TUE 23 SEP |
ACADEMY OF ST MARTIN IN THE FIELDS |
St.Mary's Church, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm |
| Kenneth Sillito - director |
| Janacek - Suite for String Orchestra |
| Bartok - Divertimento |
| Musgrave - Aurora (commissioned 1999) |
| Dvorak - Serenade in E maj Op 22 |
| The internationally acclaimed Academy of St Martin in the Fields returns with their renowned and distinguished director, Kenneth Sillito. Celebrating their 50th anniversary this season, the world's most recorded chamber orchestra performs a thrilling programme of Eastern European works. This diverse and dazzling programme combines one of Janacek's dance-based and passionate earliest works with Bartok's only composition for string orchestra the inventive, folk-themed Divertimento which he composed in just fifteen days. The second half of the concert features one of our most famous living musical figures, the Scottish composer Thea Musgrave's 'Aurora' (or Dawn) both mysterious and luminous, it conveys the potential and burgeoning talent of the young people for whom it was written, while the ever-popular Dvorak Serenade displays a remarkable, almost profligate, supply of good tunes. |
| A top quality, eclectic and exciting programme in a beautiful venue a fitting and wonderful opening to the 25th Season |
TUE 30 SEP |
MID-WALES OPERA |
Tales of Hoffmann |
The Shrewsbury Music Hall, 7.30pm |
| Offenbach sung in English - cenir mewn Saesneg |
| The Fabulous melodies and a fascinating story of passion, comedy and tragedy set in a supernatural frame work all combine to make an exhilarating evening of theatre, tailor-made for Mid Wales Operas uniquely entertaining style. |
| Supported by Shropshire Music Trust |
SAT 04 OCT |
| Shropshire Music Trust - 25th Anniversary Concert |
MONTEVERDI VESPERS OF 1610 |
The Abbey, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm |
| Armonico Consort Orchestra and Chorus |
| The English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble |
| Christopher Monks - director |
| This first, and probably the greatest, work from the Baroque is brought to life by Armonico Consort staged in Shrewsbury's magnificent Abbey. Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610 is the most astonishing collection of melodies, solos and multiple choir pieces ever assembled and, 400 years on, its popularity has never been so strong - Notoriously complicated and difficult to sing, and performed on original instruments - Armonico bring their inimical artistry and unique style to this masterpiece. |
| Armonico specialises in creating programmes from the most magical periods of music history to huge critical acclaim, and Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610 is still considered the seminal work of the Baroque. Allegedly written around 1608 as a job application for St Mark's in Venice, this is therefore, in fact, a 400th anniversary tribute! If you find the city of Venice enchanting, then this work seals the magic of one of the most astonishing cities in the world. |
| The ideal way to introduce anyone to Baroque music. - Early Music News |
| Fantastic singing talent, complemented by that extraordinary group The English Cornetts and Sackbuts - Daily Telegraph |
| A real tour de force with unbelievably good tunes that have stood the test of time - Sunday Times |
| Quite stunning - Classic FM |
SUN 26 OCT |
| The World Famous |
BLACK DYKE BAND |
St. Chad's Church, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm |
| This Band took the packed audiences breath away on their first visit to Shropshire! Recognized for almost a century and a half as the worlds 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 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 Ground force, 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. |
| A not to be missed event! |
| Virtuosity of this order takes the breath away - The Times |
| LUNCHTIME CONCERT |
MON 03 NOV |
St.Alkmund's Church, St.Alkmund's Square, Shrewsbury, 1.00 -2.00pm |
| Hannah Marcinowitz - saxophone |
| Daniel Swain - piano |
| Already experienced soloists including recitals on London's South Bank, these multi-award winners met whilst at the Royal Academy and present a diverse programme including 'Deep Purple' by Peter de Rose. |
