The Manchester Mid-day Concerts Society 19|20 brochure by The Bridgewater Hall

The Manchester Mid-day Concerts Society 19|20 at The Bridgewater Hall

The

Manchester

Mid-day Concerts Society

Est. 1915

Welcome to the 2019|20 series of Manchester Mid-day Concerts at The Bridgewater Hall Welcome to our new season! I hope you feel that we are evolving as a Society, getting to know our audiences and finding the best new talent to put together a varied season of concerts. Last season we included as many different kinds of artist as we could, blending a range of music to create new experiences. This season – in addition to the all-important musicians who were selected following our annual auditions – we have re-invited a number of artists who received the most enthusiastic reaction from our audiences. We also present two headline artists – young players who are having a huge impact on the classical music scene. We are especially proud that Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Jess Gillam have agreed to play for us this season. Both artists receive more performance offers than they are able to accept, so it’s a testament to the prestige of the Manchester Mid-day Concerts Society and The Bridgewater Hall that both Sheku and Jess have agreed to feature in the 2019|20 lunchtime series. We are thrilled to be able to re-invite the ever-popular Scott Brothers Duo, Manchester Chamber Choir, Aurora Percussion Duo, advanced opera singers from the Royal Northern College of Music, and the lively, virtuosic klezmer-folk-tango-jazz fusions of Klezmer-ish. Our auditions revealed another group of immensely gifted young players; look out for them throughout this brochure. We are able to support 11 performances from emerging young artists including a string quartet, soloists and chamber ensembles, prizewinning pianists, and possibly the most unique harp quartet you’ll hear in concert. I hope you find plenty to enjoy in this season and I also hope that our audiences continue to share their views through the Friends of the Mid-days and in our post-audition deliberations. See you at The Bridgewater Hall! Simon Parkin Director of Concerts

Friends & Supporters of the Manchester Mid-day Concerts Society The Manchester Mid-day Concerts Society is an independent charity that supports young musicians in the early stages of their careers. Established in 1915 by the Committee for Music in Wartime, the Society’s mission is to encourage emerging artists by offering prestigious performance opportunities and access to invaluable networks and audiences, as well as offer exceptional, affordable daytime concerts within the city of Manchester. The Society’s aims are still being fulfilled over 100 years since its creation and this has only been possible due to the continued help of our invaluable Friends and Supporters. As cuts to funding continue to make conditions challenging, it is more important than ever to ask for help in continuing our work. If you would like to support the Mid-days from as little as £25 per year and join a family of supporters who ensure the future of the Manchester Mid-day Concerts Society and opportunities for exceptional young artists, visit manchester-mid-days.co.uk or call 07976 812 301. Concerts start at 1.10pm and finish at approximately 2.00pm manchester-mid-days.co.uk The Manchester Mid-day Concerts Society reserves the right to change artists and programmes if necessary. All information correct at time of going to print.

Luke Jones piano

Thursday 19 September 1.10pm

Brahms Variations on a Theme of Paganini Op.35, Book 1 Beethoven Sonata No.21 in C major, Op.53 Waldstein Luke auditioned for the Society in November and is a virtuosic, highly gifted pianist studying at the Royal Northern College of Music. Check out Luke’s YouTube recording of the first Chopin Etude to hear his effortless technique and musical shaping. The monumental Brahms Paganini Variations (the same theme used by Rachmaninov, Lutosławski and Andrew Lloyd Webber) will get our new season off to a flying start, and the forceful and energetic Waldstein Sonata will provide an electrifying conclusion to Luke’s programme. Luke is already a prizewinner in many prestigious international competitions, and there’s every chance that you will be witnessing a performer at the early stage of a very big career. Supported by The Haworth Charitable Trust Book Tickets 2

Clouds Harp Quartet

Esther Swift | Elfair Grug-Dyer | Elinor Nicholson | Angelina Warburton Friday 11 October 1.10pm

Esther Swift Pinus Sylvestris Drunken Sailor Dance Music: iii) 7/8 iv) Grey and Blue v) What I Am vi) The Call Clouds Harp Quartet play an interesting and hypnotic blend of folk and minimalism; their music is like nothing you will have heard before â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but in a very good way! The quartet shows the harp in a new light and the range of sounds produced from their instruments is always surprising. It is definitely worth visiting their website for a preview of some of their music, which is both stimulating and relaxing. The quartet is carving a niche in the musical world, recently performing at Manchester Jazz Festival and Swaledale Festival; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a niche that is not easy to categorise, so you can form your own viewpoint after seeing their unique performance. Book Tickets 3

