Roman River Festival
World class music in atmospheric, intimate churches in the Roman River valley on the borders of Essex and Suffolk.
Clinker Peapod James Dodds
29 September –– 7 October 2012
Roman River Festival 2012 We invite you to a week of romantic and dramatic music in eight beautiful churches on the borders of Essex and Suffolk, including for the first time Fordham, Stoke by Nayland, Boxted, Lawford and Dedham. Delve into the sound worlds of Chopin, Grieg, Britten and Tchaikowsky and revel in the genius of Schubert, Mozart and Beethoven. We present the world première of a work by the young composer John Barber, and we have sprinkled other works by living composers thoughout the week. We welcome for the first time fabulous musicians Katharine Gowers, Richard Lester, Tom Poster, John McMunn, Maggie Cole, Roger Montgomery, Stephanie Gonley, Julia Gooding, Sebastian Comberti, Keri Fuge, Callum Thorpe, rising local stars Victoria Goldsmith and Amber Furssedonn-Coates, and the worldfamous Philharmonia Voices. We are delighted to welcome back four musicians who made big impressions at previous festivals – Caryl Hughes, James Boyd, Simon Crawford-Phillips and Simon Blendis. We offer you our first orchestral concert, the chance to join our Festival Choir (for which there are a handful of places left in the tenor and bass sections), family concerts, and a grand concert to mark the culmination of our expanded schools programme, which now involves six primary schools. For the first time in living memory, a rare 1793 fortepiano – lovingly restored to concert condition – will be played in its former home at the Minories in a recital by the charismatic and much-recorded early keyboard virtuoso Maggie Cole. A special occasion in a favourite building.
We are delighted to be able to hold ticket prices at last year's level. Prices will range from £2.50 for the family concerts to £22.50 for the best seats at the large-scale events. We offer very low-priced tickets to those aged 25 and under – please see the booking form. Details of the concerts can be found by opening out the brochure. We look forward to welcoming you to the festival.
Norfolk Crabber James Dodds
HOW TO BOOK TICKETS Using the separate booking form, please fill in the number of tickets you would like for each concert, and the total cost for each concert. Supporters' ticket applications will be processed on 7 June or thereafter as they arrive. Any remaining seats will be allocated on 5 July or thereafter. All seats are unreserved. By post Please send the completed booking form, making your cheque payable to Roman River Music, and enclosing a SAE to: ZĂŠlie Jopling, South Green Farmhouse, Fingringhoe, CO5 7DP. Online via our website using PayPal from 5 July (or 7 June if you support us). By phone or email Box office enquiries are on 01206 729 356 or at info@romanrivermusic.org.uk It is not too late to become a supporter. All you need to do is add a minimum of ÂŁ25 to your order. We are within two hours drive from London and Cambridge and our website has information on all the venues including addresses, maps, some seating plans, and suggestions on where to enjoy delicious local wine, beer and seafood. We can send the information out with the tickets at your request.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Roman River Festival takes place in a lovely part of Essex and Suffolk, with wide, open skies above peaceful estuaries. We are privileged to hold our concerts in beautiful churches which were of course built for worship rather than concerts. Some seats have better views than others so for the first time we are offering side-aisle seats at a reduced price at Stoke by Nayland, Lawford and Dedham churches. Stoke by Nayland, Fordham and Dedham churches have pews, and you may like to bring a cushion! FOOD, DRINK AND ACCOMMODATION Wine and beer from Adnams will be offered by each church at all the concerts, and in return we encourage you to give a small donation towards the upkeep and restoration of the wonderful buildings. There are excellent B&Bs and places to eat listed on our website. BECOME A SUPPORTER Our Supporters, Friends, Patrons and Benefactors enable us to continue and develop our work with children, giving them a profound and engaging experience with music. Their support also ensures that our vibrant, stimulating and world-class festival will continue, bringing artists and ensembles of international standing to our special corner of Essex. In return for their commitment, supporters enjoy priority booking for all concerts, and receptions and opportunities to meet the artists during the festival. If you would like more details of how to join please get in touch with ZĂŠlie Jopling on 01206 729 356 or at info@romanrivermusic.org.uk.
OPEN OUT FOR CONCERTS âžž
Saturday 29 September 11am and 1.30pm
FAMILY CONCERTS FOR AGES 8 – 88 Rebecca Sharp soprano Matthew Sharp baritone & cello Dominic Harlan piano, musical direction Storytelling in Song For many years Dominic Harlan has been working in schools in Colchester for Roman River Music. Now it is your chance to experience his engaging and ebullient style, along with two leading classical singers. Harlan is irrepressibly enthusiastic ... a terrifically engaging pianist, actor and communicator ... terrific fun, and not just for kids. (The Singer) Devised, directed and presented by Dominic Harlan 11am Nayland Village Hall 1.30pm Old House Barn, Great Horkesley
£2.50
Saturday 29 September 1.30pm
FAMILY CONCERT FOR EVERYBODY including toddlers £2.50 1.30pm Abberton & Langenhoe Village Hall Saturday 29 September 4pm
YOUNG TALENT SHOWCASE Victoria Goldsmith violin, Amber Furssedonn-Coates soprano; pupils from St John's, Mersea Island, Layer de la Haye, Willow Brook, Fingringhoe and St John's Green primary schools, and the winner of the Colchester Rotary Musician 2012 competition. Led by Dominic Harlan piano and Amanda Forbes soprano
The Sixth Form College, Colchester Free to participants' friends and families, supporters of Roman River Music and audiences of the family concerts.
