Welcome to the 38th Season of Music at Leamington Hastings

Dear Music Lover,

It is a pleasure to be writing to you about our concerts in 2009 which begin in May, I hope that you will like the new programme. The piano features prominently this year in four out of the six concerts even though we have only one actual piano recital. The Schubert Ensemble forms a piano quintet in June, and later the focus will be on the equal partnerships of clarinet & piano and violin & piano in the autumn.

The May concert is given by Ashley Wass whom I fi rst heard at the Malvern Music club three years ago. Since then I have watched him making waves in the music world and this year he appeared at the BBC Proms to critical acclaim.

In June, we welcome the Schubert Ensemble for the fi rst time. It is one of the world’s fi nest and most experienced chamber groups and, unusually, is a full-time piano/strings ensemble. It celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2008.

The School Orchestra returns here in July and will I feel sure enthral us yet again. These young musicians are completely immersed in their music and communicate with intensity, enthusiasm and high artistry. It is uplifting to hear such talent drawn out and inspired by their conductor Malcolm Singer – and later when the music is done, to fi nd that individually the students are delightfully unassuming and charming teenagers. This year we have had to make an exception for the YMS and move the concert to a SUNDAY. The orchestra is making a major appearance in London on the Friday night and needs a clear day to recover from that.

In September Emma Johnson and Leon McCawley make a welcome return. Two such great performers as these will create a lot of electricity and some wonderful music. Their recital starts with ‘Suite for Emma’ by John Dankworth, and after the interval Leon will play a dreamy piano solo.

Alina Ibragimova, whom many will remember from her days at the , is now at 23 a fast rising soloist. This year she is performing and recording all the Beethoven violin and piano sonatas and it will be a rare treat to hear one of her all-Beethoven recitals. Cédric Tiberghien is her contemporary, and a dynamic French pianist.

Then comes Christmas, and a superb choir - the Tallis Chamber Choir. It is new to Leamington Hastings, but very well-established in the UK. Directed by Philip Simms it has drawn much critical praise.

As I sit writing this brochure at the beginning of freezing February my focus is also on 2010 and the musicians we might invite to perform here. Quite a lot of thinking and research has to go on at this time of year so that proposals can be discussed with our Patrons and agreement

1 reached about next years’ programme early in the current season. Their interest and support has been a great encouragement and pleasure.

Peter and I are grateful to David Potts, a Trustee, who is taking over full responsibility for seat booking and fi nance this year. Last year he successfully commissioned the new computerised booking system, and we believe we had almost no problems with what can be a very tricky exercise, even for national venues. We congratulate him. There are many links in the chain of activities leading up to these concerts, and by 2010 we hope to involve more Trustees, Patrons and enthusiasts in other aspects of this enterprise.

I would like to give special thanks to some of the people who have contributed so much to the smooth running and success of the concerts: First of all to Brenda Law, who has just retired from almost a life-time of organising the beautiful fl ower arrangements which have so enhanced the church on concert nights. Then to Tamsin Ogilvie, of Nuts and Bolts Design, who has given her time designing our elegant brochures and programmes. Thirdly to Valerie and David Smith, who are constantly providing attractive photographs for our publications as well as helping in other ways.

Thanks too, to: Fellow Trustees: David Potts, Heather Hemelryk and Karen Hatch, and also Ann Coulson for sharing in the management of concerts. Sue and John Middleton for mulled wine, strawberries and more. Ray Law for always being there to help and advise. Martin Jackson for programme notes. David Thornton of Russell Acott for sponsorship of our pianos. Peter Reeve for updating our website. Adrian Allen our auditor, and organiser of the car parking team, and Zinnia Allen, Barry Hutchinson, Lars Maynard, Steve Gee, Nick Turner, David Turner for car parking. Wallace McCurdie, David & Gordon Smith & Martin Greenaway for outside lighting and setting up the church. Rachel Hemelryk for page turning. Doreen Wadland, Jeannie Williamson, Lorraine Dimbleby and Mary Fields for fl ower arranging. Gill Ayers, Gwyn Davy, Zinnia Allen, Freda Slater, Rose Hull, Di Weaver, Joan Elliott for their help on many fronts.

