MUSIC TRUST 2018/19

Shropshire Music Trust is an independent organisation supported by Arts Council , business sponsors, trusts and a Patrons & Friends scheme including a large body of volunteers. Promoted by Shropshire Music Trust Reg. Charity 515026 Shropshire Music Booking Form Saver Offers Substantial Discounts for 5 events or more – see opposite and indicate below Please complete form below and calculate discount here: Less % discount for events minimum = £ Available from all three Box Offices: ONLINE TICKETSOURCE SALOP SHEET MUSIC www.ticketsource.co.uk Tel 0333 666 3366 Tel 01743 365561 (Address below)

Season Events £1.00 Child Tickets Date Event Price £ No. 25’s & No. 18’s & No. Total Under £ Under £ 21 Sep Pre-Season Launch 5.00 P/F Gratis 1.00 12 Oct Bach by Candlelight II 10.00 5.00 1.00 27 Oct London Mozart Players – family 5.00 3.00 1.00 27 Oct London Mozart Players 20.00 10.00 1.00 11 Nov 90 17.00 9.00 1.00 26 Nov Lunch: String Beats 6.00 3.00 1.00 29 Nov Mid Wales Opera 12.00 6.00 1.00 7 Dec Ex Cathedra: Christmas* 21.00 10.00 1.00 20 Jan Quintets at Dusk 17.00 8.00 1.00 8 Feb Gilchrist/Symons Song Recital 15.00 7.50 1.00 15 Feb A4 Brass Quartet 10.00 5.00 1.00 28 Feb Zemlinsky Quartet 17.00 8.50 1.00 3 Mar Pop-Up Opera: Carmen 18.00 9.00 1.00 4 Mar Lunch: Sax & Guitar 6.00 3.00 1.00 10 Mar Carducci I: Romantic Quintets 17.00 FREE FREE 24 Mar Versatility Serenaders 15.00 7.50 1.00 16 Apr Carducci II 17.00 FREE FREE 26 Apr Hebrides Ensemble 16.00 8.00 FREE 2 May EUCO : Clarinet 20.00 10.00 1.00 12 May Carducci III 17.00 FREE FREE 26 May Beethoven I 15.00 5.00 1.00 " Beethoven II 15.00 7.50 1.00 " Beethoven Saver: I&II 25.00 10.00 2.00 " Buffet: pre-Eve 10.00 10.00 10.00 14 Jun Ex Cathedra: Summer 20.00 10.00 1.00 Booking Service Fee: * St. Chad’s: gallery (limited/no view) Total up to £25 10% £3.00 less, please indicate (less any Discount) up to £35 9% + Booking Service Fee up to £50 8% (see sliding scale) up to £100 7% + Post £1.50 up to £250 6% Tickets will be sent by Email (if post not requested) up to £500 5% I would like to receive news of future events from SMT over £500 4% TOTAL £

Expiry Date ...... Security No. (last 3 digits) Visa / Mastercard / Maestro Cheques payable to: Shropshire Music Trust Name ...... Address ...... Postcode ...... Telephone ...... Email ...... Send to: Salop Sheet Music (SMT Box Office), 294 Monkmoor Road, SY2 5TF. Tel: 01743 365561 Why not buy a Saver Discount Offer? 10% off 20% off 30% off for 5 events minimum for 10 events mimimum for 15 events minimum

BOOKING REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE ONLINE www.ticketsource.co.uk AT MOST EVENTS TICKETSOURCE Phone (inc Answerphone service) Tel 0333 666 3366 SALOP SHEET MUSIC Post/Phone/In Person: 294 Monkmoor Road, Shrewsbury SY2 5TF Tel 01743 365561. Email [email protected] Booking Service Fee Applies

VENUES CONCORD COLLEGE Acton Burnell, Nr Shrewsbury SY5 7PF T: 01694 731631 (off A49 at Longnor or A458 N. of Cross Houses) ST ALKMUND’S CHURCH St Alkmund’s Square, Shrewsbury SY1 1UH T: 01743 365478 (in Bear Steps, just off St Mary’s St & High St) THE LION HOTEL Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury SY1 1UY T: 01743 353107 ST CHAD’S CHURCH St Chad’s Terrace, Shrewsbury SY1 1RD T: 01743 365478 WEM TOWN HALL High St, Wem SY4 5DG T: 01939 238279 HOLY TRINITY CHURCH Salop Rd (by Roft Street), Oswestry SY11 2ET SPARC THEATRE Brampton Rd, Bishops Castle SY9 5AY T: 01588 630321 PRESTFELDE SCHOOL Blackburn Theatre, London Rd, Shrewsbury SY2 6NZ T: 01743 245400 (near Column roundabout) THE GATEWAY Chester St, Shrewsbury SY1 1NB T: 01743 355159 COUND CHURCH Nr Shrewsbury SY5 6EW (off A458, S. of Cross Houses) ST MARY’S CHURCH East Castle St, Bridgnorth WV16 4AD T: 01746 716282 (by Castle)

