CONCERTS & EVENTS
Spring 2020
Trustees Professor Sir Barry Ife CBE Deputy Chair David Barrs Dr Pamela Davis Caroline Derbyshire Mark Hayes Polly Lankester Geoffrey Lewis John Lodge Hugh Parnell Dominic Wallis Partners Cambridge Dining Co. Cambridge Institute of Music Therapy Research, Anglia Ruskin University Creative Walden Essex Music Education Hub Fairycroft House Guildhall School of Music and Drama Nesta Saffron Academy Trust Saffron Centre for Young Musicians Saffron Walden Dementia Action Alliance Saffron Walden Museum Serious Steinway and Sons Uttlesford Dementia Action Alliance Uttlesford District Council Neighbourhood Partners Debden Grange Retirement Village KMD Private Wealth Management Resident Orchestras Britten Sinfonia London Philharmonic Orchestra
We are proud to acknowledge the following, who have all made major gifts in support of Saffron Hall Trust for the 2019/20 Season John Ellerman Foundation Nikki Edge Adrian Frost Professor Sir Barry Ife CBE John Lebus John & Jo Padfield Charles Rawlinson MBE David & Jane Richardson Barry & Ann Scrutton Concert Sponsors for Spring 2020 Season Nikki Edge Professor Sir Barry Ife CBE Christine & Geoffrey Lewis Dominic & Ali Wallis Charles Rawlinson MBE Jacqui Dankworth Circle of Supporters The LPO at Saffron Hall Circle Saffron Hall Trust Registered Charity No. 1153685
Welcome Welcome to our Spring 2020 programme - there are plenty of surprises and delights in store! Any artist who has performed in Saffron Hall invariably itches to return, and there are still so many who want to come for the first time, all of them eager to experience the superb acoustic and warm reception of our audience. In the Autumn we welcomed the London Philharmonic Orchestra as Resident Orchestra, and their performances so far have been electrifying. Don’t miss their Spring concert which features Sir Antonio Pappano conducting the monumental Busoni piano concerto - a rare opportunity to hear this astonishing piece. Our other Resident Orchestra, Britten Sinfonia, return with one of the country’s most celebrated tenors, Ian Bostridge, in a role that could have been written for him, the madwoman in Britten’s Curlew River. 2020 is Beethoven’s 250th birthday year and naturally we should consider his remarkable legacy.
Saffron Hall’s homage includes concerts with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, an all-Beethoven programme from Midori and Festival Strings Lucerne, a recital from the highly respected Beethoven interpreter John Lill and a Beethoven symphony - from memory - from Aurora Orchestra. Other highlights include debuts from Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Chineke!, an orchestra championing diversity within classical music; Wigmore Hall favourites La Serenissima; folk royalty Fairport Convention; the Tallis Scholars with the incomparable Spem in alium, and jazz sensation Jacqui Dankworth. We are also delighted to welcome back the National Youth Orchestra, the Glenn Miller Orchestra and the Alexander Whitley Dance Company. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our amazing Saffron Hall community: the staff, volunteers and audience members who make this one of the fastest growing and most successful arts organisations in the country. Angela Dixon Chief Executive
Still to come this Autumn... November
Sat 16 November, 7.30pm Jan Garbarek Group
Wed 13 November, 8pm Foyer Talk: Rory Sutherland
Internationally acclaimed Norwegian saxophonist Jan Garbarek makes his debut at Saffron Hall.
Sun 17 November, 3pm Saffron Walden Symphony Orchestra
The legendary Vice Chairman of global marketing agency Ogilvy, discusses his first book Alchemy: The Surprising Power of Ideas That Don’t Make Sense.
Holst’s atmospheric Egdon Heath and Sibelius’ majestic 2nd Symphony frame Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No.2.
Fri 15 November, 7.30pm Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
Sun 24 November, 3pm Britten Sinfonia & Benjamin Grosvenor
OAE join Iestyn Davies for an evening of the Italian Baroque in all its splendour, with Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater and Vivaldi’s Gloria.
Our Resident Orchestra present a vividly contrasting programme of Bach, Mozart and more, directed from the keyboard and violin.
December
Sun 15 December, 3pm Songs & Festive Favourites The BBC Singers and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra are joined by special guest Clare Teal for this Christmas celebration.
Sun 1 December, 3pm The Jubilee Quartet This young British quartet balance Mozart’s timeless grace with the understated sensuality of Ravel’s exquisite String Quartet.
