St George's Bristol - Classical Music Live At St George's - Sept-Dec 2012 by Lucie Spaight

Classical Music Live at St George’s September – December 2012

World class music at the heart of the city

“A stunning place, a perfect sound.” ANDREW KIRKBY, AUDIENCE MEMBER

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23/07/2012 11:52

Welcome

pianist Mitsuko Uchida in the superb acoustic and intimate setting of St George’s is a truly extraordinary and life affirming experience.

Our successful Schubert Cycle draws to a close this autumn, but not before Paul Lewis unleashes his eagerly anticipated performance of the last three Schubert piano sonatas – and delivers something of an encore by way of a two piano concert with renowned pianist Imogen Cooper. Our attention then turns to Beethoven, and the launch of our Beethoven, Blazing A Trail series (see opposite), while Bristol Classical Players celebrate the Best of British in a season that brings popular soloists such as pianist Stephen Hough and violinist Jennifer Pike to St George’s.

St George’s prides itself on being a magnet for the world’s most celebrated soloists and ensembles, and many of these will be gracing our stage over the coming months. The music roams from intense, passionate outpourings to lighter, uplifting moments – but whatever the mood, few would argue that listening to an artist such as violinist Viktoria Mullova or

As usual there is ample opportunity to celebrate the festive season, with a sumptuous Venice by Night excursion from Baroque orchestra La Serenissima and a storytelling evening with Michael Morpurgo alongside more traditional offerings from groups such as The Tallis Scholars, Bristol Bach Choir, Bristol Ensemble and Exultate Singers. Whatever you choose, I look forward to welcoming you to St George’s. Suzanne Rolt Director

St George’s plus This brochure can only ever tell you part of the story. For the latest programme news and production information, plus competitions, video trailers, audioclips, reviews and more, visit stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Support Us St George’s Bristol is a registered charity. While the majority of our income is generated through our charitable activities, we rely on the loyal support of the Friends of St George’s, audience members, our corporate supporters and trusts and foundations. There are many ways you can support us and give the pleasure of music to generations to come: make a donation; become a Friend; pledge your corporate support; or leave a gift in your will. Find out more at stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/support-us Registered Charity No 295178

St George’s Bristol would like to thank all of our supporters: The Friends of St George’s Bristol John Ellerman Foundation

The Paragon Society

Beethoven Blazing A Trail

The Radcliffe Trust

Garfield Weston Foundation

The fire of Beethoven’s music burns brighter than ever at St George’s as we embark on a series of concerts that run into Spring 2013 and beyond. Looking over our shoulder, it was the Gould Piano Trio’s marvellous cycle of concerts celebrating the composer’s piano trios which lit the touch paper for this further exploration into some of Beethoven’s many masterpieces. Arguably the greatest cycle of string quartets yet written, Beethoven’s were a lifetime’s work and their performance is a major landmark in any quartet’s career. Step forward then the energetic young Elias String Quartet who perform this hallowed music across six concerts, starting in December. At once epic, profound and deeply emotional, Beethoven’s string quartet cycle

demands to be heard live and in the hands of this thrilling ensemble we guarantee it will be an experience you won’t forget.

So there are plenty of opportunities to discover, or re-discover, the genius and glory of Beethoven. Make a date with St George’s.

Before that we welcome back the immensely talented pianist Angela Hewitt who presents one of Beethoven’s powerful piano sonatas, alongside music by Bach, in the first of a pair of scintillating concerts scheduled for this and the following season.

At a glance Friday 19 October 7.30pm / page 09 Angela Hewitt piano Tuesday 23 October 6.30pm / page 11 Matthew Barley cello Beethoven Explained Tuesday 20 November 6.30pm / page 16 Daniel Tong piano Beethoven Explained Friday 7 December 7.30pm / page 23 Elias String Quartet Beethoven String Quartet Cycle l

If that weren’t enough, the first two concerts of our new Rush Hour Classics series are titled Beethoven Explained. Cellist Matthew Barley and pianist Daniel Tong have each chosen a favourite sonata to introduce, explore and perform in full during two sixty-minute, early evening recitals in October and November.

Promoted by St George’s Bristol.

The Rayne Foundation

Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.

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At a glance

for Under-25s

Great music bite sized

Whether you’re hungry for new experiences, fancy time away from the office, or simply want to relax while out shopping, make the most of your lunch-hour with world-class music in the city’s most beautiful live music venue. Tickets Unless otherwise stated: £8; Free Under-25s, Students, Jobseekers. All seats unreserved. Flexi Series Ticket: buy a ticket for any 4 of the 7 priced concerts and pay just £28 (including the donation) / page 31. All concerts start at 1pm unless otherwise stated and last approximately 55 minutes. 02 Book now 0845 40 24 001

Beyond The Barline In Beyond The Barline, the lively music educators and conductors Jonathan James and David Bednall enrich the lunchtime listening experience, and set like-minded discussion alight, with an eclectic, entertaining and relaxed set of audio-visual explorations into classical music, from solo piano to opera. Tickets £5 All seats unreserved. All talks start at 11am and last approximately 60 minutes.

Thursday 4 October 1pm / page 06 Iuventus Ensemble / Thomas Hull clarinet Thursday 11 October 11am Beyond The Barline The folk voice in 20th Century music Thursday 11 October 1pm / page 07 Mandhira de Saram violin / Nathan Williamson piano Thursday 25 October 11am Beyond The Barline Leading figures in 20th Century British music Thursday 25 October 1pm / page 12 Presteigne Festival City Tour 2012 Thursday 1 November 1pm / page 13 Ashley Wass piano Thursday 15 November 11am Beyond The Barline After Wagner: Opera into the 20th Century Thursday 15 November 1pm / page 15 Di Xiao piano Thursday 22 November 1pm / page 17 Toki Quartet Thursday 29 November 11am Beyond The Barline The piano and modernism Thursday 29 November 1pm / page 18 Inzpir8tion 8 hands, 2 pianos Thursday 6 December 1pm / page 21 Cosmos & Friends

spoken word

Monday 17 September 7.30pm

Saturday 22 September 7.30pm

Wednesday 26 September 8pm

Human Planet Revealed

Treorchy Male Choir

Ad Parnassum and Ensemble of ‘L’Offerta Musicale’ di Venezia

The BBC landmark TV series ‘Human Planet’ – from the world famous Natural History Unit – was nominated for eight BAFTAs, winning two. With stunning footage on the big screen, series producer Dale Templar presents an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how she and her team (‘Planet Earth’, ‘Life’) made this incredible series, what went right and what went very wrong. An entertaining and informative evening, this is a must for anyone interested in travel, geography, the natural world, film, television and photography.

The sheer power of fifty-plus male voices united in song is something to behold at the best of times, but when it’s the Treorchy Male Choir you can expect to be lifted out of your seat and transported to a higher plain, particularly when you combine the resonance of their voices with the glorious acoustic of St George’s. Expect well loved classics, Welsh hymns, national airs and popular songs in a concert experience that will raise the hairs on the back of your neck as well as your spirits.

Maria-Lisa Geyer director Roberto De Gregori choreographer

‘Astonishing stories … flabbergasting footage … executed beautifully.’ the telegraph on human planet

‘One of the great joys of choral music.’ melvyn bragg £20(£18); £16(£14); £12(£10); £10(£9)

£13(£11)

Purcell Dido & Aeneas One of London’s newest performing companies, Ad Parnassum made their debut with Dido & Aeneus in Venice and London in Spring 2011 and bring that very original show to Bristol before embarking on a further European tour. Purcell’s masterpiece, unique for its time, epitomises the English taste for mixing spoken verse with music and dancing; and with the addition of colourful costumes and even puppetry, not to mention fine support from one of Venice’s most accomplished ensembles, this take on a classic work is likely to make quite an impression. £21(£19); £17(£15); £13(£11); £11(£9)

Promoted by St George’s Bristol. Beyond The Barline promoted in collaboration with St George’s Bristol Education.

treorchymalechoir.org

davidchristophersen.com loffertamusicale.it

Promoted by by St George’s Bristol.

