NEWS REEL- CURRENT ITEMS
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3 February 2012
REVIEW: Welsh Sinfonia The Welsh Sinfonia delivered another colourful string programme under the direction of Mark Eager at the Dora Stoutzker Hall, featuring the little known Serenade in E flat, Op 6 composed by Josef Suk, alongside other influential composers; William Mathias and Antonín Dvořák. Josef Suk is arguably better known through his compositional studies with Dvořák and the later marriage of Dvořák’s eldest daughter. Suk’s Serenade in E flat was composed at the tender age of 18 and, like the rest of works in this programme, is full of rhythmic vitality mirrored with pure serenity. The strings captured the richness and sublimity of the third movement, which was followed by the distinctively challenging virtuosic finale, which fully demonstrated the technical capabilities of the Welsh Sinfonia. Particular highlights within the work include the numerous violin solos, performed by the leader, Robin Stowell, and also the cello solo in the third movement, performed by Nick Gethin, whose passionate sound could be heard by all. William Mathias’ Divertimento, Op 7 was an excellent choice of repertoire, placed in the thick of Czech compositions, and was most exciting. The rhythmical aspects of the work as a whole were well controlled, culminating with a further rhythmic onslaught in the final movement. The concert concluded with Dvořák’s Serenade for Strings, Opus 22. Perhaps the most popular of the programme, it once again demonstrated the diverse capabilities of this orchestra, who handled all technical aspects of the work with great musicality. The lyrical beauty of the fourth movement was achieved through the tender treatment of the melodic line, which is strikingly different to the finale, which was full of exuberance, excitement, and was a real joy to watch. The Welsh Sinfonia return to the Dora Stoutzker Hall for the final time this season on 22nd March with an orchestral programme of Haydn, Schubert, and features a new commission by John Hardy. by Stephanie Richards |
4 November 2011
REVIEW: Welsh Sinfonia at the Dora Stoutzker
Hall, RWCMD The Welsh Sinfonia performed a beautiful selection of works for this short ‘Classical Hour’ concert in the new Dora Stoutzker Hall. Led by Mark Eager, the chamber orchestra performed three classic yet rarely heard pieces, which included William Boyce’s Symphony No. 8 in D minor, Benjamin Britten’s Simple Symphony Op. 4, and Piotr Tchaikovsky’s impassioned Serenade in C for Strings Op. 48. Boyce’s Symphony is a stunning yet little known representation of the music of the eighteenth century. The orchestra chose to perform the work honouring many of the Baroque’s original stylistic features, which was most apparent through the smoother tone gained by using period bowing techniques. It was also refreshing to be able to hear the harpsichord, played superbly by Carl Grainger: one of the benefits of performing in a purpose built concert hall for chamber music. The stately Pomposo (Allegro) moves elegantly through low, sumptuous tones to bright airy passages, contrasting wonderfully with the slower and more refined second movement, Largo (Andante). Finally, the Tempo di Gavotta (Risoluto) ends the work in a steady and graceful dance, leaving the audience wondering why the works of William Boyce are so underperformed. Britten’s Simple Symphony is certainly not child’s play and it is a credit to Robin Stowell for leading this technically difficult work so well. The four movements threw the audience into the twentieth century and demonstrated the orchestra’s fantastic programming. From ‘Boisterous Bourrée’ to ‘Playful Pizzicato’, and ‘Sentimental Sarabande’ to ‘Frolicsome Finale’, this work almost demands the listener to reminisce their youth, and is quite a spectacle in places. Finally, the Welsh Sinfonia performed Tchaikovsky’s well-loved Serenade for Strings, and was perhaps the most passionately performed work of the evening. The orchestra made clear the composer’s love for this piece and no expense was spared in creating a stunningly professional performance of it. The ensemble began and ended phrases smoothly and subtly, and the final pause of the third movement was, despite its technical difficulty, out of this world. Yet again, the Welsh Sinfonia delivered an exciting programme and performed it with the professionalism and technical ability of any of Britain’s foremost chamber orchestras. Their next concert in January 2012 promises to be just as compelling. Star Rating: 5* by Jessica Ruth Morris |
2 November 2011
Hello, I’m back in the UK after once again spending a few months abroad, this time working in Australia and The Middle East. I also managed a wonderful trip to Africa, summiting Mount Kilimanjaro:
Things are in full swing with The Welsh Sinfonia after launching our third Cardiff series on 8th October with a concert of “late great“ Mozart in the fabulous new chamber hall at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. We were delighted to have Colin Lawson “the doyen of period clarinettists ” as our guest soloist playing Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto on the basset-clarinet. A rare treat for all! The concert also featured Adagio and Fugue K.546 and the G minor Symphony No 40. I was delighted with the audience’s response and the orchestra gave a really stylish performance, receiving yet more tremendous reviews:
REVIEW: The Welsh Sinfonia Mozart Gala Concert Walking into the impressive new foyer of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, I felt a little apprehensive about the concert that was about to take place. Not only was it happening in the Dora Stoutzker Hall – the UK’s first and only purpose built chamber recital hall - but The Welsh Sinfonia had the privilege of being the first chamber ensemble to perform there since its grand opening earlier this year. No pressure then. But, like the hall itself, the orchestra (conducted by Mark Eager), looked immaculate as they walked on stage to perform their dark but beautiful programme of Mozart’s late works. As soon as the first chord was played it was clear that they would struggle to find any concert hall better suited to them than this. Their rich string sound filled the space and in turn, the hall made the most of the stark dynamic contrasts in the Adagio and Fugue in C minor (K.546). Their level of musicianship was obvious as they responded quickly to Eager’s commands, and small discrepancies in high tuning were rectified immediately. The Fugue was exciting and well executed, with credit to Robin Stowell for leading the ensemble so clearly in what is a technically difficult work. The highlight of the concert was the renowned period clarinettist Colin Lawson performing the Clarinet Concerto in A (K.622). It was a rare treat to see this performed on its intended instrument - the basset clarinet – and Lawson’s mastery of it is undisputed. In the Adagio, I could not help but grin each time the seldom-heard low notes of this clarinet were played, and it was clear that many members of the audience were moved by this piece. It was a nice touch that before performing the Symphony No. 40 in G minor (K. 550), Eager explained the significance of the work, giving it context. The symphony itself was excellent, and remained at a steady pace throughout. However, special acknowledgement must be given to the woodwind for their accomplished exposed sections in the Minuet and Trio. As the work came to a close, it was clear that for the orchestra there was a deep sense of pride, as if a peak had been reached for The Welsh Sinfonia. For the audience, we had experienced a programme that was short and sweet, by an orchestra that is small but perfectly formed. by Jessica Ruth Morris |
This has been a very exciting time for the Welsh Sinfonia. As well as recently announcing our Patron (The Earl of St Andrews), Welsh conductor Grant Llewellyn has agreed to become our President and to have a truly magnificent hall to play in is a joy.
The next series concert is on Thursday 3rd November, again at the RWCMD hall featuring William Boyce’s 8th Symphony, Britten’s Simple Symphony and Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings.
At the beginning of December The WS will be taking part in THE BIG GIVE – a national fund-raising event where money donated gets doubled plus gift aid from the Government. Please visit www.welshsinfonia.co.uk for all the latest news updates and details of upcoming concerts.
Cardiff University Symphony Orchestra is back in action too and put
on a fantastic performance in Llandaff Cathedral on Saturday 29th October.
Paul Dukas’s rousing fanfare from La Peri set the tone of the evening
and the concert closed with Saint-Saens Organ Symphony – soloist
Robert Court, in celebration of the Cathedral’s newly refurbished
organ. Check out a clip of the finale on YouTube.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJdvJ6bMed4 and www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJdvJ6bMed4
It’s now onto Michael Torke’s Bright Blue Music, Stravinsky’s Symphonies of Wind Instruments and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Golden Cockerel Suite for a concert at the BBC Hoddinott Hall on December 17th.
More news coming very soon.
All the best,
Mark
28 June 2011
Hi all, this is just a quick update as I’m off on my Australian tour in a few hours – Melbourne, Tasmania and then some sunshine in Cairns. There will be some uploads of exciting new video and audio material coming very soon: (See DVD Player panel to the right)
Tchaikovsky - 6th Symphony 1st movement with Cardiff University Symphony Orchestra
Takemitsu - Toward the Sea II with Claire Jones Royal Harpist, Catherine Handley Flute and The Welsh Sinfonia
Griffiths - The Emoticons of Time (Percussion Concerto) 3rd movement with Dave Danford and WS
The very famous (King’s Speech music!) Beethoven - 7th Symphony 2nd movement with WS
Holst’s wonderful Intermezzo from Suite No. 1 with Herts Wind Sinfonia
Last but certainly not least a World Premiere recording, not even released yet of Adam Gorb’s Concertino for Saxophone with Time Watson and HWS
Please enjoy and I look forward to seeing you at a concert sometime.