One of the rewards of organising these concerts is the pleasure of working with such a helpful and friendly team.

With every good wish for 2009, and I hope you enjoy the music,

Mary-Grace Ogilvie

2 Concert 1 May 16th / Saturday 7.30pm

Ashley Wass

“magnifi cent” and “electrifying” in Vaughan Williams piano concerto at the BBC Proms 2008 “...Wass is truly outstanding.” The Pianist “This gifted young pianist possesses a rock-solid technique and striking keyboard fi nesse...” Gramophone

Described by Gramophone Magazine as a “thoroughbred who possesses the enviable gift to turn almost anything he plays into pure gold”. Ashley Wass is fi rmly established as one of the leading performers of his generation. Only the second British pianist in 20 years to reach the fi nals of the Leeds Piano Competition (2000), he is also the only British pianist to have won First prize at the London International Ashley Wass (piano) Piano Competition (1997). Beethoven Sonata in E fl at Op.31 No.3 He made his debut recording in 1999 Chopin Fantasie in F minor with a solo recital disc of works by Cesar Chopin Second Scherzo Franck for Naxos. Diapason commented: Liszt Three Petrach Sonnets “The quality and height of inspiration of his Nos. 47, 104, 123 playing makes this disc a revelation.” Franck Prelude, Chorale and Fugue Wass has given recitals at most of the UK’s major venues including Wigmore Hall, Symphony Hall, Purcell Room, Strawberries and cream if available, (or a glass of Queen Elizabeth Hall, Royal Festival wine or juice if no strawberries) will be served in Hall and has appeared at the festivals a local garden during the interval. of Cheltenham, Brighton and the City of London. His concerto performances have included Beethoven and Brahms with the Philharmonia, Mendelssohn and Beethoven with the Orchestre National de Lille and Mozart with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra at the Vienna Konzerthaus. He has worked with Sir Simon Rattle and the CBSO, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia Viva and the London Mozart Players.

3 Concert 2 June 13th / Saturday 7.30pm

The Schubert Ensemble

“….the balance, clarity and tone were perfectly realised, both by performers and by this remarkable new hall (Kings Place, London): outstanding in every respect”. “…a vibrant virtuoso performance…” Los Angeles Times “….one of the fi nest piano quartets performing today…” Classic CD

After 26 years at the forefront of British chamber music, the Schubert Ensemble is fi rmly established as one of the world’s leading exponents of chamber music for piano and strings. Regularly giving over 50 concerts a year, the Ensemble has performed in 40 different countries. In the last eighteen months it has played in The Schubert Ensemble major concert halls in Europe and North America, including London’s Wigmore Hall, Amsterdan’s Hall, William Howard (piano) Oslo’s Konserthus and for the Coleman Simon Blendis (violin) Chamber Series in California, and has Jonathan Morton (violin) given a four-concert Brahms series for BBC Radio3 at St George’s Bristol. Douglas Paterson (viola) Jane Salmon (cello) Last year the Ensemble celebrated its 25th Anniversary. The year began with a concert at the Barbican and a tour of the Mendelssohn Piano Quartet in F minor Op.2 USA. It continued with a performance Johnathan Dove Piano Quintet of six recent ensemble commissions at Elgar Piano Quintet in A minor the South Bank. The Ensemble gave two further 25th Anniversary concerts at Wigmore Hall in November, concerts Strawberries and cream will be served in a local in Luxemburg and Turkey, and a four- garden during the interval. concert Faure series at St Georges Bristol, which has recently been broadcast on BBC Radio 3. Plans for 2009 include “The Schubert Ensemble are a marvellously gifted the world premiere of a piano quartet ensemble, imparting their energy and lyricism to by Johnathan Dove, several festival anything to which they turn their expert hands” performances and a return visits to Classic FM Magazine Moravia, Holland, Canada and the USA. They will also continue their residency at the Birmingham Conservatoire.