Supported by Cambridge Pianoforte.

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Lunchtime Classics

Free

Friday 28 September 7.30pm

Paul Lewis piano

‘Like Brendel, Lewis has long been a powerful advocate for the pained sincerity of Schubert, capturing perfectly his music’s melancholy lyricism.’ the guardian

Schubert Sonata for Piano No 19 in C minor D958 Sonata for Piano No 20 in A D959 Sonata for Piano No 21 in B flat D960 It is some eighteen months since pianist Paul Lewis embarked on his journey through Franz Schubert’s piano music, and it has been an experience that has left audiences breathless and enraptured in equal measure. This eighth and last recital in the series uncovers the composer’s final three piano sonatas, which were composed just months before he died in 1828. Together they represent a haunting final word from the composer, not to mention a fitting end to this extraordinary series.

Saturday 29 September 7.30pm

Monday 1 October 7.30pm

Tuesday 2 October 7.30pm

St Michael’s Chorus and Orchestra Bach B Minor Mass

IMS Prussia Cove

The English Concert

David Lowe conductor Helen Swift soprano Robin Blaze countertenor Robert Murray tenor Adam Green baritone

Beethoven String Trio in C minor Op 9 No 3 Schumann Piano Quartet in E flat Op 47 Dvorˇák String Sextet in A Op 48

Harry Bicket conductor Carolyn Sampson soprano Nadja Zwiener violin

IMS Prussia Cove, now celebrating its 40th anniversary, brings some of the world’s finest chamber musicians to Bristol on its 2012 Autumn Tour. Violinists Lesley Hatfield and Daniel Phillips, violist Louise Williams and cellists Alice Neary and Rafael Rosenfeld are joined by young stars from the international chamber music scene to present a programme including Schumann’s Piano Quartet and Dvorˇák’s String Sextet.

J S Bach Suite in C Handel Silete Venti J S Bach Double Concerto for Oboe and Violin Handel Tu la mia stella sei; Se pieta di me non senti; Da tempeste il legno infranto (Giulio Cesare)

J S Bach Mass in B minor Bach’s B Minor Mass, a sublime wonder of the Baroque, is performed in aid of the Bristol ‘Cots for Tots Appeal’, with all proceeds supporting the most vulnerable babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael’s Hospital, Bristol. A fabulous array of soloists is joined by a first class ensemble of musicians from Bristol, London and Cambridge. In aid of ‘Cots for Tots’: cotsfortots.org.uk

£16(£14); £13.50(£11.50); £11(£9); £9(£8)

£21; £18; £13

‘The rapport and commitment [are] mesmerizing.’ venue magazine

£27(£25); £23(£21); £17(£15); £13(£11) See also: Paul Lewis / Imogen Cooper (Friday 30 November) / page 19

Recorded for future transmission on BBC Radio 3.

£25(£23); £21(£19); £17(£15); £13(£11) i-m-s.org.uk

paullewispiano.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol.

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‘A victory for vigorous, healthy music-making.’ the times

Conductor Harry Bicket must be thrilled that Carolyn Sampson is the featured soprano for this concert; indeed she is said to be at the top of every Baroque conductor’s wish-list of soloists. Her rise to stardom has every bit as much to do with her tenacious creative choices as it does her sublime voice, which shines in three arias from Handel’s 1724 operatic masterpiece Giulio Cesare, and his motet Silete Venti. The impeccable English Concert affirms its place as Europe’s leading Baroque orchestra with this programme, which includes Bach’s captivating Concerto for Oboe and Violin.

Supported by Alere.

schubert cycle viii

Book limite Now dt availa icket bility

englishconcert.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol.

Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.

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lunchtime classics

st george’s bristol fundraiser

Thursday 4 October 1pm

Saturday 6 October 7.30pm

Sunday 7 October 6pm

Thursday 11 October 1pm

Iuventus Ensemble / Thomas Hull clarinet

Bristol Classical Players / Stephen Hough piano Best of British

Mandolinquents

Mandhira de Saram violin / Nathan Williamson piano

The Iuventus Ensemble was formed in 2010 as an expanded version of the renowned Iuventus Quartet, brought together to enable these accomplished chamber players to explore new and exciting repertoire. Mozart’s dark and melancholic G minor String Quintet provides dramatic contrast to Weber’s miniconcerto-style Clarinet Quintet with its leaping solo line and theatrical finale. ‘Technical ease, sensitivity to style, elegance in phrasing and excellent intonation.’ the strad £8; Free Under-25s, Students, Jobseekers. All seats unreserved. Flexi Series Ticket (page 31).

Heard on BBC Radio shows as diverse as In Tune and Friday Night Is Music Night, the appeal of this band of off-beat strummers is easy to understand. With good humour, infectious fun and dazzling virtuosity, The Mandolinquents make their St George’s debut

Tom Gauterin conductor Samara Ginsberg cello Delius On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring Hummel Piano Concerto in A minor Hough The Loneliest Wilderness Elgar Enigma Variations The Bristol Classical Players’ ‘Best of British’ season gets under way in style, with a return visit from Stephen Hough – as both pianist and composer! The concert is bookended by two quintessential British masterpieces: Delius’s charming evocation of spring, and Elgar’s affectionate tribute to his ‘friends pictured within’.

with a diverse concert of music that takes in traditional airs, hot swing and fiery folk, via classics by Mozart, Vivaldi and Tchaikovsky. This is uplifting, one-of-a-kind musicianship guaranteed to surprise and delight. £12; £6 Under-18s; Family Ticket available

Bartók Romanian Folk Dances Vaughan Williams Sonata in A minor Tchaikovsky Meditation in D minor Two hugely exciting and already accomplished young musicians come together to perform Bartók’s six enchanting folk dance miniatures, a late Vaughan Williams sonata and Tchaikovsky’s impassioned Meditation, originally conceived as the central movement to his Violin Concerto. ‘Her well sustained brilliance of tone, clarity of expression and dazzling technique commanded the attention of the audience like a magnet. Here, clearly, is a star in the making.’ oxford times

£25(£21); £19(£17); £15(£13); £11(£9)

‘The most perfect piano playing conceivable.’ the guardian on stephen hough

£8; Free Under-25s, Students, Jobseekers. All seats unreserved. Flexi Series Ticket (page 31).

Mozart String Quintet in G minor K516 Weber Clarinet Quintet in B flat J182

lunchtime classics

stephenhough.com / bristolclassicalplayers.co.uk

mandolinquents.com

mandhiradesaram.com

Promoted by St George’s Bristol.

Promoted in collaboration with St George’s Bristol.

Promoted by St George’s Bristol.

06 Book now 0845 40 24 001

Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.

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Sunday 14 October 6pm – 11pm

Brandon Hill Chamber Orchestra Ewa Strusinska conductor Ashley Fripp piano

‘Passionate Post-Romantics’ – prepare to have your emotions stirred! Ashley Fripp, who recently added the coveted Gold Medal from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama to his list of accolades, is the soloist in Rachmaninov’s warmly romantic and ever-popular Second Piano Concerto. The romantic theme of the evening continues with a performance of the rich and evocative suite that Strauss made from his operatic masterpiece Der Rosenkavalier. Ewa Strusinska returns for this final concert in BHCO’s 25th anniversary year, directing a programme which opens with the ebullient Little Suite by her Polish compatriot Witold Lutoslawski.

Tuesday 16 October 7.30pm

Friday 19 October 7.30pm

Sunday 21 October 10.30am – 10.30pm

The free Migrations Global Gathering

London Chamber Orchestra Hft 50th Anniversary Celebrations

Angela Hewitt piano

Gathering Voices Festival of Song

The Global Gathering is a celebration – through music – of the exhilarating cosmopolitan diversity of Bristol and the South West. Packed full of free music, St George’s comes alive with the most eclectic line-up of top-class world musicians drawn from many of the great migrant cultural traditions. All for free.