Regards to all,
Mark
ARCHIVE ITEMS
(Previously shown on Home Page News Reel)
24 May 2011
Hello from Oman
It’s a while since I had a chance to update the column; things have been very busy with Welsh Sinfonia, Cardiff University, HWS and now being away on this trip. The final concert of the WS Cardiff Series was tremendous, featuring a new piece by Rhian Samuel for recorder soloist Pamela Thorby and 13 young recorder players that was very well received. An excellent review was forthcoming yet again.
We made the important and prestigious announcement that the Earl of
St. Andrew’s has agreed to become our Royal Patron. Other exciting
developments are that I am in talks with John Hardy and Roxanna Panufnik
regarding new commissions for 2012 and 2013. Also US soprano soloist
Jeanine de Bique (currently at Vienna State Opera) is keen on singing
with us, which would be a real coup and her first concert in the UK.
The WS also had a great time with the students of Cowbridge School, a first professional outing for their new concert hall and their new Bosendorfer piano. I went in and worked with them prior to the concert on Carnival of the Animals amongst other things and they were truly inspired to perform their hearts out on the night – well done to you all.
Cardiff University Symphony Orchestra’s concert in St. Davids
Hall was simply brilliant – they pulled out all the stops to perform
a stunning 6th Symphony by Tchaikovsky – thanks folks – you
deserve all the plaudits – see
an excerpt on you tube:
I had a fantastic week recording with HWS – Adam Gorb’s new Concertino for Saxophone with soloist Tim Watson, Raymond Head’s enigmatic Chorale, Martin Ellerby’s Paris Sketches and Philip Sparke’s Fanfare, Romance and Finale. Adam and Raymond came along to offer their advice and just loved it all too, both being extremely pleased with the final product. Look out for the CD and you tube release.
I eventually get home for a week in June before heading off to Australia
once again, this time to Melbourne, Tasmania and Cairns for rehearsals
and concerts with a whole variety of ensembles. I do enjoy my Australian
jaunts, always hard work but very relaxed with good music making and
lovely people.
All the best,
Mark
10 February 2011
2011
has got off to a wonderful start with The Welsh Sinfonia’s
third series concert gaining tremendous reviews in The Western Mail and
musicweb International:
www.musicweb-international.com
I have already been dashing around the UK but plans have changed a little for later in the year. I am now going to Dubai and Oman between April and June, then to Australia in June and July.
Rehearsing with The Welsh Sinfonia Orchestra and
Chorus
Before that I am looking forward to recording Adam Gorb’s new Concertino for Saxophone with Tim Watson and HWS; we rehearsed it from the manuscript back in November and it is a terrific piece.
I am also about to conduct a couple of Christian Lindberg’s pieces in preparation for his visit to RWCMD – I’m sure they are as exciting as he is!
CUSO are just getting better all the time so the St. David’s Hall concert will be superb I’m sure.
Very best wishes, Mark
11 January 2011
Happy New Year to one and all.
Following the pre Christmas successes of Messiah which received rave reviews and a full house there are some exciting concerts to look out for at the start of 2011; highlights include The Welsh Sinfonia Cardiff Series third concert takes place on 30th January 4.30pm at a new venue – The Temple of Peace. Continuing the theme of Time and Place it features Royal Harpist Claire Jones and Flautist Catherine Handley in an interesting programme to include John Metcalf’s Mapping Wales and Toru Takemitsu’s Toward the Sea II; there are also more well known works JS Bach’s Brandenburg 5 and Mendelssohn’s String Symphony No. 9 “Swiss”.
I am very much looking forward to working on Tchaikovsky’s 6th Symphony with CUSO, they played wonderfully in the Christmas concert with the Strings excelling in a memorable performance of Barber’s Adagio.
Plans are afoot for another trip “down under” as well as a tour to Hong Kong.
21 November 2010
Cardiff University Symphony Orchestra’s concert featuring Night on a Bare Mountain, Miraculous Mandarin and Brahms Symphony No. 3 was a tremendous success as demonstrated by the smiles on the student’s faces as well as the reviews. There was some exceptional individual playing as well as a feeling of camaraderie throughout.
Rehearsals are now under way for our “fun” Christmas concert in the BBC Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff Bay on 18th December 7.30pm.
