Academy of Ancient Music London concert season

Transcription

1 Academy of Ancient Music London concert season

2 LONDON season Purcell The Fairy Queen Monday 10 October 2016, Barbican Hall Benjamin Ealovega James Gilchrist directs Thursday 20 October 2016, The Glory of Venice Wednesday 7 December 2016, Bach and the Italian Concerto Wednesday 15 February 2017, Jordi Savall directs Saturday 11 March 2017, Barbican Hall Bach Reconstructed Friday 7 April 2017, Richard Egarr directs Friday 5 May 2017, Monteverdi Vespers Friday 23 June 2017, Barbican Hall Visit aam.co.uk to find out more and to watch and listen to us in academyofancientmusic

3 A very warm welcome to our concert season Welcome from Richard Egarr What are the essential ingredients of a successful party? Firstly, something to celebrate. Secondly, being in the best company. And finally, inevitably for me, great music. The same applies I think for a successful concert season. The overarching celebration is Richard Egarr s tenth anniversary as our Music Director. We celebrate the 450th anniversary of the birth of Claudio Monteverdi, ending our London season with the orchestra and Choir of the AAM performing his most acclaimed work, the Vespers of Sopranos Carolyn Sampson and Rowan Pierce sing some of Monteverdi s most moving vocal works in a programme which combines incredibly inventive and innovative instrumental works by his contemporary Dario Castello. Our London season also marks the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare with a semi-staged performance of Purcell s The Fairy Queen, the first in a three-year cycle of Purcell s operas following the success of our cycle of operas by Monteverdi. The guest list? I am delighted to welcome Timothy West and Jordi Savall who we collaborate with for the first time, and James Gilchrist who makes his directorial debut. Joining the guest list are world-class singers including John Mark Ainsley, Iestyn Davies, Mhairi Lawson and Ashley Riches, as well as up-and-coming stars such as Reginald Mobley. Familiar friends are present too, with soloists from within the orchestra and as we continue to champion the talent of our own players with programmes directed by principal oboe Frank de Bruine, AAM leader Pavlo Beznosiuk and principal second violin Bojan Čičić. And finally the music. From Castello to the classical greats Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven, the party playlist is not simply an A-to-Z (or Castello to classical) guide but also an exploration across the season as we chart the development of musical forms such as the orchestral suite and concerto over the years and across Europe. I am extremely proud and excited by this season s offerings. Even more so because it marks my tenth year as Music Director of the AAM. What a great first decade we have had, seeing so many new departures and exciting developments within the whole organisation. So, this season will take your collective breaths away with stunning and varied repertoire: from two incredible programmes celebrating the work of JS Bach to classical classics including Mozart s Eine kleine Nachtmusik. I am hugely excited that we have old friends in new roles (James Gilchrist directing...), amazing young talent with seasoned superstars (Rowan Pierce with Carolyn Sampson), and a continued focus on AAM musicians leading concerts (oboist Frank de Bruine in Bach and the Italian Concerto). I really couldn t ask for more, and I hope you have a glorious time with these fabulous programmes. Richard Egarr, Music Director I look forward to welcoming you to our concerts in this celebratory season. 3 Ed Hossack, Chief Executive 4

4 Purcell The Fairy Queen Monday 10 October 2016, 7pm Barbican Hall Daisy Evans stage director Mhairi Lawson soprano Samuel Boden tenor Richard Egarr director & harpsichord Sarah Tynan soprano Charles Daniels tenor Choir of the AAM Timothy West narrator Iestyn Davies countertenor Ashley Riches bass Purcell The Fairy Queen (1692) As part of the celebrations of the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare s death, the AAM opens its three-year Purcell opera cycle with a semi-staged performance of The Fairy Queen. Drawing inspiration from A Midsummer Night s Dream, this bewitching tale celebrates the wonder and joy of love in all its forms. Using a combination of song, dance and spoken word, Purcell conjures up an enchanted world where the magical forces of nature reign supreme. Purcell s setting of the English language is second to none and The Fairy Queen shows him blending words and sound to create extraordinary, ravishing and witty results. For this semi-staged performance, brought to life by stage director Daisy Evans (award-winning co-founder of Silent Opera), the orchestra and Choir of the AAM directed by Richard Egarr will be joined by revered Shakespearean actor Timothy West and a stunning cast of soloists including Iestyn Davies and Mhairi Lawson. Part of Barbican Presents. Produced by the Barbican and Academy Of Ancient Music. Iestyn Davies Timothy West Mhairi Lawson Monday 10 October 2016, 7pm Barbican Hall Tickets 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 5 for AAMplify members Free pre-concert talk at 6pm Booking fees may apply, see page 27 Box Office: barbican.org.uk 5 6

