Manchester Mid-day Concerts Society 1819 brochure​

The Manchester Mid-day Concerts Society 18|19 at The Bridgewater Hall

The

Manchester

Mid-day Concerts Society

Est. 1915

Welcome to the 2018|19 series of Manchester Mid-day Concerts at The Bridgewater Hall Last year I was the happy recipient of more than 150 applications from emerging artists, from which I selected just over 20 applicants for live audition. It gave me a snapshot of the tremendous amount of talent out there and an insight into how keen young artists are to play for us. This season we have programmed 12 concerts from the audition process rather than the usual eight. Leif Kaner-Lidström applied to audition with his father (the celebrated cellist Mats Lidström). Mats – with an established international career and exciting stage presence – did not need to audition, so we offered the father and son duo a concert straight away. The Aurora Percussion Duo – whose visceral, dynamic performances and almost telepathic communication I have witnessed on-stage many times – applied for audition but were immediately offered an engagement instead. The standard of pianists was astronomical, and highlights included the Syrian pianist Riyad Nicolas and the British/Romanian pianist Florian Mitrea.

A theme of fusions began to emerge as we undertook the programming process. Included this season are Klezmer-ish – an ensemble combining klezmer with music from worldwide folk traditions, K’antu Ensemble – a vocal/instrumental group presenting early music within a folk and world music context, and the World Percussion Group bringing together instruments and musical traditions from many countries.

Specially invited are the newly re-formed Apollo Saxophone Quartet, Giovanni Guzzo – the charismatic former leader of Manchester Camerata now enjoying a truly international concert and recording career – the Scott Brothers Duo and the outstanding Manchester Chamber Choir.

This season of concerts is a journey – a world tour even – and I do hope you enjoy the trip with us.

Simon Parkin Director of Concerts

© Peter Lawson

Friends & Supporters of the Manchester Mid-day Concerts Society The Manchester Mid-day Concerts Society is an independent charity that supports young musicians in the early stages of their careers. Established in 1915 by the Committee for Music in Wartime, the Society’s mission is to encourage emerging artists by offering a prestigious performance opportunity and access to invaluable networks and audiences, as well as offer exceptional, affordable daytime concerts within the city of Manchester.

The Society’s aims are still being fulfilled over 100 years since its creation and this has only been possible due to the continued help of our invaluable Friends and Supporters. As cuts to funding continue to make conditions difficult, it is more important than ever to ask for help in continuing our work.

If you would like to support the Mid-days from as little as £25 per annum and join a family of supporters who help to ensure the future of the Manchester Mid-day Concerts Society, visit manchester-mid-days.co.uk​ or call 07976 812 301 for more information.

Concerts start at 1.10pm and finish at approximately 2.00pm manchester-mid-days.co.uk The Manchester Mid-day Concerts Society reserves the right to change artists and programmes if necessary. All information correct at time of going to print.

1

Trio Zadig

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Ian Barber ​piano Boris Borgolotto ​violin Marc Girard Garcia ​cello Thursday 20 September 1.10pm

Ravel ​Piano Trio Haydn P ​ iano Trio in C major Hob. XV:27 Paris-based Trio Zadig (French strings, American pianist) impressed at audition with their confidence, professionalism and the immediacy of their playing, which has an enormous colour range, energy and commitment.

They are multiple prizewinners and have received warm recommendation from the luminary pianist Menahem Pressler. The Ravel Piano Trio, with its warm modal melodies and shimmering virtuosity, highlights their talent to the utmost. The crisp, lively Haydn trio with its startling turns of harmony, shows the strength of their precision and ensemble playing. This is an ensemble with enormous potential for a major international career and we are proud to include them as our season opener.

2

Dominic Degavino ​piano

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Wednesday 10 October 1.10pm

Janáček​​Piano Sonata 1.X. 1905 Schumann ​Kreisleriana Op.16 (Phantasien für das Pianoforte) Dominic’s playing is characterised by its great sensitivity for colour and sonority. He is also a highly gifted jazz pianist and the creative freedom required for great jazz playing is clear in his interpretations of classical repertoire. His growing list of prizes and successes in international competitions shows that he is definitely a pianist to watch for the future. ​ Janáček’s P ​ iano Sonata is typically quixotic and unpredictable. From simple folk-like beginnings, it can veer into dark areas of tonality, take a small motive and obsess with it, and suddenly brew up a dramatic storm which just as suddenly clears. Listening to ​Janáček can be a wild ride, but always fascinating. Dominic pairs the ​Janáček with Schumann’s ​Kreisleriana, a characteristic early Romantic combination of the stormy and the poetic.

