My apologies. In the November Newsletter I forgot to include the visit from the Widmore Ensemble for March 2008. As you can see, it has been updated below
15h December 2007 Christmas Party
Members are urged to bring along any Christmas Music, carols for performance. Visit the blog site for more information.
Update!! Update!!! Update!!
I have been reminded to ask that members attending please bring along a plate of food and something to drink for the evening? And if any one wants to organise a quiz, please let me know!!
19th January 2008
Ensemble and Solo pieces
16th February 2008
Ensemble and Solo Pieces
15th March 2008
Widmore Ensemble and Solo Pieces
19th April 2008
Wealden Ensemble visit and performance
17th May 2008
Enfield Ensemble visit
Lute Society Meeting 24th November 2007
(Thanks to Ray Butcher)
Don't forget the next Lute Society meeting will take place on Saturday 24th November, at the Swedenborg Hall, at 20-21 Bloomsbury Way, London, near Holborn tube.
The day will have an 18th century theme.
Miguel Serdoura won't be able to make it for his mini-recital; very kindly Arngeir Hauksson has offered to play, at short notice - prepare for a surprise!
The new Lute Society anthology of lute poems will be on sale, and volume two of Jon Banks's mediaeval trios, also God willing, some Dutch Lute Society facsimiles. Brian Jordan will be there, with his selection of music and books. No need to book - just turn up!
10.45 Coffee
11.20 The lute family in 18th and 19th century England, a talk by Peter Holman, with musical illustrations played by Andrew Maginley.
12.20 Discussion period
12.30 Mini-recital by Arngeir Hauksson.
1.00 Break for lunch
2.10 Presentation of new mandora made by David van Edwards and summer school students, with a short recital and introduction by Martyn Hodgson.
2.30 Continuo practice on the D minor baroque lute, an illustrated talk and mini-recital by Andrew Maginley, with songs sung by Emma Curtis, soprano.
3.30 Discussion period and tea
4.00 The Lute Society Recital: Richard Sweeney plays baroque lute music.
Don't forget the next Lute Society meeting will take place on Saturday 24th November, at the Swedenborg Hall, at 20-21 Bloomsbury Way, London, near Holborn tube.
The day will have an 18th century theme.
Miguel Serdoura won't be able to make it for his mini-recital; very kindly Arngeir Hauksson has offered to play, at short notice - prepare for a surprise!
The new Lute Society anthology of lute poems will be on sale, and volume two of Jon Banks's mediaeval trios, also God willing, some Dutch Lute Society facsimiles. Brian Jordan will be there, with his selection of music and books. No need to book - just turn up!
10.45 Coffee
11.20 The lute family in 18th and 19th century England, a talk by Peter Holman, with musical illustrations played by Andrew Maginley.
12.20 Discussion period
12.30 Mini-recital by Arngeir Hauksson.
1.00 Break for lunch
2.10 Presentation of new mandora made by David van Edwards and summer school students, with a short recital and introduction by Martyn Hodgson.
2.30 Continuo practice on the D minor baroque lute, an illustrated talk and mini-recital by Andrew Maginley, with songs sung by Emma Curtis, soprano.
3.30 Discussion period and tea
4.00 The Lute Society Recital: Richard Sweeney plays baroque lute music.
Xuefei Yang Concert: Warmth of Spain in Chilly Bromley
Well it may have been a cold November Saturday night in Bromley, but everyone at St Marks Church was transported to the sunny climes of Spain thanks to the brilliant , flawless recital from Xuefei Yang.
The recital began with a magic rendition of Albeniz's Cordoba and Sevilla followed by Barrios Un Sueno un la Floresta. By this time the church at St Marks was now a warm and vibrant place. Xuefei then took us to South America with a moving arrangment of El Condor Pasa (arr, by Morel) and an enchanting version of Lauro's sei por derecho. Then it was back to Spain with a superbly delivered arrangement of Tarrega's Carnival of Venice and, to me ,one of the best peformances of Recuerdos del Alhambra I have ever heard.
After interval, the warmth became a fire as we were treated to Bach's Lute Suite in E and the highlight of technical virtuosity and dexterity with Brouwer's Sonata. It was one of the best concerts I have been to in a long time and I can only feel sorry for those outside in Bromley's chilly streets who missed out the warmth that we all enjoyed at St Marks.
The BGS have a proud tradition of organising recitals of high quality and they don't appear by magic. A lot of hard work (and worry) often takes place behind the scenes and I would like to take the opportunity of thanking Denis Stockton for his work in arranging for Xuefei to play for us. I would also like to acknowledge the hard work done by Dave and Janet Smyth in coordinating the bookings which is not an easy process. Jack Strivens, Trevor Pike, Stephen Dowdell, Dave Hampton, Theresa Stockton and Alan Green played a vital role in assisting with the management of the venue and publicity. The success of last night's concert would not have happened without their much valued input.
And as a postscript I would like it on record that it was my footstool that Xuefei Yang used during her recital! :)