5 James Gilchrist directs Thursday 20 October 2016, 7.30pm Pavlo Beznosiuk director & violin James Gilchrist director & tenor Rachel Brown flute Purcell Suite of overtures, dances and songs JS Bach Cantata No. 82a Ich habe genug (c.1731) JS Bach Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor ( ) JS Bach Cantata No. 55 Ich armer Mensch, ich Sündenknecht (1726) James Gilchrist s name is synonymous with the music of Bach. He is the standout Bach interpreter of his generation with his performances being described as superlative by The Guardian and breathtaking by Backtrack. As part of our season-long exploration of Bach s music, this programme not only sees James singing some of his best-loved cantatas including the heart-breaking Ich habe genug but Bach s music has become the starting point for his directorial debut with AAM. Gilchrist and AAM leader Pavlo Beznosiuk co-direct a programme that features AAM principal flute Rachel Brown performing Bach s glorious second Orchestral Suite and a suite of music by Purcell curated by James and Pavlo. Bach s Cantata No. 82a Ich habe genug, for bass and oboe obbligato, is well known. Bach also wrote a version for soprano and flute. And why shouldn t James Gilchrist sing this?! Bach loved the combination of tenor and flute; one thinks of the Benedictus from the B minor Mass and Frohe Hirten from the Christmas Oratorio. I m looking forward to performing this with James very much! ALASTAIR ROSS, AAM PLAYER Benjamin Ealovega Thursday 20 October 2016, 7.30pm Tickets 10, 20, 30 5 for AAMplify members Free pre-concert talk at 6.30pm Booking fees may apply, see page 27 Box Office: barbican.org.uk 7 8

6 The Glory Of Venice Wednesday 7 December 2016, 7.30pm Rowan Pierce soprano Richard Egarr director, harpsichord & organ Carolyn Sampson soprano A programme of Monteverdi motets and Venetian instrumental works by Dario Castello. While painting took a backseat, music flourished in 17th century Venice. The chief architect of this musical boom was Claudio Monteverdi, the 450th anniversary of whose birth the AAM is celebrating across the season. Next to Monteverdi, Dario Castello enjoys a more modest reputation. Indeed there is some question around whether he existed at all or whether the name is an anagram of that of the real composer of his music. Whoever their author, his fiercely virtuosic, adventurous sonatas are more than equal to Monteverdi s sacred duets here brought to life by sopranos Carolyn Sampson and Rowan Pierce. Carolyn Sampson s voice combines pinpoint purity with an engaging warmth and beauty that has put her at the forefront of singers in the Early Music World. OPERA NOW Marco Borggreve Wednesday 7 December 2016, 7.30pm Tickets 10, 20, 30 5 for AAMplify members Free pre-concert talk at 6.30pm Booking fees may apply, see page 27 Box Office: barbican.org.uk 9 10