Salih Can Gevrek piano Tuesday 22 October 1.10pm

Mozart Piano Sonata No.12 in F major K.322 Chopin Twelve Etudes Op.10 Turkish pianist Salih impressed our audition panel with his crisp technique and excellent sensitivity to voicing (watch his performance of Bachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fugue in E minor from the 2018 Leeds Piano Competition for an idea of the rhythmic energy and concentration that goes into his playing). It will be a particular treat to hear all 12 of the first book of Chopin Etudes. Every pianist has his favourite nightmare in this set, so to tackle them all is an exciting challenge. The Chopin will provide an interesting contrast to the Mozart which has a completely different set of technical and musical demands. Book Tickets

Scott Brothers Duo Jonathan Scott organ Tom Scott piano

Monday 28 October 1.10pm

Mozart arr. J. Scott Overture to The Magic Flute K.620 Saint-Saëns arr. J. Scott Danse Macabre Op.40 Dupré Variations on Two Themes for Piano and Organ Op.35 Schubert arr. J. Scott Ave Maria D.839 Op.52, No.6 Dukas arr. J. Scott The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Welcome back, Jonathan and Tom! The Scott Brothers are virtually our ensemble in residence, and their fascinating blend of highly skilled arrangements, virtuoso performance, near-telepathic ensemble and easy-going stage presence is always a hit. Orchestral favourites by Mozart, Saint-Saëns and Dukas will be given the Scott Brothers treatment in which the duo always seem to find new ways of blending and contrasting their instruments. Reserved seating is in place for this popular performance, so book early to avoid disappointment. Book Tickets

Sheku Kanneh-Mason cello Isata Kanneh-Mason piano Thursday 7 November 1.10pm

Beethoven Variations in F major on Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen from Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte Op.66 Rachmaninov Cello Sonata in G minor, Op.19 We are so fortunate that Sheku and his sister Isata have agreed to play for us. Sheku’s meteoric rise to international stardom began as winner of the BBC Young Musician of the Year 2016 competition followed by several appearances at the Proms. Then came his terrific debut album Inspiration and his famous performance at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Sheku’s hugely talented sister Isata has been his duo partner since childhood and the rapport they share is clear to all. The Rachmaninov Sonata is a big, tuneful, virtuosic work and the cheerful, quirky Beethoven Variations provide an excellent contrast. Reserved seating is in place for this popular performance, so book early to avoid disappointment. Sponsored by Brown Shipley

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Yume Fujise violin Sten Heinoja piano Friday 15 November 1.10pm

Beethoven Violin Sonata No.7, Op.30 No.2 Prokofiev Five Melodies for Violin and Piano, Op.35 Britten Waltz from Violin Suite Op.6 We are delighted to welcome Yumi and her regular duo partner Sten to Manchester for a rare Japanese-Estonian partnership. They begin their programme with Beethoven’s brooding and fiery Sonata in C minor (possibly Beethoven’s most characteristic key). Prokofiev was a great melodist (something occasionally obscured by his quirky, sidestepping harmonies) and these five highly characterised and contrasting pieces have become a staple of the violin repertoire. The recital will conclude with Britten’s Waltz, taken from his early Suite. Britten was something of a prodigy both as a composer and a pianist, and his early music combines witty pastiche with great originality and humour. Supported by the Stephen Bell Charitable Trust

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Barbican Quartet

Amarins Wierdsma violin | Tim Crawford violin Christoph Slenczka viola | Yoanna Prodanova cello Friday 29 November 1.10pm

Mendelssohn String Quartet No.4 in E minor, Op.44 No.2 Janáček String Quartet No.1 Kreutzer Sonata The Barbican Quartet is a fresh, energetic and highly talented young group from London, who really impressed at their recent audition. Their YouTube recording of the 3rd movement of Beethoven’s Op.18 No.1 will give you an idea of their energy and commitment, and the sheer joy of music-making that goes into each of their performances. The Mendelssohn precedes Janacek’s first quartet, which is based on Tolstoy’s tale of a murder committed during a performance of Beethoven; the music tells the story in a very gestural way, with rapid changes of mood and intensity. Supported by the Haworth Charitable Trust Book Tickets 8

Klezmer-ish

Thomas Verity clarinet | Rob Shepley guitar Connie Del Vecchio violin/piano accordion Marcel Becker double bass Thursday 12 December 1.10pm

Trad Eli Eli | The Klezmer’s Freilach | Herschel | La Rosa Enflorese Daichovo Horo Gardel Volver Rob Shepley Dusty road Klezmer-ish – returning by popular demand – bring their intoxicating mix of Semitic and East European folk music tinged with jazz, all played and introduced with great verve and panache. They describe Herschel as ‘Klezmer-punk’ – describing the energy of the piece instead of the harmonic and melodic vocabulary! The Daichovo Horo is in characteristic Bulgarian rhythm and guitarist Rob Shepley once again introduces a gypsy-jazz piece, concluding the concert with a rousing finale. Sponsored by Brewin Dolphin

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Manchester Chamber Choir Jonathan Lo conductor