Supported by the Stephen Bell Charitable Trust 3

Hee-Young Lim ​cello Nathalia Milstein ​piano

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Thursday 18 October 1.10pm

Rachmaninov​Sonata in G minor for Piano and Cello Op.19 Rachmaninov ​Vocalise Op.34 No.14 Hee-Young flew over from Berlin for her audition and impressed us with her characterful and energetic performances of Shostakovich and Ginastera, as well as with the warmth and lyricism of her sound. Her musical journey has taken her from South Korea to the USA, Weimar and Rotterdam, where she is now Principal Cellist of the Philharmonic Orchestra.

We are delighted that – together with the award-winning pianist Nathalia Milstein – she will be playing Rachmaninov’s mighty ​Sonata, for which the pianist deserves at least equal billing. You should check out Nathalia’s Rachmaninov ​Concerto performance on YouTube to see what a pianistic as well as cellistic treat we have to look forward to.

Concert given in memory of Jeremy Haworth 4

Scott Brothers Duo

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Jonathan Scott ​organ | Tom Scott ​piano Thursday 8 November 1.10pm

Rossini arr. J. Scott​​Overture to The Barber of Seville | Addinsell​​ Warsaw Concerto | Grieg arr. J. Scott​​Peer Gynt Suite No.1 Op.46 Debussy arr. J. Scott ​Clair de Lune (Suite Bergamasque) Borodin arr. J. Scott​​Polovtsian Dances The Scott Brothers Duo need little introduction as they are practically series residents and have a wonderful relationship with their audiences.

The Duo always provide imaginative, lively and often specially written arrangements for their concerts, introduced with wry humour. The Warsaw Concerto will take many of us back to our childhoods and it will be fun to hear the resurrection of this piece. The entire programme has been cleverly chosen so we can hear familiar music in a novel setting.

Reserved seating is in place for this popular performance, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Sponsored by Brown Shipley 5

Apollo Saxophone Quartet

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Rob Buckland | Carl Raven Andy Scott | Jim Fieldhouse Friday 23 November 1.10pm

LuĂ­s Tinoco Short Cuts Simon Parkin A G F Barbara Thompson White from Saxophone Quartet No.2 Graham Fitkin Stub Will Gregory High Life The members of the Apollo Saxophone Quartet parted ways a number of years ago in order to pursue very busy individual careers in performing, teaching and composing, and they have now happily reformed. They are an ensemble of immense skill, energy and versatility, and have chosen a typically punchy programme for their Mid-day performance, with minimalist and jazz influences. This will be an energy-boost of a concert, introduced by the performers in a lively and engaging way.

6

Florian Mitrea ​piano

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Thursday 6 December 1.10pm

Haydn​​Sonata in E-flat major Hob. XVI:52 Debussy ​Three preludes: La Danse de Puck, La cathédrale engloutie, Feux d’artifice Liszt​​Mephisto-Waltz No.1 Florian submitted a stunningly good, professional DVD for us to listen to before we invited him to audition. We certainly weren’t disappointed by his live performance, in which his flawless technique was matched by his sense of musical commitment and his feeling for piano colour and sonority. His programme is well chosen to show the range of his playing: crisp classicism in the Haydn; sensitive colouring in the Debussy; and demonic virtuosity in the Liszt.

Supported by an anonymous donor

7

The Manchester Chamber Choir

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Jonathan Lo c ​ onductor

Wednesday 19 December 1.10pm

Trad arr. Willcocks​Ding Dong Merrily on High | Boris Ord​Adam lay Ybounden | Trad arr. Willcocks​Il est ne, le divin Enfant Tavener​The Lamb | William Matthias​Sir Christemas Trad arr. Rutter​Sans Day Carol | Cecilia McDowall​Cradle Song Harold Darke​In the Bleak Midwinter | Cheryl Frances-Hoad​ Good Day Sir Christemas | Bob Chilcott​Remember, O Thou Man Trad arr. Chilcott The Twelve Days of Christmas The Manchester Chamber Choir closed our previous season with some fine singing. Under their dynamic conductor the choir demonstrated an expressive range that really captivated the audience, and so we invited them to return for this season’s Christmas concert. They have not disappointed in their choice of programme. Reserved seating is in place for this popular performance, so book early to avoid disappointment.