Sun 8 December, 3pm Pasadena Roof Orchestra Step back into the world of Fred Astaire and P.G. Wodehouse with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra.
Fri 20 December, 7.30pm The Sixteen Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols is the fresh sprig of holly on the top of this seasonal concert from Harry Christophers and his virtuoso chamber choir.
21 & 22 December The Nutcracker & I A pianist, a ballerina, and Tchaikovsky’s music come together with state-of-the-art digital effects to retell this seasonal classic.
Sat 4 January, 7.30pm A New Year’s Celebration BBC Concert Orchestra
Sun 19 January, 3pm Absolute Beethoven? BBC Symphony Orchestra
Bramwell Tovey conductor Martin James Bartlett piano
Joana Carneiro conductor Doric String Quartet
Programme to include: Mozart Eine Kleine Nachtmusik J. Strauss II Blue Danube J. Strauss II Champagne Polka Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
Beethoven Grosse Fuge Op.133 John Adams Absolute Jest Beethoven Symphony No.3
Welcome in the New Year with a stunning selection of much-loved favourites. BBC Young Musician winner Martin James Bartlett makes his Saffron Hall debut in Rachmaninov’s Variations on a theme of Paganini and the BBC Concert Orchestra conjure up the Viennese spirit with Strauss waltzes and Mozart’s A Little Night Music.
Surely you jest? A Beethoven inspired concert with a difference from the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Portuguese powerhouse conductor Joana Carneiro. The ‘Eroica’ symphony blew classical music sky-high and the Grosse Fuge still sounds modern after nearly 200 years. John Adams’ Absolute Jest – starring the Doric Quartet – absorbs musical artifacts, saluting Beethoven the way he would have wanted: with one enormous musical joke.
Tickets £18 - £45 Presented by Saffron Hall
Tickets £18 - £45 Presented by Saffron Hall
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Thu 23 January, 7.30pm Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn Béla Fleck banjo Abigail Washburn banjo & vocals
with singer and instrumentalist Abigail Washburn creates magic from a crafted choice of both Béla Fleck is one of the world’s traditional and original songs. great instrumentalists – a master Enjoy the fast-fingered interplay of the banjo, the leader of The of two artists who create an Flecktones and an extraordinary astonishing sonic landscape from collaborator with the likes of Chick an array of banjos, all laced with Corea and Toumani Diabate. His a captivating warmth and Grammy-winning partnership playfulness.
Tickets £20 - £25 Presented by Saffron Hall
Abigail Washburn and Béla Fleck © Jim McGuire
Sat 8 February, 7.30pm Alex Mendham & His Orchestra Tune into the Twenties
Sun 9 February, 3pm Saffron Walden Symphony Orchestra A Concert of Film Music
Step into the exciting and glamorous world of the roaring 1920s and witness a unique and immersive silver screen big band spectacular – featuring projected images and world-class music. Leave the cares of the 21st century behind you as the renowned Alex Mendham & His Orchestra showcase hot rhythms and sweet melodies in an evening of unforgettable music. The Dunlop Sisters and Alex Mendham will serenade you with the evocative and witty lyrics of the Charleston era including timeless standards by Gershwin, Cole Porter and Irving Berlin. It is also an exciting chance to hear Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue performed in its original jazz setting.
Richard Hull conductor
Tickets £16 - £28 Presented by Saffron Hall
Tickets £15 - £18 (under 18s £3) Presented by Saffron Walden Symphony Orchestra
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Back by popular demand, Saffron Walden Symphony Orchestra presents a concert of classics from the silver screen. There will be familiar favourites but also a few items that may be new to the audience. You are guaranteed some good tunes to whistle on the way home!
The Tallis Scholars © Nick Rutter
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Sun 16 February, 3pm The Tallis Scholars Sponsored by Dominic & Ali Wallis
Sat 22 February, 7.30pm Fairport Convention plus support Smith & Brewer
Peter Phillips conductor National Youth Chamber Choir
Credited with originating British folk-rock music, Fairport Convention has been making great music for Programme to include: over fifty years. Their winter tour Tallis Spem in alium this year will feature a mix of longByrd Tribue domine established Fairport favourites Allegri Miserere and new material. Whether you Pärt Tribute to Caesar are a long-time fan or a newcomer Tallis Loquebantur variis linguis to their music, an evening with Fairport Convention is sure to It’s been called “a heavenly harmony”, surprise and delight you. but there’s only one real way to appreciate the kaleidoscopic beauty of Thomas Tallis’s 40-part motet Spem in alium, and that’s to hear it for yourself. 450 years since its creation, the Tallis Scholars join the superb young singers of the National Youth Chamber Choir for a programme that also includes Allegri’s Miserere: a sublime Saffron Hall debut for this world-famous vocal ensemble.