The first half has American theme: John Adams Short Ride in a Fast Machine; Barber’s Adagio for Strings and Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story. The second half brings us home with Holst’s Hymn of Jesus.
The Welsh Sinfonia's Messiah Dublin 1742 version in Llandaff Cathedral on 3rd December is already selling out fast – it should prove to be a stunning concert in the most worthy of settings, perfect to start the Christmas season.
I will be with Herts Wind Sinfonia again at the end of November for a concert on the 28th featuring Adam Gorb’s brand new Saxophone Concertino: Soloist Tim Watson, as well as a few solos from sections of the ensemble.
RWCMD and Trinity College London work continues too and I conducted a memorable session on Bruckner Symphony No. 5 with the RWCMD players – they found it tough going but a terrific sound was created in the end.
Lucy Campion is now fully on board and some of you will be hearing from her in the near future I’m sure
27 October 2010
I’ve just returned from a very exciting and successful trip to Milan and Bari for Mark Stringer (Trinity College London’s Executive Director & Head of Academic Governance) conducting music workshops for teachers.
The Welsh Sinfonia‘s first concert in our second series “Vivaldi Seasons / Piazzolla Four Seasons of Buenos Aires” was extremely well received with an excellent review in the Western Mail.
Our next series concert, which I am thoroughly looking forward to conducting is Handel’s Messiah in a very special Dublin 1742 version with the Welsh Sinfonia Chorus in Llandaff Cathedral on 3rd December – tickets are already selling fast as you would imagine. For more details please visit www.welshsinfonia.co.uk
Cardiff University Symphony Orchestra invites you to their concert on November 6th 7.30pm in the University Concert Hall, Corbett Road. A wonderful mix of repertoire: Mussorgsky’s Night on a Bare Mountain; Bartok’s Miraculous Mandarin and Brahm’s Symphony No. 3. The students have risen to the challenge and there is some energised and passionate playing from these young artists.
The CUSO Christmas concert on December 18th 7.30pm is in the BBC Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff Bay and has an American theme with John Adams Short Ride in a Fast Machine; Barber’s Adagio for Strings and Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.
Following their tremendous success including standing ovations n Paris at La Madeleine and Fismes in the summer, Hertfordshire Wind Sinfonia is pleased to be playing Adam Gorb’s “hot off the press” Saxophone Concerto with Tim Watson on 28th November – at this point I still look forward to receiving a score!
My RWCMD work has been very rewarding so far this term with a selection of interesting repertoire already covered including: Debussy La Mer, Elgar In the South, Franck Symphony in D minor and Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5.
As ever there are lots of things on the go but the newest is the appointment of Lucy Campion my PA whom you will no doubt hear from in the future.
1 May 2010
I find myself yet again travelling up to Heathrow for a long flight, this time to South Africa. I will be working all over - Port Elizabeth, East London, Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria and even venturing In to Botswana - 6 weeks in all. I'll do my best to upload what should be some wonderful photos and keep you all posted on my activities.
Once I'm done in SA I get home for a day before another long haul to Australia where I will be until 14 July working in Sydney, Tasmania, Melbourne and Cairns.
I'm also currently planning The Welsh Sinfonia's next Series which should be very exciting. Music from Bach to Honegger with Welsh representation from John Metcalf and a new commission from the wonderful Rhian Samuel for world renowned recorder player Pamela Thorby.
Herts Wind Sinfonia have been invited to play at La Madeleine in Paris in August - a first for a wind ensemble - look out for more details.
Best wishes
Mark
5 March 2010
How time flies!!
Everything has been rather hectic since my last update. Venice and Berlin amongst other venues.
The transformed Welsh Sinfonia has almost
completed its first Cardiff Series “The Spirit of the Dance” and
in the process has won over many friends, admirers and importantly
sponsors. See the new
web site and why not join us for regular updates.
We have the final concert in the Series
on 14th March 4.30pm at Cardiff University Concert Hall to include Beethoven’s
7th Symphony and The Emoticons of Time – a new percussion concerto
by Eilir Owen Griffiths for percussionist Dave Danford.
Cardiff University Symphony Orchestra
continues to go from strength to strength and I am looking forward to
the upcoming St David’s Hall concert on March 19th at 7.30pm.
We start with a romp through Dvorak’s Slavonik Dance No.8 and then
a very special performance of Rachmaninov’s Third Piano Concerto
with Rex Lawson playing the Piano Roll!! This is a rare opportunity and
has certainly taught me a great deal about the very underestimated Pianola.
