Artists: Jolente De Maeyer (Violin), Nikolaas Kende (Piano)
Concert Sponsor: The C & M Pike Trust
Opening the concert, Beethoven's Sonata No. 8 in G major, Op. 30 No. 3 is the last of three violin sonatas composed just a few weeks after his contemplation of suicide owing to increasing deafness. Its exuberance, effortlessness and delicious spirit is testament to Beethoven's indomitable determination and willpower.
Then witness the two Auerbach Preludes and Arvo Pärt's Fratres for Violin and Piano, both with sparse textures, but contrasting dynamics and emotional range, the Pärt expressing almost sacred mysticism.
Brahms' Sonata No. 3 in D minor, Op. 108 moves from restless instability, through gossamer, transparency and melting beauty, to a violent, seemingly orchestral finale.
Then, to finish the concert, be transported to old Vienna by Kreisler's Liebesleid / Liebesfreud – Love's Sorrow/Love's Joy – and leave the concert tapping your feet!
Leading Belgian soloists Jolente De Maeyer and Nikolaas Kende have been performing together for 20 years, touring extensively in the USA, China, South Africa, and Europe. Known for their 'symbiotic playing', 'pervasive lyricism', and 'powerful yet poetic playing', they are recognized as one of the leading musical duos in Europe. Both are professors at conservatories in Belgium and the Netherlands and have given masterclasses worldwide.
Jolente De Maeyer is one of Belgium's foremost violinists, and she is celebrated for her virtuosity and passionate interpretations. She has won numerous international competitions and has performed with major orchestras across Europe and the United States. Her recordings, including concerti by Saint-Saëns and Vieuxtemps, have received high praise. Jolente studied at the Yehudi Menuhin School and continued her education in London, Berlin, and Waterloo. She is currently a professor at the Conservatory of Tilburg and the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp.
Nikolaas Kende is acclaimed for his poetic and passionate musicality. A winner of several competitions, he has performed as a soloist with major orchestras. He has toured extensively in Europe, America, and China. His debut CD with Jolente De Maeyer, "Kreutzer Sonata," won a Golden Label from Klassiek Centraal. Nikolaas studied in Antwerp, Amsterdam, Munich, and Fiesole, and has worked with renowned artists like Murray Perahia and Radu Lupu. He is a professor of piano at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp.
Join us to finish the season in the company of this remarkable duo.
Artists: Irina Auner (Piano), Daniel Auner (Violin), Diethard Auner (Cello)
Concert Sponsor: Rathbones Investment Management
The concert starts with Mozart's Trio in G Major K564, his last piano trio, full of subtlety, elegance and charm. The first movement ripples, the second introduces a totally different theme – variations on a slow minuet – whilst the last movement swings in a kind of peasant dance.
What a contrast will be found in the Beethoven! In his Ghost Trio in D major, Opus 70, No 1, each instrument is equal; there are varied textures and rich contrapuntal interplay; there is passion and abrupt contrast. The second movement (the slowest Beethoven wrote) is the ghost. It broods. We're brought back to normality in the third.
Finally, Brahms' Trio No 1 in D Major, Opus 8, introduces serene expansiveness with a finale of real emotional depth. What a variety to experience within this one concert!
Formed in Vienna in 1991, the Wiener Mozart Trio has performed in major concert halls across Europe and Asia, and participated in numerous international music festivals. Their mission is to present music as a spontaneous and original experience, engaging audiences with a wide range of musical expressions from the Viennese classics to contemporary works.
Since its foundation, the Trio has graced renowned venues such as Sala Verdi in Milan, Wigmore Hall in London, and the Beijing Concert Hall, among others. They have also been featured in prestigious festivals like the Madeira Festival and the Schubertíada in Barcelona.
The Trio is known for its artistic independence, allowing them to deliver musically free and unconventional interpretations. Since 2012, they have organized their own international music festival at Schloss Hunyadi near Vienna, featuring guest appearances by renowned musicians and ensembles.
Born in Russia in 1960, Irina Auner began piano lessons at seven. She studied at the St. Petersburg Conservatory and has lived in Vienna since 1983. Irina has been the pianist of the Wiener Mozart Trio since its inception in 1991.
A prize-winning violinist, Daniel Auner has extensive concert experience worldwide. He is also an active chamber musician and has collaborated with notable artists such as Dennis Russell Davies and Jan Vogler. His debut CD, "Caprice Viennois," was released in 2010, followed by "Dialog with Mozart" in 2014. Daniel plays a violin by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini, presented to him by the Österreichische Nationalbank.