7 Bach and the Italian Concerto Wednesday 15 February 2017, 7.30pm Bojan Čičić director & violin Frank de Bruine director & oboe Alastair Ross harpsichord JS Bach Concerto for oboe d amore in D major (1738) Vivaldi Concerto for violin in G minor (1729) Albinoni Concerto for oboe in D minor (1722) Vivaldi Concerto for two violins in A minor (1711) JS Bach Italian concerto (1735) A Marcello Concerto for oboe in D minor (1716) Bach was largely a self-taught composer and throughout his life he learnt by transcribing the music of his contemporaries. As part of our exploration of Bach s music across the season, this programme brings together works by several of those he learnt from and admired including Albinoni, Vivaldi and A Marcello. At the time of its composition, Bach s Italian Concerto was described as the most perfect example of a concerto for a single instrument by a contemporary critic and pays clear homage to Vivaldi. The music for solo oboe in the programme shows how it came to be regarded as the jewel in the crown of a baroque orchestra with a sound that could hold its own against the more rowdy trumpet, but at the same time match the flexibility and sonority of a human voice. The piece that stands out for me as an oboist is the Marcello oboe concerto. It s a piece EVERY oboist gets to play, and the 2nd movement is one of the most famous oboe tunes ever written. Bach obviously fell in love with this piece, and his embellishments of the movement contributed vastly to its fame. LARS HENRIKSSON, AAM PLAYER 11 Wednesday 15 February 2017, 7.30pm Tickets 10, 20, 30 5 for AAMplify members Free pre-concert talk at 6.30pm Booking fees may apply, see page 27 Box Office: barbican.org.uk 12

8 Jordi Savall directs Saturday 11 March 2017, 7.30pm Barbican Hall Jordi Savall director Lully Alceste Suite (1674) Marais Alcyone Suites No. 1 and 4 (1706) Handel Water Music Suites No. 2 and No. 3 (1717) Rameau Les Boréades Suite (1763) Jordi Savall is a modern day Renaissance man. Throughout his career he has been a pioneer in the performance of early music as a conductor, viol player, teacher and impresario. Today he is regarded as one of the world s finest and most adventurous musicians. His soundtracks to the film Tous les matins du monde is instantly recognisable and Savall has done more than most to bring baroque and classical music to a worldwide audience of millions. Making his directorial debut with the AAM, Savall will lead a programme that features Handel s magnificent Water Music alongside dazzling dance music from French composers Lully, Marais and Rameau. Savall s interpretations are elegant, sensuous and surprising. THE TIMES 13 David Ignaszewski Saturday 11 March 2017, 7.30pm Barbican Hall Tickets 10, 15, 25, 35, 45, 70* 5 for AAMplify members *premium seats available, see page 27 Free pre-concert talk at 6.30pm Booking fees may apply, see page 27 Box Office: barbican.org.uk 14

9 Bach Reconstructed Friday 7 April 2017, 7.30pm Mary Bevan soprano Reginald Mobley countertenor Robert Howarth director & harpsichord Matthew Brook bass John Mark Ainsley tenor JS Bach Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major (original version for strings and continuo) (c.1730) JS Bach Cantata No. 42 Am Abend aber desselbigen Sabbats (1725) JS Bach Sinfonia from Cantata No. 49 Ich geh und suche mit Verlangen (1726) JS Bach Mass No. 3 in G minor (c.1738) Concluding the season s focus on Bach, this concert explores another side of his creative process. Bach definitely knew a good musical idea when he heard one and in common with many of his contemporaries he re-used many of them in later works. While we can only speculate on the reasons for the constant recycling, it creates some fascinating contrasts and connections that are explored in this programme directed by Robert Howarth. By re-scoring existing pieces for different forces or even assembling larger works from smaller ones, the very best of Bach s music could flourish in a variety of guises. Robert Howarth is joined by a wonderful quartet of singers including soprano Mary Bevan and tenor John Mark Ainsley, who are both renowned for their interpretations of baroque repertoire. 15 Berlin, Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin Preußischer Kulturbesitz The orchestra under the baton of Robert Howarth played with great verve and richness of colour. OPERA BRITANNIA Friday 7 April 2017, 7.30pm Tickets 10, 20, 30 5 for AAMplify members Free pre-concert talk at 6.30pm Booking fees may apply, see page 27 Box Office: barbican.org.uk 16