Tickets £14 - £40 Presented by Saffron Hall
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Tickets £20 - £25 Presented by Saffron Hall
Foyer Folk: Friday 7 February, 8pm
Tom Moore & Archie Churchill-Moss Foyer Jazz: Friday 28 February, 8pm
Paul Higgs Quintet
Foyer Folk: Saturday 7 March, 8pm
Greg Russell & Ciaran Algar Foyer Jazz: Friday 3 April, 8pm
Dan Forshaw’s #jazztrio Foyer Folk: Friday 17 April, 8pm
Shackleton Trio
Foyer Jazz: Saturday 25 April, 8pm
Juliet Kelly sings Nina Simone Foyer Jazz: Friday 22 May, 8pm
Dave O’Higgins
Foyer Jazz: Friday 26 June, 8pm
Libby Key Trio
Tickets £13.50 27 10
Foyer Club: Informal club nights with table seating, bar and street food.
Sun 23 February, 3pm Clare Hammond Young Artist Coffee Concert
Fri 6 March, 7.30pm Festival Strings Lucerne with Midori
Clare Hammond piano
Midori violin
Schumann Humoreske Op.20 Mendelssohn Songs Without Words Op.67 Szymanowski Variations on a Polish Theme Op.10
Beethoven Violin concerto Op.61 Beethoven Romance for Violin and Orchestra No.2 in F major Op.50 Beethoven Romance for Violin and Orchestra No.1 in G major Op.40 Beethoven Symphony No.4
Winner of the 2015 Royal Philharmonic Society’s ‘Young Artists’ award, Clare Hammond is a pianist of immense expressive power, who is passionate about connecting with her audience. Described by The Guardian as “a dazzling athlete” of the keyboard, this will be a typically imaginative showcase for a pianist of rare and refreshing imagination on her return visit to Saffron Hall.
Tickets £10 (under 18s free) Presented by Saffron Hall 11
Sponsored by Nikki Edge
In his 250th birthday year, we pay tribute to Ludwig van Beethoven: poet, prophet and radical, a genius who could simultaneously set worlds on fire and explore the deepest secrets of the human heart. The incomparable Midori brings together a handpicked team of players from the world-famous Lucerne Festival, for an all-Beethoven celebration that ranges from the epic serenity of his Violin Concerto to the tumultuous energy of his exuberant Fourth Symphony.
Tickets £24 - £55 Presented by Saffron Hall
Sat 14 March, 7.30pm Sat 21 March, 7.30pm Sonoro & Granta Chorale Benedetti Elschenbroich Choral Inspirations Grynyuk Trio Sponsored by Charles Rawlinson MBE
Neil Ferris conductor Janet Wheeler conductor Michael Higgins piano
Nicola Benedetti violin Leonard Elschenbroich cello Alexei Grynyuk piano
Programme to include: Stanford Beati quorum via Janet Wheeler Beati quorum via Bruckner Locus iste Will Todd Locus iste
Schumann Trio No.1 Op.63 Rihm Fremde Szene III Brahms Trio No.1 Op.8
Nicola Benedetti needs no introduction at Saffron Hall – Professional chamber choir and anyone who’s enjoyed her Sonoro partners Granta Chorale wonderfully communicative, in a programme showcasing six generous brand of music-making favourite choral classics and six will want to hear her today, playing new Sonoro commissions based the kind of music she loves best in on them. Separately and together, her stunning Trio. Tonight the Trio the choirs also introduce other perform two passionate, gloriously similarly paired works, including romantic masterpieces that have pieces by Howells, Palestrina, been described as “the music Tallis and James MacMillan. of friends”. Singers Workshop 2pm – 5pm Join Sonoro’s inspirational conductor Neil Ferris for an afternoon workshop. See website for details. Tickets £15 - £18 (under 18s £5) Presented by Granta Chorale
Tickets £10 - £40 Presented by Saffron Hall
Nicola Benedetti Š Andy Gotts
Sun 22 March, 3pm The Glenn Miller Orchestra
Sat 28 March, 7.30pm Britten Sinfonia Curlew River
Ray McVay musical director
