Some of the world’s pre-eminent classical musicians will be performing at the Warwick Arts Centre next month.
If you’re partial to the sound of strings, woodwind and brass playing together in perfect harmony you’ll be pleased with the programme at Warwick Arts Centre this February. The centre will be playing host to two of Europe’s most prolific chamber orchestras, who will be accompanied on the night by world-class soloists. There’s something to suit all musical tastes, with offerings of both a classical and a contemporary nature.
The start of the month, sees the English Chamber Orchestra, who holds the accolade of ‘most recorded orchestra in the world.’ The ECO will be performing three of contemporary composer Philip Glass’s most influential masterpieces, alongside JS Bach’s most timeless orchestral works.
He’s inspired John Adams and Brian Eno, written cult film-scores and hugely influential operas. And, fan or sceptic, there’s no denying that Philip Glass is one of the most significant artistic figures of the last four decades. This concert showcases three of Glass’s most influential masterpieces. From 1983’s seminal Company to Glass’s Oscar-nominated score for 2003’s The Hours, there’s nothing minimalist about the power of this music. Three of Bach’s most distinctive takes on the concerto form, meanwhile, offer a fascinating counterpoint. ECO violinist Stephanie Conley directs, with the hugely respected American pianist Derek Han as soloist.
In addition, the centre is presenting Derek Han in a pre-show talk with the University of Warwick’s Director of Music, Paul McGrath.
The end of February sees an exciting pairing to the Arts Centre: The European Union Chamber Orchestra will team up with one of Britain’s best-loved cellists, Julian Lloyd-Webber. The EUCO has an illustrious history, and the orchestra provides opportunities and experience to young musicians at the outset of their careers. Members come from all across the European Union in order to perform for audiences across the globe.
Julian Lloyd-Webber is one of the world’s most celebrated and well-known cellists. A scholar of the Royal College of Music, he completed his training in Geneva under Pierre Fournier and has received many awards and accolades for his performances and recordings, including a Brit Award for his Elgar Cello Concerto. Lloyd-Webber has worked with numerous artists, including Yehudi Menuhin, Stéphane Grappelli, Elton John and his brother Andrew, on a recording of music inspired by The Phantom of the Opera.
This programme features an arrangement of Sibelius’ Romance, and Mozart’s exuberant 29th symphony, with Lloyd-Webber taking to the stage for Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C Major. Julian Lloyd-Webber will also be taking part in a pre-show talk with University of Warwick Director of Music Paul McGrath.
English Chamber Orchestra
Piano: Derek Han
Conductor/Violin: Stephanie Gonley
Bach – Brandenburg Concerto No.3
Glass – Company
Bach – Piano Concerto in G minor,
Interval
Glass – Symphony No.3 (3rd movement)
Bach – Violin Concerto
Glass – Suite from The Hours
Sat 4th February, 8pm
Butterworth Hall: £11.50; £18.50 (£17.50); £24.50 (£23.50); £29 (£28); £33 (£31); £36 (£34)
Pre-concert Talk: Derek Han in conversation with Paul McGrath, 6.45pm, £2
European Chamber Orchestra
Cello: Julian Lloyd Webber
Conductor: Hans-Peter Hofmann
Handel – Arrival of the Queen of Sheba
Elgar – String Serenade
Haydn – Cello Concerto in C
Interval
Sibelius – Romance
Mozart – Symphony No.29 in A major K.201
Tuesday 28t February, 8pm
Butterworth Hall: £11.50; £18.50 (£17.50); £24.50 (£23.50); £29 (£28); £33 (£31); £36 (£34)
Pre-concert Talk: Julian Lloyd-Webber in conversation with Paul McGrath, 6.45pm, £2
More details on the Warwick Arts Centre website