Mon 25 Sep

MID-WALES OPERA

THE BARTERED BRIDE: Smetana

The Shrewsbury Music Hall, 7.30 pm

True to their reputation for innovative and thought-provoking productions and under their award-winning director, Stephen Medcalf (voted 'Best Director 2005' at the Italian Oscars), Britain's most adventurous music theatre company stages its most ambitious and spectacular touring production ever!
Young love emerges triumphant, but only after a series of adventures involving a crooked solicitor, a wicked step-mother and her simple-minded son, an extrovert ringmaster, a beautiful can-can dancer, a performing bear, and two whip-cracking and knife-throwing circus performers. Like all great operas it is full of contrasts of mood, with an ever-present feeling of tragedy, and with deeply moving arias and ensembles within the overriding humour and vitality.
'The perfect operatic entertainment for audiences of all ages' Sunday Times
Pre-performance talk by Dr Robert Miekle 6.30-7.00 (arr. by Friends of SMT)

Sun 22 Oct

ALBERNI STRING QUARTET

Concord College, Acton Burnell, 3.00pm

Haydn -- Quartet Op 76 No 2 (Fifths)
Walton -- Quartet
Beethoven -- Quartet Op 59 No 1 (Rasumovsky)
'A welcome return to Shropshire of "one of the finest half-dozen quartets in the world today"' (New York Times). Formed more than 40 years ago at the Royal Academy of Music (where they then followed the legendary Amadeus as quartet-in-residence), the Alberni has enjoyed a worldwide career for more than four decades. Their interpretations of the great classics have attracted praise and respect around the world both in live performance and in prize-winning recordings, while their close association with Benjamin Britten and his work (through him giving the UK premieres of several of Shostakovich's quartets) have put them at the centre of contemporary music making from the 70's.
While uniquely demonstrating the expertise and maturity gained from a long and distinguished career, the Alberni Quartet retain the enthusiasm, vigour and attention to detail that make their interpretations today such a rare and rich experience.
Meet the Artists over Tea - afterwards

Sat 28 Oct

THE ART OF SONG:

From Schubert to Noel Coward

The Gateway, Shrewsbury 7.30 pm

Anna Stephany - mezzo soprano
James Beatty - piano
Including German: Schubert, Schumann, Brahms. French: Faure, Poulenc, Renaldo Hahn. English: Quitter, Bridge, Ireland, Britten, Noel Coward, Cole Porter
Winner of the prestigious Kathleen Ferrier Award 2005 (amongst a phlethora of others), this talented young singer introduces a programme to attune the ears to the wonderful repertoire of Leider and Song to dispel the sometimes 'stuffy' aura that sometimes surrounds this most enjoyable, intimate and soul searching form of musical discourse. (Translations provided).

Fri 17 Nov

ACADEMY OF ANCIENT MUSIC

St. Mary's Church, 7.30 pm

Paul Goodwin - conductor
Carolyn Sampson - soprano
Mozart - Symphony in F maj K19a & No33 in Bb
Mozart - Motet 'Exsultate, jubilate' K158a / K165
Thea Musgrave - Journey into Light (AAM commission)
Mozart - Adagio and Fugue in C min K546
The Academy of Ancient Music is one of the first and foremost period-instrument orchestras in the world, renowned for over 250 recordings and the intensity of its live performances. Rising star, soprano Carolyn Sampson, features in two works: a calm and contemplative new piece by Thea Musgrave alongside its inspiration, Mozart's much-loved 'Exsultate, jubilate'. The wonderful and varied symphonies that complete the programme include K19a which was written by the young Mozart on a visit to England.
The AAM always plays with spirit, but the degree of passion, excitement and joy stirred by their concerts is surely exceptional' The Times
Pre-performance Talk: Paul Goodwin explores Thea Musgrave's 'Journey into Light' 6.30-7.00 pm

Tue 5 Dec

EX CATHEDRA

St. Chad's Church, Shrewsbury, 7.30 pm

Christmas by Candlelight

The always packed, now traditional and ever popular unique celebration of seasonal music with readings.
Book early !