As is the custom for concert comfort in churches with pews, please do feel free to bring a cushion

DISABLED PERSONS All venues are fully accessible though churches can have their quirks. Do enquire from the hall or the Trust, prior to your visit so that any special arrangements can be made. For information in braille, large print and on tape. Tel: 01952 510375

WORKSHOPS/OUTREACH Workshops Most of the artists in the Season are available for other Performances and Workshops at economic rates in schools, community centres, homes etc. Where indicated artists are already doing other work and are therefore readily available – but please enquire on any: 01952 510375 or [email protected] 35th Year Pre-Season Launch Friday 21st September, 6.30-8.30pm Trinity Centre, Church Road, Meole Brace, Shrewsbury SY3 9HF (off B4380 at Upper Rd, or Longden Rd at Stanley Lane-opp Nuffield Hospital) Join the Patrons and Friends of Shropshire Music Trust at this informal reception to welcome the 2018-19 season. Refreshments, music and an opportunity to meet some of the artists taking part. Tickets £5.00 (Patrons & Friends Free) – See Booking Form

Bach by Candlelight | Part II Friday 12th October, 7.30pm | Cound Church

Be transported by music to light an autumn evening in the setting of this beautiful country church – featuring three of Bach’s great and seminal works for solo violin. This second instalment (part I was last season) in Zoë’s exploration of Bach’s works for solo violin is a study in contrasts. From the dark dances of the B minor Partita to the ecstatic fugue of the great C major Sonata, this profound music takes you to the extremes of thought and imagination. Zoë Beyers (associate leader of C.B.S.O and leader of E.S.O.) introduces these abstract quintessential works – a pinnacle in the world’s music-making.

Sonatas/Partitas | Zoë Beyers violin

Sonata No.2 in A minor BWV 1003 “Spiritually powerful, emotionally rich, and structurally Partita No.1 in B minor BWV 1002 perfect” (on Bach & Beyers) Sonata No.3 in C major BWV 1005 Joshua Bell (Musical Director, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields) LOCAL BOX OFFICE: Cross Houses Post Office, Tel: 01743 761577

New scheme: Shropshire Music Trust – BE A SUPPORTER includes Patrons & Friends there are a range of levels • Please do join us! You will receive benefits including early details of all events, priority for your bookings, invitations to special events* and open rehearsals, occasional ticket offers, opportunities to meet the artists, your name in concert programmes and Bringing the benefits on web (patrons /optional ), and a chance to help run the season if you so wish. (*eg see Pre-season evening above) and joy of the world’s best music to Shropshire It’s easy – see our Support page on the website and click on the Donate button where you can make The support of music-lovers is a single or regular donation, or download the Donation Form vital to our continuing success Alternatively, please contact SMT: and future sustainability. [email protected] • Tel: 01952 510375 www.shropshiremusictrust.co.uk

4 London Mozart Players | Jamal Aliyev cello Saturday 27th October, 2.00pm (family) & 7.30pm | St Alkmund’s Church, Shrewsbury

The dynamic and thrilling programme performed by the leading LMP, Britain’s longest-established chamber orchestra, will take you on a journey of styles and periods of some of the most exciting works in the repertoire. With breathtaking virtuosity in the final movementHaydn ’s cello concerto gives the opportunity for the YCAT soloist (Young Concert Artists Trust), Jamal Aliyev, to 7.30pm showcase the wonderful range and versatility of the cello in this classical concerto that was lost and rediscovered in a museum in Prague in the 1960s. It has fast Grieg Holberg Suite Op.40 become one of the most popular pieces of the cellist’s repertoire. Haydn Cello Concerto in C In complete contrast, Tchaikovsky’s “Souvenir de Florence”, which as the Tchaikovsky Souvenir de Florence title suggests was inspired by the composer’s visit to the city, will be heard in Enjoy a pre-drink from 6.45pm the version for full string orchestra. Tchaikovsky sets out to capture in music, the flavour and excitement of Italy from romance in the second movement, dance in 7.00pm: Pre-talk/interview the third and sheer exuberance in the outer movements. The tempting starter is with Jamal Aliyev Grieg’s Holberg Suite: written to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of the humanist and playwright, Ludvig Holberg, this delightful suite is based on Meet the Players – during the Interval 18th-century dance forms.

