Classical and Jazz: Latest News > February 24
Published: 24 February, 2011
by SEBASTIAN TAYLOR
DEFENDANTS of public libraries against the cuts will be interested in a fund-raiser for the Akili Trust at Lauderdale House next Thursday evening.
The trust promotes literacy and education in rural Kenya where it has two public libraries and provides education bursaries. Its computer-equipped libraries act as a focal point for their respective communities in a way that Camden’s need to continue to do.
Much of the trust’s funding comes from Lauderdale House fundraisers. Three concerts raised £7,000 last year.
Next week’s Jazz for Kenya concert is being given by local professional musicians. These include accomplished young violinist Thomas Gould, leader of the edgy Aurora Orchestra, who was brought up in Belsize Park and educated at University College School.
Leader of the edgy Aurora Orchestra, he played Mozart’s Violin Concerto No 5 at its recent Kings Place concert.
At Lauderdale House, he’s playing with jazz trio featuring Jean-Marie Fagon on guitar and Ewan Bleach on clarinet and saxophone.
His main instrument is a 1754 Gennaro Gagliano violin. Unusually, he plays a six-string electric violin made by American violin-maker John Jordan.
Also performing at the concert will be Hampstead Garden Suburb soprano Emily Phillips, yet another of the top musicians to emerge from South Hampstead High School. She’ll be accompanied by pianist Hester Crombie.
You’ll be able to catch Emily singing in The Magic Flute and La Rondine with Opera Holland Park in June and July. Then’s she’s off to France to sing with Opera de Bauge in Anjou.