Ian Bostridge Madwoman Ashley Riches Ferryman When you hear The Glenn Miller Neal Davies Traveller Orchestra swing into action, you’re James Creswell Abbot carried straight back to the 1940s. Leo Jemison The Spirit of the Boy Using Miller’s original arrangements Britten Sinfonia Voices and his classic line-up, this is a big Martin Fitzpatrick director band the way they used to be, so get in the mood for an afternoon Britten Curlew River of songs like ‘American Patrol’, (concert performance) ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square’, ‘Pennsylvania 6-5000’ Benjamin Britten’s synthesis of a and of course ‘Moonlight Serenade’, Noh play and Christian parable set and prepare to party like it’s 1939. in medieval East Anglia is a unique, extraordinary work – a piece shot through with the strange, exotic sounds of bells, un-tuned drums, organ and chamber ensemble. Curlew River sweeps audiences into a fascinating, unknown world. Study Afternoon 2-5pm Dr Kate Kennedy will be leading a study afternoon exploring Curlew River. See website for details. Tickets £16 - £35 Presented by Saffron Hall
Tickets £10 - £35 Presented by Britten Sinfonia
Sun 29 March, 3pm La Serenissima Sponsored by Christine & Geoffrey Lewis
Adrian Chandler violin Julia Doyle soprano Renata Pokupić mezzo-soprano Hilary Summers contralto
Wed 1 April, 7.30pm Castalian String Quartet & Friends Castalian String Quartet Hannah Shaw viola Ursula Smith cello
Brahms String Quintet No.1 in F Programme to include: Op.88 Vivaldi Motet ‘Nulla in mundo pax Thomas Adès String Quartet Op.12 sincera’ RV 630 ‘Arcadiana’ Vivaldi Concerto for Viola d’amore Brahms String Sextet No.2 in G in D minor RV 394 Op.36 Vivaldi Concerto for Violin and Organ in D minor RV 541 The Castalian String Quartet are one of the most exciting and “Most serene” is what they called inspirational young quartets Venice, but there’s nothing placid performing today, and are always about this celebration of Vivaldi, welcome guests at Saffron Hall. performed by an award-winning This time, they’re bringing some period instrument ensemble under friends: to perform Brahms’ first its founder-director Adrian Chandler. String Quintet and his glorious “A pure and simple case of exemplary second Sextet: music that glows Baroque ‘n roll” declared one critic. with melody even while it bursts “La Serenissima nailed absolutely with life. every single piece – and, for that matter, every single note – they played.” Tickets £16 - £45 Presented by Saffron Hall
Tickets £12 - £20 Presented by Saffron Hall
Sat 4 April, 7.30pm Saffron Walden Choral Society Bach Magnificat
Sat 11 April, 7.30pm Chineke!
Janet Wheeler conductor Chameleon Arts Orchestra
Kevin John Edusei conductor Sheku Kanneh-Mason cello
Alec Roth A Time to Dance Bach Magnificat
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Ballade in A minor Op.33 Haydn Cello Concerto No.1 in C Fauré Elegy Op.24 Brahms Symphony No.2 in D
Bach’s Baroque masterpiece, ranging from thrilling tuttis to chamber-like solos, is programmed with Alec Roth’s beautifully melodic A Time to Dance. Written specifically as a companion piece, it journeys through the ages of man and the four seasons, each with a different-voiced soloist as our guide, in music of great character and vitality.
Tickets £10 - £25 (under 25s £5) Presented by Saffron Walden Choral Society 16
If you’ve heard the buzz about Sheku Kanneh-Mason, you’ll have heard that he’s the kind of musician who comes along once in a generation, as compelling as he is charismatic. And if you’ve heard him play, you’ll know that it’s all true. But why waste words when you can hear him for yourself, performing with Chineke! – the orchestra whose “exhilaratingly vital” music-making is lighting up the British orchestral scene.
Tickets £24 - £55 Presented by Saffron Hall
Sheku Kanneh-Mason Š Christian Meuwly
Fri 24 April, 7.30pm Alexander Whitley Dance Company Overflow Alexander Whitley’s recent production 8 Minutes took audiences on a breathtaking journey to the sun. Known for his ground-breaking use of technology, Alexander’s new work delves into what it means to be human in the era of big data. Overflow features a dazzling kinetic light sculpture by Children of the Light with creative technologists Fenyce and lighting designer Guy Hoare, artefacts and costumes by award-winning designer Ana Rajcevic and an exhilarating original new score by composer Rival Consoles, whose music (which has featured on the Netflix series Black Mirror) experiments with “ambient soundscapes, industrial textures and highoctane club energy” (Pitchfork).