Schubert Symphony No 8 in B minor ‘Unfinished’ Beethoven Piano Concerto No 4 in G Beethoven Symphony No 5 in C minor

J S Bach (arr Wilhelm Kempff) Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland J S Bach Siciliano in G minor; Sinfonia in D Beethoven Sonata No 28 in A Op 101 J S Bach The Art of Fugue (Contrapunctus I to X)

The annual Gathering Voices ‘Festival of Song’ returns with a rich and eclectic celebration of the many outstanding voices (singers, ensembles and choirs) that abound in Bristol, the UK’s premier City of Song.

While Angela Hewitt turns her hands to the widest repertoire it is the music of Bach for which she is most celebrated; indeed she is hailed as the pre-eminent Bach pianist of our time. In the first of two appearances (the second being Friday 26 April 2013) she demonstrates the pristine articulation, finesse and poise that make her just so engrossing in concert, through performances of music by both Bach and Beethoven. The music reveals a common pathway as Beethoven’s remarkable Piano Sonata Op 101 draws power and influence from Bach’s magnificent The Art of Fugue.

This 12-hour singing extravaganza traverses the whole spectrum of the city’s choirs and is the compelling culmination to the third ten day city-wide Gathering Voices ‘Festival of Song’. Come and share in the joy and inspiration that singing brings to thousands across the city.

For full line-up and running times please visit: stgeorgesbristol.co.uk ‘Oodles of rhythmically diverse, exotically © Paul Bullivant minded and real good beats, grooves and songstuffs. Wondrous.’ venue magazine Free admission. Turn up at any time. No ticket required.

‘The concerts of the LCO are some of the most exciting in London.’ the times In aid of Hft: hft.org.uk £26(£23); £22(£19); £16(£13); £13(£10)

£16(£15); £14(£13); £5 Under-16s

Supported by the Paragon Concert Society.

Promoted by St George’s Bristol in collaboration with Amahoro Limited, Black History Month and Platforma Arts + Refugees Network. Dedicated to the memory of Lorraine Ayensu.

08 Book now 0845 40 24 001

Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.

ashleyfripp.co.uk / ewastrusinska.com / bhco.co.uk

One of the world’s finest music ensembles, the LCO combines the charismatic leadership of Principal Conductor Christopher Warren-Green with the skills of London’s most outstanding musicians and enjoys the Patronage of HRH the Duchess of Cornwall. In 2011 it was highly honoured to perform at the wedding service of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and for this rare performance outside the capital it helps celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hft, a national charity which provides support for people with learning difficulties.

lco.co.uk

Witold Lutoslawski Little Suite Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No 2 in C minor Strauss Der Rosenkavalier Suite

Saturday 13 October 7.45pm

Dedicated to members of the:

Sessions begin: 10.30am; 2pm; 6.30pm For full line-up and running times: festivalofsong.org.uk Session tickets: £5; Free Under-18s Day Pass: £10; Free Under 18s

The

Harry Edwards Circle

£27(£25); £23(£21); £17(£15); £13(£11) angelahewitt.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol.

Promoted by Gathering Voices in collaboration with St George’s Bristol.

Book now www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 09 9

Monday 22 October 7.30pm

Viktoria Mullova plays Bach J S Bach Sonata No 1 in G minor BWV 1001 Partita for Violin Solo No 3 in E BWV 1006 Partita for Violin Solo No 2 in D minor BWV 1004

rush hour classics

Tuesday 23 October 6.30pm

Rush Hour Classics Great Music For Busy Lives The modern lifestyle can sometimes take its toll, so we’re giving you the opportunity to avoid the home-time rush and enjoy a relaxed hour immersed in great music instead. Our new series of sixty-minute concerts sees special guest performers going deeper into a piece of music, exploring it and sharing its secrets before performing it in full. This season we’re thrilled to be welcoming cellist Matthew Barley and pianist Daniel Tong who, in two separate concerts, reveal their passion for Beethoven Sonatas. It really is the perfect way to round off a busy day, or indeed start the evening with a musical flourish.

When Viktoria Mullova plays Bach it’s as if the world stops, or so we’d like to think; but one thing is for sure, this intoxicating performer is without doubt one of the greatest violin virtuosos to take to the concert stage. Mullova’s interpretations of Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas have graced numerous recordings, the composer’s astonishing melodic phrasing as refined, elegant and expressive as ever in her hands; but witness it live in concert and it is an experience that is sure to live long in the memory. £25; £21; £17; £13

MasterClasses Each Rush Hour concert is preceded at 4pm by an on-stage MasterClass, where young gifted local musicians are expertly guided through the notes of the related sonata by the Rush Hour performer. Entrance free to Rush Hour ticket holders.

viktoriamullova.com

Matthew Barley / Reinis Zarins Beethoven Explained Matthew Barley cello Reinis Zarins piano Beethoven Cello Sonata No 1 in F Op 5 The virtuosic and adventurous cellist Matthew Barley lifts the lid on Beethoven’s groundbreaking first cello sonata. Beginning with an illuminating exploration of the music, he performs the work in its entirety with young Latvian pianist Reinis Zarins. Whether you’re a Beethoven aficionado or a classical newcomer, there’s lots to learn and even more to enjoy in this hour-long recital. Running time: one hour / no interval. 4pm Beethoven MasterClass Entrance is free to concert ticket holders. ‘Matthew Barley is probably the world’s most adventurous cellist!’ glasgow herald £12; Free Under-25s, Students, Jobseekers.

matthewbarley.com / reiniszarins.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol.

Promoted by St George’s Bristol.

10 Book Box Offi now ce 0845 0845 40 40 24 24 001 001

‘To hear Mullova play Bach is, simply, one of the greatest things you can experience.’ the guardian

Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.

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lunchtime classics

Thursday 25 October 1pm

Saturday 27 October 7.30pm

Sunday 28 October 6pm

Thursday 1 November 1pm

Saturday 3 November 7.30pm

Presteigne Festival City Tour 2012

English National Baroque Ensemble

Kate Gannon soprano / The Katona Twins guitars

Ashley Wass piano

Bristol Opera Fidelio

Harriet Mackenzie violin and Philippa Mo violin (Retorica) with Sarah-Jane Bradley viola

Nicholas Whiting leader Imogen Triner oboe Graham Sheen bassoon

Manuel de Falla Siete Canciones Populares Espanolas Chapi Carceleras ‘Las Hijas Del Zebedeo’

Cecilia McDowall Rousseau’s ‘Execution’ E J Moeran Sonata in A for Two Unaccompanied Violins Paul Patterson Tides of Mananan David Matthews Three Duos Frank Bridge Rhapsody Trio

John Stanley Concerto Grosso Handel Concerto Grosso Op 6 Thomas Shaw Concerto in G Vanhal Concerto for bassoon in F J S Bach Brandenburg Concerto No 4

Works by Handel, Gluck, Rossini, Tosti and Benedict

The Presteigne Festival has truly become a mecca for classical music, with new works and talented artists being discovered annually in the small Powys / Herefordshire border-town. This lunchtime concert reveals a thrilling programme of contemporary British music, performed by three outstanding young string players, fresh from the 2012 Festival. £8; Free Under-25s, Students, Jobseekers. All seats unreserved. Flexi Series Ticket (page 31).

The renowned English National Baroque Ensemble – with players from BBC NOW, London Philharmonic, BBC Symphony Orchestra and the English Chamber Orchestra – returns to St George’s Bristol for its annual concert of the great concertos of the golden age of Baroque. This engaging ensemble has developed its own distinctive character, style and sound over the past decade, establishing itself as a firm favourite on the UK music circuit, acclaimed for its assertive orchestral playing, crisp detail and ensemble, and obvious enjoyment at music making.

A virtuosic and entertaining programme from Zoltan and Peter Katona, critically acclaimed by the Daily Telegraph as ‘the classical world’s best known guitar duo’, with Kate Gannon, renowned for a beautiful and pure coloratura voice. Classical works of Handel and Rossini in new arrangements for this thrilling combination are followed by the drama and passion of Manuel de Falla. ‘A singer who gets to you with her expressive voice and sympathetic character.’ el diario

Promoted by St George’s Bristol in association with the Presteigne Festival, Colwinston Charitable Trust and Arts Council of Wales.

