-Williams and Chris Caldwell are
Music On The Edge


Music on the Edge
The Art Room Topsham
Sunday 17 April 6pm
Chris Caldwell
Clarinets/Saxaphones
Susie Hodder-Williams
Flutes
Rich Bolton
Guitar/'Cello
(Artwork: Benedict Rubbra
12 March -24 April)
Tickets: £10 including wine (U21 free)
Box: 0795 292 3318
(booking recommended)
BRING YOUR OWN
FOLDING CHAIR!
www.theartroomtopsham.co.uk
www.musicontheedge.com
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Elgar's 'Sea Pictures' AND Mahler's 'Resurrection' at the Cathedral next Thursday 14 April

Soprano Catherine Hamilton in rehearsal
photo: Nigel Cheffers-Heard
www.cheffers.co.uk

EMG Symphony Orchestra Concert
Thursday 14 April, 7.30pm
Exeter Cathedral


Marion Wood conducts . . .
EMG Symphony Orchestra’s spring concert in aid of the Alzheimer's Society and Singing for the Brain will take place on Thursday 14 April at 7.30pm in Exeter Cathedral.  The orchestra, under the baton of Marion Wood, will be joined by the mezzo-soprano Alison Kettlewell for a performance of Elgar's evocative Sea Pictures.  Alison and soprano Catherine Hamilton, along with the EMG Singers will then join the orchestra for Mahler's epic Symphony No 2 "Resurrection".  The EMG Singers are a specially assembled chorus from across Devon and beyond.  The group includes many members of leading local choirs and choral societies, as well as other experienced singers.

. . . the harp . . .
The Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow, through a combination of campaigning, research, awareness raising, training, information provision and the delivery of services across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.








. . . the horns . . .
Singing for the Brain® is a stimulating, social activity designed to enhance wellbeing and bring fun and confidence to lives affected by memory problems.  Hidden in the fun are activities which build on the well-known preserved memory for song and music in the brain.  The aim is to reduce social isolation and depression, promoting friendships which lead to mutual aid. 

. . . timpani . . .
Funds raised through this concert will support existing volunteer-led Singing for the Brain groups in Exeter and East Devon, keeping the groups free of charge for attendees, and will also help with the cost of setting up new groups.


. . . fortissimo!
Tickets for the concert are priced at £15, £12, £10 and £8.
available on the door. 


or call Exeter Phoenix 667080


or buy tickets online:


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Wednesday, 6 April 2011

Stay Tuned for the Marimba playing of Edward Scull (on air Tuesday in concert next Friday 15 April)

Exeter Cathedral School Alumnus: Percussionist, Edward Scull

Many thanks for all the positive comments from listeners about the local artists featured on yesterday's programme.  A pleasure shared is double the pleasure!

Many thanks to accordionist Romano Viazzani (recent visitor from the 'Smoke'), baritone Gareth Keene and pianist John Scarfe (and sound recordist Rev Michael Partridge), pianist Joyce Clarke, pianist (and composer) Andrew Daldorph and clarinettist Chris Gradwell's 'Le Jazz' quartet (and sound recordist Mike Gluyas), and 'Music on the Edge' (clarinettist Chris Caldwell and flautist Susie Hodder-Williams) - all of whom provided original recordings for the show.  It was an absolute delight to listen to them all.

Thanks also for the requests and suggestions from listeners - Ann Draisey for 'Herr unser Herrscher', Mairead NicRath for Brandenburg Concerto No 5, Iseabail NicLeòid for 'Una Giga de Corelli', Tim for 'Tabula Rasa' and Sheila for 'Soarin' High'.  It's a great thrill to be introduced to such wonderful music, and share it with other listeners.

There was, sadly, one disappointment.  In all the excitement I failed to leave enough time for the most exciting piece of all.  In anticipation of his appearance at St Peter's Church, Shaldon, next Friday, local percussionist Edward Scull had provided a recording of himself playing Alexej Gerassinez' 2010 marimba composition 'Eravie'.  It was terribly disappointing not to hear this beautiful piece, which would have been the jewel in the crown.

Disappointed?  Join the programme next Tuesday at 10am to hear not only the marimba playing of Edward Scull, but also to hear the man himself telling us about the concert in Shaldon next Friday, where he will be performing with the Exeter Chamber Choir - under the very capable direction of none other than Andrew Daldorph!  Edward will also be bringing more of his recordings for us to enjoy.

For the best local artists and music, stay tuned to your local community radio station - Phonic FM!