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Sponsored by Brewin Dolphin

Aurora Percussion Duo

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Delia Stevens | Le Yu

Thursday 17 January 1.10pm

Anver Dorman Udacrep Akubrad | Ivan Trevino Catching Shadows Casey Cangelosi Plato’s Cave | Piazzolla Tango Suite Gene Koshinksi Dance of the Drums Daniel Wirtz Das Lied vom jungen Akkordeonspieler Other than Piazzolla, I doubt that most of us have heard of many of the composers in this programme, but that should not be cause for concern in a percussion concert. It is always amazing to watch the natural way in which top percussionists convey rhythm – totally tight and relaxed at the same time – and to see two performers instinctively acting as one can be a riveting experience. Le Yu and Delia Stevens have been working together for some years and this shows in the degree of communication and understanding between them. This will be a truly fiery and fascinating concert, and a unique experience for many of us.

Sponsored by the Haworth Charitable Trust 9

Gildas Quartet & Jack McNeill

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Christopher Jones violin Gemma Sharples violin Kay Stephen viola | Anna Menzies cello Jack McNeill clarinet Tuesday 29 January 1.10pm

Mozart Quintet in A major for Clarinet and Strings K.581 David Bruce A selection from Gumboots for clarinet/bass clarinet and string quartet The Mozart Clarinet Quintet in A major needs little introduction, being one of two sublime masterpieces written for this medium (Brahms being the composer of the other). The piece by David Bruce features African music influences with powerful rhythm, energy and tunefulness, and will end this concert on a high. The Gildas Quartet have strong Manchester connections and they have teamed up with Cumbrian Jack McNeill, a lively and versatile musician who is also a guitarist and a singer-songwriter.

10

Sponsored by the Friends of the Mid-days

Riyad Nicolas piano

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Friday 1 February 1.10pm

Chopin Piano Sonata No.3 in B minor Op.58 Chopin Étude Op.25, No.11 Liszt Paganini Étude No.6 Riyad studied and made his debut in Aleppo, and came to the UK as a prodigy to take part in international competitions. There is such a wealth of competitive pianistic talent in Syria and the Lebanon, and we are particularly happy to welcome Riyad as a representative of the amazing talent that will survive any amount of political turmoil. Chopin and Liszt will display Riyad’s technique and musical sensitivity to the utmost.

Sponsored by an anonymous donor

11

RNCM Opera Gala

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Silvia Magagni piano Eliza Boom soprano | Lucy Vallis mezzo soprano Iain Henderson tenor | John Ieuan Jones baritone Tuesday 5 February 1.10pm

Lehár Dein ist mein ganzes Herz (Das Land des Lächelns); Love Unspoken (The Merry Widow) | Donizetti Bella siccome un angelo; Tornami a dir che m’ami (Don Pasquale) | Dvořák Song to the Moon (Rusalka) | Bizet Seguidilla (Carmen); Au fond du temple saint/ Les pêcheurs de perles (The Pearl Fishers) | Mozart Là ci darem la mano (Don Giovanni); Soave sia il vento (Cosi fan tutte) | Walton I was a constant, faithful wife (The Bear) | Delibes The Flower Duet (Lakme) | Verdi Libiamo ne’ lieti calici (La Traviata) Ieuan has a gorgeous, warm baritone voice and we are showcasing his talents alongside colleagues from the RNCM. This programme of arias and ensemble pieces will be a lively and excellently presented concert.

12

Sponsored by the Haworth Charitable Trust

Eliza Boom

John Ieuan Jones

Heejae Kim ​piano

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Thursday 14 February 1.10pm

Shostakovich Prelude and Fugue No.24 in D minor Op.87 Schumann Fantasie in C major Op.17 We are delighted to be able to introduce Heejae to Manchester audiences following her success in the 2015 Leeds International Piano Competition, where she was placed second overall and declared the winner of the Terence Judd-Hallé Orchestra Prize. Our partnership with the Hallé means we are able to offer a performance opportunity to their Terence Judd-Hallé Orchestra Prize winners. It is a particular pleasure to be able to welcome a pianist of such passion and sensitivity, as Heejae’s performance of Schumann’s great, groundbreaking Fantasie in C major will certainly demonstrate.

13

K’antu Ensemble

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Ruth Hopkins soprano/baroque violin/recorders Sarah Langdon alto/recorders | Michelle Holloway alto/recorders Ben Mitchell tenor/baroque guitar/charango Chris Terepin bass/viola da gamba Tymoteusz Jozwiak​bass/percussion Friday 22 February 1.10pm

Dancing and the Divine from Montserrat Monastery, Spain, to Oaxaca Cathedral, Mexico This versatile, intriguing and multi-talented vocal/instrumental ensemble played and sang for us at audition in December. The panel and audience were immediately struck by the uniqueness of their sound. From acapella to instrumental pieces in many combinations, the ensemble draws from repertoire from across the world and the centuries. This performance combines Hispanic culture from both sides of the globe, in a unique fusion of early, world and folk music.