4 Concert 3 July 12th / SUNDAY 7.30pm

Yehudi Menuhin School Orchestra

After twenty one years as Headmaster of the YMS, Nicholas Chisholm writes in the Newsletter for the Autumn term “If I were asked what has been the school’s greatest moment over the last twenty one years, I would have to answer – the Opening of the Menuhin Hall with Slava Rostropovich conducting the School Orchestra. At last the school has a performing space worthy of an institution with an international reputation, and what a change this has brought to levels of performance.”

Performance is part of life at the school and ranges from full recitals by individual pupils, to concerto performances, chamber music groups and orchestral concerts. Nicholas Chisholm refers to the “backdrop of an ever increasing number of engagements which the pupils take completely Yehudi Menuhin School Orchestra in their stride” and says “it is important to challenge gifted young people to set themselves The programme will include: ever higher targets and vital to provide the support they need”. Bartok Divertimento Vaughan Williams Concerto Academico Pupils are continually inspired by the Soloist Ben Baker visits of some of the world’s greatest Noam Sheriff Canarian Vespers for musicians – Andras Schiff, John Lill, viola and strings Emma Johnson, Raphael Wallfi sch, last Soloist Aisha Syed term alone. These musicians as well as making music, always give generously of their time to students. Academically Strawberries and cream will be served in a local garden the highest standards are expected and during the interval. achieved, the school received outstanding reports after two inspections last year. In addition sport, drama, charitable work and many other activities all have a place in pupils’ lives at the YMS.

5 Concert 4 September 26th / Saturday 7.30pm

Emma Johnson (clarinet)

“a classical music superstar” Clarinet & Saxophone Magazine

Emma Johnson is one of the few clarinettists to have established an international career as a soloist. In Britain she has achieved particular popularity – her two recent discs on the Universal label, ‘Voyage’ and ‘The Mozart Album’, spent many weeks at the top of the Classical Charts.

One of the chief inspirations for Emma’s music making is listening to great singers. When she plays the clarinet she tries to emulate the expressive power of the human voice. Her goal has been to get better acceptance for the clarinet as a solo classical instrument, and she is known for drawing upon a wide range of musical expression in her concerts.

Emma has appeared as soloist with many Emma Johnson MBE (clarinet) leading orchestras including the London Leon McCawley (piano) Symphony, Philharmonia, the Hallé, Tokyo Philharmonic, Salzburg Camerata and Netherlands Philharmonic, in repertoire John Dankworth Suite for Emma which includes over forty concertos. A Brahms Sonata No.1 new development in her career has seen in F minor Op.120 her being invited to direct from the clarinet Poulenc Sonata for Clarinet and Piano and also to conduct. Verdi/Lovreglio Concert Fantasy on Themes from La Traviata Leon McCawley (piano) Piano Solo: Messiaen Le Baiser de l’enfant Jesus Leon Mc Cawley is fi rmly established as one of England’s fi nest young pianists. Championing core classical repertoire A glass of wine or fruit juice will be served to you together with the unknown, McCawley’s in your seats during the interval. CD releases have been impressing critics far and wide. Awarded a Diapaison d’Or in March 2007, his recording for Avie Records “ ...Johnson is superb...” of Mozart’s complete piano sonatas is Sunday Times no exception. “This superb set should propel McCawley towards the greater prominence he “McCawley... a master of tone and articulation” deserves” The Observer. Philadelphia Inquirer July 2008 Leon is frequently heard as a concerto “his was an exceptional performance” soloist with many leading British orchestras York Evening Press May 2008 and has appeared at the BBC Proms several times. In July 08 he returned to the Philadelphia Symphony with great acclaim for his Mann Music Centre debut.

6 Concert 5 October 10th / Saturday 7.30pm

Alina Ibragimova (violin)

The Times has written that Alina Ibragimova performs with “a mixture of total abandonment and total control that is in no way contradictory” and that she is “destined to be a force in the classical music fi rmament for decades to come”.

With repertoire encompassing baroque to contemporary works, Alina’s recent engagements have included her BBC Proms debut with the London Symphony Orchestra and Francois-Xavier Roth, Mendelssohn with the Philharmonia and Sir , Sibelius with the BBC Scottish Symphony and Osmo Vänskä, Prokofi ev with the RSO Frankfurt and Yannick Néxet-Séguin, and Beethoven with the BBC Philharmonic and Gianandrea Noseda.