Born in Indonesia in 1957, Diethard Auner began cello lessons at nine. He studied at the Vienna Academy and the St. Petersburg Conservatory. Diethard has taught at the Wiener Neustadt Conservatory since 1988 and has been the cellist of the Wiener Mozart Trio since 1991.
Artists: Helena Winkelman, Tom Hankey, Rebecca Jones, Sarah McMahon
Instruments: Strings
Concert Sponsor: Buyrite Tyres
This concert features a carefully curated selection of works highlighting the quartet's versatility and commitment to performing repertoire from Classical to Contemporary.
The programme opens with Haydn's Quartet in G major, Op. 77 No. 1, a masterpiece of the classical repertoire that demonstrates Haydn's wit, elegance, and inventiveness. Following this, we delve into the 20th century with Britten's Three Divertimenti, a set of vibrant and playful pieces that offer a delightful contrast to Haydn's classical formality.
The concert also includes 'Mitnor Remains' by contemporary composer Mike Greenway. This evocative piece draws inspiration from archaeological discoveries, blending historical reverence with modern musical language.
The evening concludes with Mendelssohn's Quartet No. 2 in A minor, Op. 13, a passionate work that reflects the young composer's admiration for Beethoven and his own burgeoning romantic style.
Formed in 1999 at the West Cork Chamber Music Festival, the Callino Quartet has captivated audiences with fresh, engaging interpretations and innovative programming. Their critically acclaimed debut marked the beginning of a distinguished career. It has seen them perform at prestigious venues such as Wigmore Hall and Carnegie Hall.
Helena Winkelman (violin), Tom Hankey (violin), Rebecca Jones (viola), and Sarah McMahon (cello) bring a wealth of experience and a dynamic approach to their performances. The quartet has been honoured with awards and prizes at international competitions and has worked with prominent composers and musicians across various genres, from classical to jazz and rock.
They are passionately committed to contemporary music, premiering numerous works and collaborating closely with composers like Edgar Meyer, Peteris Vasks, and Kevin Volans. Their recordings, including the complete quartets by Ian Wilson and a recent album featuring works by Arvo Pärt and John Tavener, have received critical acclaim.
The quartet takes its name from the Irish air "Cailin cois tSuir a me" (Girl by the River Suir), the first Irish air to be notated in the late 16th century. This historical connection underscores their dedication to exploring and preserving musical heritage while embracing new and challenging repertoire.
Artist: Young-Choon Park
Instrument: Piano
Concert Sponsor: David Brown
Experience an evening of masterful piano music with the renowned pianist Young-Choon Park. This recital features a selection of sonatas by Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, and Schubert, showcasing the breadth and depth of classical piano repertoire.
The programme begins with Mozart's Sonata No. 9 in D major, K. 311, a delightful piece that radiates the composer's characteristic charm and elegance. Following this is Beethoven's dramatic Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31 No. 2 'Tempest', a work known for its emotional depth and striking contrasts.
After the interval, the concert continues with Haydn's Sonata No. 48 in C major, Hob XVI:35, a piece that blends Haydn's inventive spirit with classical formality. The evening concludes with Schubert's profound Sonata No. 19 in C minor, D. 958, a work that exemplifies Schubert's lyrical genius and structural mastery.
South Korean-born pianist Young-Choon Park began her piano studies at the tender age of four and gave her first full recital at seven. By age nine, she had already performed Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Seoul Symphony Orchestra.
Young-Choon Park's prodigious talent led her to the Juilliard School in New York, where she honed her skills, and later to the Hochschule in Munich, where she earned the highest masters degree. Her career has been marked by extensive touring, with over 50 concerts each year across Europe, Scandinavia, South Africa, and the United States.
She is a frequent performer at prestigious venues such as Birmingham Symphony Hall, St. David's Hall in Cardiff, Belfast Waterfront Hall, Alice Tully Hall and Lincoln Centre in New York, de Doelen in Rotterdam, and the Musikverein in Vienna, among many others. Her festival appearances are equally impressive, including notable events like the Piano Festival aux Jacobins de Toulouse, the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, and the Cork Midsummer Festival.
Young-Choon Park has also made significant contributions to radio and television broadcasts worldwide and is currently recording the complete Mozart piano concertos for Duchesne World Records in Belgium.
Throughout her career, she has performed with leading orchestras, including the Stuttgart Philharmonic, Halle State Philharmonic, KZN Philharmonic, Hungarian State Opera, Lithuanian National Symphony, Sofia Philharmonic, and many others.
Join us for an unforgettable evening with Young-Choon Park, a pianist whose artistry and dedication continue to captivate audiences around the globe.
