intune
winter 2012
ISSUE 11
a chance for you to get involved!
Photo: Les Ombres
INTERNATIONAL YOUNG ARTISTS SHOWCASE
Welcome to the NCEM’s education and community newsletter – the space for you to find out more about our events and activities. In this issue find out more about the NCEM Composers Award, the International Young Artists Competition and the new Young Minstrels Recorder Group.
A stunning line up of young musicians from around the world gathers to take part in a special one-day International Young Artists Showcase on Saturday 1 December. The showcase features four talented ensembles who were finalists in the 2011 International Young Artists Competition. There are still tickets available for Les Ombres (Unitarian Chapel, St Saviourgate, 11.00am); Den Haag Piano Quintet (NCEM, 3.30pm) and a fascinating film documentary by Joseph Rochlitz, ‘Hebreo’: the Search for Salomone Rossi, featuring Profeti della Quinta, winners of the 2011 Competition (NCEM, 5.00pm). Tickets for the Borromini Quartet are now sold out. James Toll, of the Borromini Quartet says: “Since taking part in the 2011 IYAC we have been engaged by music societies throughout the UK
www.ncem.co.uk
and joined the Brighton Early Music 'Live!' roster, which led to a performance in the Brighton Early Music Festival.” Delma Tomlin, Director of the NCEM, added: “We strive to create opportunities for young musicians to not only survive but to thrive in this challenging economic climate and are delighted to welcome back these talented ensembles to showcase their current work. The day promises to be a superbly varied feast of music-making which we hope to make a regular event.” For more information go to www.ncem.co.uk/showcase2012
MUSICAL PLAY IN A WEEK 2013 Aspiring young musicians and actors are invited to book now for the NCEM’s ever popular Musical Play in A Week: Trooper Jane, an exciting adventure set during the turbulent times of the English Civil War. Workshops take place Monday 12 to Friday 16 August 2013 from 10am – 4pm daily with a performance for family and friends at the end of the week. Cost: £100.00. Book now on 01904 658338 or email boxoffice@ncem.co.uk
Competition News NCEM
composers award 013 Next year, the National Centre for Early Music and BBC Radio 3 present the NCEM Composers Award in partnership with the internationally acclaimed early music ensemble Florilegium. This major national Award is open to young composers resident in the UK in two age categories: 18 and under and 19 to 25. The winning works will be premiered by Florilegium at the prestigious Bath International Music Festival in June 2013 and recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 3's Early Music Show. Composers are invited to create a new three to four minute contemporary response to the Baroque dance suite, based on any dance-form they wish, from the reel to the rumba, for the four core players of Florilegium, scored for flute or recorder; violin or viola d'amore; cello or piccolo-cello; harpsichord or organ. Delma Tomlin, Director of the NCEM said: “We are thrilled that this year’s winning pieces will be premiered during the Bath
Last year’s winners: L to R: Benjamin Rowarth, Peter Phillips, Director of The Tallis Scholars and Alex Woolf
International Music Festival. As the National Centre for Early Music, our partnership with Bath broadens the geographical significance of this Award for young composers across the UK and follows hot on the heels of Durham Cathedral in 2012 and Kings Place in London in 2011.”
Next year, The National Centre for Early Music and BBC Radio 3 present the NCEM Composers Award in partnership with the internationally acclaimed early Applicants should register their interest by Friday 8 February 2013. Closing date for completed scores: Friday 8 March 2013. The Award will be judged in York on Saturday 27 April when Florileguim will work with the young composers throughout the day and will perform the pieces in the evening at a public concert. For terms and conditions on how to take part in the NCEM Composers Award 2013 visit www.ncem.co.uk/composersaward2013. For further information email: education@ncem.co.uk
Young International
Competition 2013 Last year’s winners - Profeti della Quinta
The biennial York Early Music International Young Artists Competition will take place from 11 – 13 July as part of the 2013 York Early Music Festival. This prestigious competition invites applications from instrumental and/or vocal ensembles, in any combination, with a minimum of two musicians aged between 17 and 35 (born after 13 July 1978). Competitors must perform repertory from the period ranging from the middle ages to the nineteenth century, using appropriate historically informed playing techniques, instruments and stylistic conventions.
