BACKHere is the third in the series of our feature ‘WildKat’s Unmissables’. Check out what we have selected as our favourite upcoming events occurring from mid-late October.
What? Cover Versions/Aftershow – London Sinfonietta
Where? Kings Place Hall, London
When? Friday 15th Oct 2010 19:30 (click to purchase tickets!)
Conductor – Nicholas Collon
Soprano- Sarah Gabriel
Couperin (arr. Adès) Les barricades misterieuses
Brahms (arr. Woolrich) Ophelia Songs
Purcell (arr. Benjamin) Fantasia VII
Oliver Knussen …upon one note
Purcell (arr. Matthews) Fantasia XIII
Bryn Harrison In Nomine after William Byrd
Purcell (arr. Kurtág) Fantasia Upon One Note
Machaut (arr. Sciarrino) Rose Liz
Machaut (arr. Birtwistle) Hoquetus David
Machaut (arr. Kurtág) Rondeau: Doulz viarie gracieus
Ockeghem (arr. Birtwistle) Ut Heremita Solus
Puccini (arr. Busotti) E L’uccellino
Britten (arr. Clyne) Hymn to a Virgin (World Premiere)
The London Sinfonietta will be playing a varied repertoire of classical pieces updated with a contemporary surprise. The concert will feature arrangements by contemporary composers such as Woolrich, George Benjamin and Birtwistle of pre-20th century greats, such as Brahms and Purcell. There is also an exclusive world premiere of Anna Clyne’s new version of Britten’s Hymn to a Virgin. The evening can only be made more superb by an Aftershow at the Level 2 foyer, 9.30pm where the London Sinfonietta players will be in the bar giving an informal short performance.
What? Tetzlaff String Quartet
Where? Queen Elizabeth Hall
When? Thursday 21 October 19:30 (click to purchase tickets!)
Joseph Haydn: String Quartet in G minor, Op.20 No.3
Antonin Dvořák: String Quartet in A flat, Op.105 Interval
Jean Sibelius: String Quartet in D minor (Voces intimae)
Described in the New York Times as ‘one of the most brilliant and inquisitive artists of the new generation’, German violinist Christian Tetzlaff leads a performance of three varied string quartets. The string quartet came to represent classical music in its purest form during Haydn’s lifetime (1732-1809), thanks largely to his development of the genre over 68 compositions. The lively G minor quartet features Haydn’s typically elegant melodic writing, captured in spirited conversations between the four instruments.
By contrast, Dvořák’s Quartet No.14, written over 100 years later, is an intense, Romantic work, filled with rich textures and harmonies. The music moves through episodes of lyricism to moments of tender contemplation and passages imitating wild, energetic Bohemian dances.Sibelius creates a profoundly intense atmosphere in Intimate Voices (1909). At the heart of its central movement, this darkly brooding, introspective work has three hushed and eloquent chords, which give the piece its title.
What? Eric Whitacre & London Symphony Chorus: Songs from America
Where? Barbican Hall
When? Sunday 24 October 19:30 (click to purchase tickets!)
Eric Whitacre (b1970) is an accomplished composer and conductor, best-known for his choral works. What to expect from this new LSC commission? One critic enthuses of his work: ‘What hits you straight between the eyes is the honesty, optimism and sheer belief that passes any pretension. This is music that can actually make you smile.’ Eric is currently enjoying worldwide acclaim for his ‘Virtual Choir’, a project which saw 186 singers from 12 countries perform his hauntingly beautiful Lux Aurumque through the internet. With more than one million hits to date, the project has attracted not only recognition from the music world, but also from Google and even the United Nations Leaders Programme.
What? EON Guitar Quartet
Where? Kings Place Hall
When? Wednesday 27th October 20:00 (click to purchase tickets!)
If you’re interested in something different for a change this small chamber ensemble could make your evening. The EON Guitar Quartet, founded in 1999 is made up of Giovanni Maselli, Rita Casagrande, Robert Tascnini and Mario Barbuti. The ensemble takes a refreshing approach towards classical music; many composers dedicate their works to them.
The concert includes guitar quartet arrangements for Joanquín Rodrigo’s Conceirto de Araniuez and music by Boccherini, Dvořák, Turina and Bellinati.
What? The Beatles Philharmonic Tribute – Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Where? Royal albert hall
When? Thursday 28th October 2010 20:00 (click to purchase tickets!)
The world renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra takes you down memory lane with a music spectacular of classical interpretations of Beatles’ songs. This musical marriage combines dramatic orchestral arrangements imaginatively fused together with rock and pop. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of conductor Alan Chircop, will be complemented by a large chorus, with special guest appearances from Dame Shirley Bassey, Tony Christie, Darius Campbell and the UK’s Soul Queen – Beverley Knight.
Further highlights will include performances by Candy Rock, Maria Elena Infantino, Lynn Faure Chircop, Elliott Frisby, James Andrew Arthur, Sherry Davis, The Scarletz, William Owen, Analiza Ching, Maria Abela Manconi, Susan Black and Tony Moore. The grand finale will bring the orchestra, chorus and guest soloists together for a stunning climax to this performance. Well-known broadcaster and Beatles aficionado, Mike Read, will be presenting a narrative backdrop to this tribute, taking the audience through The Beatles’ legendary history. The event is hosted by Fayon Cottrell and is supporting the Noah’s Ark Appeal and the Malta Community Chest Fund.
What? German Masters II
Where? The Handel House Museum
When? Thursday 28th October 18:30 (click to purchase tickets!)
This concert is the second in a three part series spanned across the year and ending in January 2011. The Ensemble-in-Residence Spirituoso has been conducting the concert series dedicated to the three great German composers of the 18th century: Telemann, Handel and Bach. The focus of this concert will be music by Handel and will be a truly magical experience.
The venue itself is splendid and intimate and worth a visit regardless of what performances are on. Check out their website for details of their concert series and other information.