For more info see
www.pianolasociety.com
I have chosen an interesting mix of
Australian and UK music for my next Hertfordshire Wind Sinfonia concert
on April 9th 7.30pm at Berkhampstead Collegiate School. We will play
the rarely heard Dance Movements by Philip Sparke and a special new arrangement
for me of Alea Iacta Est by Sydney composer Michael Forsyth, as well
as interesting works by Holst scholar Raymond Head and Brisbane based
Ralph Hultgren involving Aboriginal chanting!
Coming up in the Summer, HWS is the first wind ensemble to be invited to play a concert at La Madeleine, Paris although they have told us we must play “sacred music” – look out for further details.
Finally I am off to Thailand in May then Australia
again in June and July having been invited to conduct in Sydney, Cairns
and Melbourne. I will be appearing at the Sydney
Eisteddfod, World
Music Projects and
conducting an orchestra of Sydney’s elite students.
Watch this space for further news on a monthly basis or please email me:
mark@markeager.com
21 September 2009
Hello again,
I'm now fully immersed in UK life after my wonderful three month tour
of Australia - thanks to all of you Aussies for looking after me and
I will see you next year.
After a terrific summer of work and play! it's all systems go for the
Welsh Sinfonia re launch on Wednesday 23rd September at St. David's
Hall with special guest Minister for Heritage Alun Ffred Jones AM.
I will be introducing amongst other things our new Cardiff Series - "the
Spirit of the dance" and conducting a taster from Stravinsk's
The Soldier's Tale. The first series concert is on Sunday October 11th
4.30pm at Cardiff University Concert Hall and features Copland's Appalachian
Spring original 13 instrument version, Bach's Suite No.2 for Flute
and Strings with soloist Catherine Handley and Stravinsky's The Soldier's
Tale Suite. There are 50 FREE tickets available for students and people
on benefit. See www.welshsinfonia.co.uk for
booking and further details. Don't forget to subscribe to the newsletter
and think about supporting us with a donation by becoming a Podium
member www.welshsinfonia.co.uk.
I am also looking forward to the new season with Cardiff University Symphony
Orchestra. Our first concert in our University Concert Hall on November
1st features a very poignant piece for me: Sibelius Second Symphony -
it was whilst playing this many years ago that I met Julia. Other pieces
throughout the season include Debussy La Mer, Takemitsu Fantasma Cantos,
Rachmaninov Third Piano Concerto - a rare performance using the piano
roll. Look out for more details.
Over the summer I conducted the World Premiere of Daniel Basford's "Night
Journey" a cantata for Baritone, Choir and Wind Orchestra with
Herts Wind Sinfonia in St. Alban's Cathedral. This is an eight movement
piece, full of innovative and exciting orchestration and is perfectly
balanced culminating in a stirring finale. Immediately after that I had
the amazing experience of working on Schoenberg's epic, Gurre-leider
- simply stunning!
A
wonderful holiday in Venice and Le Marche with my family; concerts, galleries,
sun, ice-cream and runs with my boys every evening (Alex is getting a bit fast
for me now - next year he might even beat me!!)
Best wishes,
Mark
See photo gallery for more images
13 May 2009
I am currently on a mammoth tour of Australia
and Malaysia, which began back in early April. My first event was conducting
the orchestra at the Australian Instrumental Convention in New South
Wales, working alongside some fabulous well known Australian players – Janet
Webb (Flute Sydney SO), Stephen Robinson (Oboe Orchestra Victoria), Andy
Firth (Jazz Clarinettist) and Brendan Joyce (Leader Brisbane Chamber Orchestra)
to name a few. Hearing a superb recital by Janet Webb and Jocelyn Fazzone
was a real highlight – 
their musical relationship shining through
the whole evening. I met some terrific developing talent from the Australian
Conservatoires and the Sydney Street Choir which inspires “street
people” to help themselves through music. Thanks to Melissa Philp
for organising the event and to Trinity College for their sponsorship.
Next
I flew 19 hours to Kota Kinabalu to conduct the KK Symphony Orchestra.
We played a baroque programme including Brandenburg 3 with soloists
from KL. I was back in my usual wonderful resort hotel – Sutera
Harbour, including massage over-looking the ocean - holiday??
Well maybe a little!