Tickets £12 - £26 (under 18s £5) Presented by Saffron Hall 18
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Alexander Whitley Dance Company © Tom Andrew
Sun 26 April, 3pm il pomo d’oro with Franco Fagioli Sponsored by Charles Rawlinson MBE
Sat 2 May, 7.30pm London Philharmonic Orchestra & Sir Antonio Pappano Supported by the LPO at Saffron Hall Circle
Zefira Valova conductor Franco Fagioli countertenor Programme to include: Handel “Otton, Otton… Voi che udite il mio lamento” from Agrippina Handel “L’angue offeso mai riposa” from Giulio Cesare Vinci “Fra cento affanni e cento” from Artaserse Vinci “Gelido in ogni vena” from Siroe “Handel wrote for the voice in a way that allows the performer to really shine!” says Franco Fagioli – and when this phenomenal Argentinean countertenor sings Handel’s music, it doesn’t just shine, it dazzles. Backed by the flamboyant il pomo d’oro, this is a night of singing at its wildest and most wonderful, a real banquet of showpieces by Handel and his outrageous Italian rival Vinci. Tickets £20 - £45 Presented by Saffron Hall 20
Sir Antonio Pappano conductor Igor Levit piano Bach arr. Respighi 3 Chorales Bach arr. Stokowski Toccata and Fugue in D minor Busoni Piano Concerto Op.39 When Sir Antonio Pappano steps out of the Royal Opera House, he brings his sense of theatre with him – perfect for a concert that positively blazes with drama. “Joy and pain interweave… thousands of years flash by with glory and strength.” There’s simply nothing quite like Ferruccio Busoni’s colossal Piano Concerto of 1904, and only a phenomenon like Igor Levit can do it justice. Don’t miss this rare performance.
Tickets £24 - £55 Presented by Saffron Hall
Antonio Pappano Š Musacchio & Ianniello
Wed 6 May, 7.30pm An Evening with Hannah Critchlow Thoughts & Talks
Sat 16 May, 7.30pm Britten Sinfonia with Alison Balsom
Hannah Critchlow is the science outreach fellow at Magdalene College, University of Cambridge, and has been named a Top 100 UK scientist by the Science Council for her work in science communication. She is listed as one of the University of Cambridge’s inspirational and successful women in science and appears regularly on TV, radio and at festivals to discuss and explore the brain.
Alison Balsom trumpet Jacqueline Shave director/violin
Join Hannah to discuss the recent neuroscience challenging our concept of agency. We’ll uncover just how much of our behaviour is predetermined and ask, is there anything we can do to alter our brain biology and better shape our futures?
Britten Sinfonia and Alison Balsom join forces for a special concert exploring 300 years of composition. Ancient and contemporary influences are intertwined, with arrangements of Purcell by some of the greatest composers of recent times, including the Hark! The echoing air, a new trumpet concerto inspired by Purcell’s The Fairy Queen.
Tickets £10 - £20 Presented by Saffron Hall
Tickets £10 - £50 Presented by Britten Sinfonia
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Purcell arr. Berio, Maxwell Davies Fantasias & Pavans John Woolrich Hark! The echoing air Scarlatti orch. John Woolrich Sonatas Set 2 Harrison Birtwistle Virelai (Sus une fontayne) Ligeti arr. Howarth Mysteries of the Macabre
Sun 17 May, 3pm Before the Firebird FUNharmonics Family Concert London Philharmonic Orchestra Michael Seal conductor Paul Rissmann presenter An enchanted kingdom, a bird with feathers of flame and an evil demon king… Stravinsky’s The Firebird is one of the most fabulous fairy stories in all music.
Tickets £10 - £22 (under 18s half price) Age Guidance 6+ Presented by Saffron Hall
But how did it all start – and how do musical instruments conjure up a whole imaginary world? In this FUNharmonics concert for the whole family, composer Paul Rissmann’s fantastic new prequel to the traditional story has the answer, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra will bring it to life. Get ready for some magical storytelling and plenty of chances to join in!