“The unmissable LMP” Gramophone

2.00pm

‘Ferdinand the Bull’ and other stories Family Show: 40 mins – suitable for children aged 2-10yrs

Performed by the LMP string trio and narrator, this show will engage and delight a young audience with exciting stories set to music and allow them to be “up close and personal” with the string family of the orchestra. Get to hear the bigger ensemble! Young people and their families are then invited to stay on and listen to the first 30 mins of the full rehearsal of the orchestra (in preparation for their evening concert): till approx. 3.30pm

5 Collegium Musicum 90 | The Corelli Phenomenon Sunday 11th November, 3.00pm | The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury

Simon Standage violin Collegium Musicum 90 follow the Avison Ensemble’s tracing of the Italian composers Catherine Martin violin influence on English musical life in 17th & 18th century, with an exploration around one of Andrew Skidmore cello those major musical geniuses – the legendary Arcangelo Corelli: his work as a composer and Nicholas Parle harpsichord violinist was highly popular, some of his works often being played through in one uninterrupted sitting, and his influence was far reaching. This programme juxtaposes the music of the Corelli Trio Sonata Op4 No.9 master himself and that of his admirers, imitators, pupils and followers – both showing their Geminiani Trio Sonata Op1 No.1 Visconti Violin Sonata indebtedness and also their own strong and often divergent musical personalities. Corelli Trio Sonata Op2 No.9 Founded by , who has directed most of the other leading period instrument Albinoni Trio Sonata Op11 No.2 British ensembles, and the late , Collegium Musicum 90 has a well- Valentini Trio Sonata Op5 No.7 established reputation for its performances of baroque and classical music, its repertoire La Corelli A. Scarlatti Partita alla Lombarda e ranging from chamber pieces to large-scale works for choir and orchestra. Highlights of recent Fuga for Harpsichord seasons have included appearances at the BBC Proms and concerts at music festivals in Montanari Violin Sonata No.2 Poland, Hungary, Germany and Austria as well as in the UK. Under its exclusive contract with Corelli Trio Sonata Op1 No.3 Chandos Records, they have made more than sixty critically acclaimed CDs including works of J.S. Bach, Leclair, Handel, Albinoni, Torelli, Vivaldi, Arne, Stanley and Telemann – their most Pre-Talk 2.15pm recent release being ‘Maestro Corelli’s Violins’. with Simon Standage

String Beats | Lunchtime Concert Monday 26th November, 1.00-2.00pm | The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury

String Beats is a unique combination of beatboxing and fiddle music in an unexpected fusion of hip-hop and folk music genres. With nothing but a fiddle, a voice, and the aid of a loop machine to build layers of patterns, String Beats performance is as surprising as it is entertaining and engaging. Beatboxing, the art of creating percussive sounds with nothing but the voice, is derived from the mimicry of early drum machines in New York 1980s poor communities. Given the rhythmic and primitive nature of this form of music making, it lends itself surprisingly well to traditional folk dance music. ‘One of the dynamos of the Welsh folk scene’ Angharad charmed the audience last season with her traditional and new music duo DnA and now returns with a different duo with Dean, who Angharad Jenkins violin/folk fiddle combines a career as a top champion of the beatbox battle scene Dean Yhnell beatboxer with notable performances including Glastonbury, the O2, and the Royal Albert Hall, with one as a passionate educator and adviser to Lunch as you listen! the Welsh government on creative teaching projects. Bar from 11.00 Lunch from 12.00 (arrive/order early to take lunch into concert)

School Parties welcome A concert for the curious – enjoy learning about the origins of beatboxing, and for the brave – there may be Members of Yehudi Menuhin’s Live Music Now! Scheme an opportunity to try their own hand!

6 Mid Wales Opera | A Spanish Hour – Ravel’s L’heure espagnole Thursday 29th November, 7.30pm | SpArc Theatre, Bishops Castle

Mid Wales Opera’s Small Stages returns this Autumn, bringing live opera to the heart of communities across Wales and the Borders with Ravel’s exhilarating one-act bedroom farce, A Spanish Hour (L’heure espagnole). First performed in 1911 and set in a clock shop in central Spain, the opera follows the clockmaker’s young wife Concepción as, during the course of one hot afternoon, she negotiates her way through her collection of ridiculous lovers. Ravel’s ‘Spanish Hour’ is bursting with hummable tunes and buzzing habaneras. With a new English translation by Richard Studer, a cast of five outstanding young singers and four musicians performing Jonathan Lyness’ new arrangement of Ravel’s exotic score, join Concepción and her lovers as the temperatures rise… Mid Wales Opera are passionate about taking fully-staged and intimate touring productions into theatres and spaces where live opera is rarely seen and introducing it to new audiences. After a limited profile in England in recent years SMT are delighted to collaborate again with this innovative company bringing their highly-rated productions for Shropshire audiences to enjoy.