It was then back to Australia with excellent workshops in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and Perth. In Brisbane I caught an exciting lunchtime concert in the mall by Opera Queensland and in Perth I managed to hear a fine piano recital by Katia Skaniva who played an interesting programme, including a sonata by the Australia composer Carl Vine, whose music I would like to explore more.
It hasn’t all been music though
as after carefully outwitting the sharks whilst body boarding at Mulloollabar
I went to my first Australian Rules football game at The Gabba, which
I thoroughly enjoyed.
Following a weekend in Adelaide I continue on to Tasmania, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Cairns, Townsville, Canberra, Newcastle and Sydney.
I finish this very enjoyable marathon on 30th June and will post a report at the end.
Best wishes,
Mark
Greetings from Hong Kong where I am working until June 5th 2008.
I have just performed an enjoyable
concert with German guitarist Peter
Korbel and the KK Symphony Orchestra playing the Giuliani and Vivaldi
Guitar Concerti.
Much has happened since my last newsreel:
Firstly, I am delighted to announce my appointment as Conductor of Cardiff University Symphony Orchestra and having had a wonderful first rehearsal, look forward to my Premiere with them on November 1st 2008 (University Concert Hall, Corbett Rd, Cardiff) playing The London Symphony by Ralph Vaughan Williams.
The
Welsh Sinfonia is
now a member of the Association
of British Orchestras (ABO) and a registered charity; planning
includes a Haydn chamber series in Cardiff to include Welsh soloists
and composers, the Draig (Red Dragon) Children's project and a Charity
concert in aid of The
Wallich.
Hertfordshire Wind Sinfonia's Holst
CD is in production and as well as the First and Second Suites for Military
Band, will include the World Premiere recordings of his Wind Quintet
ed. Raymond Head, published by Sky
Dance Press and Songs and Refrains by Daniel Basford.
August 2nd 2008 will see HWS return
to St. John's Smith Square, London for a celebration of the music of Adam
Gorb to include trombone soloist Gordon Campbell of the BBC Big Band.
I had a terrific tour of Australia (Feb-Mar) working in Queensland and New South Wales including the inaugural concert of the North Queensland Youth Symphony. Plans are already in place for a concert tour with them in 2010 as well as a return to Brisbane, Townsville, Bundaberg, Noosa, Kingaroy, Sydney and Melbourne.
Regards to all and please feel free
to email me for further information:
mark@markeager.com
10th October 2008
I have just posted a video of Beethoven 1 Finale recorded with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales Chamber Players. I hope you enjoy it - "energetic" - "vibrant" - "vigourous" and "nuanced" are some of the descriptions received.
Recently I had the joy of conducting the massed trumpets of the Czech Orchestras in a recording of Janacek's Sinfonietta at the Rudolfinum, Prague - what a sound!November sees me off to Malaysia on a seven week tour.
Everything is now in place for my Australian trip in February - March 2008 - concerts in Brisbane, Townsville, Bundaberg and Sydney.
The Welsh Sinfonia is busy setting up various exciting projects for 2008; 26th January 208 is our Annual Charity Concert in Llandaff Cathedral in aid of the George Thomas Hospice with International soloists.
For romantics we have a Valentines Concert on (of course) 14th February 2008 in Cowbridge with Welsh Star soloists Sian Cothi, and brothers Wynne and Mark Evans.Hertfordshire Wind Sinfonia is planning a 'Carnival of American Music' for Easter and an Adam Gorb Celebration at St. John's, Smith Square with new London Symphony Orchestra Co-Principal Trombone Katy Jones as guest soloist in the summer.
I will be conducting the BBC
NOW Chamber Players again on 28th /29th January 2008
at Cardiff University in an interesting programme to include: Stravinsky
- Septet, Weir - King Harald Sails to Byzantium and Knussen/
Benjamin/Matthews - A Purcell Garland.
A
new demonstration CD is now available or you can explore
the new player in the right hand panel of all pages.
2nd October 2007
Hello and welcome. I have just posted a video of Beethoven 1 Finale recorded with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales Chamber Players. I hope you enjoy it - "energetic" - "vibrant" - "vigorous" and "nuance" are some of the descriptions received. Recently I had the joy of conducting the massed trumpets of the Czech Orchestras in a recording of Janacek's Sinfonietta at the Rudolfinum, Prague - what a sound! November sees me off to Malaysia on a seven week tour and everything is now in place for my Australian trip in February/March 2008 - concerts in Brisbane, Townsville, Bundaberg and Sydney.