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Beethoven Fidelio Beethoven’s only foray into opera is a glorious ode to freedom. Bristol Opera proudly presents this dramatic work in a concert performance, in aid of the Bristol ‘Above + Beyond’ charity. Sung in German with full orchestra and interwoven with new English narrations by Graham Billing. Beethoven / Liszt Symphony No 6 ‘Pastoral’ (piano transcription)

£20(£16); £18(£14); £16(£12); £14(£10)

Frequent guest at the BBC Proms and regular recording artist here at St George’s, Ashley Wass’ virtuosic skills are showcased to the maximum today in this performance of Liszt’s homage to the great master. Liszt’s transcription is a dazzling affair that sees the piano matching the colours and textures of an entire orchestra.

katonatwins.com / kategannon.com

ashleywass.com

Supported by the Beuthen AMR.

Promoted by St George’s Bristol.

‘Spirited interpretations, amazing virtuosity.’ san francisco classical voice

£14(£12) presteignefestival.com / retorica.co.uk

Arne Kovac conductor Ethel-Jane Cormack Leonore Bjorn Huestege Florestan Martin Le Poidevin Rocco Brendan Casey Pizarro

Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.

‘A thoroughbred who possesses the enviable gift to turn almost everything he plays into pure gold.’ gramophone magazine

In aid of Above + Beyond Charities: aboveandbeyond.org.uk £17; £15; £11; £8; £5 Under-18s / Students

£8; Free Under-25s, Students, Jobseekers. All seats unreserved. Flexi Series Ticket (page 31).

bristolopera.org.uk

Book now www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 13

lunchtime classics

Friday 9 November 7.30pm

Saturday 10 November 7.30pm

Tuesday 13 November 7.30pm

Thursday 15 November 1pm

La Nuova Musica Acis and Galatea

Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra

The Callino Quartet

Di Xiao piano

William Goodchild conductor Kwesi Edman cello

Sarah Sexton violin Tom Hankey violin Rebecca Jones viola Sarah McMahon cello

Beethoven Sonata in C minor ‘Moonlight’ Guang Ren Colourful clouds chasing the moon Peixun Chen Autumn moon on a calm lake Debussy Deux Arabesques Ravel Miroirs No 2 ‘Oiseaux tristes’, Miroirs No 4 ‘Alborada del gracioso’

Handel Acis and Galatea

Holst Egdon Heath Op 47 Elgar Cello Concerto Op 85 in E minor Vaughan Williams Symphony No 5 in D

St George’s audiences aren’t known for getting out of their seats in appreciation of a concert, but stand they did for La Nuova Musica’s breathtaking performance of Handel’s Messiah last year. That ovation reinforced our conviction that this vibrant young period ensemble is one to watch, and with Handel’s Acis and Galatea they are set to light up the stage once again. Based on Ovid’s Metamorphoses tale of love, loss and jealousy, the work – Handel’s first in English – was the pinnacle of English opera in its day, going on to become one of the composer’s most popular works.

£24(£22); £21(£19); £19(£17); £13(£11)

Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra performs a programme of quintessentially English music, written during the first half of the twentieth century. Holst considered Egdon Heath one of his finest works. Kwesi Edman, a rising star, performs Elgar’s sorrowful yet lyrically uplifting Cello Concerto. The evening concludes with Vaughan Williams’s wonderfully romantic Fifth Symphony. £14(£12); £12(£10); £10(£8); £8(£6)

Haydn Quartet in D Op 64 No5 The Lark Janácˇek Quartet No1 in E minor Kreutzer Schubert Quartet in A minor Op 29 Rosamunde Widely considered to be one of the finest young ensembles to have emerged in Europe in recent years, The Callino Quartet makes its St George’s debut with a fine selection of classics. Haydn’s lively and distinctly folkinfused The Lark sits comfortably against the colourful palettes found in both Janácˇek’s dramatic, Tolstoy-inspired Kreutzer Sonata and Schubert’s mature Rosamunde quartet. ‘The Callino Quartet’s performance of the Haydn (‘Fifths’ quartet) was as good as it gets; joyous, true to the score, wonderfully expressive and fabulously exciting.’ irish examiner

‘With the band living every moment as if lives depended on it, and most of the audience literally on the edge of their seats, not merely listening but taking part vicariously, the raucous standing ovation at the end was pretty much guaranteed.’

Pianist Di Xiao has performed across the globe, including a major international tour in 2009 as part of the acclaimed ‘Rising Stars’ series. She aspires to be an international ambassador for the piano, combining both Chinese and Western repertoire in the programming of her concerts, and today bridges the serene Moonlight Sonata, two of Ravel’s vivid ‘reflections’ and Debussy’s charming Arabesques with two beautifully evocative Chinese works. £8; Free Under-25s, Students, Jobseekers. All seats unreserved. Flexi Series Ticket (page 31).

£16(£14); £14(£12); £12(£10)

venue magazine on la nuova musica’s ‘messiah’ at st george’s bristol lanuovamusica.co.uk

callinoquartet.com

dixiao.co.uk

Promoted by St George’s Bristol.

bristolmetropolitanorchestra.com

Supported by John Whibley Holidays with Music.

Promoted by St George’s Bristol.

14 Book now 0845 40 24 001

Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.

Book now www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 15

World première

‘A lovely entertainment, flawlessly performed.’

rush hour classics

lunchtime classics

Friday 16 November 8pm

Tuesday 20 November 6.30pm

Thursday 22 November 1pm

Friday 23 November 7.30pm

Charles Hazlewood / Army of Generals / Adrian Utley Guitar Orchestra

Daniel Tong piano Beethoven Explained

Toki Quartet

Rêverie The Life and Loves of Claude Debussy

Beethoven Piano Sonata No 31 in A flat Op 110

Frank Bridge Three Idylls Yuka Takechi Hortus Conclusus (UK première) Elgar String Quartet in E minor

Lucy Parham piano Brendan Coyle narrator

In this second Rush Hour Classics concert, pianist Daniel Tong uncovers Beethoven’s Piano Sonata Op 110. Before performing the work in full, Daniel takes the audience further into the music, revealing the hidden depths behind the notes. This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a wellloved classic, or embrace the beauty and power of Beethoven for the first time. Running time: one hour / no interval. © Paul Roylance

‘Inspiredly thrilling.’ venue magazine on adrian utley guitar orchestra In a unique new project, Portishead’s Adrian Utley and his Guitar Orchestra team up with Charles Hazlewood and members of his period instrument orchestra Army of Generals, to explore music by the great Estonian mystic Arvo Pärt. The almost mediaeval tones of an ensemble of electric

guitars combine extraordinarily well with the smoky warmth of old gut-strung stringed instruments: a soundworld that has never before been explored.

4pm Beethoven MasterClass Entrance is free to concert ticket holders. ‘Tong’s cultured pianism affords unqualified pleasure.’ gramophone £12; Free Under-25s, Students, Jobseekers. See page 11 for series information.

£8; Free Under-25s, Students, Jobseekers. All seats unreserved. Flexi Series Ticket (page 31).

£16

Debussy Estampes: Pagodes, La soirée dans Grenade, Jardins sous la pluie; Arabesque No 1; Rêverie; Clair de lune (from Suite bergamasque); L’isle joyeuse Best known as ‘Mr. Bates’, the nation’s favourite valet, Downton Abbey star Brendan Coyle steps into the shoes of Claude Debussy, bringing to vivid life stories from the composer’s complex and emotional past. Pianist Lucy Parham performs some of Debussy’s finest compositions, the perfect underscore to stories of a colourful and at times dramatic existence. The entangled love affairs and occasional brushes with death, which would be at home in any work of fiction, were in fact the very real inspiration for some of Debussy’s greatest creations. This captivating performance celebrates the 150th anniversary of the composer’s birth. £24; £21; £15; £11

charleshazlewood.com

danieltong.com

Promoted by St George’s Bristol.