10 Richard Egarr directs Friday 5 May 2017, 7.30pm Richard Egarr director & fortepiano Beethoven Overture to The Creatures of Prometheus (1801) Mozart Piano concerto No. 24 in C minor (1786) Mozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik (1787) Haydn Symphony No. 101 in D major, The Clock (1794) The season marks Richard Egarr s tenth anniversary season as our Music Director. Equally at home with baroque and classical repertoire and beyond, this programme showcases Richard s virtuosity and versatility with some of his favourite classical repertoire. Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven - three of the greatest composers who have ever lived - all wrote in a quintessentially classical style which is marked by elegant structures and exquisite melodies. For many their music represents a golden age, which has never been surpassed. After featuring in everything from Ace Ventura: Pet Detective to Fame, the music in tonight s concert is instantly recognisable and epitomises the enduring brilliance of these classical greats. Egarr s compellingly original vision is a triumph in all its perspectives. GRAMOPHONE 17 Patrick Harrison Friday 5 May 2017, 7.30pm Tickets 10, 20, 30 5 for AAMplify members Free pre-concert talk at 6.30pm Booking fees may apply, see page 27 Box Office: barbican.org.uk 18

11 Monteverdi Vespers Friday 23 June 2017, 7.30pm Barbican Hall Rowan Pierce soprano Thomas Hobbs tenor Richard Egarr director & harpsichord Richard Latham bass Charles Daniels tenor Choir of the AAM Monteverdi Vespers (1610) As the culmination of the AAM s celebrations of the 450th anniversary of Monteverdi s birth, the orchestra and Choir of the AAM perform his Vespers of This landmark work may be one of the most elaborate calling cards ever created. At the time the Vespers were composed Monteverdi was highly regarded as a secular composer but yearned for a role at the papal court. He never quite managed to work for a Pope, but did happily spend his last years at the Doge s court in Venice. The orchestra and Choir of the AAM directed by Richard Egarr are joined by a stunning cast of soloists including tenors Charles Daniels and Thomas Hobbs and soprano Rowan Pierce. The Choir of the AAM sings with fine clarity. Everything was expressive. FINANCIAL TIMES Benjamin Ealovega Friday 23 June 2017, 7.30pm Barbican Hall Tickets 10, 15, 25, 35, 45, 70* 5 for AAMplify member *premium seats available, see page 27 Free pre-concert talk at 6.30pm Booking fees may apply, see page 27 Box Office: barbican.org.uk 19 20

12 Education AAMplify, the AAM s education scheme, aims to nurture the next generation of period performers and to bring children and young people to the heart of our work. Members enjoy discounted tickets, access to open rehearsals and more. Join today for free via aam.co.uk/aamplify Tickets Under 26 or a full-time student? You can get 5 tickets for all AAM performances in London and Cambridge simply by joining AAMplify. Visit aam.co.uk/aamplify to find to find out more and to sign up to the exclusive AAMplify newsletter which includes information about our forthcoming concerts and events. Workshops Working with a growing network of educational partners across the country, AAMplify engages the musicians and music-lovers of the future through a dynamic variety of workshops and events, all led by our Music Director and principal players. Some of our recent activity has included workshops and masterclasses with students from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, the Royal Northern College of Music and the University of Cambridge, where participants had the opportunity to play side-by-side with AAM musicians and receive expert tuition from some of our principal players. We also worked closely with the Cambridgeshire Music Hub on a series of workshops with primary age children, going into their schools and working with pupils and teachers to introduce them to the world of baroque and classical music. Activities include: Side-by-side workshops with AAM players Masterclasses Mock auditions To find out more contact Anthony Brice, Head of Concerts and Education at a.brice@aam.co.uk or , via aamplify@aam.co.uk or at aam.co.uk/aamplify. 21 I found Richard Egarr s coaching on improvisatory techniques inspiring, and his attention to detail really helped bring the music to life. ANTHONY DALEY, SIDE-BY-SIDE WORKSHOP PARTICIPANT 22