| Tickets on Door or SMT postal Box Office only |
SUN 16 NOV |
JOGLARESA |
Concord College, Acton Burnel, 3.00pm |
| Family Concert |
| 'The Carpet of Dreams' Jewish and Muslim Stories and Song |
| Sally Pomme Clayton - storyteller |
| Belinda Sykes - voice, bagpipes |
| Stuart Hall - oud, kemence, guitar |
| Tim Garside - nay, dulcimer, percussion |
| Joglaresa are joined by storyteller Sally Pomme Clayton to create a luscious Ottoman, Jewish and Arabic world. Their stunning and exotic music is interspersed with haunting epics, spirited romances and unknown fragments of myth surrounded by Arabic dance songs, Sephardic wedding songs, Berber rhythms and Moorish romanz as from the heady, hot spices of Andalusia, the Maghreb and the Middle East - creating a spell binding performance. |
| With sell-out performances at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall, Cardiff's St David's Hall and festivals throughout Europe, Joglaresa are leaders in the cross-cultural fields of their repertoire: the individual artists in this unique ensemble are some of the most outstanding performers in the improvisational spheres of world, jazz and classical music, while Sally's performances include appearances with The London Sinfonietta, The Brodsky Quartet, Welsh National Opera, and at WOMAD. Their infectious enthusiasm and peerless skill produces an event that is lively, expressive and full of Mediterranean passion and colour. |
| A splendid display of live music making, the stories and songs seamlessly linked - a delightful mix - thrilling and haunting - The Times |
| From Age 8 upwards!! Have Tea with the Artists afterwards |
| In association with the 10th Anniversary Children's Bookfest (31 Oct - 2 Nov & 1- 4 May) |
| In association with Concord College |
| Sponsored by Reprographix - The Print and Design Centre |
MON 24 NOV |
MANCHESTER CAMERATA |
St Chad's Church, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm |
| Douglas Boyd - conductor |
| John Lill - piano |
| Haydn - Symphony No 22 'The Philosopher' |
| Beethoven - Piano Concerto No 1 |
| Beethoven - Symphony No 1 |
| Manchester Camerata, one of the UK's finest chamber orchestras comes to Shrewsbury with a programme of classical masterpieces with a celebrity soloist The title for Haydn's Symphony No 22, The Philosopher (though not the composer's own) was so entitled as the music suggests the question and answer of a debate, and the tick-tock effect of time passing while the philosopher sits deep in thought. |
| Both Beethoven's First Symphony and First Piano Concerto show the strong influence of Haydn and Mozart, but also glimpses of the independent thought and new direction which Beethoven was to take in future years. For the concerto the orchestra is joined by pianist John Lill, acclaimed as one of the greatest interpreters of Beethoven's music the world has ever seen. The First Piano Concerto also displays the composer's lively sense of humour - including in the final movement, a musical chase between soloist and orchestra! |
| John Lill is one of the greatest pianists alive today. Across the board, there is not another pianist who could hold a candle to this magisterial keyboard player - Sunday Times |
| Unsurpassed playing. An intellectual giant and mastercraftsman. Beyond words - The Independent |
| Sponsored by James, Holyoak & Parker - Chartered Accountants |
THU 11 DEC |
EX CATHEDRA |
St.Chad's Church, 7.30pm |
| Christmas by Candlelight |
| The always packed, now traditional, and ever popular unique celebration of seasonal music with readings. |
FRI 30 JAN |
PASADENA ROOF ORCHESTRA |
The Abbey, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm |
| The Pasadena Roof Orchestra celebrates its 40th Anniversary Year in 2009! |
| Back by popular demand, staged in suitably splendid surroundings! another great evening of toe-tapping fun and syncopated sophistication with the multi-talented musicians and sensational singers of the Pasadena Roof Orchestra celebrating the repertoire of the great entertainers Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Duke Ellington, Billie Holliday and many more, laced with a good dose of British wit and humour. |