The Competition is recognised as a major international platform for emerging talent in the early music world. Each ensemble will present a short recital under the guidance of the eminent singer, Richard Jackson, as well as entering the Competition itself. The finals will be judged by the conductor and harpsichordist Laurence Cummings who is Music Director of the London Handel Festival and Music Director of the Internationale Händel-Festpiele Göttingen; Bart Demuyt, Director of the Laus Polyphony Festival in Antwerp and the Alamire Foundation (International Centre for the Study of Music in the Low Countries); Linn Records chief classical producer/engineer Philip Hobbs; Wieland Kuijken, one of the most influential pioneers of the viola da gamba, and the composer, performer and improviser Stevie Wishart.
The winners will receive a cheque for £1,000; opportunities to work with BBC Radio 3 and feature on BBC Radio 3's The Early Music Show; a concert as part of the 2014 York Early Music Festival and a CD recording professionally produced by Linn Records. Special prizes include the EUBO Development Trust Prize for the most promising young artist(s) and the York Early Music Festival Friends Prize. For full details visit: www.ncem.co.uk/youngartists2013 Deadline for applications: Friday 25 January 2013. Applications to: The Music Administrator; National Centre for Early Music, St Margaret's Church, Walmgate, York YO1 9TL Tel: +44 (0)1904 632220 Email: janet.cromartie@ncem.co.uk
Minster Minstrels News
MY STORY Janet Cromartie, NCEM Music Administrator, talks to Lizzie Cantrell about life as a Minster Minstrel. How did you join the Minster Minstrels? I started to play the recorder in primary school aged seven. When I was about ten, I went to an Open Day at York Arts Academy to hear my brother play in the Symphony Orchestra and discovered the Minster Minstrels there. There aren’t many specialised music groups for the recorder, so it was really good to find one that I could actually play in. I’ve now been with them for seven years. What difference has being a Minster Minstrel made to you? It’s developed my ensemble skills by listening more to the other players, and my leadership skills, especially learning to bring each other in. We are all encouraged to help each other and to teach the younger ones. I’ve made good friends too. All the older members are from different schools so I wouldn’t know them if it wasn’t for the Minster Minstrels. We get to play a wide range of music, some of it quite challenging. It’s also really good that we get to perform concerts regularly in front of an audience. Being in the Minster Minstrels has
really encouraged my interest in the recorder and made a big difference to my playing standard. I’ve just been awarded a Distinction in my Grade 8 and I’m now thinking of working towards my Performance Diploma.
things like different tonguing patterns. It’s also valuable for them to know that we started playing at the same age as them, and to see what standard they could reach if they keep practising.
Would you like to continue playing in the future?
Has there been any particular highlight for you in your time with the Minster Minstrels?
I studied Music for GCSE but after that I decided to keep the recorder as an interest rather than a career. I want to study BioChemistry but I’d like to choose a University that has an early music group so that I can carry on playing.
Going to London to play with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment earlier this year - it was an amazing opportunity. First we had a workshop in York, when a couple of the musicians from the Orchestra came and helped us with our piece. We learned technique, articulation, dynamics, how to watch the conductor and how to listen to each other, so that the piece came together as a whole. The musicians were very lively and enthusiastic and enjoyed working with us. Then we went to London and played our piece in front of loads of other music groups and played with the orchestra. To have the chance to play in London with an amazing Orchestra and to hear what all the other groups had done with them was a really great experience. It was inspirational working with musicians of such a high standard.
How do you get on with the younger players in Young Minstrels? I enjoy helping the less experienced ones to develop their playing and their confidence. It’s been really good teaching experience for me. They start off being unconfident and not knowing much about the instrument and it’s good to see a difference in them as they progress. The older players often lead a one-toone session with the younger ones. I teach them
A NEW ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECORDER GROUP An exciting new recorder ensemble, Young Minstrels, has been set up for players aged 8 -11 years. The group rehearses on Saturday mornings (9.30am – 10.45am), during term time, at Canon Lee School. Pupils receive specialist tuition to improve their technique and have the opportunity to learn treble, tenor and bass recorders. The experience offers players a range of musical challenges different from those typically encountered in school recorder groups, and prepares them to join Minster Minstrels. Heather Moger, Director of Minster Minstrels says: “In September 2012 we were delighted to welcome our first members. This term we have been studying Renaissance dance music to develop our ensemble skills of listening to each other, pitch and learning to be precise and consistent with the finer details of articulation and musical expression.” As Christmas approaches the Young Minstrels have been rehearsing for their debut performance at the York Arts Academy Christmas Fayre, Canon Lee School on 15 December 2012.