Artists: Oliver Baily, Mollie Wrafter, Abigail Hammett, and Robert Wheatley
Instruments: Strings
Concert Sponsor: Austins Department Store
Join us for an extraordinary evening with the Treske String Quartet, a dynamic ensemble known for its innovative programming. This concert features a blend of classical masterpieces and contemporary works, showcasing the quartet's versatility and commitment to diverse repertoire.
The programme opens with Beethoven's Quartet No. 10 in E flat major, Op. 74 'Harp', named for its pizzicato sections that resemble the plucking of harp strings. This piece is a testament to Beethoven's genius, blending lyrical melodies with intricate counterpoint.
Following this, experience the avant-garde world of Jörg Widmann's Quartet No. 3 'Hunt', a piece that pushes the boundaries of string quartet repertoire with its modern techniques and evocative soundscapes.
The concert continues with Purcell's Chacony in G minor, reimagined by Benjamin Britten. This baroque classic is infused with Britten's distinct touch, bridging old and new.
Britten's Quartet No. 2 in C major, Op 36 concludes the programme. It's a work that combines profound depth with intricate textures.
Formed in 2017 and based in Manchester, the Treske String Quartet has quickly established itself as a leading ensemble in both contemporary and traditional music. The quartet, consisting of Oliver Baily (violin), Mollie Wrafter (violin), Abigail Hammett (viola), and Robert Wheatley (cello), has performed premieres specially written for them by emerging composers. Since completing the RNCM String Quartet Studio in 2023, they have been named Young Quartet in Residence at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin. They were prizewinners at the 2023 Cavatina Competition at the Wigmore Hall.
The quartet's mission is to champion repertoire by 20th and 21st-century composers. These curating programmes offer audiences radical experiences with new sound worlds. The Treske Quartet frequently collaborates with living composers, contributing to the expanding pool of modern string quartet music.
Oliver Baily (Violin): A graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), Oliver has performed extensively across the UK and internationally. He plays on a Derazey violin from the late 19th century and a modern instrument by W.E. Hill & Sons, thanks to the Harrison Frank Family Foundation.
Mollie Wrafter (Violin): Mollie recently completed her studies at RNCM, where she won several prestigious prizes. She performs on a copy of the 'Lord Wilton' Guarneri del Gesù violin, made by Glen Collins in 2018.
Abigail Hammett (Viola): Abigail completed her Masters at RNCM and is a dedicated chamber musician. She plays a viola made by her father, Timothy Hammett, in 2013.
Robert Wheatley (Cello): Robert is a versatile musician with an international career, performing in various genres and interdisciplinary projects. He studied at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen and RNCM in Manchester.
Through their dedication to high-quality chamber music and innovative programming, the Treske String Quartet continues to captivate audiences and contribute significantly to the contemporary music scene.
Artist: Kristian Lindberg (Piano)
Concert Sponsor: Penelope Stinton
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of piano virtuosity with Kristian Lindberg, a pianist whose performances have graced some of the world's most celebrated concert halls. This programme offers a captivating journey through Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and early 20th-century masterworks.
The concert begins with compositions by the two great Baroque Masters, Handel and Bach. Handel’s Chaconne inhabits many moods, and it rings with virtuosic flair. A Suite of 21 variations, one can almost imagine Handel delighting his friends with his creativity and technical skill as the intricate ornamentation resounds. Similarly, Bach’s English Suite in A minor BWV 807, the prelude followed by the classic series of stylised dances, astounds the listener with its brilliance.
In contrast, Mozart's Sonata in C major K330, Allegro Moderato - Andante Cantabile - Allegretto, radiates elegance and clarity, embodying the composer's quintessential charm.
In the second half, Ravel's Valses nobles et sentimentale brings a touch of French sophistication, weaving delicate textures and poignant melodies that evoke the elegance of the ballroom. The evening concludes with Rachmaninov's Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 36, a work of immense emotional range and power, showcasing Lindberg's extraordinary pianistic prowess.
Born in 1980, Kristian Lindberg began making waves in his native Norway at a young age. His early achievements include winning the Norwegian Young Pianists Competition in 1997 and representing Norway in the Eurovision Young Musicians competition in Vienna the following year. In 2007, he took first prize in Oslo's International Concours Grieg competition, solidifying his reputation as a formidable talent.
Lindberg's education spans prestigious institutions and esteemed mentors, including the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo, the Universität der Künste in Berlin, and the Ecole Normale de Musique in Paris. His career has seen performances at iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York, Wigmore Hall in London, and the Vienna Konzerthaus. He has collaborated with renowned orchestras, including the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and the Kremlin Chamber Orchestra.