LOCAL BOX OFFICE: SpArc Theatre, Tel: 01588 630243 / 638038 In association with SpArc Theatre

Ex Cathedra | ‘Christmas Music by Candlelight’ Friday 7th December, 7.30pm | St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury

The always packed, now traditional and ever popular unique celebration of seasonal music with readings.

BOOK EARLY!

NB: Groundfloor – Patrons will be offered priority for last remaining seats

Sponsored by

OUTREACH PROGRAMME A programme of workshops in schools and carehomes with the season artists Please enquire if you are interested in booking a session. See We also work with Creative Inspiration, Live Music Now and the Shropshire Music Education Hub on projects to promote health, well-being and great experiences for the young, elderly and disadvantaged. Get in touch... Kate Hogwood Shropshire Music Trust [email protected] Tel: 01952 510375

7 Quintets at Dusk | Innovation Ensemble Sunday 20th January, 6.00pm | The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury

Following last year’s packed concert these fine musicians return to the splendid setting of the Adam Ballroom with a programme of two Austrian gems. Bruckner’s Quintet is a deftly written Romantic work, which is symphonic in scale but intimate in character, whilst Mozart’s Quintet in C is arguably one of the greatest pieces of chamber music ever written. A group of chamber music colleagues and friends initially put together by the late Peter Cropper, they perform in his Ben Nabarro violin memory and with his unique style of music making. Martin Cropper violin Robin Ireland viola Sarah-Jane Bradley viola Richard Jenkinson cello Introduced by the players – all established members of various well-known chamber Bruckner Quintet in Fmaj groups who enjoy the opportunity to present programmes they particularly love. Mozart Quintet in Cmaj

Song Recital | James Gilchrist tenor, Chris Symons piano Friday 8th February, 7.30pm | The Gateway, Shrewsbury

One of the UK’s most acclaimed tenors, James Gilchrist, partnered on the piano by Christopher Symons, present an evening of German and English pastoral music that will include three song-cycles – the drama of unrequited love and despair that is Schumann’s Dichterliebe, Finzi’s wonderful Til Earth Outwears and Butterworth’s setting of Housman’s A Shropshire Lad. Various glorious songs by Schubert and English composers will complete the programme. Their performance of Schubert’s Winterreise in the 2012/13 was a highlight of the season. James Gilchrist is one of the UK’s leading and most acclaimed tenors. He appears on the national and international concert platforms with most of the great and conductors, and is also renowned for his many operatic roles, recitals and a hugely-praised recording output. His singing is remarkable for its deeply expressive and lyrical beauty, and for the sensitivity of his musical interpretation. James’ international appearances this Season include Germany, Holland, Spain, Canada and Australia, as well as at many festivals in the UK, the Wigmore, BBC Radio 3 etc. Christopher Symons is well-known in the region for his many musical involvements, including collaborations with John Lill, Martin Schumann’s Dichterleibe Roscoe, Tasmin Little, Laurence Jackson, Guy Johnston, the Skampa English Song Cycles and Allegri Quartets, the European Union Chamber Orchestra and Manchester Camerata. For many years he was the Director of the Pre-Talk: 6.45pm with Chris & James prestigious Recital Series and in June, he will join the Drinks with the performers afterwards Gildas String Quartet in Elgar’s Piano Quintet, as part of that Series.

8 A4 Brass Quartet Friday 15th February, 7.30pm | Wem Town Hall

A4 Brass Quartet is one of the UK’s leading young chamber ensembles made up of principal players from some of the UK’s top brass bands, including the world famous Grimethorpe Colliery and Foden’s bands. It has a unique blend of instruments, with a cornet, tenor horn, baritone and euphonium creating a distinctive sound that stands out from the standard brass quartet. With this unusual instrumentation A4 Brass has actively developed their repertoire, commissioning new music, and composing and arranging music themselves. The Quartet has performed widely throughout the UK appearing at major venues and festivals including for the Park Lane Group, Wigmore Hall, Purcell Room, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Bridgewater Hall, Cadogan Hall, Lake District Summer Music and King’s Lynn Jamie Smith cornet/flugelhorn Festivals, and abroad most recently in Finland, Switzerland and Jonathan Bates tenor horn Lithuania. Michael Cavanagh baritone horn Chris Robertson euphonium It has featured on national television and radio, appeared three times on ITV’s Christmas Carol Concerts and on BBC Radio 3’s Introduced programme includes: ‘In-Tune’ with Sean Rafferty, and in 2016 released their debut CD Bates, Smetana, Bruckner, McCunnie, Tovey featuring original music composed for them. A4 Brass Quartet has won numerous prizes and awards Members of Yehudi Menuhin’s Live Music Now! Scheme including the 2018 Royal Over-Seas League Chamber Music Competition, a 2017 Tunnell Trust Award and the Tillett Trust Young Artists’ Platform Series, and are committed to expanding and In association with Wem Town Hall diversifying their work through education and outreach projects.

Zemlinsky Quartet Thursday 28th February, 7.30pm | The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury

Welcome to another Czech quartet with their distinctive Slavic style, the exciting Zemlinsky – presenting an all Czech programme. Renowned for their exhilarating performances and crystal-clear playing, they have a busy international career and play regularly at major international venues, including London’s Wigmore Hall, in coffee, evening and BBC concerts, as well as venues such as the Library of Congress, Washington, the Cité de la Musique, Paris, and the Seoul Arts Centre. Founded over twenty years ago, when the leader was just fourteen, the Zemlinsky delight audiences throughout the world with their spirited and zestful performances and have won numerous prizes including the 2010 Bordeaux International String Quartet Competition, the Banff, Prague Spring and London competitions and the Czech Chamber Music Society Prize, and their touring takes them regularly to Europe, America and the Smetana Quartet No.1 Far East. Janacek Youth Quartet (Mladi) Dvorak Quartet No.13, Op106 Czech music is, of course, something of a speciality and in this programme the ever-popular composers Dvorak and Smetana are Meet the Czechs: 6.45pm joined by the unique and passionate voice of Janacek – in a rather unusual form, namely a brilliant string quartet arrangement, by the Czech composer Kryštof Maratka, of the wind quintet Mladi (Youth) – a wonderful “Quartet-playing at its finest – a perfect blend of four work which translates with complete conviction into the sound world of voices that sing, breathe and phrase as one” the string quartet. The Strad

9 Pop-up Opera | La Tragèdie de Carmen Sunday 3rd March, 3.00pm | 1hr20m – no interval | Blackburn Theatre, Prestfelde School, Shrewsbury

The intense and tragic tale of the four characters who lie at the heart of the original story plays out in a thought-provoking drama of unhinged love and jealousy. Actions are not without consequences, and the stark reality of the repercussions for Don José are laid bare as the story unfolds before you in a series of his tormented flashbacks. Brook collaborated with composer Marius Constant to create a journey through much of Bizet’s memorable music, including Carmen’s ‘Habanera’, Escamillo’s Toreador Song and Don José’s Flower Song, together with powerful new passages. This dark and thrilling piece is directed by John Wilkie. A familiar tale, but not as you’d expect it… The innovative touring Pop-up Opera is dedicated to making this art form enjoyable and inviting to all; they both broaden its appeal and challenge the way it is performed, taking it into less usual spaces and making it fun, fresh and intimate. Sung in French with the company’s trademark English subtitles “If any group can make opera converts, this one can” Daily Express (5H) “A rich riot of violent, straightforward passion and beautiful noise” The Times Fully staged and with live accompaniment “Whether you love opera, or you’ve never been to one, be sure to catch this” Return by popular demand! Time Out

Sax & Guitar | Lunchtime Concert Monday 4th March, 1.00-2.00pm | The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury

Award winning musicians Jonathan Radford and Andrey Lebedev present a unique and colourful programme exploring the rich culture of popular music from around the world with both original and transcribed works for saxophone and guitar. Praised for his “exceptional musicianship and emotive playing”, saxophonist Jonathan Radford is the 2018 Royal Over-Seas League Music Competition Gold Medalist and first prize winner. He has given recitals at major venues across Europe including Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Bridgewater Hall, Grieg Hall in Bergen and Philharmonie in Paris and has been featured as a Rising Star in the BBC Music Magazine. Andrey Lebedev is a prize winner of the 2017 ARD Music Jonathan Radford saxophone Competition, regarded as the world’s most prestigious. He burst Andrey Lebedev guitar on to the international music scene in 2014 invited by luminary Bartók Romanian Folk Dances guitarist Julian Bream to perform a London solo recital including Villa Lobos Bachianas Brasileras No.5 ground-breaking new commissions by Sir Harrison Birtwistle Pizzzolla Histoire du Tango and Leo Brouwer, and the following year worked with guitarist Charles Mariano The Lady John Williams on a recital project of Australian chamber music Ralph Towner From a Dream, Distant Hills, Duende including the world premiere of Gertrude Fragments by Brett Dean. Lunch as you listen! Bar from 11.00 | Lunch from 12.00 (arrive/order early to take lunch into concert) Countess of Munster Recital Scheme School Parties welcome 10 Carducci String Quartet Series The Romantic Piano Quintets