Wednesday 18 December 1.10pm

Sweelinck Hodie Christus natus est | Andrew Gant What Child is This? | Britten A Hymn to the Virgin | Palestrina Alma redemptoris mater; Ave Regina caelorum | Howells A Spotless Rose Trad. arr. Pearsall In Dulci Jubilo | John Rutter Nativity Carol Morten Lauridsen O Magnum Mysterium | Trad. Gaudete Gardner Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day Trad. arr. Bob Chilcott The Twelve Days of Christmas Manchester Chamber Choir’s performance of Chilcott’s hilarious arrangement of The Twelve Days of Christmas brought the house down last year and we couldn’t wait to invite them back. Expertly conducted and introduced by Jonathan Lo, their new programme is a blend of traditional and modern carols, and seasonal sacred music. Reserved seating is in place for this popular performance, so book early to avoid disappointment. 10

Sponsored by the Ida Carroll Trust

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RNCM Opera Gala Tuesday 18 February 1.10pm

Last season we invited four exceptional postgraduate students from the Royal Northern College of Music to showcase their vocal talents in operatic repertoire, and they attracted a large and enthusiastic audience. Once again, we will be able to present the very best talent from an impressive group of students at the RNCM following the Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opera auditions in November 2019. The RNCM is an institution particularly noted for its vocal talent and outstanding opera productions. The College expects a professional level of stage presence, communication and repertoire and we can keenly anticipate a fun, varied concert full of operatic favourites. Check bridgewater-hall.co.uk towards the end of 2019 for more details on the performers and programme. Sponsored by the Friends of the Mid-days

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ÂŠ Robert Workman

Olga Stezhko piano Friday 28 February 1.10pm

Poulenc Trois PiĂ¨ces Debussy Images Book Two Ravel Miroirs Nos. 2, 4 & 5 Belarus-born Olga auditioned for the Society in November and she is an outstanding pianist who has established a reputation as an artist of power and originality. Olga has been critically very well-received and has already amassed an impressive array of recordings and performances; a scan of her many YouTube and Spotify recordings will reveal her range and quality. The all-French programme she brings to Manchester is close to her heart, and features music by pianist-composers who found many new sonorities, giving Olga an opportunity to demonstrate her enormous colour range and delicacy of touch. Book Tickets

Jess Gillam saxophone Zeynep Özsuca piano Monday 9 March 1.10pm

Pedro Iturralde Pequeña Czarda | Marcello Concerto for Oboe in C Minor | Michael Nyman If from The Diary of Anne Frank Poulenc Sonata for Oboe and Piano FP185 | Graham Fitkin Gate Dowland Flow my tears | John Harle Rant! | Wiedoeft Valse Vanite Jess is enjoying a stratospheric career trajectory, beginning as a finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year 2016 and a phenomenal Last Night of the Proms performance. Jess’s number one debut album Rise and BBC Radio 3 show have allowed audiences all over the world to delight in her charismatic personality and passion for music. Her Mid-day programme is high-energy including the manically virtuosic RANT!, and incorporating folk tunes from her native Cumbria. Jess’s compelling stage presence means this will be an outstanding and unmissable performance. Reserved seating is in place for this performance, so book early to avoid disappointment. Sponsored by Brown Shipley

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Domonkos Csabay piano Friday 20 March 1.10pm

Haydn Andante & Variations in F minor Un piccolo divertimento Hob.XVII:6 Liszt Variations on the Theme of a Bach Cantata Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen S.180 Ravel La Valse Domonkos came to audition when the Friends of the Mid-days were invited to join the audience. Domonkos was a clear favourite and we are so pleased to be able to include him this season. He brings both poise and passion to his playing, with a constant flow of lively musical ideas. Following the Haydn, Domonkos’ programme ‘goes large’. The Bach theme culminates in a torrent of notes. Ravel’s La Valse – transcribed for both one and two pianos – probably has as many notes for one pianist as for two, and will be a spectacular end to this recital. Sponsored by an anonymous donor 18

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Jacquin Trio

Jessie Grimes clarinet/bass clarinet Kay Stephen viola/violin | Charis Hanning piano Thursday 2 April 1.10pm

Mozart Kegelstatt Trio K.498 Bruch 8 Stücke Op.83 (Selection) Stravinsky The Soldier’s Tale Suite (with narration) You may remember Kay Stephen following her performance with the Gildas Quartet, who made a great impression with clarinettist Jack McNeill last season. She shares the stage now with a clarinettist and pianist as member of the audacious Jacquin Trio, an ensemble always looking for new ways to engage their audiences. Mozart’s Kegelstatt Trio is one of his sublime, mature compositions, and the Bruch pieces are lushly romantic (other memorable Bruch works include Kol Nidrei and Scottish Fantasy). The highlight will be the trio’s narrated version of The Soldier’s Tale, in which the devil definitely has the best tunes. Book Tickets 19