London Philharmonic Orchestra © Benjamin Ealovega
Jacqui Dankworth
Sat 23 May, 7.30pm Sun 24 May, 3pm Jacqui Dankworth & John Lill her Orchestra Songs From Stage & Silver Screen Supported by a Circle of Local Donors
John Lill piano Charlie Wood arranger Mike Dixon conductor/musical director
Beethoven Sonata No.8 in C minor Op.13 ‘Pathétique’ Beethoven Sonata No.15 in D Originally premiered at London’s Op.28 ‘Pastoral’ Cadogan Hall, this unique concert Beethoven Sonata No.13 in E flat features a fabulously eclectic range Op.27/1 ‘Quasi una fantasia’ of numbers inspired by the music Beethoven Sonata No.23 in F minor of the stage and silver screen. Op.57 ‘Appassionata’ The show features everything from Gershwin jazz standards and Combining jaw-dropping dexterity 1960s film themes such as Leslie and limitless imagination, John Lill Bricusse’s ‘Pure Imagination’ and is the kind of performer for whom Michel Legrand’s ‘The Windmills only the music matters – and none of My Mind’ - through to soul in more so than the composer to the form of Donny Hathaway’s whom he’s devoted his life; Ludwig ‘Someday We’ll All Be Free’, as well van Beethoven. In this long-awaited as contemporary film music such return to Saffron Hall, he performs as Marvin Hamlisch’s ‘What I Did four of Beethoven’s most justly For Love’ and ‘On My Own’ from celebrated sonatas: including the Les Misérables. ‘Pastoral’, the ‘Pathétique’, and the tempestuous ‘Appassionata’.
Tickets £18 - £40 Presented by Saffron Hall 25
Tickets £14 - £26 Presented by Saffron Hall
Sun 21 June, 3pm An Afternoon with Amanda Owen Thoughts & Talks Amanda Owen is a shepherdess, farmer’s wife, mother to nine children and bestselling author. The Owens live a life ruled by the seasons and their animals. Home is Ravenseat, a 2000-acre hill farm in North Yorkshire. In 2018, the family became the stars of their very own Channel 5 TV series Our Yorkshire Farm. Amanda’s most recent book Adventures of the Yorkshire Shepherdess, was published in June 2019, and she joins us for the afternoon to share tales from this latest chapter in her life.
Tickets £10 - £20 Presented by Saffron Hall
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Amanda Owen © Yorkshire Agricultural Society/ Countryside Live
Sat 27 June, 7.30pm Barnet & Bishop’s Stortford Choral Societies The Dream of Gerontius
Sun 28 June, 3pm Jonian Ilias Kadesha & Noam Greenberg Young Artist Coffee Concert
Richard Brain conductor Daniel Norman tenor Madeleine Shaw mezzo-soprano Edward Grint bass Forest Philharmonic
Jonian Ilias Kadesha violin Noam Greenberg piano
Elgar The Dream of Gerontius Probably Elgar’s most popular choral work, The Dream of Gerontius demands a large choir and strong orchestra. The two Choral Societies are coming together to perform this great work, under the baton of their Musical Director, Richard Brain, as a joint celebration of their 80th Anniversaries. They are joined by Forest Philharmonic, who combine professional and leading amateur players to achieve the highest of standards.
Tickets £20 (under 18s and students free) Presented by Barnet Choral Society & Bishop’s Stortford Choral Society
Mozart Violin Sonata in F K.377 Stravinsky Divertimento, transcription for violin & piano by Stravinsky & Samuel Dushkin (after The Fairy’s Kiss) Enescu Violin Sonata No.3 Op.25 “To regard him simply as a huge talent is not enough” said one German critic of the young Greek violinist Jonian Ilias Kadesha. “There is an element of pure genius in this young man.” He’ll be bringing to life Mozart’s brooding masterpiece and Stravinsky’s homage to Tchaikovsky, finishing with Romanian composer George Enescu’s folkloric Sonata No.3.
Tickets £10 (under 18s free) Presented by Saffron Hall
Sun 5 July, 3pm Saffron Walden Symphony Orchestra Family Event
Sat 11 July, 7.30pm Saffron Walden Choral Society Carmina Burana
Frank Burnet narrator Richard Hull conductor
Janet Wheeler conductor Young performers from Saffron Centre for Young Musicians and Saffron Walden County High School
Science communication expert Frank Burnet returns to narrate his text and Lewis Edmunds’ new score in the story of Peter and the Flu. No wolves in this one but lots of bacteria! The concert will also feature music that has been inspired by science and nature in what should prove to be an exciting and fun musical experience.