Sun 28 Jan

The World Famous BLACK DYKE BAND

St. Chad's Church, 2.30 pm

A 'not to be missed' event
Recognized for almost a century and a half as the world's most famous brass band, no other ensemble in the world of music can boast such a record of innovation and success as Black Dyke - They have a staggeringly wide and eclectic range covering the whole musical spectrum, producing an abundance of famous instrumentalists and appearing with a huge cross-section of distinguished musicians from Leslie Garratt and Paul McCartney (with Wings) to Edward Heath and Elton John as well as the top classical names. Seventeen times winners of the National Champions of the Brass Band League they have also regularly 'broken the mould' with over 120 recordings and accolades as diverse as winner of the 'Crossover Classical Section' in the Grammy Awards with Evelyn Glennie, an Oscar for the best song in a film - "That'll Do" from 'Babe 2' with singer Peter Gabriel, and from their backing of the Beatles hit record 'Yellow Submarine' years ago to the music written by Jim Parker for the TV gardening series 'Groundforce', taking in along the way the likes of the Music Industries Association Award for Best CD/Orchestral Section with their recording of Sir William Walton's music.
Their present Director, Dr Nicolas Childes with Associate Composer, the well-known Philip Wilby follows in this legendary tradition of top contest successes, innovative concerts and world premieres, and an ever diverse variety of soloists and musical combinations.
Virtuosity of this order takes the breath away' The Times

Thu 15 Feb

EUROPEAN UNION CHAMBER ORCHESTRA / Nicola Benedetti - violin

St. Chad's Church, 7.30 pm

Nicola Benedetti - Violin

Director Gernot Sussmut
Haydn -- Symphony No 65
Mozart -- Violin Concerto in A No5 K219
Michela Plachka -- "You gave me silence"
Dvorak -- Serenade for Strings
The distinguished EUCO has a worldwide reputation as the musical ambassador for the EU, and with the support of the European Commission undertakes regular intercontinental tours encompassing far flung and exotic regions including playing for 'royals' in venues such the Royal Palace at Phnom Penh (for the King of Cambodia) as well as in the more traditional concert halls such as the Amsterdam Concertebouw and Birmingham's Symphony Hall - They regularly perform with popular artists such as Lesley Garratt and James Galway, and in Shrewsbury are joined by the 18yr old Scottish prodigy, Nicola Benedetti.
Nicola's unusual maturity and intelligence was spotted by Sir Yehudi Menuhin whose School she left aged barely 15 to fulfil a list of prestigious engagements which has included en-route the winning of the BBC Young Musician of the Year Award 2004. Already well-known for her searching, eloquent and captivating interpretations - this will certainly be an evening to savour!
Pre-performance Talk with Nicola Benedetti and Gernot Sussmut 6.30

Wed 21 Feb

SORREL STRING QUARTET

Concord College, Acton Burnell, 7.30 pm

Mozart -- Quartet K589 in Bb
Robert Simpson -- Quartet No 7
Brahms -- Quartet in C min, Op51 No1
By popular demand, a return of the Sorrels who won the hearts of theShropshire audience in 04/05. Well known for the spontaneity, fiery commitment and powerful atmosphere it brings to its performances, the Sorrel Quartet - formed in 1987, and now joined by Robin Ireland (of the late Lindsay Quartet) - is recognised as one of the finest British quartets of today with many works written for them and a large recording oevre.
Drawing heavily on his passion for astronomy, Simpson's 7th Quartet is at times mesmeric - at others ethereal, and during its course erupts into two frenetic 'big bangs'. It is framed by Haydn's bright and virtuosic Op 77 No 1 and the warm and expansive C minor quartet of Brahms.