| Pasadena's reputation is now as legendary as the bands from the 1920's and 1930's that inspired it - Swing's popularity has never waned but its particular resurgence in more recent years is due in no small measure to their travels (multiple!) around the world, bringing musical joy to audiences of all ages. Whether you love hot jazz classics, the thrill of swing, the romantic evergreens of the golden era of popular music, or the heady days of the roaring '20s & '30s this evening is for you. |
| If you couldn't get in before book now. |
| The most authentic swing and dance orchestra of (post) modern times! - Sunday Times |
| Refreshments available including Wine and Soft Drinks |
THU 12 FEB |
CITY OF LONDON SINFONIA |
Holy Trinity Church, Oswestry, 7.30pm |
| Mozart - Divertimento in F K138 |
| Finzi - Clarinet Concerto |
| Piazzolla - Summer from The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires |
| Dvorak - Serenade for Strings in E |
| Nicholas Ward - violin / director |
| Sarah Williamson - clarinet |
| Outstanding young British clarinetist Sarah Williamson (BBC Young Musician of the Year Finalist in 2002), joins the acclaimed City of London Sinfonia programme of musical treasures from three different centuries. Mozart's Divertimento for strings which fizzes with energy foils the more English pastoral soundscape of Gerald Finzi's Clarinet Concerto. In the second half, Piazzolla's Latin 'take' on one of Vivaldi's Four Seasons has more than a hint of tango and features the orchestra's charismatic leader, Nicholas Ward who also introduces the programme - and the programme closes with one of Dvorak's most popular works, his Serenade for Strings. |
| Pre-Concert Talk 6.45pm with Nicholas Ward and Sarah Williamson |
| In association with Oswestry School Recital Series (Tel: 01691 681135) |
MON 16 FEB |
LUNCHTIME CONCERT - 1.00 to 2.00pm |
St.Alkmunds Church, St. Alkmunds Place, Shrewsbury, 1.00pm |
Amadio |
| Candice Hamel - flute |
| Ruby Aspinall - harp |
| This young, vibrant duo met while studying at Trinity College of Music, London and perform a wide range of repertoire combining well known flute and harp classics with new works and their own arrangements. Tickets on Door or SMT postal Box Office only |
SAT 21 FEB |
INNOVATION CHAMBER ENSEMBLE |
Concord College, Acton Burnell 7.30pm |
| Marcus Barcham Stevens - Violin |
| Judith Templeman - Violn |
| Mike Jenkinson - Viola |
| Angela Swanson - Viola |
| Richard Jenkinson - Cello |
| Kate Setterfield - Cello |
| John Tattersdill - Double Bass |
| Rossini - String Sonata No 3 |
| Schoenberg - Verklarte Nacht |
| Boccherini - Fandango Quintet |
| Richard Strauss - Metamorphosen |
| A programme of real treats from the string repertoire by thee well-loved masters of the sparkling conductor-less performance. Richard Strauss' Metamophosen for strings is an outpouring of grief and remorse for the tragedies of World War II and a personal reaction to the bombing of the great German opera houses where his wonderful operas were first performed. Schoenberg's Verklarte Nacht (Transfigured Night) was written in response to Richard Dehmel's (similarly named) poem of love, lust and mystery and is extreme in its late romantic language, unlike his later atonal works. |
| These great romantic masterworks are surrounded by some lighter gems by the two highly successful Italians, Rossini and Boccherini. Rossini wrote his strings on at as while still in his teens while the great cello virtuoso Boccherini's Fandango quintet celebrates the music of Spain where he was hugely popular and includes everything from wonderfully virtuosic writing to the most amazing ending including the playing of castanets! |
| An evening encompassing every mood and emotion that should not be missed. |
| Excellent ... quite outstanding. Seldom have we heard string playing sing in this way - Observer |
| Sponsored by Supported by Richard and Heather Clay |
| In association with Concord College |
March 2009 |
| Countess of Munster Trust Workshops |
SPRING JAZZ Saturday |
| Watchout for this ground breaking project which will appear again at another new venue in Shropshire! |
Church Stretton School |
| Workshops for Jazz players and an Introduction to Jazz for young musicians who want to learn more! |
| Evening concert for all! |
| Experienced jazz tutors great music, great fun. |