Sponsored by The Orchard Trust 14

Duo Bauhinia

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Sirius Chau flute Chi-Hoi Cheung piano Monday 4 March 1.10pm

Poulenc Sonata for Flute and Piano, FP 164 Claude Bolling Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Prokofiev Sonata for Flute and Piano in D major, Op.94 Sirius and Chi-Hoi showed in their December audition the strength, brilliance, softness and lyricism that can be brought to the flute and piano repertoire in the hands of fine musicians. The Poulenc and the Prokofiev Sonatas (we heard the latter in a violin recital last season, and it will be interesting to compare this with Prokofiev’s original configuration) are two of the finest pieces in the repertoire, combining sparkling virtuosity with gorgeous, well-shaped melodies. The Bolling Suite is fluffy and jazz-influenced, and completes a vibrant recital programme.

15

Giovanni Guzzo violin Simon Parkin piano

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Thursday 14 March 1.10pm

Beethoven Violin Sonata No.5 Op.24 ‘Spring’ Janáček Violin Sonata Many of us will remember Giovanni’s revelatory performances and charismatic leadership of Manchester Camerata. Giovanni has since moved to Berlin, where he is developing a career as an international soloist. His recent recording of the Ysaye Solo Sonatas has garnered stellar reviews.

He is a phenomenal, unique talent, and I am delighted that he has agreed to play for us, and even more so that he has agreed to use the ‘house’ pianist!

There could hardly be a greater contrast between the two major sonatas in the programme. The serene, sparkling and sunny Beethoven against the Janáček, with its near-frenzied beginning, troubled atmosphere and hysteria, alongside moments of great poise and beauty.

Supported by Nigel Hirst 16

Klezmer-ish

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Thomas Verity clarinet/whistle Rob Shepley guitar/violin Connie Del Vecchio violin/piano accordion Marcel Becker double bass Tuesday 26 March 1.10pm

Trad Dancing with the Rabbi | Heim Give me a lift to Tzfat Brandwein Leading the In-laws home | Trad Doina/Street Melody Trad 7:40 | Piazzolla Oblivion; Adiós Nonino Rob Shepley September Sun | Trad Dark Eyes Klezmer-ish have discovered a blend of music and informal performance style that is proving to be an enormous hit with their audiences. There is common ground between the folk and popular music of many countries and today’s programme – travelling from middle Europe to Ireland by way of Argentina – is both diverse and unified. Klezmer-ish met while in the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra; they are classically-trained musicians and masters of their craft. It will be wonderful to witness them in this unconstrained format.

17

Maraca2 – World Percussion Group Monday 1 April 1.10pm

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Although this is the second percussion-based concert in our season, when the duo Maraca2 asked us whether there might be an opportunity to showcase the remarkable and diverse talent of the World Percussion Group, it was too good an opportunity to miss. The excitement and physicality of a percussion concert might be a new experience for some of us, but the range of sounds and musical traditions represented here is something that I really feel fits in with the spirit of our new season. The World Percussion Group doesn’t have a set list of personnel, but comprises successful audition candidates from hundreds of applicants worldwide. A star soloist, a composer-in-residence and several ensemble players are selected to embark on a European or World tour. Last year, the collective travelled to and from each tour location by cruise ship. We are proud to be opening their European tour this year and their line-up will feature players and repertoire from all over the world. Their season will start – quite literally – with a bang.

Maraca2 – World Percussion Group is sponsored by: P&O Cruises; Innovative Percussion, Inc.; Marimba One; SABIAN; Remo Inc.; Black Swamp Percussion; Pearl; Tapspace 18

Emily Nebel violin Alexey Pudinov piano

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Thursday 11 April 1.10pm

Elgar Violin Sonata in E minor Op.82 Ravel Violin Sonata No.2 One of the things that really struck the panel about Emily and Alexey during their audition in December was how they presented themselves as a duo. The rapport and understanding that develops between two musicians takes time to become established, and too many applicants still present themselves with grab-and-go pianists. Emily and Alexey are very well-matched and both successful prizewinners in their own right. Their programme combines the dignified and poignant Elgar, and the wonderful Ravel Sonata with its transparent, crystalline textures, its famous blues movement and exciting perpetuum mobile finale.