Tickets £15 - £18 (under 18s £3) Age Guidance 8+ Presented by Saffron Walden Symphony Orchestra 28
Carl Orff Carmina Burana Jonathan Dove Arion and the Dolphin Janet Wheeler Imagine It! Orff’s iconic Carmina Burana, vivid settings of 11th- and 12thcentury poetry, is performed with two pianos and percussion. It joins Jonathan Dove’s dramatic companion piece Arion and the Dolphin, depicting the Greek legend with vocal dolphin song and rippling water effects, and Janet Wheeler’s Imagine it!, which celebrates human imagination and invention.
Tickets £10 - £25 (under 25s £5) Presented by Saffron Walden Choral Society
Thu 6 August, 7.30pm Fri 21 August, 7.30pm National Youth Orchestra Aurora Orchestra of Great Britain Beethoven’s 7th Sponsored by Professor Sir Barry Ife CBE From Memory Elim Chan conductor
Nicholas Collon conductor
Programme to include: Danny Elfman New Work (world premiere) John Adams Harmonielehre
Programme to include: Beethoven Symphony No.7 (from memory)
Musical showman Danny Elfman, the creative maverick behind the sound worlds of Batman, The Simpsons and Edward Scissorhands, is making his mark on the classical world: following his Violin Concerto ‘Eleven Eleven’ and a Piano Concerto, he’s now bringing his first ever symphonic work to life with a bang, pairing his distinctive musical energy with the tremendous forces of the world’s greatest orchestra of teenagers, the 164 musicians of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. Prepare yourself for the wild and sublime, injected with a healthy dose of teenage energy, and guaranteed to raise the roof. Tickets £10 - £25 (under 18s free) Presented by Saffron Hall
In 2014 at the BBC Proms, Aurora Orchestra became the first orchestra in the modern age to perform a symphony from memory, without the aid of printed sheet music. Since then, the orchestra has electrified audiences around the world with this direct and communicative performance style. For this concert, Principal Conductor Nicholas Collon and the orchestra perform Beethoven’s life-affirming seventh symphony from memory, preceded by a unique musical presentation that unpacks the architecture of this iconic work.
Tickets £14 - £35 Presented by Saffron Hall
At the heart of our community
“An amazing experience, which helped us grow in confidence” A SWCHS student who took part in a three day creative project with dance troupe Boy Blue
“Thank you for putting together an experience that brought so much pleasure and comfort to so many.” A participant from Together in Sound and Come Together: The Lost Letters
“This was a great project and it made me feel more connected to others in our community.” A participant from Come Together: The Lost Letters 29
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Become a Saffron Hall member Join us at saffronhall.com/support or call 01799 588545
ŠRoger King
Members meeting Sir Bryn Terfel backstage at Saffron Hall
Saffron Walden County High School 10 December, 7pm Christmas Concert 4, 5 & 6 February School production of ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’ 12 March, 7pm Spring Concert 9 July, 7pm Summer Concert Saffron Walden County High School has been at the heart of the community in Saffron Walden since 1950 and is now one of the top performing non-selective state schools in England. Saffron Hall is a magnificent addition to the facilities at the school and one that the students benefit from every day. Over 2,000 people saw SWCHS and Saffron Hall’s outstanding joint production 33
of The Glass Knight in March 2016, and regular school concerts, drama productions and dance performances showcase the work of the large number of students involved in the arts at SWCHS. The school’s Sixth Form Music Academy continues to flourish, providing incredible opportunities for talented musicians to improve their skills through
an excellent teaching programme, masterclasses and connections with artists who appear at Saffron Hall. SWCHS holds a ‘Platinum’ Artsmark Award from Arts Council England, marking the school’s exceptional contribution to the arts.
Booking Buying tickets
Print at home tickets Accessibility For your convenience print Saffron Hall is continuously Online at home tickets are available working to increase accessibility www.saffronhall.com for most events. for its visitors. Customers with access requirements can book By phone The option to collect or their tickets by contacting the 0845 548 7650 receive tickets is also Box Office on 0845 548 7650 (7p per minute available. A charge of £1 (7p per minute plus access plus access charge) applies if you would like charge) or by emailing 10am–5pm Monday to your tickets posted. access@saffronhall.com Saturday inclusive (excluding Public Holidays) Booking fee There are up to 6 wheelchair Saffron Hall charges a £2 fee spaces and 14 step-free access In person per transaction for bookings seats (subject to availability). Saffron Walden Tourist made in person and via phone, For concessions and other Information Centre, and a £1 fee per transaction access information please visit 1 Market Place, Saffron Walden for web bookings. saffronhall.com/visit/access 9.30am–5pm Monday to Saturday Refunds and exchanges Parking for Blue Badge holders 10.30am–1pm Public Holidays Tickets can only be refunded is available on a first come, (closed Christmas Day, Boxing or exchanged if a performance first served basis. Day and New Year’s Day) is cancelled. Returns may be taken for sold–out events; For full terms and conditions On the door please visit our website for of sale please visit: The Saffron Hall box office more information. www.saffronhall.com opens 1 hour before each performance begins. Concessions If you have any questions For most Saffron Hall-presented or queries please contact events, under 18 tickets are half info@saffronhall.com price (except Schools Concerts or 01799 588 545 and some Family Concerts). All information is correct at time of going to print. Saffron Hall reserves the right to substitute artists and vary 34 the programme if necessary.