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The Toki Quartet was formed in 2010 by four prize-winning musicians at the Royal Academy of Music. They are dedicated to the promotion of Japanese and British music, and are currently embarking on the ‘Harmony of Cultural Sounds’ project, of which today’s concert forms a part. Yuka Takechi is an emerging Japanese composer fast-gaining international recognition, and has written this new commission especially for the Toki Quartet. It is complimented by the wonderfully expressive Idylls of Frank Bridge, and Elgar’s E minor Quartet, written in 1918 during a much longed-for retreat to the countryside.

the independent

Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.

ajsw.org.uk

Promoted by St George’s Bristol in association with The Anglo Japanese Society of Wessex.

lucyparham.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol.

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lunchtime classics

Wednesday 28 November 7.30pm

Thursday 29 November 1pm

Friday 30 November 7.30pm

Company of Storytellers The Three Snake Leaves

Inzpir8tion 8 hands, 2 pianos

Paul Lewis piano / Imogen Cooper piano

Fairy Tales for Grown-ups from The Brothers Grimm

Yukiko Shinohara, Hiroko Yamamoto, Mayumi Iida, Nao Maebayashi pianos

The forest is a place where marvels gleam in the shadows and the mysterious snake leaves bring transformation. 200 years after the Brothers Grimm magnificent collection of stories was first published, The Company of Storytellers, pioneers of the British performance storytelling revival, reform to bring their seminal piece, The Three Snake Leaves, to the stage once more, with newly devised music by Dylan Fowler and Gillian Stevens. This is performance storytelling for grown-ups, although your inner-child is entirely welcome.

Mozart (arr. Keller) Marriage of Figaro Overture Schubert (arr. Pauer) Six Celebrated Marches Rosenblatt Myagi, Concertina, Ave Maria, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland J S Bach (arr. Bader) Air, Gigue (from Orchestral Suite No 3 in D) Saint-Saens (arr. Guiraud) Danse Macabre Rosenblatt Japanese Fantasia

£13

‘One of the country’s most highly regarded storytellers … she awakens the imagination of the audience.’ the independent on sally pomme-clayton (company of storytellers)

sallypommeclayton.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol.

18 Book now 0845 40 24 001

Four young and gifted Japanese pianists are brought together under the direction of the AngloJapanese Society of Wessex to craft a unique concert of music for eight hands on two pianos. Their performance features compositions by the prominent contemporary Russian composer Alexander Rosenblatt, alongside arrangements of Bach’s much-loved Air on a G String, Saint-Saens’ wonderfully devilish Danse Macabre and a set of the finest marches Schubert ever penned.

‘One of the great Schubertians of our time.’ the sunday times on imogen cooper

Flexi Series Ticket (page 31).

Schubert Allegro in A minor D947 ‘Lebensstürme’ Brahms Hungarian Dances for piano duet Schubert Andantino Varie from ‘Divertissement a la Francaise’ Dvorˇák Slavonic Dances for piano duet Schubert Sonata for Piano Duet ‘Grand Duo’ in C D812

ajsw.org.uk

paullewispiano.co.uk / imogen-cooper.com

£8; Free Under-25s, Students, Jobseekers. All seats unreserved.

Promoted by St George’s Bristol in association with the Anglo-Japanese Society of Wessex.

Imogen Cooper © Benjamin Ealovega / Paul Lewis © Eric Manas

performance storytelling

With his engrossing Schubert cycle having come to its conclusion in September, this concert provides something of an encore as pianist Paul Lewis, and fellow Schubertian Imogen Cooper, join forces to perform some of the composer’s works for piano four-hands. Sitting alongside the Schubert selection are a pair of jubilant pieces by Brahms and Dvorˇák,

including a piano duet rendering of the latter’s famous Slavonic Dances. Of course the best is always saved for last and Schubert’s dazzling Grand Duo is a perfectly ‘grand’ finale. This is sumptuous piano music, in the safest of (four) hands. £27(£25); £23(£21); £17(£15); £13(£11)

Promoted by St George’s Bristol.

Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.

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Sunday 2 December 7.30pm

Tuesday 4 December 7.30pm

Thursday 6 December 1pm

Thursday 6 December 7.30pm

Bristol Classical Players / Jennifer Pike violin Best of British

Enigma Orchestra

Badminton School Musicians

Cosmos & Friends

Bristol Grammar School

Robert Weaver conductor Arian Aghababaie pianist

Matthew Bale and David Ransom conductors Emma Pelkiewicz soprano Yuhan Peng piano

Join the wonderful young singers of St George’s Cosmos Choir as they and invited choirs celebrate the start of the Festive season!

Beethoven Piano Concert No 3 in C minor Elgar Sea Pictures Purcell Dido & Aeneas

Cosmos is a children’s community choir for young people in South Bristol, funded through St George’s education programme. Cosmos’ first ever CD will be on sale at this event.

The autumn concert from Bristol Grammar School is always much anticipated by performers and audience alike, a superb evening of music-making featuring the best of the school’s musical talent in an array of ensembles.

Tom Gauterin conductor Bax Tintagel Beethoven Violin Concerto in D Walton Symphony No 1 in B flat The Bristol Classical Players’ Best of British season continues with Jennifer Pike playing Beethoven’s most serene concerto. Ever since she was named Young Musician of the Year in 2002, Jennifer’s musicianship has attracted praise the world over. Beethoven’s sublime work provides a contrast to Bax’s passionate seascape and Walton’s epic First Symphony – the work that cemented his reputation. ‘A truly engaging musicality.’ the times on jennifer pike © Eric Richmond

lunchtime classics

Saturday 1 December 7.30pm

£25(£21); £19(£17); £15(£13); £11(£9)

jenniferpike.com / bristolclassicalplayers.co.uk

Mozart Overture to La Clemenza di Tito Mozart Piano Concerto No 20 in D minor K466 Beethoven Symphony No 7 in A The new and vibrant Bristol orchestra, Enigma, presents an exhilarating programme of musical masterpieces by two of the greatest composers of all time. In a performance not to be missed, fine piano virtuoso Arian Aghababaie plays Mozart’s sublime Piano Concerto No 20 and exciting young conductor Robert Weaver brings captivating intensity to a performance of Beethoven’s powerful Symphony No 7. This concert is the first in a brand-new season for Enigma. ‘Robert Weaver is a conductor of real promise.’ john pickard (composer)

The talented Badminton School musicians return with a varied programme of orchestral and choral works ranging from Elgar’s exquisite Sea Pictures to the virtuosic third piano concerto of Beethoven. The evening concludes with Purcell’s dramatic opera Dido & Aeneas, in its original 1698 version for female voices.

£7.50(£5.50)

Admission to this concert is free, with a retiring collection to help fund the future of this wonderful choir. Free. All seats unreserved.

‘The choirs gave a moving rendition of Fauré’s ‘Cantique’ where the balance and clarity were perfect.’ bristol evening post £8

£13(£11); £11(£9)

enigmaorchestra.co.uk / robert-weaver.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol.

20 Book now 0845 40 24 001

Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.

Book now www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 21

Beethoven String Quartet Cycle ‘The Elias is a quite exceptional quartet.’ gramophone magazine

Beethoven’s string quartets represent a lifetime’s work and remain the greatest cycle of quartets ever written. This is music with the ability to shake worlds. Not surprisingly, a performance of this epic cycle is a major landmark in any quartet’s career and, a decade on from the Takacs Quartet’s celebrated cycle at St George’s, a new chapter begins as the Elias String Quartet launches its own journey of discovery through these masterpieces. The Elias Quartet has rapidly established itself as one of the truly outstanding groups of its

generation. Combining musical intelligence with youthful exuberance and a beautiful yet full-blooded sound, these four players are never anything less than thrilling in their performances. This is an exceptional opportunity for you to immerse yourself in Beethoven’s music and get to the heart of these profound and astonishing works. It is also a chance for you to share, via a dedicated website (thebeethovenproject.com), the Elias Quartet’s personal accounts of the experience of preparing for and performing the

cycle. You can access regular recordings, video diaries, and there’s also an interactive forum called ‘Your Beethoven’. Cycle dates: Friday 7 December 2012 Friday 22 February 2013 Friday 31 May 2013 Friday 29 November 2013 Friday 31 January 2014 Friday 4 April 2014

Friday 7 December 7.30pm

Saturday 8 December 7.30pm

Elias String Quartet Beethoven String Quartet Cycle I

Bristol Concert Orchestra / Joseph Spooner cello

Bristol Schools Chamber Choir

Beethoven String Quartet No 5 in A Op 18 No 5 String Quartet No 9 in C Op 59 No 3 ‘Rasumovsky’ String Quartet No 14 in C sharp minor Op 131

Stefan Hofkes conductor

David Ogden director

Delius Winter Night (Sleigh Ride) Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations Mahler Symphony No 5

Join the fabulous young singers of the Bristol Schools Chamber Choir for an evening of seasonal music traditional and modern, exquisite and celebratory.