Sponsored by the Ida Carroll Trust

19

Mats Lidström cello Leif Kaner-Lidström piano

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Wednesday 1 May 1.10pm

J.S. Bach Alla Siciliana BWV 1067 J.S. Bach Adagio ma non tanto BWV 1016 J.S. Bach Adagio BWV 1017 J.S. Bach Vivace BWV 1018 Franck Sonata in A major We are privileged to be able to conclude the season with the celebrated Swedish cellist Mats Lidström, performing with his son Leif. Mats’ dynamic stage presence and career as performer, composer, transcriber and author has brought him international fame. Leif is currently based in Manchester and is rapidly gaining a reputation as a talented chamber musician. The four Bach transcriptions by Mats are part of an ongoing series that he is producing.

The Franck (originally for violin) needs little introduction, except to restate that it has vast emotional range and depth when played on the cello.

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Tickets Single Tickets In person: £9.50 | £8 concession £5 student Advance sales online & by phone: £12 | £10.50 concession £7.50 student (incl £2.50 booking fee*) Flexible Booking Book 12 or more concerts and get 15% off standard ticket prices: £8.08 per concert (£6.80 for concessions) Book 6—11 concerts and get 10% off standard ticket prices: £8.55 per concert (£7.20 for concessions) Booking Information Tickets can be purchased in advance and on the day of the concert from the Box Office, The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley St, Manchester M2 3WS. Box Office open Monday to Saturday 10.00am—6.00pm Sunday (concert nights only) 12.00 noon—6.00pm Closed on non-concert Sundays Counter service until 8.00pm on concert nights.

Box Office 0161 907 9000

Book Online www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk Payment can be made by cash, cheque (made payable to ‘The Bridgewater Hall’) or credit/ debit card. * A booking fee of £2.50 per ticket applies to telephone and online transactions. No fee applies to tickets bought in person or purchased as part of a flexible subscription.

Group Discounts Group discounts are available for any Manchester Mid-day Concerts and vary according to the size of your group. Contact the Group Bookings Co-ordinator on 0161 907 9010 or email groups@bridgewater-hall.co.uk for details.

Stalls Café Bar Enjoy morning coffee or a tasty lunch before the concert in the elegant surroundings of The Bridgewater Hall’s Stalls Café Bar. Open from 11.00am—2.30pm on concert days, serving a range of hot meals, sandwiches and pastries.

Acknowledgements

The Manchester Mid-day Concerts Society wishes to acknowledge Board membership support from Business in the Arts North West

The

Manchester

Mid-day Concerts Society

Est. 1915

The work of the Manchester Mid-day Concerts Society would not be possible without its Friends, Supporters and Sponsors. We gratefully acknowledge the support of:

Friends of the Mid-days Mrs Sheila Abrams Mrs P. Barnard Mrs K. M. Barton Mrs B. Benson Mr Paul Berry Mr F. Blamey Mr John Capper Mrs Hazel Carter Hon. Friend Mr T. J. Chapman Mr W. D. Christian Miss J. M. Clarke Mrs P. Coombs Mr Derrick Curtis Mr K. Daykin Mr C. J. Dodson Mr R. Flint Mrs E. Flint

Mrs A. Godlee Mr Tom Halsall Mrs C. Hampson Ms Norma Hayden Dr Susan Hilton Mr J. Honigman Mrs Inge Jackson Mrs M. Jones Mrs D. M. Kendall Mr J. D. Kinsey Mrs H. Lentin Mr Jeffery Lockett Mrs J. Loverseed Mr R. G. Martindale Mr David McKeith Mr P. North Ms D. Penney Mrs M. Philipps

Mr M. and Mrs J. Redhead Ms J. Rhodes Mr H. Ross Mr P. W. Sampson Ms Doreen Schofield Mr A. & Mrs P. Sluce Mr R. Spencer Mrs N. Stephenson Mr P. Stephenson Mr G. W. Taylor Mr I. Taylor Mrs M. Taylor Rev. J. E. Thompson Mrs M. Thorn Mr David Walton Mr J. K. Ward Mr J. M. Watson

Ms C. Webb Mr W. H. Weightman Mrs C. M. Westwood Dr K. Whale Miss Christine Whittaker Mrs Alison Wilkinson

Supporters of the Mid-days

Sponsors of the Mid-days

The Stephen Bell Charitable Trust Mr Nigel Hirst One anonymous donor

Brewin Dolphin Brown Shipley The Friends of the Mid-days The Haworth Charitable Trust The Ida Carroll Trust The Orchard Trust One anonymous donor

Director of Concerts: Simon Parkin Administrator: Clare Preston-Pollitt Email: manchestermid-days@live.co.uk manchester-mid-days.co.uk

These concerts are promoted by the Manchester Mid-day Concerts Society Registered Charity No. 224723