Born in Russia in 1985, Alina is a former pupil of the Moscow Gnesin and Yehudi Menuhin schools, and the Royal College Alina Ibragimova (violin) of Music London. Cédric Tigberghien (piano) Cédric Tigberghien (piano) Beethoven Sonata No.1 in D major Op.12/1 Tiberghien is one of the most exciting Beethoven Sonata No. 4 inA minor Op.23 artists to emerge from France in Beethoven Sonata No.8 in G major Op.30/3 recent years. He has just given his Beethoven Sonata No.7 in C minor Op.30/2 BBC Proms debut, and highlights among future concerto engagements include the Dresdner Philharmonie, A glass of wine or fruit juice will be served to you in Philharmoniker Hamburg, Gelders your seats during the interval. Orkest, RotterdamPhilharmonic, Hallé Orchestra, Sydney Symphonie, Tokyo Symphony, Malaysian Philharmonic, “The performance provided proof of why Orchestre National d’Isle de France and Ibragimova is fast becoming one of today’s most Orchestre de Paris. sought-after young virtuosos.” The Strad, November 2008 Cédric is also a dedicated chamber musician and his regular partners “A wonderfully spirited performance. Tiberghien include Alina Ibragimova (with whom and the Hong Kong Sinfonietta... caught the he will present the complete Beethoven emotional spectrum of the central set of variations. violin sonatas at the Wigmore Hall in Tiberghien’s bravura drove the music to an 2009/10. Hyperion will release shortly impressive conclusion” his recording with Alina Ibragimova of the complete works by Szymanowski for violin and piano.

7 Concert 6 December 12th / Saturday 7.00pm

Tallis Chamber Choir

“radiant performance wih the Tallis Chamber Choir...” Guardian/Barbican

The Tallis Chamber Choir was founded in 1982 by Philip Simms and quickly establishesd itself both in the UK and Europe as an excellent and versatile group of singers. The choir’s title stems from Philip’s long association with St Alphege Church, Greenwich, where the 16th century composer Thomas Tallis worked and is buried.

From its inception, TCC has had a special relationship with the English Chamber Orchestra, and they perform and record together regularly.

TCC can fi eld from 8 to 60 singers, as appropriate, and enjoys a repertoire which encompasses music from the 12th to the 21st centuries, with orchestra and a Tallis Chamber Choir cappella, operatic, sacred and secular. The Director Philip Simms choir has sung in several languages and in Organist Antony Baldwin many different styles.

A Christmas Programme, by members of the The choir has worked with many Tallis Chamber Choir, including music by: internationally acclaimed conductors including Ashkenasy, Bruggen, Holst, Berlioz, Vaughan Williams, Britten, Harnoncourt, Hickox, Jarvi, Mackerras, Howells, Tavener, Rutter, Matthias and.Joubert. Malgoire, Mehta, Menuhin, Paul Goodwin and Norrington. Additionally, arrangements by Willcocks, Simms and Ledger. Philip Simms

During the interval a glass of hot mulled wine Philip Simms is a versatile conductor, and festive refreshments will be served in church. chorus master and instrumentalist, with an unusually varied musical background. “…outstanding, a beautiful, accomplished and well Educated at the Royal Academy of Music, balanced sound…an electrifying performance…” he received tuition in conducting from The Gazetta Wyborcza/Wratislavia Sir Adrian Boult, Sir Colin Davis, Antal Dorati, George Hurst and Sir Charles “the excellent Tallis Chamber Choir..” Mackerras. The Times/Barbican Philip has conducted in all London’s concert halls and throughout the UK “…absolute precision and focused tone of the Tallis with orchestras such as the LSO, London Chamber Choir’s singing” Mozart Players, Manchester Camerata, New York Times Trinity College of Music, the London Concert Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Millenium.

8 © 2009 David & Valerie Smith © 2009 David & Valerie

9 Donations and Gift Aid

Music at Leamington Hastings is a charity and the donation element of the ticket price is essential to cover cost, though we are legally obliged to inform you that it is optional.