The thrilling young Elias String Quartet comes of age as it takes on Beethoven’s epic string quartet cycle. Beginning its journey with the Quartet in C sharp minor, easily among the composer’s greatest works, the tone for the rest of the series is well and truly set. The quartet’s energetic and high-spirited style is perfectly matched to Beethoven’s powerful music, making this a series not to be missed. 6pm Pre-concert talk Quartet members Donald Grant and Martin Saving take part in a live interview. Entrance is free to concert ticket holders. Running time: approximately 30 minutes.

22 Box ce 0845 0845 40 40 24 24 001 001 BookOffi now

£8; £5 Under-18s; Family Ticket available

£15(£13); £13(£11); £10(£8); £8(£6); £1 Under-18s

£20; £13

Promoted by St George’s Bristol.

Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.

Mahler’s 5th Symphony spans many human feelings: despair, grief, anger, anxiety, profound love (in the famous Adagietto) and finally explosive joy. Prepare to be swept away by this emotional juggernaut. Joseph Spooner returns to Bristol to delight us with Tchaikovsky’s neo-classical Variations on a Rococo Theme, which provided the composer with a nostalgic trip to a bygone age, at a time when romantic music was the order of the day. For a seasonal flavour, the concert opens with Delius’ delightful Winter Night (Sleigh Ride).

Sunday 9 December 6.30pm

‘Outstanding.’ the guardian

thebeethovenproject.com / eliasstringquartet.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol.

beethoven string quartet cycle

bristolconcertorchestra.org.uk / josephspooner.net

Promoted by Bristol Arts & Music Service in collaboration with St George’s Bristol.

Book now www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 23

‘Absolute clarity and purity of sound, a tonal fusion that comes close to perfection.’ la provincia di cremona

Friday 14 December 7.30pm and Saturday 15 December 7.30 pm

Sunday 16 December 2.30pm matinee / 8pm

Tuesday 18 December 7pm

Bristol Bach Choir Celebrate!

Gasworks Choir

Michael Morpurgo The Best Christmas Present In The World

Each piece beautifully underlines the Nativity journey, from The Annunciation (Ave Maria), via the Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth (Übers Gebirg) and the birth of Christ to the Presentation of Jesus in the temple (Nunc Dimittis paraphrased in Maria wallt zum Heiligtum). These are rich, beautiful works performed by the world’s leading exponents of Renaissance sacred music; a genuine Christmas gift of a concert.

Christopher Finch music director Nigel Nash piano For many years, these concerts have heralded the start of the festive season in Bristol. This acclaimed choir presents a joyous celebration of Christmas through gloriously uplifting music and humorous and profound readings. A fusion of traditional and contemporary, these magical concerts are guaranteed to fill you with festive fervour.

Ali Orbaum and Dee Jarlett conductors

Almost a century after the famous 1914 Christmas Truce and the Anglo-German football match in No-Man’s-Land, a forgotten letter found by chance in an antique desk brings one soldier’s experience of the Great War hauntingly to life.

£29(£27); £25(£23); £17(£15); £13(£11)

£21; £18; £15; £11; £5 Under-18s and students

Wednesday 12 December 7.30pm

The Tallis Scholars Peter Phillips director Anonymous Ave Maria Palestrina Missa Ave Maria Hieronymus Praetorius Magnificat Tone V; Ecce dominus veniet Eccard Übers Gebirg; Maria wallt zum Heiligtum Michael Praetorius Ecce dominus; In dulci jubilo The Tallis Scholars set out on a journey that takes in both familiar plainsong melodies, including the buoyant In dulci jubilo, and stunning rarities such as Palestrina’s gloriously architectural Missa Ave Maria.

Bristol’s original and best-loved community choir returns to St George’s, its captivating new live set blending intoxicating arrangements with choral discoveries. 150-strong, the choir is justly popular for the warmth and enjoyment with which it performs and the sparkling concert atmosphere it creates. With classical music sitting alongside stirring ballads, lyrical folk and funky pop songs, this choir is a joy to experience. £7(£6) family matinee; £8.50(£7) evening All seats unreserved.

Michael Morpurgo (master-storyteller and bestselling author of War Horse) joins the compelling a cappella English folk trio, Coope, Boyes & Simpson in this rare performance of his heart-warming and spine-tingling story. Recommended age: 8+ Running time: 70 minutes / no interval

£16; £8 Under-18s; Family Ticket available

thetallisscholars.co.uk

bristolbach.org.uk

gasworkschoir.co.uk

Promoted by St George’s Bristol.

24 Box ce 0845 0845 40 40 24 24 001 001 BookOffi now

Promoted by St George’s Bristol.

Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.

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Thursday 20 December 7.30pm

La Serenissima Venice By Night

‘The playing is beautifully articulated, with first-class work from the soloists.’ the sunday times

Anon Si la gondola avere for soprano and theorbo Pollarolo Sinfonia to La vendetta d’amore for trumpet, strings and continuo Albinoni Sinfonia for strings and continuo in G minor Vivaldi Concerto in C for bassoon, strings and continuo RV477 Vivaldi No stè a condanarme for soprano and continuo; Concerto in E minor for violin, strings and continuo RV278

Sunday 23 December 2pm / 4.30pm

Sunday 23 December 7.45pm

Bristol Ensemble Christmas Spectacular

Bristol Ensemble Children’s Christmas Carnival

Bristol Ensemble A Vivaldi Christmas

With City of Bristol Choir (Fri 21 Dec) and Exultate Singers (Sat 22 Dec)

Roger Huckle director, violin

Works include Howard Blake The Snowman

Vivaldi Four Seasons Nulla in mundo pax sincera Christmas concerto in A minor for 2 violins

David Ogden conductor The stunning Bristol Ensemble is joined by the two Bristol Choirs conducted by David Ogden for a special evening of warmth, passion and bonhomie to put you in the Christmas mood. The programme includes works by Rutter, Bach, Handel, Corelli and Vivaldi as well as audience carols and readings. Don’t miss this unique mixture of fun and reverence. Sold out for two years running so book early to avoid disappointment.

Christmas just isn’t quite the same without Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman. It’s thirty years since the heartwarming story was premiered during Channel 4’s first Christmas and Howard Blake’s uplifting musical score has become synonymous with the festive season. What with that, favourite Disney songs and a spot of audience participation in the shape of massed bells – for ‘Jingle Bells’ of course – this annual family concert is a veritable selection box of musical treats.

‘Stunning evening of Christmas celebration.’ evening post

‘Top class ensemble, exquisite performance.’ evening post

£21(£19); £18(£16); £16(£14); £9(£7)

£13(£9)

cityofbristolchoir.org.uk / exultatesingers.org

bristolensemble.com

Bristol Ensemble supported by Bristol City Council

The Bristol Ensemble unwraps something of a ‘Baroque Christmas’ to ring in the festivities the night before Christmas Eve. The music of Vivaldi is the perfect accompaniment to a chilly winter’s night and with readings as well as music in the programme, it is an evening that will surely help you to wind down and lift your spirits ahead of the Christmas break. £21(£19); £19(£17); £17(£15); £9(£7)

Twinkling lights on the water and the sound of music lingering on a balmy breeze are just some of the images conjured by the title of this concert. La Serenissima remain firm favourites in the St George’s programme and for this visit the historical performance ensemble transport us back to 18th Century Venice. Creating a musical soundscape which includes Pollarolo’s emotive Sinfonia to La vendetta d’amore – thought lost until very recently – this is a night of sheer indulgence as the very essence of Italian Baroque is brought ravishingly to the fore in all its ornate extravagance. £25(£23); £21(£19); £17(£15); £13(£11) laserenissima.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol. Supported by

26 Book now 0845 40 24 001

Friday 21 December 7.45pm and Saturday 22 December 7.45pm

Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.