Thu 1 Mar

ZUM "Gypsy Tango Inferno"

The Shrewsbury Music Hall, 7.30 pm

awesome gypsy fiddling … flaming hot tango … an explosive fusion
Adam Summerhayes - violin, Chris Grist - cello, Jani Pensola - bass
Dave Gordon - piano, Eddie Hession - accordion
From magical tenderness and haunting, intoxicating harmonies to awesome explosions of sound and rhythmic power … ZUM has stormed the UK with its stunning fusion combining the fire and brilliance of Eastern European gypsy fiddle music with the hot-blooded passion of Argentinian Tango, enjoying sell-outs from foreign tours to London's South Bank.
ZUM performs 'Nuevo Tango' masterpieces by Astor Piazzolla and music from the golden era of tango, alongside addictive traditional gypsy melodies and dazzling virtuoso fiddling. The band add their own compelling original material, inspired by both gypsy and tango, lightly spiced with a host of influences from klezmer to bebop - sophisticated threads of jazz connecting with gypsy, celtic, salsa, bluegrass, klezmer, arabic, calypso and tango to create a stunning new sound.
Absolutely intoxicating … unbuttoned passion and brilliance … virtuoso performances' The Times
Fiery, passionate and intriguingly beautiful … A delight to hear and a treat to watch' BBC
If you get a chance to see this band, forget whatever other plans you have and get yourself out for an evening - I guarantee you won't be disappointed' What's On, London

Tue 13 Mar

CARDUCCI STRING QUARTET

The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury, 7.30 pm

Mozart -- K.499 in D (Hoffmeister)
Ravel -- Quartet
Beethoven -- Op.18 No.4 in C min
Introducing a sumptuous programme, The Carducci String Quartet is recognised today as one of Europe's top young string quartets. Half Irish, half British, they have studied with members of many leading quartets including the Amadeus, Vanbrugh and Chilingirian, and won prizes at no less than six International Chamber Music Competitions.
From their critically acclaimed Purcell Room debut as part of the Park Lane Young Artists Series, the quartet have been invited to perform at numerous music festivals and tours abroad in France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Belgium and Italy, and they will be making their Wigmore Hall debut later this year sponsored by the Park Lane Group. The quartet's educational work includes workshops for school children sponsored by the Cavatina Trust, some of which will take place in Shrewsbury.
The Carducci String Quartet were stunning … they are clearly musicians of high intelligence' The Independent
CAVATINA Chamber Music Trust - taking Chamber Music to Young People and Young People to Chamber Music

Sun 25 Mar

THE ALCHEMIST AND THE CATFLAP

The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury, 3.00 pm (1 hr.)

FAMILY CONCERT
Respectable Groove
'The Alchemist and the Catflap' is a sparkling musical portrait of Sir Isaac Newton, which explores the improvisational and compositional aspects of both baroque music and jazz, while highlighting the mathematical secrets hidden in these and other different forms of music.
For Any Age! - Have Tea with the Artists afterwards

Sun 25 Mar

RESPECTABLE GROOVE

The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury, 7.30 pm

Evelyn Nallen - recorder, David Gordon - harpsichord,
Oli Hayhurst - double bass, Ichiro Tatsuhara - percussion
'Dido & Aeneas' (Dido's Got the Blues) by David Gordon after Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
With its unmistakable combination of instruments, this innovative, exhilarating and category-defying group interprets medieval, renaissance and baroque music through a kaleidoscope of jazz and contemporary influences. Improvisation, just as it was for musicians from centuries past, is an essential ingredient of the intriguing mix that is 'Respectable Groove'.
Brilliantly led by David Gordon (harpsichordist of choice for Andrew Manze and Nigel Kennedy), the band features established 'early music' exponents who all also excel in quite different musical fields from French baroque to tango, and the folk and club scene: recorder-player Evelyn Nallen 'pushes the technical and timbral limitations of the instrument to spine-tingling extremes' (Guardian) while the dazzling percussion of Ichiro Tatsuhara and the sinuous bass of Oli Hayhurst creates a modern continuo for the 21st century.
'Dido & Aeneas' re-tells the story of the ill-fated lovers using the music of Henry Purcell's masterpiece, and embedding it in Respectable Groove's secret recipe of colours, sounds, grooves, improvisations and atmospheres. It was commissioned by Oxford Contemporary Music, given a 4 star Times rating, and recently recorded for Rockfield Studios.
One imagines old Henry clicking his fingers in approval' London Evening Standard Jazz CD of the Year
'The future of early music' BBC Radio 3

