Cambridge Classical Concert Series October 2014 – May 2015
Cambridge Classical Concert series continues to go from ‘ Ourstrength to strength. Why? Because of the massive support we get from our loyal and enthusiastic audiences. This, in turn, has encouraged us to further enhance our participation programme so as to enable more and more families and young people to experience the glories of the greatest classical music.
’
Dr Nigel Brown O.B.E Orchestral Series Patron
This season we have increased the number of concerts to seven including three from our Orchestra in Residence, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO). We’re also pleased to welcome back the European Union Chamber Orchestra with soloist Emma Johnson and enjoy first time visits from Royal Northern Sinfonia and Brussels Philharmonic performing Saint-Saëns’ massive Organ Symphony, which is sure to be a season highlight. The new season’s big news is the appointment of award-winning pianist Freddy Kempf as Artist in Residence. Freddy has become a clear Cambridge favourite and we’re delighted that he has agreed to work with us this year. He will perform his favourite sonatas at an intimate recital in October and Grieg’s famous piano concerto with the RPO as our season finale in May. Our partnerships with the RPO and Cambridgeshire Music have enabled us to significantly progress the work we do with young people. We delivered three major interactive projects around the RPO concerts last season alongside a range of other events, including hosting the hugely successful County Youth Orchestra Christmas concert. We’re particularly proud to be able to give young people the thrilling experience of performing live in front of our classical audiences at the Corn Exchange, alongside world class professional musicians from the RPO. This season with Freddy’s help even more projects are planned and we hope you will enjoy witnessing the results at some of our concerts. Steve Bagnall – Cambridge Corn Exchange
tremendously excited and delighted to have been appointed Artist in Residence ‘ I’m at Cambridge Corn Exchange. The venue is a pleasure to play in, and particularly so as it lies in the heart of one of the UK’s prime historical and educational cities – how fitting to finally become a part of it and to be able to work with and hopefully inspire local music students.
’
Freddy Kempf, Artist in Residence
Photo: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra by Bill Hiskett
Friday 17 Oct 2014 | 7.30pm
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor Piano Schumann Rachmaninov Brahms
Fabien Gabel Natasha Paremski Manfred Overture Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Symphony No. 2
Opening its second season as Corn Exchange Orchestra in Residence, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is joined by Fabien Gabel, a leading conductor of his generation. Schumann’s exceptionally accomplished Manfred Overture is one of his most imaginative and intensely felt pieces. A veracious interpreter of Romantic music, pianist Natasha Paremski joins the Orchestra for this performance of Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, bringing this undisputed masterpiece to life with astounding virtuosity. Full of warmth and optimism and flowing with lush, joyful melodies, Brahms’ Symphony No.2 shows a melodic genius at the pinnacle of his powers and magnificently brings the concert to a close. Did you know? Born in Moscow, Natasha Paremski moved to the United States at the age of eight and made her professional debut just a year later, with the El Camino Youth Symphony Orchestra in California. Pre-concert talk Cambridge City Hotel at 6pm – Free Photo: Natasha Paremski by Andrea Joynt
Wednesday 3 Dec 2014 | 7.30pm
Brussels Philharmonic Conductor Piano Organ Borodin Beethoven Saint-Saëns
Michel Tabachnik Noriko Ogawa Oliver Condy Polovtsian Dances Piano Concerto No. 3 Symphony No. 3