Victoria Quartet

Benedict Holland violin | Catherine Yates violin Susie Mészáros viola | Jennifer Langridge cello Tuesday 28 April 1.10pm

Britten Three Divertimenti for String Quartet (1936) Mendelssohn String Quartet in D major Op.44 No.1 Our Director of Concerts Simon Parkin first heard the Victoria Quartet in September 2017 during their inaugural concert at Manchester’s Victoria Baths (the venue from which the quartet takes their name). The old swimming pool had been converted into a concert hall and the quartet was quite literally thrown in at the deep end. All members of the quartet are versatile and extremely experienced musicians with strong local connections, so they are the perfect ensemble to close our 2019|20 series. The happy and enjoyable Mendelssohn quartet is prefaced by Britten’s Three Divertimenti; youthful, sparky pieces written in the composer’s 20s. Sponsored by Paul Berry in memory of Godfrey Berry Book Tickets 20

Tickets Single Tickets In person: £9.50 | £8 concession £5 student Advance sales online & by phone: £12 | £10.50 concession £7.50 student (incl £2.50 booking fee*) Flexible Booking Book 12 or more concerts and get 15% off standard ticket prices: £8.08 per concert (£6.80 for concessions) Book 6—11 concerts and get 10% off standard ticket prices: £8.55 per concert (£7.20 for concessions) Booking Information Tickets can be purchased in advance and on the day of the concert from the Box Office, The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley St, Manchester M2 3WS. Box Office open Monday to Saturday 10.00am—6.00pm Sunday (concert nights only) 12.00 noon—6.00pm Closed on non-concert Sundays Counter service until 8.00pm on concert nights. Box Office 0161 907 9000

Book Online www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk Payment can be made by cash, cheque (made payable to ‘The Bridgewater Hall’) or credit/ debit card. * A booking fee of £2.50 per ticket applies to telephone and online transactions. No fee applies to tickets bought in person or purchased as part of a flexible subscription.

Group Discounts Group discounts are available for any Manchester Mid-day Concerts and vary according to the size of your group. Contact the Group Bookings Co-ordinator on 0161 907 9010 or email groups@bridgewater-hall.co.uk for details. Stalls Café Bar Enjoy morning coffee or a tasty lunch before the concert in the elegant surroundings of The Bridgewater Hall’s Stalls Café Bar. Open from 11.00am—2.30pm on concert days, serving a range of hot meals, sandwiches and pastries.

Acknowledgements The work of the Manchester Mid-day Concerts Society would not be possible without its invaluable Friends, Supporters and Sponsors. We gratefully acknowledge the support of:

The

Manchester

Mid-day Concerts Society

Est. 1915

Friends of the Mid-days Mrs Sheila Abrams Mrs P. Barnard Mrs K. M. Barton Mr Paul Berry Mr John Capper Mrs Hazel Carter (Hon. Friend) Mr T. J. Chapman Mr W. D. Christian Miss J. M. Clarke Mrs P. Coombs Mr C. Cotton Mr Derrick Curtis Mr K. Daykin Mr C. J. Dodson Mr R. Flint Mrs E. Flint Mr A. Fox

Mrs A. Godlee Mr Tom Halsall Mrs C. Hampson Ms Norma Hayden Ms P. Hazlehurst Dr Susan Hilton Mr J. Honigman Mrs C. Howlett Mrs Inge Jackson Mrs M. Jones Mrs D. M. Kendall Mr J. D. Kinsey Mrs H. Lentin Mr Jeffery Lockett Mrs J. Loverseed Mr R. G. Martindale Mr David McKeith Mr P. North

Ms D. Penney Mrs M. Philipps Mr M. and Mrs J. Redhead Ms J. Rhodes Dr J. Rich Mr H. Ross Mr P. W. Sampson Ms Doreen Schofield Mr A. and Mrs P. Sluce Mr R. Spencer Mrs N. Stephenson Mr P. Stephenson Mr G. W. Taylor Mr I. Taylor Mrs M. Taylor Rev. J. E. Thompson

Mrs M. Thorn Mr David Walton Mr J. K. Ward Mr J. M. Watson Ms C. Webb Mr W. H. Weightman Mrs C. M. Westwood Dr K. Whale Miss Christine Whittaker Mrs Alison Wilkinson

Supporters of the Mid-days

Sponsors of the Mid-days

The Haworth Charitable Trust The Stephen Bell Charitable Trust

Mr Paul Berry Brewin Dolphin Brown Shipley The Friends of the Mid-days The Ida Carroll Trust The Orchard Trust Two anonymous donors

Director of Concerts: Simon Parkin Administrator: Clare Preston-Pollitt Email: manchestermid-days@live.co.uk manchester-mid-days.co.uk @mmcs1915

These concerts are promoted by the Manchester Mid-day Concerts Society Registered Charity No. 224723