We can also claim tax-relief on donations made. So please, if this applies to you, complete the relevant section of the order form. This also applies if you book by phone. You only need to fi ll the form in once, as long as you keep us informed of change of address and tell us if you cease to pay enough tax in a year to cover your donation. It is important that you do inform us if this is the case.

First Time Visitors For those of you who are visiting us for the fi rst time: Welcome to Leamington Hastings.

Booking Seats You can order using the form in this brochure (or print one from our website). You can also phone and book using a credit card or debit card. Often, if you have particular requirements, it’s best to phone. Some seats are better than others, and there is usually a rush to get ones in the front and the centre. Other than when there are singers, the chancel is considered by many as an excellent place to sit. The acoustics are good, and since most ensembles often face each other, and pianists sit side-on, the view of the artist is as good from that side as the from the Nave.

Many of our seats are booked within a few weeks of the brochure going out, so please try to book early. We do not normally send out tickets, but ask you to retain your acknowledgement letter instead. If you would like separate tickets to pass on to guests, please mention this on the phone or in the booking form.

Getting to the Church Once you get to the village of Leamington Hastings, the church is located as shown below.

TO BIRDINGBURY, MARTON, COVENTRY Entering the church: Main Parking in ‘Big Field’ down A EntraVe Northside (main church tickets) Birdingbury Road B Entrance Southside (main church tickets / A C footpaths wheelchair users / later comers) N to church C Entrance Chancel (chancel tickets) B

wheelchair access Patron Parking TO SOUTHAM / DUNCHURCH RD

Main Parking This is off-road in a fi eld. This is the country side so bring suitable footwear as the weather dictates. When its very wet we do the best we can, but parking requires care. Patron and Disabled Parking This is closer to the church. It is a short walk, but the comments about bad weather still apply. You need a pass, a ‘disabled’ badge, or prior permission to park here. Arriving in Time There is a 5 minute walk from the car-park to the church. It is best to aim to park around 15 minutes before the concert starts. If you happen to be late, go to Door B, where there will be someone inside to help.

Intervals Depending on the weather we go to a nearby garden, thanks to generous neighbours, or we stay in the church. There is always some refreshment provided by our volunteers - see each concert for details.

10 as at: #### CV1 CV2 CV3 CV4 CU1 CU2 CU3 CU4 All Saints Church CT1 CT2 CT3 CT4 CT5 CT6 CT7 CT8 CT9 North Layout of Seats CS1 CS2 CS3 CS4 CS5 CS6 CS7 CS8 CS9 CS10 for Concerts CR1 CR2 CR3 CR4 CR5 CR6 CR7 CR8 CR9 CR10

CQ1 CQ2 CQ3 CQ4 CQ5 CQ6 CQ7 CQ8 CQ9 CP1 CP2 CP3 CP4 CP5 CP6 CP7 CP8 CN1 CN2 CN3 CN4 CN5 CN6 CN7 CN8 CM1 CM2 CM3 CM4 CM5 CM6 CM7 CM8 CL1 CL2 CL3 CL4 CL5 CL6 CL7 CL8 Chancel Door C Chancel CA10 CB10 CA9 CB9 CA8 CJ1 CJ2 CJ3 CJ4 CB8 CA7 CH1 CH2 CH3 CH4 CB7 = bench seating #### CA6 CG1 CG2 CG3 CG4 CB6 CA5 CF1 CF2 CF3 CF4 CB5 = plastic seat CA4 CE1 CE2 CE3 CE4 CB4 CA3 CD1 CD2 CD3 CD4 CB3 = pillar or other obstruction CA2 CC1 CC2 CC3 CC4 CB2 CA1 CB1

SE1 SE5 SE12 SE19 SE26 NE13 NE9 NE5 NE1 SE2 SE6 SE13 SE20 SE27 NE14 NE10 NE6 NE2 STAGE SE3 SE7 SE14 SE21 SE28 NE15 NE11 NE7 NE3 SE4 SE8 SE15 SE22 SE29 NE16 NE12 NE8 NE4 SE9 SE16 SE23 SE30 SE17 SE24 SE31 SE18 SE25 SE32 A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 A8 A9 A10 A11 A12 A13 A15 A16 A17 A18 A19 A20