I Sun 10 Mar with Clare Hammond piano St Mary’s Church, Bridgnorth II Tue 16 Apr with Peter Caelen piano The Gateway, Shrewsbury III Sun 12 May with Simon Callaghan piano Prestfelde School, Shrewsbury

The Carduccis join forces with three brilliant young pianists – Clare Hammond, Peter Caelen and Simon Callaghan, to explore the romantic piano quintet masterpieces of Schumann, Saint Saens and Brahms. These works, all written between 1842 and 1864 will be performed alongside some of the greatest string quartets, including by Mozart, Borodin and Britten. Don’t miss the Carduccis illuminating introductory talk before the first concert ‘Exploring the romantic string quartets’.

“Performances of supreme clarity, focus and precision” Gramophone

Carducci String Quartet: I | Clare Hammond piano Sunday 10th March, 3.00pm | St Mary’s Church, Bridgnorth

Featuring Schumann’s gloriously exuberant Piano Quintet of 1842, with RPS award winning pianist Clare Hammond, and a musical journey from Mozart’s most famous quartet to Philip Glass’ meditative and up-lifting Quartet No.5. Mozart Quartet K465 No.19 (‘Dissonance’) Philip Glass Quartet No.5 Schumann Piano Quintet

“A pianist of amazing power and panache” (Clare Hammond) The Telegraph

LOCAL BOX OFFICE: Parker Taylor, 47 High St, Bridgnorth, Tel: 01746 762495 Much Wenlock Books, Tel: 01952 727877 Pre concert talk 2.15pm: ‘Exploring the romantic piano quintets’ In conjunction with Music at St. Mary’s 11 The Versatility Serenaders Sunday 24th March, 3.00pm | Blackburn Theatre, Prestfelde School, Shrewsbury

Bringing to life some of the most entertaining and neglected areas of music from the early 20th century – from the Edwardian recording studio and parlour to concert hall and dance hall. The late Victorian Era to the early 1920’s is one of the most significant periods in the development of music, when the different styles exploded through the medium of sound recording. Pioneering the authentic performance movement of this musical epoch, the Versatility Serenaders convivially engage and regale their audience on a journey through a variety of genres, paying entertaining tribute to Edwardian popular and Art music: from Tin Pan Alley, Music Hall, The Great War, Cakewalk, Hawaiian, Waltzes, Ballads, Ragtime, Chorinho and other South American styles, Ethnic/Folk, Blues and through to the first serious strains of Jazz and Dance Band Era popular music. This unique ensemble showcases its virtuoso members’ ability to play an enormous variety of instruments and genres, witness Matt Redman playing over 20 including guitars, banjos, mandolin, double bass, oud, xylophone and piano four-hands duet with Jon Butterfield; the melodic zest of Simon Marsh on clarinet, saxophones and flutes; and the mellifluous, pure voice, and idiomatic pre- jazz and nostalgia stylings of Patricia Hammond (as at home here as in early music or opera). They bring to life many of these records and musical genres in the style of the originals – both popular ‘hits’ and some not heard since they were recorded 100 years ago.

Carducci String Quartet: II | Peter Caelen piano Tuesday 16th April, 7.30pm | The Gateway, Shrewsbury

An exploration of Saint Saens’ youthful and romantic Piano Quintet of 1855, with brilliant Dutch pianist Peter Caelen, alongside early quartet masterpieces by Beethoven and Britten.