| (In conjunction with the Helen Sanders Jazz Fund) |
| Info: SMT 019525 10375 or 01743 790769 |
THU/FRI 5 & 6 MAR |
THE BARBER OF SEVILLE |
Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm |
| Directed by Bill Bankes-Jones |
| Armonico Consort Orchestra |
| Conductor - Christopher Monks |
| Without doubt the world's funniest opera, internationally renowned director Bill Bankes-Jones directs The Barber of Seville in a brilliant new production first launched in Ireland during 2008, and hailed as being one of the finest and most hilarious productions of this comedic masterpiece. Armonico Consort Opera takes their reputation for producing accessible, fun and exciting music to new heights - the success of their opera productions has been overwhelming with repeat invitations from most of the country's major venues and festivals. |
| Full details & booking in Theatre Severn Spring Brochure available from around December - Tel: 01743 281281 |
| Supported by Shropshire Music Trust |
SAT 14 MAR |
THE ENGLISH CONCERT |
St. Mary's Church, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm |
| Nadja Zwiener - director / violin |
| Mahan Esfahani - harpsichord Pamela Thorby - recorder |
| Lisa Beznosiuk - flute |
| G.P.Telemann - Concerto in E min for flute, recorder & strings |
| J.G.Goldberg - Concerto in D min for harpsichord & strings (first UK performance) |
| J.S.Bach - Brandenburg Concerto No 5 in D |
| J.S.Bach - Brandenburg Concert No 4 in G |
| One of Europe's leading baroque orchestras, The English Concert makes a welcome return with a programme of two of J.S.Bach's majestic Brandenburg Concertos and lesser-known works by two of his contemporaries that he knew and admired. Together with an amazing line-up of some of the most outstanding baroque soloists of today, this is a winning combination. Georg Telemann was godfather to one of Bach's many musical children, while the young harpsichord virtuoso Johann Goldberg was a pupil both of the great Bach and of his son Wilhelm Friedrich. Telemann's Concerto for Flute and Recorder is one of his most ebullient and playful works, while Goldberg's newly discovered Concerto for harpsichord is both lavish and visionary in its scope. Goldberg must indeed have been some player: J.S.Bach is supposed to have written his famous Goldberg Variations for him when he was just 14 years old, and his reputation as a formidable virtuoso was well-established before he was 20 prior to his untimely death from consumption at the age of only 29. |
| Stunning playing by Iranian-born harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani - both a sensitivity and vibrance that will send me running to the box office when I next see his name in a concert programme - Early Music Today |
| Sponsored by Lanyon Bowdler |
| ORCHESTRAS live |
FRI 27 MAR |
PERCUSSION UNLIMITED |
The Gateway. Shrewsbury, 7.30pm |
| James Godfrey & Scott Foster |
| Informally introduced and including: |
| Dream of The Cherry Blossoms - K. Abe |
| Marimba Spiritual - M. Miki |
| Praeludium - JS Bach |
| 42nd Street Rondo - W. Siegel |
| Mexican Dances - G. Stout |
| Tango Suite - Piazolla |
| Blues for Gilbert - M. Glentworth |
| Jazz Suite - Boogie - R. Michael |
| Message to a Friend - N. Rosauro |
| Cold Present - D. Hollindon |
| Bongo-o - R. Sierra |
| Both prize-winners at the Royal College of Music and BBC Young Musician finalists, James and Scott have since built busy and diverse careers ranging from the Syd Lawrence Big Band to the Britten Sinfonia as well as presenting their versatile duo programme on a vast array of instruments - including marimba, vibraphone, xylophone, African drums and multi-percussion. |
| They run the acclaimed percussion show 'Noise Ensemble' with TV appearances on programmes such as Blue Peter (including a Prom) and This Morning - Richard & Judy, and are committed educationalists taking music and percussion to schools and the younger audience. |
| Tickets from the Gateway and SMT postal Box Office only |
| Sponsored by REPROGRAPHIX - The Print and Design Centre |
| Workshops in a local primary school which will take part in the concert |
SUN 05 APR |
HORSES BRAWL |
Drayton Festival Centre, Market Drayton, 3.00pm |