Jump to Phonic FM listing with audio playout of 'Eravie'



Edward Scull: Marimba
The Helen Foundation
5th Anniversary Concert
St Peter's Church Shaldon
Friday 15 April 7.30pm
Romance of the Marimba
Marimba: Edward Scull
Exeter Chamber Choir: Andrew Daldorph
Monteverdi, Lauridsen, Gorecki, Daldorph
Tickets: £10 Box: 01626 872308


FOUNDATION'S 5TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

We have a special treat for you! Shaldon-based young percussionist Edward Scull is currently a student at The Royal College of Music, London where he has made outstanding progress. He recently won the prestigious RCM Concerto Competition which resulted in being invited to be the solo performer at the 26 January RCM recital to be broadcast later by BBC 3 as part of a Holst season.

Among the percussion instruments, Ed's favourite is the marimba and he has offered a concert of romantic music for the Foundation as our 5th anniversary concert on Friday 15 April 2011. Ed will be supported by the prize-winning Exeter Chamber Choir, containing leading Devon-based singers. In 2009, the Choir won the PRS for Music's "Unforgettable Choir" title for its performance of Andrew Dandorph's modern oratorio Songs of Hope and Creation. The concert takes place in St Peter's Church, Shaldon where our first ever benefit evening took place in 2006. 

For early advanced booking, send an email with your requests to:contact@thehelenfoundation



ORCHESTRAL PERCUSSIONIST AND MARIMBA SOLOIST EDWARD SCULL


Edward Scull was born in Sussex in 1989, and moved with his family to Devon when he was 10 years old. Having attended Exeter, and then Wells Cathedral School, he is currently at the Royal College of Music in London where he was awarded a Foundation Scholarship to study Percussion.
Edward has played in both the National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain and the National Youth Wind Ensemble, and is now a member of both the RCM Sinfonietta and Symphony Orchestra.
Edward enjoys session work as well as many solo and orchestral engagements, not just in London and Devon, but also recently in South and central Ireland, the Czech Republic and Italy. He specializes in tuned Percussion and Timpani, and has interests in most forms of live music performance, not just classical, but also Drum kit in which he plays Funk, Jazz and Drum and Bass.
This year, Edward won the Royal College of Music Concerto competition, and will be performing Ruby by Joe Duddell with the RCM Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sian Edwards in January 2011. 
Edward is available for session work and Orchestral engagements. He also performs private and public recitals on the Marimba, as well as bespoke music for weddings.
Edward Scull dip ATCL Dist.

Contact for further information on 01 626 873323 / 07747453801 or email hscull@aol.com

THE HELEN FOUNDATION

The Helen Foundation was launched in January 2006 as a living memorial to Helen Elizabeth Kirk , age 24, who tragically died after a road accident on 26th December 2005. - " a new arts based charity to support and motivate young people in all branches of the arts in Teignbridge, South Devon. School awards, work shops, bursaries - just go for it, and dare to dream !
FOUNDATION 5TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS - CONCERT ON 15TH APRIL
Plans are well underway for the special 5th anniversary concert event in St Peter's Church, Shaldon on 15 April featuring outstanding young percussionist Edward Scull on marimba and the Exeter Chamber Choir, as described in more detail in the "January 2011 Newsround" article.
We have invited radio and television to cover the event as they did in 2006. Tickets (priced at £10 each) are available from the Shaldon Post Office, Bradley's Estate Agent or by sending an email with your request to: tickets@thehelenfoundation.co.uk
http://www.thehelenfoundation.org.uk


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Tuesday, 5 April 2011

Classical Journey Tuesday 5 April

1724   Leipzig            J S BACH                       St John Passion                       Monteverdi Choir
1721   Kothen           J S BACH                        Brandenburg Concerto No 5  Café Zimmermann Consort
1725   Venice            Antonio VIVALDI             Le Quattro Stagioni                Romano Viazzani
1710  Spanish Court Santiago de MURCIA       Una Giga de Corelli                Paul O'Dette
1845   Styria              Traditional                         Erzherzog Johann Jodler         Volksewisen
1899   Norwich          Sir Edward ELGAR          Sea Slumber Song                 Dame Janet Baker
1904  Cambridge      Sir Charles STANFORD  The "Old Superb"                   Gareth Keene
1929  Warsaw          Karol Szymanowski          Stala Matka Bolejąca             Florence Quivar
1941  Veracruz         Pablo MUNCAYO          Huapango Rhapsody              Orquesta Sinfonica de Xalapa
1950  Hertfordshire   Harold NOBLE               Tomorrow's Lullaby                Joyce Clarke
1977  Estonia            Arvo Pärt                         Tabula Rasa                           Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra
1980  London           Sir Andrzej PANUFNIC  Concertino for Timpani          Graham Cole
2005  Dorset            Andrew DALDORPH       Soarin' High                          Le Jazz (with Chris Gradwell)
2009  London          Chris CALDWELL           Reindeer Moss                      with Susie Hodder-Williams
2010  London          Alexej GERASSINEZ       Eravie                                    Edward Scull (Marimba)
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