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Learn With Us Children’s and Family Concerts Live at St George’s

Friday 11 January 2013 7.30pm

Mitsuko Uchida piano J S Bach 2 Preludes and Fuges from The Well-Tempered Clavier Book II Schoenberg Six Little Piano Pieces Op 19 Schumann Waldszenen; Sonata No 2 in G minor; Die Gesänge der Frühe

£33; £28; £20; £14

With a unique mix of creativity and interactivity, St George’s Bristol puts children at the heart of its magical, kid-friendly family shows.

‘Mitsuko Uchida has been enthralling audiences for decades with the sensitivity, insight and unshowy brilliance of her playing … we salute Mitsuko Uchida therefore as both a peerless musician and a great humanist.’ royal philharmonic society

Celebrating the playfulness and the pleasure of music, storytelling and taking part, St George’s children’s and family concerts are colourful, engaging and imagination-tickling, full of quirky pleasures and energetic fun, and an utter delight (no matter what your age). For further information on Children’s and Family Concerts this autumn please phone the Box Office 0845 40 24 001 and request a children’s and family concerts leaflet, or visit us online. © Richard Avedon

An audience with Dame Mitsuko is not one that is easily forgotten, for her powerful presence before the piano is tempered by a profound inward reflectivity that makes you feel she is playing for you and you alone. Such artistry in vivid close-up is one of the delights afforded by the intimate space at St George’s and Mitsuko Uchida’s visits here over the years remain some of the most pleasurable. The honour of receiving the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Gold Medal, one of Classical music’s highest honours, earlier this year only goes to affirm the regard in which she is held.

A top-quality live concert experience can be a revelation at any age, but for children it can ignite a passion for music that stays with them for life.

Sunday 16 September 3pm

Monday 29 October 3.45pm

Drum Blondes

Wild Words Vikram and the Vampire

From marimbas and glockenspiels to dustbins and planks of wood, this highly skilled allfemale percussion duo conjures a snappy and infectious rhythm spectacular.

The spellbinding storytellers Wild Words bring spooky stories and scary songs to an afternoon of ‘trick-or-treat’ tales that scream fun.

£6 Under-18s; £8 Adults; Family Ticket available

£6 Children and Adults; Family Ticket available Sunday 4 November 10am / 11.15am

Sunday 7 October 2pm

Musical Mystery Tour Simon Mayor (CBeebies’ ‘Zingzilla’) and Hilary James bring a dazzling array of unusual stringed instruments and a zany sense of fun to a sparkling set of children’s songs. £6 Under-18s; £8 Adults; Family Ticket available

Bristol Ensemble Brass / Laura Tanner Bangin’ Brass! Musicians of the Bristol Ensemble and presenter Laura Tanner blow raspberries (and their own trumpets) with a fantastic introduction to the wonderful world of the brass family. £6 Children and Adults; Family Ticket available

Promoted by St George’s Bristol. Voluntary donation does not apply to St George’s Children’s and Family Concerts.

mitsukouchida.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol.

28 Book now 0845 40 24 001

Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.

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The Crypt Gallery

Crypt Café Bar

The Crypt Gallery offers tranquil surroundings in which to enjoy exhibitions by new artists each season. Most works are for sale. Please contact the Box Office for details. Works may be viewed before and after lunchtime and evening concerts.

St George’s Café Bar offers a uniquely atmospheric and informal setting to relax with friends before and after concerts, with the finest hospitality and an enticing selection of specially chosen wines, locally-produced beers and soft drinks, teas, coffee, cake and bar snacks.

For full exhibition details please visit: stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/art-galleries Charles Kinsey

A rotating exhibition of sublime artwork inspired by the natural and manmade world. artists-connect.co.uk

Stunning (and well travelled) wildlife photography. charleskinsey.co.uk

Exhibiting from 4 Sep – 23 Dec 2012.

Exhibiting from 12 Oct – 11 Nov 2012.

Artists Connect

goldbrickhouse.co.uk

Lisa Richards

Ivana Švabic´ Cannon

A remarkable showcase of intricate and truly amazing paper cut art. lisa-richards.co.uk

Disarming abstract linocuts, at once ascetic and opulent. ivanacannon.co.uk

Exhibiting from 8 Sep – 10 Oct 2012.

Exhibiting from 12 Nov – 23 Dec 2012.

30 Book now 0845 40 24 001

Cavatina free tickets

Young Friends

Lunchtime Classics Flexi Ticket Buy a ticket for any 4 of the 7 priced Autumn Lunchtime Classics concerts and pay just £28 (including the £1 voluntary donation) with no need to decide in advance which concerts you would like to attend – and take advantage of paying only £7 (including the £1 voluntary donation) for all remaining concerts in the series. Please note: Beyond The Barline pre-concert talks are not included within this ticket offer.

CAVATINA ‘Bringing chamber music to young people, and young people to chamber music.’

Join our club!

Under-25s / Students / Jobseekers Standby Ticket The best available seats for any St George’s promotion for just £5. Standby tickets are only available from the Box Office from one hour before the concert start time. Family Ticket Buy four tickets to specially selected family-friendly events at the same time, and get the lowest priced ticket free (see individual concerts for details).

Aged 8-25? Then you can enjoy selected concerts absolutely free! St George’s wants to introduce as many young people as it can to the experience of seeing and hearing live chamber music and to this end continues its long running collaboration with the CAVATINA Chamber Music Trust, with tickets for specially selected events available free of charge to anyone between the ages of 8 and 25.

Do you want to know more about things going on for young people here at St George’s Bristol? Then why not join our Young Friends group! You’ll be kept up to date with information about our family events, discounted ticket offers and various activities you can get involved in here at St George’s. The group is open to anyone between the ages of 8 and 18 so get yourself on the list now by emailing your name, age and address to m.beek@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

To take advantage of this ticket offer, look out for the logo at the bottom of the event and simply quote ‘CAVATINA’ when making a ticket booking. Visit cavatina.net for further information.

Group Bookings / Discount Terms and Conditions See website for details or contact the Box Office.

To enjoy a fantastic hot meal before a performance, St George’s has teamed up with the ‘seriously stylish’ (Venue Magazine) Goldbrick House – situated two minutes’ walk from St George’s on the corner of Park Street and Charlotte Street – to provide a special, varied and exciting ‘Early Evening’ menu.

Save money!

Please contact the Box Office for further information and to book: 0845 40 24 001. www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 30

Book now www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 31

How to book In person – the Box Office entrance is located on the right hand side of the building, accessible from Great George Street (see opening times above). By telephone 0845 40 24 001 – all major credit cards (except American Express), Maestro and Delta cards are accepted. There is a £1 charge for each transaction where the total spend is over £15. Online – book online 24 hours a day at stgeorgesbristol.co.uk. Booking fee: £2.50 for each transaction (irrespective of the number of tickets being booked).

Children St George’s welcomes children but parents are asked to remember that some concerts, such as BBC broadcasts, may not be suitable for younger children. Babes in arms and young toddlers cannot be admitted to the auditorium for ticketed events unless otherwise stated. All children must be issued with a ticket. Data protection When you book a ticket your details are stored on the St George’s computer database. However, this information will only be used to send you details of events at St George’s and at other arts venues with your permission. Data Protection Act registration number: PZ5013390

32 Book Box Offi now ce 0845 0845 40 40 24 24 001 001

Facilities for cyclists There are a number of bicycle racks at the Great George Street entrance to the venue.

The information given in this brochure was correct at the time of going to print. Programme subject to change.

QUEEN CHARLOTTE STREET

Latecomers and readmission Admission will be offered at the first suitable break but admission and readmission cannot be guaranteed. The management reserves the right to refuse admission to any person.