Sunday 30 September 11am
SOLO BACH
Orlando Jopling cello Bach John Barber
Suite for solo cello no. 3 in C major World première of new piece for solo cello Commissioned by John Doubleday
✩✩✩✩✩ We sat in the grip of delight ... exceptional. (The Times on John Barber ’s community opera for last year's Spitalfields Festival) St Andrew’s Church, Abberton
£7.50
Sunday 30 September 3pm
A RARE 1793 FORTEPIANO James Boyd viola
Maggie Cole fortepiano
Schubert and Mozart The renowned musician Maggie Cole plays on a 1793 fortepiano, which lived in the Minories in Colchester for 200 years and is now restored to tip-top concert condition. James Boyd ’s mischievous delight in the cut and thrust of chamber music will be matched by Maggie Cole ’s quicksilver musicianship, and the intimate sound world of the fortepiano will be the perfect foil to the viola. A graceful, vital musician with an elegant technique and a razor-sharp feeling for phrasing and accent. (New York Times on Maggie Cole) Performances of rare beauty and great power. (All Music Guide on James Boyd) The Minories, Colchester
£12.50
Sunday 30 September 6pm
ROMANTIC VIOLIN Katharine Gowers violin Simon Crawford-Phillips piano Enescu Debussy
Sonata in A minor, Op 25 Sonata in D minor
Katharine Gowers is a star of the violin world, with flawless technique, wonderful sound and a big personality. She has an unerring knack of finding and communicating the lyrical heart of any piece of music. Since he last appeared at Roman River Festival, Simon Crawford-Phillips has played at the Wigmore Hall, toured some of the major concert halls of Europe, recorded two CDs and made his debut directing performances from the keyboard. A romantic and expressive programme, including the dramatic sonata by Janáçek. Katharine Gowers has the tonal splendour and controlled passion of a Kyung Wha Chung. (The Sunday Times) Playing of extraordinary eloquence and skill. (Manchester Online on Simon Crawford-Philips)
St Mary's Church, Lawford
£17.50 / £12.50 side aisles
Tuesday 2 October 8pm
STANFORD'S BLUEBIRD The Philharmonia Voices Aidan Oliver director Palestrina O rex gloriae Byrd Viri Galilaei Victoria Duo seraphim Lassus Sanctus (Missa in te Domine) Victoria O quam gloriosum Byrd Justorum animae Parry My soul, there is a country & Never weather-beaten sail Barber Heaven-haven & Let down the bars, O death Stanford The Bluebird Macmillan Christus vincit Five years ago Aidan Oliver formed the Philharmonia Voices by bringing together some of the best young singers in London. As well as regularly working with the world-class Philharmonia Orchestra and its legendary conductors, they are also in demand all over the world in their own right. The Philharmonia Voices were exceptional. (The Guardian) ✩✩✩✩✩ (The Financial Times)
St Mary's Church, Dedham
£22.50 / £12.50 side aisles
Wednesday 3 October 8pm
SOLO PIANO RECITAL Tom Poster piano Beethoven Grieg Chopin
Sonata in E major Op. 109 Lyric pieces Sonata in Bb Minor Op. 35
Two mighty piano sonatas frame lovely miniatures by Grieg. Tom won the keyboard section of the BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2000 and has since enjoyed a stratospheric career which is all the more impressive when you hear him introduce his recital – intelligent, engaging and totally without pretension. An unparalleled sound-magician. (General-Anzeiger) A marvel who can play anything in any style. (The Herald) St Andrew’s Church, Fingringhoe Sponsored by an anonymous benefactor.
£17.50
Thursday 4 October 8pm
SCHUBERT QUINTET Simon Blendis & Katharine Gowers violins James Boyd viola Richard Lester & Orlando Jopling cellos Schubert
Quintet in C major D956
The great masterpiece of the chamber music repertoire played by some of the top chamber musicians in the country, who will limber up in the first half with some effervescent duos and trios. All Saints Church, Fordham Sponsored by an anonymous benefactor.