Founded in 1935, Brussels Philharmonic has performed with many great conductors and soloists and has premiered new works by world-renowned composers such as Bartók, Stravinsky and Messiaen. The evening opens with Borodin’s spirited and lively Polovtsian Dances. Noriko Ogawa, who so captured the hearts of Corn Exchange audiences last season, returns to play Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3, a piece which demands an unprecedented range of emotional colour and expression from the pianist. Of his Symphony No. 3, Saint-Saëns said ‘I gave everything to it I was able to give. What I have accomplished here, I will never achieve again.’ For this extraordinarily rich symphony, the orchestra is joined this evening by celebrated organist Oliver Condy. Did you know? The main theme of the fourth movement of Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3 was adapted and used in the 1977 pop-song If I Had Words by Scott Fitzgerald and Yvonne Keeley. The song and the symphony also featured as the main theme in the 1995 film Babe. Pre-concert talk Cambridge University Press Bookshop at 6pm – Free Photo: Noriko Ogawa by Milena Mihaylova
Friday 23 Jan 2015 | 7.30pm
Royal Northern Sinfonia Director Cello Barber Mozart Saint-Saëns Mozart
Kyra Humphreys Violin Natalie Clein Adagio for Strings Violin Concerto No. 4 Cello Concerto No. 1 Symphony No. 29
Royal Northern Sinfonia regularly appears at leading venues throughout the world including London’s Royal Albert Hall where it has performed at the BBC Proms to great critical acclaim. Barber’s Adagio for Strings is one of the most poignant and heartfelt pieces of classical music ever written. Kyra Humphreys directs the ensemble whilst playing Mozart’s elegant Violin Concerto No. 4. After the interval, award winning cellist Natalie Clein brings out all the lyricism of Saint-Saëns’ majestic Cello Concerto No. 1. Composed at the age of just 18, Mozart’s eloquent and spirited Symphony No. 29, with its impetuous and brilliant finale, is a fitting conclusion to this exceptional evening. Did you know? Northern Sinfonia became ‘Royal’ Northern Sinfonia in June 2013, after the title was bestowed on the orchestra by the Queen. Pre-concert talk Cambridge City Hotel at 6pm – Free
Photo: Natalie Clein by Sussie Ahlburg
Thursday 12 Feb 2015 | 7.30pm
St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra Conductor Violin Shostakovich Tchaikovsky Sibelius Tchaikovsky
Vladimir Altschuler Alexander Sitkovetsky Hamlet (Incidental Music) Violin Concerto Karelia Suite Romeo and Juliet
This evening’s concert, under the assured conductorship of Vladimir Altschuler, opens with Shostakovich’s dramatic and gripping Incidental Music for Hamlet. Tchaikovsky’s sublime Violin Concerto is performed with great passion and panache by Alexander Sitkovetsky, a prodigiously talented protégée of Yehudi Menuhin. Sibelius’ deep affinity with Finnish land and folklore finds its fullest expression in his stirring and passionate Karelia Suite. The evening ends with what is generally considered to be Tchaikovsky’s first great masterpiece, the tender, poignant and heartfelt Romeo and Juliet. Did you know? The history of the St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra began in 1931 when an ensemble was organised at the Leningrad Radio. During the World War II Siege of Leningrad, this orchestra of Leningrad Radio was the only symphony orchestra remaining in the blockaded city. Pre-concert talk Cambridge City Hotel at 6pm – Free Photo: Alexander Sitkovetsky
Thursday 5 Mar 2015 | 7.30pm
European Union Chamber Orchestra Conductor Clarinet Holst Mozart Grieg Mozart
Hans-Peter Hofmann Emma Johnson St Paul’s Suite Clarinet Concerto Two Elegiac Melodies Symphony No. 33
The European Union Chamber Orchestra makes a welcome return to the Corn Exchange in a concert conducted by Hans-Peter Hofmann, one of the most outstanding conductors in the world today. The evening begins with Holst’s St Paul’s Suite, one of the towering masterpieces of Western culture. Emma Johnson, a firm favourite with Cambridge audiences, brings her vivacious and delicate playing style to Mozart’s much loved Clarinet Concerto. Grieg’s intense lyricism reaches its fullest expression in his subtle and expressive Two Elegiac Melodies. The evening ends in superb style with Mozart’s playful and brilliant Symphony No. 33. Did you know? Holst spent his early years with a Swedish Gypsy caravan, explaining the strong emotional connection he felt when writing the Intermezzo section of the St Paul’s Suite. Pre-concert talk Cambridge University Press Bookshop at 6pm – Free Photo: Emma Johnson by John Batten Photography
Saturday 11 Apr 2015 | 7.30pm
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor Violin Beethoven Elgar