Beethoven Op.18 No.5 Britten Quartet No.1 Saint Saens Piano Quintet

“Empathetic and totally impressive playing” (Caelen with the Carducci) Reinische Post

Interval drinks with the Carduccis

12 Hebrides Ensemble Friday 26th April, 7.30pm | The Gateway, Shrewsbury

Zoë Beyers violin With programmes that are diverse, imaginative and inspiring, the Hebrides William Conway cello Ensemble has established itself as one of the foremost chamber music Philip Moore piano collectives in the UK. Debussy Piano Trio G major This concert will offer a fascinating glimpse of the young Claude Debussy Bernstein Piano Trio and Leonard Bernstein at the beginning of their extraordinary careers, Nigel Dvorak Dumky Trio (Piano Trio No.4 in E minor) Osborne’s intriguing tale of travel to Burma and Antonin Dvorák’s beautifully Nigel Osborne (The Piano Tuner) nostalgic masterpiece. Introduced by the players

European Union Chamber Orchestra | Emma Johnson clarinet Thursday 2nd May, 7.30pm | Holy Trinity Church, Oswestry

Warlock Capriol Suite A welcome return to Oswestry by the EUCO with ‘Britain’s favourite Mozart Clarinet Concerto clarinettist’ (The Times) Emma Johnson, playing one of Mozart’s greatest Barber Adagio concertos alongside Warlock’s joyful Capriol Suite based on 16th century Haydn Symphony No.44 (‘Trauer’) French dances, and Haydn’s most exciting and dramatic ‘Trauer’ symphony. EUCO is directed by charismatic German violinist, Hans-Peter Hofmann. Pre-Concert Talk 7.00: Meet Emma Johnson Since winning the BBC Young Musician of the Year at the age of seventeen LOCAL BOX OFFICE: Rowanthorn, Chapel Court, Emma has gone on to become one of the UK’s most popular classical artists, Oswestry. Tel: 01691 238227 having sold over half a million albums worldwide including several classical In association with Oswestry School Recital Series chart-topping successes and many awards, and is known for the diverse range of her repertoire, a wide range of other musical activities, and regular radio and TV appearances. She was awarded an MBE in 1996. EUCO, Europe’s leading cultural ambassador is familiar worldwide in “Emma walks on and suddenly transforms herself an astonishing range of places playing with many distinguished soloists – into an expressive instrument of sublime beauty” including in Shrewsbury last season in a memorable performance with the eminent trumpet virtuoso, Crispian Steele Perkins. The Guardian Sponsored by “As near to perfection as it’s possible to get” The Telegraph

13 Carducci String Quartet: III | Simon Callaghan piano Sunday 12th May, 3.00pm | Blackburn Theatre, Prestfelde School, Shrewsbury

Travelling from a beautiful early work by Arthur Bliss to the Russian romanticism of Borodin’s much loved quartet. Brahm’s powerful Quintet of 1864 brings the afternoon to a thrilling conclusion. Bliss String Quartet in A Maj Borodin String Quartet No.2 Brahms Piano Quintet

“Velvet-gloved pianism of ravishing sensitivity” (Simon Callaghan) The Strad

A Beethoven Experience | Complete works for cello & piano Sunday 26th May, Concert I: 3.30pm, Concert 2: 7.30pm | Concord College, Acton Burnell

Richard Jenkinson cello Benjamin Frith piano Discovery Session I: 2.00-3.15 Concert I: 3.30 Sonata No.1 7 Variations on Mozart’s Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen 12 Variations on Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen Sonata No.3 Discovery Session II: 5.15-6.30 Concert II: 7.30 Sonata No.2 12 Variations on ‘See the conqu’ring hero comes’ Sonata No.4 Richard Jenkinson and Benjamin Frith have been playing together for over Sonata No.5 twenty years and have performed in many of the country’s most prestigious Buffet: from 6.30pm (pre-booked /see Booking Form) venues. They both share something of an obsession for the work of Beethoven (Any allergies & special dietary requirements – with a combined experience of performing the majority of the great man’s oeuvre. contact: [email protected]) Concert tickets include: preceding Discovery Session Following the success of last season’s Schubert Experience, this unique day of discovery offers a rare opportunity to hear all of Beethoven’s cello and piano In association with Concord College works with illuminating insight by the distinguished musicologist and Viennese Classical period specialist Richard Wigmore.

Ex Cathedra | ‘Summer Music by Candlelight’ Friday 14th June, 8.00pm | St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury

A programme of joyous music for a magical midsummer evening, performed by the glow of candles at dusk. This atmospheric sequence of words and music is inspired by four centuries of seasonal music – A counterpart to Christmas Music by Candlelight – this concert will send you home singing of summertime. A packed house were enthralled by the choir’s second ‘Summer Music’ visit, which this year moves again to a larger venue. Performed without interval (finish at approx. 9.45pm) Enjoy a pre-drink from 7.15pm

“Spine-tinglingly lovely... a breathtaking feat of pure ensemble singing” Birmingham Post “Beautifully conceived... performed exquisitely” Birmingham Post