Visit Saffron Hall is an awardCar winning 740-seat performance Saffron Hall is easy to get space built in the grounds to. We’re a half-hour drive of Saffron Walden County from Cambridge and Bishop’s High School, just minutes Stortford and easily accessible away from Saffron Walden’s from the M11. Directions are historic town centre. The Hall’s available on our website. critically acclaimed acoustic and state-of-the-art facilities Parking surpass many of the world’s Over 400 free car parking more established venues. spaces are available on site. Train Air The nearest station is Audley Saffron Hall is approximately End Station, two miles away. a 30 minute drive from Regular services run from Stansted Airport. London Liverpool Street and Cambridge. Catering Saffron Hall’s bar is open Minibus for 1 hour prior to each We run a free minibus service performance and during the between Audley End Station interval serving a selection and the Hall for most Saffron of drinks and snacks. Hot Bowl Hall-presented events. The Food is served at all evening service runs for one hour before concerts. and one hour after each event. To check if this service is Our address is available for the event you Audley End Road have booked, please visit Saffron Walden our website. CB11 4UH Design Apropos-site.com
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Spring Diary January
Saturday 4, 7.30pm A New Year’s Celebration Friday 10, 8pm Foyer Folk Sunday 19, 3pm BBC Symphony Orchestra Thursday 23, 7.30pm Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn Friday 24, 8pm Foyer Jazz
March
Friday 6, 7.30pm Festival Strings Lucerne with Midori Saturday 7, 8pm Foyer Folk Saturday 14, 7.30pm Sonoro & Granta Chorale
February
Saturday 21, 7.30pm Benedetti Elschenbroich Grynyuk Trio
Friday 7, 8pm Foyer Folk
Sunday 22, 3pm The Glenn Miller Orchestra
Saturday 8, 7.30pm Alex Mendham & His Orchestra
Saturday 28, 7.30pm Britten Sinfonia Curlew River
Sunday 9, 3pm Saffron Walden Symphony Orchestra
Sunday 29, 3pm La Serenissima
Sunday 16, 3pm The Tallis Scholars Saturday 22, 7.30pm Fairport Convention Sunday 23, 3pm Clare Hammond Friday 28, 8pm Foyer Jazz
April
Wednesday 1, 7.30pm Castalian String Quartet Friday 3, 8pm Foyer Jazz Saturday 4, 7.30pm Saffron Walden Choral Society Saturday 11, 7.30pm Chineke! Friday 17, 8pm Foyer Folk Friday 24, 7.30pm Alexander Whitley Dance Company Saturday 25, 8pm Foyer Jazz Sunday 26, 3pm il pomo d’oro with Franco Fagioli
May
Saturday 2, 7.30pm London Philharmonic Orchestra Wednesday 6, 7.30pm An Evening with Hannah Critchlow Saturday 16, 7.30pm Britten Sinfonia with Alison Balsom Sunday 17, 3pm Before the Firebird FUNharmonics Friday 22, 8pm Foyer Jazz Saturday 23, 7.30pm Jacqui Dankworth & her Orchestra Sunday 24, 3pm John Lill
June
Sunday 21, 3pm An Afternoon with Amanda Owen Friday 26, 8pm Foyer Jazz Saturday 27, 7.30pm Barnet & Bishop’s Stortford Choral Societies Sunday 28, 3pm Jonian Ilias Kadesha & Noam Greenberg
July
Sunday 5, 3pm Saffron Walden Symphony Orchestra Saturday 11, 7.30pm Saffron Walden Choral Society
August
Thursday 6, 7.30pm National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain Friday 21, 7.30pm Aurora Orchestra
Saffron Hall Audley End Road Saffron Walden CB11 4UH United Kingdom
Box office 0845 548 7650 (7p per minute + access charge)
Admin 01799 588 545 info@saffronhall.com www.saffronhall.com