Anna Hughes was awarded the 2012 John Marvin Achievement Award having displayed the highest level of commitment, promise and achievement over the year. Heather Moger, Director of the Minster Minstrels said: “We chose Anna for her commitment and the excellent progress she has made since joining the Minstrels, both in terms of her playing and her self-confidence. Anna is also a very good role model for our younger members and she has worked particularly hard this year to learn a challenging oboe part in a J C Bach quintet.”
I really enjoy the rehearsals because everyone is really friendly and there's always a good atmosphere. Although I don’t plan to carry music on at a higher level it’s great to have the experience and enjoyment that the group gives me as a hobby and a relief from my academic studies!”
Anna was thrilled about the Award: “I have always loved early music. In 2011 my violin teacher suggested I join the Minster Minstrels and I have been playing violin with the group ever since.
The Minster Minstrels is run as a partnership between the NCEM and the City of York Council’s Art’s Academy with support from the Mayfield Valley Arts Trust.
Latest news
THE WAY OF THE DRUM
4
music e. Fun. Creativ sible Acces
The National Centre for Early Music, which has been co-ordinating Music4U since 2001, has started a new phase of life as a Musical Inclusion provider.
Don’t miss the amazing Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers on Thursday 14 March 2013. The thrilling Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers capture the thundering and exhilarating rhythms of Taiko and provide a unique insight into the enthralling world of this powerful art form. An exciting fusion of primal rhythm, choreography and athleticism in traditional Taiko pieces, which reveal the history and culture of this fascinating folk art.
The drummers will run a workshop with York St John University music students to develop their awareness of rhythm and pulse, improve their drumming skills and increase their knowledge of a wide range of percussion styles and genres. Tickets for this concert are now on sale at www.ncem.co.uk or by ringing 01904 658338.
YORK EARLY MUSIC CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 2012
Emily Crossland Music4U’s Administrator, explains the new set up: “The Musical Inclusion module, which is funded by Youth Music as part of their new modular programme, targets young people up to the age of 18, living in challenging circumstances, and supports them in accessing and progressing through high quality musicmaking opportunities. The new Music4U partnership works with five local authorities in York, the East Riding of Yorkshire, Hull, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire and also, the University of York and Leeds College of Music.” “Music4U also celebrated by welcoming partners and participants to the NCEM on 20 September for a mini-conference, which involved inspirational performances from young musicians, the launch of two new composition projects (All Aboard, aimed at 0-5 year olds and The Creativity Project, aimed at older children) and a hands-on Javanese gamelan workshop to get people in the mood for a Music4U gamelan project due to start in April 2013.” For further information visit the Music4U website: www.ncem.co.uk/music4u
CELEBRATE AT THE NCEM
There are still a few tickets available for the everpopular York Early Music Christmas Festival (6 – 15 Dec). Family highlights include: Chalemie join forces with York’s Minster Minstrels in a costumed re-creation of Mr Fezziwig’s Christmas party from Dicken’s ‘Christmas Carol’. Sunday 9 December 7.30pm at the NCEM. The world-renowned Tallis Scholars close this year’s Christmas Festival on Saturday 15 December with a carefully crafted programme entitled ‘The Journey of the Nativity’ which features music by Palestrina, Eccard and Praetorius, including Palestrina’s glorious but very rarely performed ‘Missa Ave Maria.’ For further information and to book tickets visit: www.ncem.co.uk/xmas
Design www.RedBonsai.co.uk 01759319471
Chalemie
The NCEM is now available for wedding receptions, anniversary parties, dinners and musical soirées. The venue can accommodate up to 100 people for dinners and receptions. For further information contact Gill Baldwin, Events Manager on 01904 632220 or email events@ncem.co.uk. More information is available at www.ncem.co.uk/events
For further information about any of the activities, events or resources mentioned in this Newsletter please contact the NCEM on 01904 632220 or email education@ncem.co.uk To book tickets for events, please contact the Box Office on 01904 658338 or visit www.ncem.co.uk National Centre for Early Music, St Margaret’s Church, Walmgate, York YO1 9TL
All details are correct at the time of going to press. Promoted by York Early Music Foundation Registered Charity No. 1068331