In 2020, Lindberg released an acclaimed album featuring solo pieces by Beethoven, Schumann, and Liszt. His scholarly achievements include completing a PhD titled "The Orchestral Piano" in 2019 at the Norwegian Academy of Music.
Kristian Lindberg will bring to life the timeless beauty and profound emotions of these piano masterpieces.
Artists: Meera Maharaj (Flute) and Lucy Nolan (Harp)
Concert Sponsor: Torbay Recorded Music Society
Join us for an enchanting evening with the Hathor Duo, featuring flautist Meera Maharaj and harpist Lucy Nolan. This concert, titled "Dreams and Fantasies", promises to transport you through a rich and varied repertoire.
The programme opens with the elegant Sonata in G minor by J.S. Bach, exemplifying Baroque sophistication of interplay and expressive depth. Following this, you will be introduced to the lyrical Sonata for Flute and Harp in E flat major by Joseph Bologne, Guadaloupe/French Classical composer, conductor and virtuoso violinist whose works are celebrated for their grace and vivacity.
Experience the evocative landscapes of Hamilton Harty's "In Ireland", a piece that paints a picture of the Irish countryside with passion, vivacity and dance. Saint-Saëns’ Fantaisie, Op. 124, composed for violin and harp, will captivate you with its lyrical beauty and virtuosic demands. The second part of the concert includes Ravel's hauntingly beautiful "Pavane pour une infante défunte", a balance of melancholy and grace.
The Hathor Duo explores the vast repertoire available for flute and harp, ranging from their own arrangements of popular works and folk music to contemporary compositions. Both Royal Northern College of Music graduates, Meera Maharaj and Lucy Nolan have graced prestigious stages such as the Bridgewater Hall, Cadogan Hall, and the Royal Albert Hall. As Live Music Now artists, they are dedicated to bringing performances into the wider community, enriching lives across the country through their outreach work.
Meera Maharaj's diverse performing career includes significant achievements with various ensembles. Her duo, with pianist Dominic Degavino, has garnered acclaim and has been featured as Countess of Munster Recital Scheme, Tunnell Trust, and Park Lane Group artists. She also performs with guitarist James Girling as the Meraki Duo and Lucy Nolan in the Hathor Duo. Meera is known for her outreach efforts, performing frequently with the Chineke! Orchestra.
Lucy Nolan's eclectic career spans solo recitals, orchestral performances, and multimedia collaborations. A graduate of Oxford University and the Royal Northern College of Music, Lucy has performed with the Hallé, Royal Northern Sinfonia, and the European Union Youth Wind Orchestra, among others. She is passionate about developing new music for the harp. She has collaborated on numerous innovative projects, including performances at the World Harp Congress and the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival.
Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting, and also dramatic and passionate, sounds of the flute and harp as the Hathor Duo takes you on their journey through "Dreams and Fantasies"
Interval
Join us for an enchanting evening of wind music as Nadsa Concerts proudly presents the Atéa Quintet, one of the UK's premier wind ensembles. Immerse yourself in a diverse programme that spans the globe and the centuries, from the sultry haze of an American summer to the vibrant rhythms of Africa. This concert promises to be a showcase of not only technical brilliance but also the rich emotional landscapes that wind music can evoke.
Prepare to be whisked away on a sonic adventure that celebrates the beauty, diversity, and expressive power of wind instruments. The Atéa Quintet, known for their dynamic performances and exquisite musicality, will bring each piece to life, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all who attend.
Whether you're a classical aficionado or new to the world of wind quintets, this concert is not to be missed.
Secure your spot for this musical journey with the Atéa Quintet at Nadsa Concerts.
Eliza is The Fairest Queen
Popular songs from the time of good Queen Bess, alongside Tudor-tinted arrangements of hits from the 70-year reign of our late Queen Elizabeth, including:
Thomas Morley Now is the Month of Maying
John Dowland Come Away, Come Sweet Love
The Beatles Blackbird; Her Majesty
Irving Berlin Cheek to Cheek
Walter Kent The White Cliffs of Dover
Immerse yourself for the harmonies of 'Fair Oriana' as they take to the stage for the final concert of the nadsa concert series. Celebrated for their “pure vocal beauty” by Classic FM, the talented soprano duo – Angela Hicks and Penelope Appleyard – are recognised for their unique blend of voices and nuanced performances. Tracing their roots back to the historical ensemble 'Dowland Works' led by Dame Emma Kirkby, they have cultivated a distinctive style, intertwining historical repertoire with a hint of theatre.