Christoph Koenig Pinchas Zukerman Symphony No. 3 ‘Eroica’ Violin Concerto in B minor
The concert opens with Beethoven’s Symphony No.3 (‘Eroica’), a work that, in its ambition, unprecedented scale and emotional depth, heralded the beginning of the Romantic Era. Elgar’s Violin Concerto in B minor is widely considered to match the melodic beauty of Beethoven. It is undoubtedly the greatest English contribution to the treasury of Romantic violin concertos, the smaller episodes flowing together seamlessly to produce a body of juxtaposed intimacy and astonishing brilliance. Acclaimed violinist Pinchas Zukerman will take to the stage to perform this magnificent concerto. Did you know? Originally entitled ‘Bonaparte’ after Napoleon, Beethoven changed the title of his third symphony to ‘Eroica’ (Heroic), disgusted at Napoleon declaring himself ‘Emperor’ – his hero becoming, in Beethoven’s words, ‘just another tyrant’. Pre-concert talk Cambridge City Hotel at 6pm – Free
Photo: Pinchas Zukerman by Paul Labelle
Saturday 30 May 2015 | 7.30pm
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor Piano Glinka Grieg Ravel Stravinsky
Rory Macdonald Freddy Kempf Ruslan and Ludmilla Overture Piano Concerto Mother Goose Suite The Firebird Suite
The final concert in the 2014/15 series opens with Glinka’s sparkling and delicate Overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla. Grieg’s Piano Concerto is replete with rich lyrical melodies and passages of show-stopping virtuosity, the perfect vehicle to showcase Freddy Kempf’s virtuosic skill in this, his final appearance as Corn Exchange Artist in Residence. After the interval, the audience is treated to Ravel’s playful and evocative Mother Goose Suite. One of the most electrifying and exciting works from the early twentieth century, Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite draws this year’s orchestral series to a close in unforgettable style. Did you know? Freddy Kempf made his concerto debut with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of only eight, and has maintained a strong link with the orchestra ever since. Pre-concert talk Cambridge City Hotel at 6pm – Free Photo: Rory Macdonald by Ruth Crafer
Tuesday 28 Oct 2014 | 7.30pm
Freddy Kempf Recital Beethoven Sonata No. 27 in E minor Schubert Sonata in A major Tchaikovsky Grand Sonata in G major, op. 37 For his opening performance as Corn Exchange Artist in Residence, award-winning pianist Freddy Kempf has assembled a selection of his favourite sonatas. From its sombre opening movement, to its lyrical and passionate conclusion, Beethoven’s Sonata No. 27 is one of the composer’s most inspired creations. By turns majestic, lyrical and tempestuous, Schubert’s Sonata in A Major is the perfect showcase for Freddy Kempf’s exceptional virtuosic skills. Tchaikovsky’s beguiling Grand Sonata in G Major juxtaposes moments of great tenderness and restraint with surging, fast-flowing passages requiring the most deft and expressive playing. Did you know? Schubert tragically died two months after composing his ‘late’ sonatas, in his early 30s, depriving the composer of a true late period. Tickets: £24.50, £20.50 Students & U16s: £12.50 each Prices include a £2.50 booking fee Please note this recital is an additional concert to the seven making up the orchestral series. Tickets can be purchased separately at the box office and bookers of a ‘7 concert’ subscription will receive a 25% discount voucher for this recital with their tickets. Photo: Freddy Kempf by Hori
We are very proud of the work we do alongside Cambridgeshire Music and RPO resound, giving young people from Cambridge and the wider region the opportunity to hear amazing classical music and encourage them to get involved and experience performing for our audiences. ‘ I’ve talked to many people from different schools that I wouldn’t have met if I hadn’t taken part in this project.’ In this coming year we are planning major projects linked to all three Royal Philharmonic Orchestra concerts. These projects will involve composition, performance and film. We are also presenting an exciting keyboard project linked to Freddy Kempf’s recital on 28 October 2014. Where possible we are documenting this work and a link to these films will be available on the Corn Exchange website – cornex.co.uk/participate ‘ The project has been really helpful and gave me inspiration.’
