"TWIN CELLISTS DELIGHT!"

Gateway Arts & Education Centre, Shrewsbury

Admag - 27 Oct 2007

Shrewsbury's Gateway Arts & Education Centre is the venue for what promises to be a breathtaking performance by Australia's 'Twin Cellists' on Sunday 4 November, 3.00pm as part of this year's exciting Shropshire Music Season promoted by the Shropshire Music Trust.

Cellists Pei-Jee and Pei-Sian NG with stunning Japanese pianist Miyako Machida will be performing on Sunday 4th November at 3pm with a programme which includes Barriere's showy Sonata for two cellos in G major. Chopin's moving Sonata for cello and piano, Rachmaninov's romantic Sonata for cello and piano, and Kats-Chernin's exciting 'Phoenix Story: Courting the Dragon' - a premiere of an entertaining piece which has been specially written for the bothers.

The phenomenal Australian brothers, winners of numerous international awards, introduce this wonderful programme which covers the development of cello works and repertoire through the ages from the bravura-type Sonata by Barriere (a composer of the baroque period when cello was taking over from viol), through Chopin's hugely popular but less frequently heard cello sonata which the composer asked to be played on his death-bed, to Rachmaninov's big robust moody romantic work. The historical journey ends with the contemporary magical and unique 'Phoenix Story' written for the brothers by Uzbekislan-born compatriot Elena Kats-Chernin with its rock-like feel and oriental influences.

Director Kate Hogwood said: "As the Sunday Times comments: These prodigiously gifted cellists are musically compelling and technically immaculate", and audiences will marvel at this top-class extravaganza by the three charismatic musicians. This is an introduction to music and music-making at its best and we are indebted to our sponsor, The Countess of Munster Trust, for their continuing support of the Trust to make such quality artists available for Shropshire. The musicians will also be available to meet with the audience and young players over "tea".

Pick up a brochure from any Tourist Information Centre or Library, or please visit the website: www.shropshiremusictrust.com and find out exactly what the 2007/2008 season has to offer in its 24th year. Box Office: (01743)281281.

Andrew Fetch

Last Updated : 07/12/2007