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Please note that on the first day of Friends’ Priority Booking and the first two days of General Booking the Box Office will be open from 10am – 6pm.

Guide dogs Guide dogs are admitted to all parts of St George’s Bristol.

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General Booking / Online Booking opens Monday 13 August 2012

Refunds Tickets are not transferable and refunds can only be offered on events which are sold out.

Customers are reminded that on-street parking is strictly controlled with the nearest car park located ten minutes away on Trenchard Street (travelbristol.org/drive).

stage

Friends’ Priority Booking opens Thursday 9 August 2012

Sound reinforcement St George’s Bristol is equipped with an T-loop hearing system.

How to find us

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Gala Friends’ Priority Booking opens Wednesday 8 August 2012

Concessions Concession prices are stated in brackets after the full price. These apply to those in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance or benefits, registered disabled, senior citizens, young people under-18 and full-time students. Please note only one type of concession can be claimed per ticket. Concessions cannot be used in conjunction with any special offer.

Facilities for disabled patrons St George’s welcomes all disabled concert-goers and the venue is fully-accessible from Charlotte Street. Please mention your particular needs to the Box Office when you book and all assistance will be given. Limited parking space is available for disabled ‘Blue Badge’ holders in the adjacent car park but must be reserved in advance – call the Box Office to check availability. Accessible toilet facilities are located within the bar, accessible by lift.

When to book Patrons’ / Benefactors’ Priority Booking opens Tuesday 7 August 2012

If you would like your tickets posted to you, add 50p to your remittance. Otherwise your tickets will be held at the Box Office for collection.

Seating plan

Box Office opening hours Monday to Saturday: 12 noon – 6pm Plus: on any concert day the Box Office opens one and a half hours before the concert start time. On most concert days the Box Office remains open until the end of the interval.

General information

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Booking information

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Design: pelotondesign.co.uk Print: kingsdown.uk.com Registered Office: Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR Administration: 0117 929 4929 Email: administration@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Director: Suzanne Rolt St George’s Bristol No 2053843 Registered Charity No 295178 VAT No 821 9681 15

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central gallery Second price Third price

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Concerts with three price bands Top price

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Concerts with two price bands Top price

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St George’s Bristol is located two minutes walk off Park Street and is served by frequent bus services from Temple Meads rail station: 1, 8, 9 (visit the First Bus information website: firstgroup.com for details of the best bus for your journey). Taxis are numerous in the area and there are taxi ranks located on Park Street and Queen’s Road near Sainsbury’s. Book now www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 33

Classical Music / Jazz Folk World Gigs / Children’s And Family Concerts At A Glance September Mon 10 Thu 13 Sun 16 Mon 17 Thu 20 Sat 22 Wed 26 Thu 27 Fri 28 Sat 29

Red Baraat dhol ‘n’ brass marching band The Necks masters of long-form jazz improv Drum Blondes percussion duo family concert BBC’s Human Planet Revealed Kathryn Tickell Northumbrian Voices Treorchy Male Choir the master choir of them all Ad Parnassum Dido and Aeneas Bluegrass Sessions Carrivick Sisters / Awna Teixeira (Po’Girl) Paul Lewis piano Schubert Cycle VIII St. Michael’s Chorus and Orchestra Bach B Minor Mass

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October Mon 1 Tue 2 Wed 3 Thu 4 Thu 4 Sat 6 Sun 7 Sun 7 Wed 10 Thu 11 Thu 11 Thu 11 Sat 13 Sun 14 Tue 16 Thu 18 Fri 19 Sun 21 Mon 22 Tue 23 Wed 24 Thu 25 Thu 25 Thu 25 Sat 27 Sun 28 Mon 29 Tue 30

IMS Prussia Cove world’s finest chamber musicians • The English Concert / Carolyn Sampson soprano • Mahala Rai Banda Balkan Gypsy wedding band • Lunchtime Classics Iuventus Ensemble • Fred Hersch finest exponent of solo jazz piano • Bristol Classical Players / Stephen Hough piano • Musical Mystery Tour Family Show ••• Mandolinquents 1930s’ mandolin quartet •• Lively Up! Festival Nu Civilisation Orchestra Parallel: The Joe Harriott Project • Beyond The Barline •• Lunchtime Classics Mandhira de Saram violin • Susanna bewitching Norwegian jazz pop • Brandon Hill Chamber Orchestra • Free Migrations Global Gathering • London Chamber Orchestra • John Renbourn / Wizz Jones folk-blues guitar • Angela Hewitt Bach piano • Gathering Voices Festival of Song ••• Viktoria Mullova solo Bach violin • Rush Hour Classics Matthew Barley / Reinis Zarins •• John Lees’ Barclay James Harvest progressive-rock • Beyond The Barline •• Lunchtime Classics Presteigne Festival City Tour 2012 • Kairos 4tet / Sam Crowe Group Brit-jazz sensations • English National Baroque Ensemble • Kate Gannon soprano / Katona Twins guitars • Wild Words Vikram and the Vampire ••• The Unthanks Songs From The Shipyards Live •

November Thu 1 Sat 3 Sun 4 Thu 8

Lunchtime Classics Ashley Wass piano • Bristol Opera Beethoven Fidelio Concert Performance • Bristol Ensemble Brass / Laura Tanner Bangin’ Brass •• Aruan Ortiz – Michael Janisch Quintet / Greg Osby •

Fri 9 Sat 10 Tue 13 Thu 15 Thu 15 Thu 15 Fri 16 Sat 17 Tue 20 Thu 22 Fri 23 Wed 28 Thu 29 Thu 29 Fri 30

La Nuova Musica Handel Acis and Galatea Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra English music The Callino Quartet exciting young ensemble Beyond The Barline Lunchtime Classics Di Xiao piano Sarah Jane Morris / Celestial Quartet Cello Songs Charles Hazlewood / Adrian Utley Guitar Orchestra Lau BBC Folk Group of the Year Rush Hour Classics Daniel Tong piano Lunchtime Classics Toki Quartet Lucy Parham / Brendan Coyle Life of Debussy Brothers Grimm Three Snake Leaves Beyond The Barline Lunchtime Classics Inzpir8tion 8 hands, 2 pianos Paul Lewis / Imogen Cooper piano four-hands

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December Sat 1 Sun 2 Mon 3 Tue 4 Wed 5 Thu 6 Thu 6 Fri 7 Sat 8 Sun 9 Mon 10 Wed 12 Thu 13 Fri 14 Sat 15 Sun 16 Tue 18 Thu 20 Fri 21 Sat 22 Sun 23 Sun 23

Bristol Classical Players / Jennifer Pike violin Enigma Orchestra / Arian Aghababaie piano Maddy Prior / Carnival Band Carols & Capers Badminton School Musicians Norma Waterson / Eliza Carthy / Gift Band Folk Lunchtime Classics Cosmos & Friends Bristol Grammar School Elias Quartet Beethoven String Quartet Cycle I Bristol Concert Orchestra / Joseph Spooner cello Bristol Schools Chamber Choir Patrick Wolf acoustic alternative pop Tallis Scholars sacred vocal music Alan Barnes / Dave Newton Hundred Years Of Jazz Bristol Bach Choir Celebrate! Bristol Bach Choir Celebrate! Gasworks Choir Michael Morpurgo Best Christmas Present Ever La Serenissima Venice by Night Bristol Ensemble Christmas Spectacular Bristol Ensemble Christmas Spectacular Bristol Ensemble Children’s Christmas Carnival Bristol Ensemble Vivaldi Christmas

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• Classical Music • Folk Jazz World Gig • Children’s and Family Concert • Spoken Word Event / Comedy For further information on Folk Jazz World Gigs and Children’s and Family Concerts this autumn please phone the Box Office 0845 40 24 001 and request a brochure, or visit us online.

Book now 0845 40 24 001 Visit us stgeorgesbristol.co.uk General Booking / Online Booking opens Monday 13 August 2012

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Great George Street (off Park Street), Bristol BS1 5RR

23/07/2012 11:52