Thu 19 Apr

ORCHESTRA OF ST. JOHN'S

The Shrewsbury Music Hall, 7.30 pm

John Lubbock - conductor
Raphael Wallfisch - cello
Delius -- On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring
Delius -- Summer Night on the River
Tchaikovsky -- Variations on a Rococo Theme
John McCabe -- Red Leaves
Schubert -- Symphony No 5 in Bb
Performing spellbinding concerts, recording award-winning albums with rock bands, producing innovative audience engagement projects: the Orchestra of St John's is renowned for the inventiveness and broad range of its activities. For almost forty years, the orchestra has built its reputation on world-class concerts at festivals and halls across this country and abroad in major centres such as New York, Berlin and Vienna, which they combine with residencies in London and Oxfordshire as part of their commitment to community engagement.
A seasonal theme underpins their concert in Shrewsbury. Opening with Delius's much-loved On hearing the first Cuckoo in Spring and Summer Night on the River, the programme also features John McCabe's autumnal Red Leaves and, depicting a Russian winter, Tchaikovsky's December movement from The Seasons. And to perform the Russian composer's Variations on a Rococo theme, they are joined by internationally acclaimed cellist Raphael Wallfisch.
The concert concludes with Schubert's youthful (composed at 19yrs) and playful Symphony No. 5.

Sun 29 Apr

BARBICAN PIANO TRIO

Drayton Festival Centre, Market Drayton, 3.00 pm

20th Birthday Celebration
The Best of Beethoven
Piano Trios
Op 1 No1 in Eb
Op 70 No1 in D (Ghost)
Op 97 in Bb (Archduke)
The well-loved Barbicans celebrate their 20th Birthday with a concert featuring the cream of Beethoven's Piano Trio works from his earlier, middle and late periods. From his ebullient and zestful debut as a published composer with the Op1 - we move to his middle period and the beloved and extraordinary Ghost Trio, leading to that serene masterpiece - the Archduke, which is the culmination of his piano trio works in the middle of his late period.
Informal Introduction: 2.30 pm
Local Box Office: Festival Centre - Tel: 01630 654444

Mon 7 May - Lunchtime performance

Unit Six

St Alkmund's Church, Shrewsbury, 1pm
James Hughes - percussion
Tim Balnaves - piano
One of today's most attractive new ensembles performing works by composers from all over the globe with a playing style offering a unique air of approachability and sincerity to audiences of all ages
Unit Six will perform live at Sty Alkmund's Church on Monday, 7th May, from 1pm to 2pm after building up an excellent reputation with concerts across the UK.
The concert is being presented by Live Music Now and forms part of the Shropshire Music Trust programme for 2006-07.
Percussionist James Hughes is one half of the duo who have established themselves among the hottest young talent in Britain.
 A Music Trust spokesman said "As a performer he is equally at home championing cutting edge music as he is performing traditional repertoire, and his fluid and flexible approach to performance creates a sensory experience encompassing both delicacy and virtuosity.
The duo is completed by Tim Balnaves who has forged a reputation as an enthusiastic and accomplished pianist.
Tim is also achieving recognition as a composer and has produced successful scores for a range of professional theatre productions.

Fri 11 May

FRITH PIANO QUARTET

Concord College, Acton Burnell, 7.30 pm

with Mark Phillips - horn
Benjamin Frith - piano
Robert Heard - violin
Louise Williams - viola
Richard Jenkinson - cello
Mozart -- Piano Quartet in Eb K493
Brahms -- Horn Trio Op87 in C
Schumann -- Piano Quartet in Eb Op47
This quartet of spectacularly gifted soloists and chamber musicians who have played with the likes of the distinguished Endellion and Chilingirian Quartets are headed by leading pianist Ben Frith: described as a 'prodigy of prodigies' aged just fourteen when he won the British National Concerto Competition, Ben since then has received rave reviews of his formidable musical talent for performances and recordings of repertoire ranging from Bach to Tippett.
First brought together as a grouping of likeminded and talented musical friends and colleagues in 2001 they are now rated as one of the world's finest ensembles.
They are joined by the distinguished horn player, Mark Phillips in a great evening of fabulous, romantic works.

Sat 19 May

Swingin' the Blues Basie Style, with the amazing

BACK TO BASIE ORCHESTRA

The Shrewsbury Music Hall, 7.30 pm

with vocalist Jacqui Hicks
AN EVENING TO REMEMBER!
A real coup for Shrewsbury!
The UK's top Big Band - voted No.1 UK big band in the British Jazz Awards in both 2005 & 2006 - is described by the press as 'producing heaven on earth,' 'brilliant,' 'glorious' ! - Paul Lacey's Back to Basie Orchestra is the pinnacle of musical excellence, reproducing with uncanny accuracy the music of the legendary Count Basie. Featured in the programme will be items from the landmark album 'The Atomic Mr. Basie', that set his name alongside the likes of Sammy Davis Jnr., Ella Fitzgerald, and most importantly Frank Sinatra - and a host of other Basie hits.
Back to Basie features London's top session men and jazz soloists - all lead players from bands such as the BBC Big Band and Syd Lawrence Orchestra - a group of supremely talented musicians who play their hearts out in this sensational band which alone can capture those dynamics previously only mastered by the insuperable Count Basie Orchestra itself.
And, as if more were needed - popular top vocalist, Jacqui Hicks recalls some of the classic Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie hits.

Sun 20 May

ORCHESTRA OF THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT

Bohemian Baroque

Holy Trinity Church, Oswestry, 7.30 pm

Rachael Podger - violin and director
Johann Schmelzer -- Balleto a 4 'Fechtschule & Sonata a 6 in F
Georg Muffat -- Sonata No 2 in G minor from Armonica Trubuto
Ruprecht Mayr -- Passacaglia-Grave in Bb
Heinrich Biber -- Sonata a 6 'Die Pauern-Kirchfahrt' in Bb
Heinrich Biber -- Battalia a 10 in D
Georg Muffat -- Sonata No 5 in G from Armonica Trubuto
A fascinating introduction to this rich flowering of baroque musical history, through the work of some of its most marvellous but till recently, lesser played composers - which will be introduced by the players.
Drunkenness, bad behaviour, and playing the double-bass with a piece of paper are not things which immediately spring to mind when imagining a baroque concert, but they all feature in this exploration of 'Baroque Bohemia' (a region which roughly covers the present day Czech republic). Biber's eccentric Battalia is responsible for this less civilized (but hugely entertaining) face of Baroque music, and his musical imaginativeness is complemented by works from the influential Muffat, plus other composers of the time and region. The brilliant baroque violinist Rachel Podger inspires and directs.
Founded in 1986 and currently Associate Orchestra at Glyndebourne and the Royal Festival Hall, the mission of the world-renowned OAE is to bring the very best of the period music tradition to today's audiences and its players lead the Orchestra themselves with a commitment, enjoyment and energy which translates directly into the quality, vitality and dynamism of each performance. Choosing to have no permanent music director, this flexibility allows it to work with some of the world's greatest conductors and soloists across a wide range of music, and their uniquely versatile and pioneering spirit of music making encourages a warmth and involvement which makes every performance an edge-of-the-seat experience for performers and audiences alike.
Pre-performance Talk: 'Biber and the Baroque Bohemians' - Some of the artists will talk about this exciting and unusual repertoire: 6.30 pm
Local Box Office: Music Makers, 2 Leg St, Oswestry - Tel: 01691 654510

Fri 25 May

BACH & FRENCH : GAMBA / CELLO & ORGAN SONATAS

Cound Church, nr. Shrewsbury, 7.30 pm

By Candlelight
Richard Jenkinson - cello
James Parsons - organ
JS Bach -- Gamba Sonatas Nos 1, 2 & 3 (BWV 1027,1028,1029)
Dupré -- Sonata in A min for cello & organ, Op60
Fauré -- Elegy
Liszt -- Fantasia & Fugue on B.A.C.H
Bach's complete Great Gamba Sonatas complemented by some wonderful French favourites. A rare opportunity to hear this wonderful repertoire played by the gifted cellist Richard Jenkinson and James Parsons (well-known concert organist and founder director of Oundle International Festival) - in the beautiful country church acoustic and surrounding that proved such a treat last year. The Bach will be played on an authentic chamber organ (by Peter Collins), while the French work will celebrate the organ of Cound Church.