MONTEVERDI APPRENTICES SHOWCASE RECITAL
Monday 4 March at 6pm - The Tithe Barn, Messums Wiltshire
This evening’s informal recital at Messums Wiltshire is the culmination of a four-day workshop held at The Springhead Trust, marking the mid-way point of our Apprentices’ time with the Monteverdi ensembles. Their apprenticeships began with a two-part European tour of Verdi’s Requiem in September and November, preceded by an introductory workshop led by members of the Monteverdi Choir. In January the Apprentices attended a three-day workshop in London that covered activities ranging from an intensive study of the challenges of interpreting recitatives with David Watkin, to a day of drama, movement and acting with Thomas Guthrie, alongside German language tuition by Dietrich Henschel, Italian language tuition by Matteo Dalle Fratte and an introduction to yoga practice, and its particular value to singers, by Liz Lark. Our Apprentices have proved to be a magnificent addition to the Monteverdi ensembles, and we hope that you enjoy this showcase of their talent. Sir John Eliot Gardiner - Artistic Director, the Monteverdi Choir & Orchestras Messums Wiltshire is delighted to welcome you and the Monteverdi Apprentices to a special evening and location. The Barn was built in 1279 by the Abbess of Shaftesbury for Monastic storage. Since 2016 it has hosted events that celebrate the creative endeavour with works often seen here for the first time. We are delighted to be able to support Sir John Eliot and the Monteverdi Choir & Orchestras in their inspiring work. Johnathan Messum - Director, Messums Wiltshire
TONIGHT’S PROGRAMME: Brahms: Einförmig ist der Liebe Gram, Op. 113, No. 8 Schumann: Blüth’ oder Schnee, Op. 65/iii Monteverdi: Era l’anima mia (Fifth book of madrigals) Schütz: Ich beschwöre euch, SWV 339 Brahms: Nachtwache I (from Fünf Gesänge, Op. 104) Handel: Oh terror & astonishment (from Semele, HWV 58) Bach: Lobet den Herrn, BWV 230 Haydn: Tod und Schlaf, Hob XXVII:b, No. 17 Saint-Saëns: Calme des nuits, Op. 68, No. 1 Fauré: Madrigal, Op. 35 Grainger: Brigg Fair Grainger: Shallow Brown Grainger: Danny Boy
Featuring members of the Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists: Peter Davoren (tenor), Martha McLorinan (alto), Eleanor Meynell (soprano & piano), Graham Neal (tenor), Oliver-John Ruthven (organ), Lawrence Wallington (bass), Poppy Walshaw (cello).
ABOUT THE APPRENTICES PROGRAMME The Monteverdi Apprentices Programme is an artist development scheme that provides a holistic and comprehensive experience, offering the very best young musicians a bridge between university or conservatoire, and the professional world. Now in its eighth iteration, the Programme continues to have a deep impact upon the development of all these young singers, past and present: extending their musical horizons and broadening their career aspirations. It is difficult to exaggerate the benefits the programme offers in terms of its varied opportunities, enabling the Apprentices to work closely with musicians of the highest calibre and under the direction of one of the world’s finest conductors and interpreters of classical music. While this pioneering initiative has been imitated and augmented by other European ensembles it remains pre-eminent in its field and is heavily oversubscribed.
SUPPORT THE APPRENTICES PROGRAMME The Apprentices Programme receives no public subsidy, and relies on the generosity of donors, supporters, and charitable foundations. To discuss how you can offer your support, and thereby ensure that the scheme remains available to aspiring young musicians, please contact Tom Hansell on +44 (0)20 3197 9818 or email tom@monteverdi.org.uk
With thanks to current supporters of the Apprentices: Geoffrey Barnett Mr Roger Chadder Heather Davies Morny & Ian Hay Davison Mr John Fairbairn & Mrs Felicity Fairbairn Paul Nettelmann Mr Keith Salway Mrs Helen Skinner
Trust and Foundations: The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust The Garrick Club Charitable Trust The Golsoncott Foundation The Idlewild Trust The Kirby Laing Foundation The Thistle Trust
We also gratefully acknowledge those who support the wider work of the Monteverdi ensembles. Their generosity enables us not just to nurture the next generation of musicians, but to plan for a long term, sustainable future that continues our legacy of world-class, historically inspired performances. Thank you.
HANDEL SEMELE TOUR After a series of workshops at the end of March, our current Apprentices will take to the concert platform in April and May for our European tour of Handel’s Semele. Alongside the Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists and John Eliot Gardiner, they will have the opportunity to experience the rigours of touring as professional musicians, singing in some of the world’s most prestigious venues. Mon 8 April 2019 Philharmonie Paris, France
Wed 24 April 2019 Palau de la Música Barcelona, Spain
Thu 2 May 2019 Alexandra Palace London, U.K.
Join us on Thursday 2 May 2019 at London’s ‘oldest new theatre’ to see our Apprentices in action with the Monteverdi ensembles in a new production of ‘Handel’s sexiest opera’, within the stunning surroundings of the newly-renovated Victorian theatre at Alexandra Palace.
Mon 6 May 2019 Teatro alla Scala Milan, Italy
Wed 8 May 2019 Sala Santa Cecilia Rome, Italy
BOOK NOW
theatre.alexandrapalace.com Booking line: 0871 220 0260
calls cost 13p per minute plus standard network rates
We would like to extend our thanks to Messums Wiltshire for generously hosting tonight’s performance. www.messumswiltshire.com
MONTEVERDI CHOIR AND ORCHESTRAS LIMITED | Level 12, 20 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London E14 4AD, UK +44 (0)20 7719 0120 | www.monteverdi.co.uk | Registered charity 272279 | Company registered in England & Wales 1277513