| Laura Cannell & Adrian Lever - fiddle / recorder / double-barrelled recorder / crumhorns / prepared and bowed guitar |
| 'Part Folk Part Early Part Trained Precision Part Wild Abandon' |
| Contemporary Early Music with a raw Folk Edge |
| Horses Brawl have caused quite a stir with their original take on folk and early music having made their mark as one of the only early music groups who perform in both concert and gig settings from Queen Elizabeth Hall supporting the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment to the Norwich Pop Underground Convention. |
| A 'masterclass' in turning one instrument into many, their vivacity and verve draw in even the most unsuspecting audience members as they rework and re-compose traditional and ancient music with influences from renaissance, medieval, baroque and folk -including everything from the tune to a 14th century hopping dance and the mournful lament of a de-frocked monk to the Norfolk fiddle tune 'Shave the Donkey' - the title track of one of their acclaimed CDs. |
| An early music group to keep an eye on ... it's great stuff! - BBC Radio 3 |
| A fascinating progression from formal dance music to semi-improvisation that had the packed audience roaring for more ... Subtlety and invention in the combination of sounds in some arrangements borders on chamber music - Folk Roots Top Ten |
| Sponsored by DELMAR PRESS |
| Workshop for all Ages - Sat 4 Apr 11.00 4.00pm Re-worked and De-arranged |
| An introduction to making contemporary arrangements of ancient tunes. Try out improvisation techniques you never dared to before as Horses Brawl lead you through the methods they use to create their own arrangements. |
| For players of any age who can hold a tune, and who aren't afraid of making a noise! |
| Spare bows, spoons, recorders provided |
| Local Box Office: Festival Centre Tel: 01630 654444 |
| In association with the Festival Centre Drayton Management |
SUN 26 APR |
| Spring Chamber Series - I |
CARDUCCI STRING QUARTET |
The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury 7.30pm |
| Mozart - Quartet in Bb, K458 ('The Hunt') |
| Bartok - Quartet No 4 |
| Ravel - Quartet |
| Special Supper Tickets from The Lion Hotel |
| Popular return of the exciting Carducci Quartet who have rapidly become known as one of Europe's top young string quartet, following wins in no less than 7 International Chamber Music Competitions (including their latest - the USA Concert Artists Guild International). Shropshire Music Trust are delighted to catch them again in their busy international schedule to present another inspiring Series in Shropshire this Spring. Enjoy three of Bartok's stunning quartets (the Carducci are in the midst of an exciting complete cycle of these masterpieces) complemented by some of the greatest Viennese romantic works, including Schubert's dramatic 'Death and the Maiden', Mozart's ever popular 'Hunt' Quartet and Mendelssohn's emotional and moving Quartet Op13 performed in some of the County's finest chamber music settings. |
| FREE Young People Concert Tickets (8 - 22 years) |
| See Booking Form |
| CAVATINA Chamber Music Trust taking Chamber Music to Young People and Young People to Chamber Music |
| Sponsored by Richard and Heather Clay |
SAT 02 MAY |
BLACK VOICES |
St. Chad's Church, Shrewsbury, 7.45pm |
| A long-awaited date! - with this wonderful internationally renowned |
| Firmly rooted in their strong black musical heritage, Black Voices have earned a worldwide reputation for their unique brand of a cappella A themed group of original and popular slave songs and spirituals from around the world including a special Black Voices commission 'Freedom Suite' is followed by a more free-flowing selection from their extensive range of classical, jazz, blues, pop, traditional, African and Caribbean items. Since their informal beginnings in 1988, the group has steadily built a high reputation for presenting quality vocal music that eradicates barriers of age, race, gender or religious persuasion. Their enthusiasm to experiment and diversify has attracted many of today's greatest composers and arrangers to add new threads of colour to the rich tapestry of songs that make up Black Voices repertoire. |
| With an eclectic mix of styles, there really is 'something for everyone' to enjoy at a Black Voices concert! |
| In association with St. Chad's Festival (1st - 4th May Tel: 01743 365478) |
| Energising and up lifting - the UK's premiere acapella group - New York Times |
| Sponsored by James, Holyoak & Parker, Chartered Accountants |
SUN 10 MAY |
| Spring Chamber Series - II |
CARDUCCI STRING QUARTET |
The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury 7.30pm |
| Mozart - Quartet Op 33 No 2 ('Joke') |
| Bartok - Quartet No 1 |
| Ravel - Quartet in D min D 810 ('Death and the Maiden') |
| Special Supper Tickets from The Lion Hotel |
| Popular return of the exciting Carducci Quartet who have rapidly become known as one of Europe's top young string quartet, following wins in no less than 7 International Chamber Music Competitions (including their latest - the USA Concert Artists Guild International). Shropshire Music Trust are delighted to catch them again in their busy international schedule to present another inspiring Series in Shropshire this Spring. Enjoy three of Bartok's stunning quartets (the Carducci are in the midst of an exciting complete cycle of these masterpieces) complemented by some of the greatest Viennese romantic works, including Schubert's dramatic 'Death and the Maiden', Mozart's ever popular 'Hunt' Quartet and Mendelssohn's emotional and moving Quartet Op13 performed in some of the County's finest chamber music settings. |
| FREE Young People Concert Tickets (8 - 22 years) |
| CAVATINA Chamber Music Trust taking Chamber Music to Young People and Young People to Chamber Music |
| Sponsored by Richard and Heather Clay |
FRI 22 MAY |
MUSIC FOR ITALIAN LOVERS |
Cound Church, nr. Shrewsbury, 7.30pm |
| Elizabeth Wallfisch - violins |
| David Miller - guitars |
| Supported by a beautiful and intimate collection of music for the violin and guitar (and its relations) from the earliest known Baroque violin sonata to a Romantic work for guitar and violin by Paganini performed by two of today's most celebrated period instrumentalists, Elizabeth Wallfisch and David Miller. |
| The artists introduce a journey through the history of the violin sonata and the instruments used -from the virtuosic earliest known violin sonata, by Cima, through the baroque and classical eras, up to a wonderfully intimate Romantic sonata for violin and guitar by Paganini. Elizabeth and David use a variety of instruments for this varied programme, including violino piccolo, baroque & classical violins, chitarrone, baroque guitar, and the more 'modern' 19th century French 6-string guitar. |
| Those who have experienced the special atmosphere of concerts in the beautiful country church at Cound will know that this evening holds a winning combination. |
| Few match Wallfisch's verve: a mega-watt baroque music presence. - New York Times |
| An expressive tone and an awe-inspiring technique Wallfisch sweeps the board in this repertoire she has made it practically her own - International Record Review |
SUN 07 JUN |
| Spring Chamber Series - III |
CARDUCCI STRING QUARTET |
Concord College, Acton Burnell, 3.00pm |
| Haydn - Quartet in D min Op 9 No 4 |
| Bartok - Quartet No 3 |
| Mendelssohn - Quartet in A min Op 13 |
| Meet the Artists over Tea afterwards |
| In association with Concord College |
| Popular return of the exciting Carducci Quartet who have rapidly become known as one of Europe's top young string quartet, following wins in no less than 7 International Chamber Music Competitions (including their latest - the USA Concert Artists Guild International). Shropshire Music Trust are delighted to catch them again in their busy international schedule to present another inspiring Series in Shropshire this Spring. Enjoy three of Bartok's stunning quartets (the Carducci are in the midst of an exciting complete cycle of these masterpieces) complemented by some of the greatest Viennese romantic works, including Schubert's dramatic 'Death and the Maiden', Mozart's ever popular 'Hunt' Quartet and Mendelssohn's emotional and moving Quartet Op13 performed in some of the County's finest chamber music settings. |
| FREE Young People Concert Tickets (8 - 22 years) |
| See Booking Form |
| CAVATINA Chamber Music Trust taking Chamber Music to Young People and Young People to Chamber Music |
| Sponsored by Richard and Heather Clay |