£17.50
Friday 5 October 8pm
TCHAIKOWSKY PIANO TRIO Stephanie Gonley violin Richard Lester cello Tom Poster piano Haydn Huw Watkins Tchaikowsky
Piano Trio Piano Trio Piano Trio in A minor Op. 50
Two of our musicians in residence are joined by the wonderful Stephanie Gonley, leader of the English Chamber Orchestra and much-recorded concerto soloist and chamber musician. Dazzlingly good chamber ensemble ... exuberantly expressive, intimate style ... gorgeously idiomatic playing. (The Times on Stephanie Gonley) St Andrew’s Church, Fingringhoe
£17.50
Saturday 6 October 11am
SOLO BACH Richard Lester cello Bach
Suite for solo cello no.1 in G major and no.5 in C minor
The well-known 1st Suite and the soulful, dramatic 5th Suite, in the lovely atmosphere of Boxted Church. The playing, interpretation, and recorded sound are perfection; every note, every phrase, every balance is beyond criticism. (Fanfare magazine on Richard Lester) St Peter's Church, Boxted
£7.50
Saturday 6 October 6pm
MOZART REQUIEM Keri Fuge soprano Caryl Hughes mezzo John McMunn tenor Callum Thorpe bass Roger Montgomery horn Festival Choir and Orchestra Orlando Jopling conductor Britten Mozart
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings Requiem
Evocative and dramatic masterpieces by Britten and Mozart. Roger Montgomery is principal horn of both the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the Royal Opera House. Caryl Hughes, who proved such a hit last year, is joined by three other exceptional young singers, a top-class professional orchestra and our very own Festival Choir. St Mary's Church, Stoke by Nayland
ÂŁ22.50 / ÂŁ12.50 side aisles
If you are an experienced singer and would like to join the Festival Choir, please contact us for an application form or download one from the website. At the time of going to press there are a few places left in the tenor and bass sections; we can add your name to the waiting list for the sopranos and altos.
Sponsored by the Pimlott Foundation.
Sunday 7 October 11.30am
A MUSICAL MATINﾃ右 Julia Gooding soprano Sebastian Comberti cello Maggie Cole the Minories fortepiano Songs by Schubert and miniatures by Mozart, Berlioz and Chopin Julia Gooding has that rare combination of a rich, beautiful voice (a timbre of burnished antique gold, according to one critic), musical understanding, technical control and virtuoso agility. Sebastian Comberti is a leading figure in the period instrument world, playing principal cello with the major orchestras and in demand as a chamber musician and soloist.
St Edmund's Church, East Mersea
ﾂ｣12.50
SCHOOLS PROGRAMME Dominic Harlan piano, musical direction Amanda Forbes soprano Our music days involve a class of pupils in a day of songwriting, singing and drama in areas of regeneration where musical experience is limited. The whole school joins the performance at the end of the day so that as many as possible can benefit from the experience. This year the schools programme will expand to include six schools. Participants will perform together during the festival on Saturday 29 October at 4pm at the Sixth Form College. Roman River Music is able to run this outreach project through grants from funding bodies and the generosity of our supporters.
COACHING and OPEN REHEARSALS In collaboration with the Pimlott Foundation Tues 2 Oct pm Open rehearsal Philharmonia Voices Weds 3, Thurs 4 and Fri 5 Oct pm Coaching & lessons Sat 6 Oct pm Open rehearsal Mozart Requiem If you know a student, talented young musician or enthusiastic amateur who might be interested in having an informal coaching with one of our top-class (but very friendly) musicians, please get in touch. Tickets to listen to open rehearsals cost ÂŁ3 on the door and are free to festival supporters and school parties. If you think your local school might be interested in these opportunities, please do let them know. We will have precise timings nearer the festival.
WARMEST THANKS ‌ ... to James Dodds for generously allowing us to use his paintings for our brochure and programme (www.jamesdodds.co.uk) ... to John Doubleday for the loan of the fortepiano ... to our loyal supporters and to our funders, notably the Arts Council, the Fowler Smith & Jones Charitable Trust, the Pimlott Foundation, two anonymous benefactors, the Holst Foundation and the Tanner Trust. Many donations have been matched by Localgiving.com ... to Lyn Rodley for her invaluable brochure type-setting ... to our great team of volunteers, especially the Mozart and Schools Programme teams, who along with the PCCs and churchwardens at our venues, help to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Roman River Festival is organised and promoted by Roman River Music, a charitable trust Registered Charity Number 1126395
Detail, Clinker Peapod James Dodds
Roman River Music info@romanrivermusic.org.uk 01206 729 356 Artistic Director Orlando Jopling Schools Programme Director Dominic Harlan Director ZĂŠlie Jopling Treasurer Lindsay Wilson Trustees & Steering Committee Harry Anderson, Adrian Biggs, Andrew Canessa, Jessica Cottrell, Ruth Dence, Rebecca Rocket, Lyn Rodley, Melanie Wright
www.romanrivermusic.org.uk Printed on FSC-approved paper with vegetable-based inks