‘ This project has taught me so much; it’s widened my understanding of choreography.’
We would like to thank Cambridgeshire Music Hub, Orchestras Live and the John Lewis Partnership for their generous support for this work.
Ticket information Prices ZONE A Individual Concert Prices
ZONE B
ZONE C
£38.50 £34.50
£28.50
Subscribe, save up to £80 and pay no booking fees Seven Concerts Subscriptions
Restricted View £15.50 Individual ticket prices include a £2.50 booking fee. Student & U16s: £12.50 each Group Bookings: £17.50 per ticket for groups of 20 or more.
Booking dates Seven concert subscription priority booking opens: Thursday 3 April – Thursday 8 May Six or four concert subscription booking opens: Tuesday 13 May Individual concert booking opens: Tuesday 20 May
• Enjoy a priority booking period • First option on your favourite seats next season • Discounted tickets for the Freddy Kempf Recital ZONE A All Seven Concerts
ZONE A Six Concerts
For more info see cornex.co.uk
£140
PER SEASON
PER SEASON
ZONE B
ZONE C
£165
PER SEASON
£147
£120
ZONE B
ZONE C
£111
£91 91
PER SEASON PER SEASON
Four Concerts Subscriptions ZONE A
Facilities for disabled patrons
Disabled Seating
£168
ZONE C
Six Concerts Subscriptions
Four Concerts The Corn Exchange is pleased to welcome disabled patrons to the venue. Please inform the Box Office staff of any special requirements when making your booking.
£189
PER SEASON
ZONE B
£125
PER SEASON
PER SEASON PER SEASON
New for 2014 Subscriptions for six or four concerts can also be booked online from 13 May at cornex.co.uk
Subscriptions booking form
Would you like to subscribe for: All seven concerts Six concerts Four concerts Please tick if you: Require a wheelchair position Are visually impaired Are registered disabled
If you are a full series subscriber and would like the same seats from last season, please tick here * Please fill in your preferred seating zone, number of subscriptions and cost. * Please ensure the same zone is selected for all your chosen concerts.
All seven concerts
Seating Zone No. of Cost Per ( A, B or C ) Subscriptions Subscription
Payment (please tick the following): By Credit /Debit Card Please debit my: Visa
Mastercard
Maestro
Card No Valid From
Expiry Date
Issue No (if applicable) Total Cost
3 digit security code
October 2014 – May 2015 Full Season
Amount
Six or four concerts
By Cheque/Postal Order
Signature
17.10.14 03.12.14 23.01.15 12.02.15 05.03.15 11.04.15 30.05.15
Cheques should be made payable to: Cambridge City Council By Standing Order (only available to full series subscribers): Spread the cost of payments at 0% interest. Tick the box if you would like a standing order form sent to you. Please note that standing orders cannot be received after Tuesday 13 May 2014.
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Brussels Philharmonic Royal Northern Sinfonia St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra European Union Chamber Orchestra Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
(please ensure the address provided is that of the registered cardholder)
Personal Details (please complete in block capitals): Name
Voluntary donation to support education work – Thank you
£
Address
Pre-order programmes (£2.50 in advance or £3 on the night)
Postcode
Would you like to pre-order your programmes? YES How many programmes do you require for each concert you are attending?
Telephone No
TOTAL COST OF PROGRAMMES at £2.50 each Sub Total
Please note: tickets for the Freddy Kempf Recital are available directly from the box office on 01223 357851 or online at cornex.co.uk
Postage of tickets at £1 (optional) GRAND TOTAL
Email Please tick the box if you would like to receive information regarding the Corn Exchange via email and/or post Return Form to: Orchestral Series Booking, Box Office, Cambridge Corn Exchange, Wheeler Street, Cambridge CB2 3QB, fax it to 01223 350658 or scan/email to boxoffice@cambridge.gov.uk
Media Partners: