"Mozart anniversary celebrated in style"

Academy of Ancient Music

St Mary's Church

17 November 2006

SHREWSBURY music-lovers were given a rare opportunity to hear, live, one of the world's leading period instrument orchestras in a colourful programme celebrating Mozart's 250th anniversary.

Shropshire Music Trust brought the world-famous Academy of Ancient Music to St Mary's Church, kicking off the Orchestras Live series within this year's Shropshire Music Season.

The recent performance followed a sell-out performance of Mid-WaJes Opera's The Bartered Bride.

Kate Hogwood, director of SMT, said: "The AAM always plays with spirit, but the degree of passion and joy stirred by their concert was quite exceptional.

"The concert, displaying the variety of the composer's works including one symphony written by a very young Mozart on a visit to England, was led by AAM associate conductor Paul Goodwin who also gave an engaging pre-performance talk. At the heart of the programme was a pairing of the much-loved Exultate Jubilate with the AAM's latest commission, the tranquil Journey into Light by eminent composer Thea Musgrave - both works starring the charismatic soprano, Carolyn Sampson,"

International

Three other exciting international orchestras follow this season including the European Union Community Chamber Orchestra in February at St Chad's Church, the Orchestra of St John's directed by John Lubbock at Shrewsbury Music Hall in April and Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment at Oswestry in May.

Kate added: "We are really pleased that an area as deserving as Shropshire has been chosen for the Orchestras Live scheme and following the response in Shropshire last year we have been offered four major events this year.

"People usually have to travel to adjoining counties for performances of this calibre and this is a fantastic opportunity to experience top quality orchestral music right here on your doorstep. We are attracting a wide audience from all sections of the community."

Other forthcoming events in the Shropshire Music Season include Ex Cathedra's Christmas by Candlelight at St Chad's Church on December 5, a rare visit by the world-famous Black Dyke Band in January, the stunning Sorrel String Quartet on 21 February and the Zum gypsy tango band in March.

Tickets for all events are available from the box offices at Shrewsbury Music Hall on 01743 281281 and Pengwerm Books, on 01743 232236.

For full season details call SMT on 01743 233873 or 019S2 51037 or see www.shropshiremusictrust.com


Mark Scutt

Last Updated : 07/12/2006