For our last concert of the season (already?) we welcome the Rossetti Ensemble, which arose just five years ago from long-standing collaborations between pianist John Lenehan, violinist Sara Trickey, violist Sarah-Jane Bradley and Cellist Tim Lowe. Individually these are four superb musicians; together they give a simply stunning display of ensemble playing.
Sara Trickey enjoys an exciting and diverse career as a solo violinist and chamber musician. Noted for her “fiery and passionate” performances (The Strad) and her “beautifully refined tone” (Musical Opinion), she performs at many of the major UK festivals and venues. Her album of solo violin music, ‘From an Empty Room’ recently won her a double five star review in BBC Music Magazine.
Sarah-Jane Bradley, an “ardent and affecting soloist” (The Daily Telegraph), is well-known for her championing of new works for the viola. She has worked as soloist with the Philharmonia, Hallé, and BBC Symphony Orchestras amongst others, and her acclaimed recordings include CDs for Hyperion, Chandos, Naxos and Dutton Epoch.
Tim Lowe is firmly established as one of the new generation of outstanding British cellists, and has played as a soloist and chamber musician throughout Europe and the UK. His most recent recital at the Wigmore with pianist Andrew Brownell was described as “compelling in every respect… a true example of outstanding musicianship.” (Musical Opinion)
John Lenehan is described as “One of our most celebrated musicians” (Classic FM Magazine) and “Simply one of the best chamber pianists going”. (The Scotsman). He has recorded over 70 CDs, and is renowned internationally both as a soloist and chamber musician.
Their programme for us will include the Mozart Piano Quartet in G minor, K478; Frank Bridge’s Phantasy for Piano Quartet, H 94; Mahler’s Piano Quartet Movement, and Robert Schumann’s Piano Quartet in E flat, Op 47. When did we last hear Mahler in Newton Abbot? Rossetti’s website is here, https://rossettiensemble.online/ where you can read more about the artists, or simply enjoy their playing here: https://youtu.be/EILprqi-9Y
Make a note of the date, Friday 21st April, 7.30pm in the Courtenay Centre; or better still hurry along to https://nadsa.co.uk/event/rossetti-ensemble#tribe-tickets and book your tickets today! The sponsor for this concert is Austins Department Store here in Newton Abbot, for who’s support we are most grateful.
While you have your diary handy, here are the dates for next season’s concerts:
Friday 15th September
Sunday 15th October
Sunday 19th November
Sunday 21st January
Sunday 18th February
Friday 15th March
Friday 19th April
And now…this is in danger of becoming an annual appeal! We at NADSA desperately need to recruit younger help. Those of us who prepare the hall for each concert are probably nearer 80 than 70 and we’re looking for younger helpers, not only for some of these tasks but also to help distribute posters & flyers. Do you know of anyone who might be able to help out in some way? . It doesn’t have to be onerous for them; the voluntary work can be tailored to suit the individual, but as Mr Tesco says, 'Every little helps'. Think about it over the summer please, talk to your young friends about it, and contact our secretary Sue Collman on 01626 368318.
Finally, what else is happening musically, hereabouts through the summer?
Devon Philharmonic Orchestra are at the Cathedral on Saturday 29th April with Sibelius’ second symphony and works by Barber, Stravinsky and Geyer; details here https://devonphilharmonicorchestra.co.uk/
Shaldon Singers are performing Handel’s ‘Messiah’ on Saturday 20th May, details & tickets here: https://shaldonsingers.weebly.com/ while Shaldon Festival takes place from 21st to 24th June - https://shaldonfestival.co.uk
Exeter Philharmonic Choir are holding a workshop day on Saturday 13th May when they’ll be singing Karl Jenkins ‘The Armed Man’; see https://exeterphilharmonic.org.uk/
All that remains is to wish you all a good summer full of live music, and we look forward to seeing you again in September.
Cheers
John R