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Summer's big draw
IT is without doubt one of the highlights of the early
summer, when it seems as though every church, public building
and street corner has been taken over by some of the world’s
finest classical musicians.
This week saw the unveiling of the programme for the fantastic
Hampstead and Highgate Festival, beginning with a gala concert
on May 11 and ending a week and a half later with the Festival
Finale, both concerts at St John-at-Hampstead, in Church Row.
Undoubtedly one of the biggest draws will be the Allegri Quartet
– such an institution it is now celebrating its 50th anniversary.
They are performing on May 17 at St John-at-Hampstead and their
programme includes Schubert’s marvellous one movement quartet
Quartettsatz, Beethoven’s Quartet in A Minor, Shostakovich’s
Quartet no 11 in F minor and Webern’s Langsamer Satz.
Another big draw with be the celebrated South African pianist
Tessa Uys performing Rachmaninov’s preludes, Haydn’s
Sonata in B Minor and Liszt’s terrific St Francois de Paule
marchant sur les flots.
Then there is the Highgate Choral Society (whose next concert
is in March) performing Mozart’s Mass in C Minor, along
with Bliss and Elgar, at All Hallows’ Church in Gospel
Oak on May 13.
There is even space for jazz, with one of Britain’s finest
jazz singers. Ian Shaw, performing at Lauderdale House, guided
walks through Hampstead and a couple of evenings looking at
the sky at the Hampstead Observatory.
Tickets will be in high demand, so early booking is advised.
Ring the New End Theatre on 0870 033 2733 for the box office.
• Another exciting aspect to this year’s festival
is the Competition for Young Composers, being held alongside.
George Vass, the artistic director of the festival, said: “We
have put together a superb programme and the competition is
part of getting young people from the area involved.
“The idea came about when we were considering the depth
of musical talent we have in the young people of the area and
we wanted to give them the chance to showcase their abilities.”
There are three age groups, 11-13, 14-16 and 17-19, and entrants
are required to write a solo work for piano and another instrument.
The deadline is April 10.
For more information budding composers can go to www.hamandhighfest.co.uk
to download the application form. |
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