Formed in 2019, Fair Oriana has quickly made a name for themselves, drawing from an eclectic mix of genres such as folk, jazz, and cross-over, adding depth to their performances. They inject a contemporary twist into their historical music passion, making their concerts an innovative blend of past and present.
Their debut album, 'Two Voices,' released in 2021, was featured on Spotify's New Classical Releases playlists, while their sublime interpretation of Handel's 'Eternal Source of Light Divine' found a spot in Classic FM's 'Hall of Fame'. They frequently commission new pieces to refresh their repertoire, the most recent being a piece by Louise Duggan, setting an Elizabeth I speech to music.
For their nadsa concert, they bring to you 'Eliza is The Fairest Queen', a harmonious tapestry of popular songs from the reign of good Queen Bess, followed by Tudor-tinted arrangements of hits from the 70-year reign of our late Queen Elizabeth. Delight in the melodies of Thomas Morley's 'Now is the Month of Maying' and John Dowland's 'Come Away, Come Sweet Love'. Adding a contemporary twist, they also pay homage to The Beatles with 'Blackbird' and 'Her Majesty', Irving Berlin's 'Cheek to Cheek', and Walter Kent's 'The White Cliffs of Dover'.
Fair Oriana has enthralled audiences in concert series across the UK and abroad, including the Three Choirs Festival, the Ryedale Festival, Sherborne Abbey Festival, Amia Alsace, and many others. Their ability to flexibly construct performances that bring together solos, duets, instrumental music, and spoken word make them a versatile act you won't want to miss.
Join us for this captivating performance, sponsored by Sue and Jeff Collman, as Fair Oriana enchants with their distinctive blend of Elizabethan and cross-over repertoire.
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Haydn String Quartet in B Flat Major, Op 50 No 1
Alban Berg String Quartet, Op 3
Beethoven String Quartet No 15 in A minor, Op 132
The Barbican Quartet unfolds a Viennese program, harmoniously melding the classical compositions of Haydn and Beethoven with the early modernism of Alban Berg. Comprising Amarins Wierdsma and Kate Maloney on violins, Christoph Slenczka on viola, and Yoanna Prodanova on cello, the quartet fuses four international musicians' unique personas into one cohesive voice.
With their intimate performances and virtuosic ensemble playing, the Barbican Quartet has enchanted audiences worldwide, carving out a distinctive space for themselves in the chamber music scene. Their 2022 journey was marked with a remarkable milestone as they welcomed second violinist, Kate Maloney, an addition that birthed a luscious quality of sound, well acknowledged by their mentors, Quatuor Ébène and Günter Pichler.
In their quest to continue the tradition of string quartet playing and the spirit of collective exploration, the Barbican Quartet reached new heights in the 71st ARD International String Quartet Competition. They bagged not just the first prize, but also a constellation of special awards for their spellbinding interpretation of the work commissioned by Dobrinka Tabakova.
The quartet's name – Barbican – echoes their foundational ethos, symbolizing a defensive wall surrounding a city or castle. It reflects their commitment to uphold and enrich the heritage of string quartet music. Their journey commenced in 2015 at the Barbican Center in London, marking a deep-rooted bond with the city. The founding members – Amarins, Christoph, and Yoanna – met at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Initially, their collaboration was driven by the sheer pleasure of making music together; however, their camaraderie soon transformed into a more serious endeavour.
Today, this international quartet – boasting four nationalities and the ability to converse in seven languages – divides its time between London and Munich. They are nurtured under the guidance of eminent mentors such as Günter Pichler, the Quatuor Ébène, the Belcea Quartet, Alasdair Tait, Andras Keller, and David Waterman.
Their musical prowess has earned them coveted accolades, including the first prize at the 2019 Joseph Joachim International Chamber Music Competition and the 2018 St Martin in the Fields Chamber Music Competition. They were distinguished as the St John Smith Square Young Artists in 2020 and were Park Lane Group artists in 2016.
Having graced platforms like the Peasmarsh Festival, Vibre! Quatuors à Bordeaux, Zeister Muziekdagen, Montreal Chamber Music Festival, IMS Prussia Cove, and Aldeburgh, the Barbican Quartet's performances have been broadcast on channels such as BR Klassik Radio, NPO Radio 4, and BBC Radio 3.
In a time of escalating divisions, the Barbican Quartet embodies the harmonious interplay of diverse elements, celebrating individual differences and crafting beauty out of unity. Join us as we embark on a musical journey with them.
This concert is kindly sponsored by The C & M Pike Trust.
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