14 HOW TO BOOK TICKETSOURCE phone (& answer service) BOX OFFICES: Tel 0333 666 3366 Mon-Fri 9.00-7.00 / Sat 9.00-5.00 SALOP SHEET MUSIC post / phone / in person Tel 01743 365561. Email [email protected] 294 Monkmoor Road, Shrewsbury SY2 5TF Opening Hours Mon-Sat 9.30-5.30 ONLINE www.ticketsource.co.uk/smt

Booking Service Fee Applies to all methods of booking, plus £1.50 for post

SEATING In all venues the seats are Unreserved EARLY BOOKING IS ADVISABLE BOOKING From 3rd September Friends/Patrons/Savers: will be given priority GROUP REDUCTION One Event – 10 Tickets or more – 10% Discount. SPECIAL OFFERS Only one offer applies to any one ticket, and all are subject to availability. Season Discounts: see inside cover REFUNDS The Trust cannot refund money or exchange tickets. However, it will try to resell tickets, once all other tickets are sold with an administrative charge of £1 per ticket. LATECOMERS The Trust reserves the right to refuse admission until a suitable break or the first intermission. The right is reserved to alter artists or programmes if necessary

OSWESTRY SCHOOL Recital Series SUMMER FESTIVALS Six Concerts Sept-June Whittington Chamber Mid May www.whittingtonmusicfestival.org.uk www.oswestryschool.org.uk Bridgnorth Haydn Early June www.englishhaydn.com Join the MAILING LIST Gregynog Mid/Late June for early details/updates www.gwlgregynogfestival.org (Email and/or Postal) Llanfyllin End July E: Season Leaflet and Updates www.llanfyllinfestival.org.uk P: Season Leaflet only (annually) End July/Aug [email protected] Church Stretton (simply put Mail List in subject box) www.strettonfestival.org.uk Shropshire Music Trust Presteigne End Aug FREEPOST SY169, Shrewsbury SY5 6BR www.presteignefestival.com

15 Friday 12 Oct 7.30pm Bach by Candlelight Part II: Zoë Beyers, violin Cound Church

Saturday 27 Oct 2.00pm London Mozart Players: Ferdinand the Bull: Family 7.30pm London Mozart Players: Jamal Aliyev, cello St Alkmund’s Church, Shrewsbury

Sunday 11 Nov 3.00pm Collegium Musicum 90: The Corelli Phenomenon The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury

Monday 26 Nov 1.00pm Lunchtime: String Beats The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury

Thursday 29 Nov 7.30pm Mid Wales Opera: ‘A Spanish Hour’ Ravel SpArc Theatre, Bishops Castle

Friday 7 Dec 7.30pm Ex Cathedra: ‘Christmas by Candlelight’ St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury

Sunday 20 Jan 6.00pm Quintets at Dusk: Innovation Ensemble – Bruckner, Mozart The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury

Friday 8 Feb 7.30pm Song Recital: James Gilchrist (tenor), Chris Symons (piano) The Gateway, Shrewsbury

Friday 15 Feb 7.30pm A4 Brass Ensemble Wem Town Hall

Thursday 28 Feb 7.30pm Zemlinsky String Quartet The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury

Sunday 3 Mar 3.00pm Pop-up Opera: Tragedie de Carmen Prestfelde School, Shrewsbury at a glance 2018-2019 Monday 4 Mar 1.00pm Lunchtime: Saxophone & Guitar The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury

Sunday 10 Mar 3.00pm Carducci Quartet I: with Clare Hammond, piano St Mary’s Church, Bridgnorth

Sunday 24 Mar 3.00pm Versatility Serenaders Prestfelde School, Shrewsbury

Tuesday 16 Apr 3.00pm Carducci Quartet II: with Peter Caelen, piano The Gateway, Shrewsbury

Friday 26 Apr 7.30pm Hebrides Ensemble The Gateway, Shrewsbury

Thursday 2 May 7.30pm European Union Chamber Orchestra: Emma Johnson, clarinet Holy Trinity Church, Oswestry

Sunday 12 May 3.00pm Carducci Quartet III: with Simon Callaghan, piano Prestfelde School, Shrewsbury

Sunday 26 May 3.30pm & ‘A Beethoven Experience’: Jenkinson, cello / Frith, piano 7.30pm Concord College, Acton Burnell

Friday 14 Jun 8.00pm Ex Cathedra: ‘Summer Music by Candlelight’ St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury

BOOKING – See Booking Form and Information inside..... creative digital printing solutions | shrewsbury | 01743 263 030