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B8 B9 B10 B11 B12 B13 B15 B16 B17 B18 B19 B20 B21 B22

D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D8 D9 D10 D11 D12 D13 D15 D16 D17 D18 D19 D20 D21 D22

E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 E6 E7 E8 E9 E10 E11 E12 E13 E15 E16 E17 E18 E19 E20

F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 F10 F11 F12 F13 F15 F16 F17 F18 F19 F20 F21 F23 F24 F25 F26

H1 H2 H3 H4 H5 H6 H7 H8 H9 H10 H11 H12 H13 H15 H16 H17 H18 H19 H20 H21 H22 H23 H24 H25 H26 H27

J1 J2 J3 J4 J5 J8 J9 J10 J11 J12 J13 J15 J16 J17 J18 J19 J20 J21 J22 J23 J24 J25 J26 J27

K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K15 K16 K17 K18 K19 K20 K23 K24 K25 K26 K27 L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 L6 L7 L8 L9 L10 L11 L12 L13 L14 L15 North Door South Door A B

Wheelchair N1 N2 N3 N4 N5 N8 N9 N10 N11 N12 N13 N14 N15 N16 N17 N18 Access P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 P9 P10 P11 P12 P13 P14 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 Q7 Q8 Q9 W.C. R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8 R9 R10 S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 U1 U2 U3 U4 U5 U6 U7 U9 U10 U11 U12 U13 U14

G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7 G8 G9 G10 Gallery - Up Spiral Stairs G11 G12 G13 G14 G15 G16 G17 G18 G19 G20

11 Patrons of Music at Leamington Hastings Registered Charity No 1121192 President John Lill CBE

We had another successful season in 2008. John Lill CBE contributed to two of our highlights; fi rst by agreeing to become our honorary president, and secondly when he visited us in June and gave what many of those present believed was the fi nest piano recital they had ever heard. It was a spell-binding evening. John also attended a fund-raising party afterwards, and as usual proved a delightful guest and with your generosity we raised a tidy sum towards the Tower Appeal.

The numbers attending our concerts held up well, and we expect to make a further contribution towards the Tower Appeal, to start restoring the crumbling stonework at the top of the tower.

We enjoyed lively performances by the London Concertante and by Red Priest, both fi rst time visitors here, and who we may see again. Return visits by Benjamin Grosvenor and by William Dazeley and Richard Peirson were well supported, and made big impressions. Ex Cathedra gave us their usual polished performance just before Christmas – the occasion being only marred by the atrocious weather. The new patrons car-park drainage system coped well for most of the year, but proved unequal to a prolonged and heavy 24 hour down-pour just before the concert. Everyone got into the car-park OK, but regrettably it was not so easy getting out. A number of people went home a bit late and a bit muddy. Apologies to all of them, and thank you for not complaining! We are now exploring the possibility of laying a plastic reinforcement mesh over the whole thing, to prevent wheels sinking in – just in case this extreme weather becomes a normal of UK life.

Once again we will be consulting with our Patrons about the 2010 programme, which is now being planned.

We would like to express our gratitude to all our patrons for their continuing support, including: Dr & Mrs Backhouse Miss M Houldin Mr & Mrs Michael Raynor Mr & Mrs Alan Buckle Sir Igor & Lady Judge Mr & Mrs John Richardson Mrs E J Burton Mr & Mrs P Kander Mr & Mrs David Smith Mr & Mrs Peter Coulson Mr & Mrs Kenworthy-Browne Mr Brian Southern Miss Constance Elliott Mr & Mrs Ray Law Mrs Hazel Steven Miss Helen Forster Mrs Molly Lodder Mrs Mary Swainson Mr & Mrs Peter Galliford Mr Charles McLeod Mr & Mrs Robert Wakeford Mrs K Gibson Dr Christine O’Brien Mr & Mrs P Watts Dr Sharon & Mr Hancock Mr & Mrs Peter Ogilvie Mrs Di Weaver Mrs S A Haswell Mr & Mrs Tom Pedrick Major Westby Mr & Mrs Roy Hatch Mr & Mrs John Peirson Mr B W Young Mrs Helen Hoggarth Mr & Mrs David Potts

12