13 Support Us Since our foundation over 40 years ago, the AAM has benefitted from the generosity of a wonderful family of supporters. We are enormously grateful for their commitment to our work, which has never been more important to our ongoing success. As we embark on our season, the AAM has ambitious plans for the future including a three-year cycle of Purcell operas, continuing to work with the world s finest musicians such as Jordi Savall and nurturing the next generation of audiences and performers through our AAMplify scheme. We invite you to become part of the AAM family and support the orchestra. Friends of the AAM The Friends of the AAM are at the heart of our audience. Friends can see the orchestra in rehearsal, enjoy an annual drinks reception with our musicians and be the first to hear about the AAM s future plans. Membership of the Friends starts from as little as 2.50 a month. For more information, please contact Emma Fox, Fundraising Officer at e.fox@aam.co.uk or AAM Society The AAM Society is the orchestra s closest group of supporters. Membership enables them to become more involved with the musical life of the orchestra. Society members have regular opportunities to meet our players at open rehearsals and receptions, access to a range of bespoke events that explore the music we perform and a dedicated ticket booking service for all AAM concerts. There are a range of AAM Society membership packages that start at 21 per month or 250 per year. For more information, please contact Alison Bowyer, Head of Fundraising and Marketing at a.bowyer@aam.co.uk or Benjamin Ealovega 23 24

14 AAM Explore Online Do you want to find out more about what we do and why we do it? Then dive into the world of the AAM at aam.co.uk/explore and discover podcasts, interviews with musicians, photos, and a whole library of tracks for you to stream for free. Wherever and whenever you want! LISTEN to tracks from our acclaimed recordings, streaming for free via aam.co.uk WATCH films of us live in performance, in rehearsal and discussing our music and instruments. AAM Records We have recorded and released four critically acclaimed studio recordings on our own in-house record label, AAM Records. You can learn more about these as well as our rich back catalogue of over 300 releases on other labels at aam.co.uk/recordings Available now on AAM Records: JS Bach St Matthew Passion (1727) JS Bach Orchestral Suites JS Bach St John Passion (1724) Birth of the Symphony: from Handel to Haydn NEW RELEASE COMING SOON Later this year AAM Records will release its fifth disc, a stunning selection of the finest instrumental works by Dario Castello, a Venetian composer from the early baroque period. DOWNLOAD exclusive podcasts, including recordings of pre-concert discussions. BROWSE our extensive archive of programme notes and photos. At Our Concerts Join us for free pre-concert talks with guest musicians, writers, broadcasters, artists and academics. Pick up your free programme containing specially commissioned notes, information about the players and the very latest AAM news. Reviews of JS Bach St Matthew Passion (1727) Singing and playing are highly polished and assured throughout. BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE The handling of the text is both viscerally emotional and eloquent. SUNDAY TIMES 25 26

15 Booking details: Barbican Hall 10 October 2016: 10, 20, 30, 40, March 2017: 10, 15, 25, 35, 45, 70 (premium seats) 23 June 2017: 10, 15, 25, 35, 45, 70 (premium seats) Premium seats are the very best seats in the auditorium and include an invitation to a pre-concert reception 10, 20, 30 Concessions AAMplify - 5 tickets are available for AAMplify members, see page 22 or visit aam.co.uk/aamplify for more information Young Barbican - Aged 14-25? Discounted tickets available for all AAM concerts in the Barbican and Milton Court. For more information and to become a Young Barbican member, visit barbican.org.uk/youngbarbican How to Book By telephone Monday-Saturday 10am 8pm, Sunday and bank holidays 11am 8pm 4 booking fee per transaction Online at barbican.org.uk 3 booking fee per transaction In person at Barbican Advance Box Office Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday and bank holidays 12pm-9pm Returns Tickets can be exchanged for another AAM performance if returned more than 24 hours prior to the concert. An administration fee applies for these services. Access Information The main entrance at Silk Street is ramped and lifts give access to all levels. Both the Barbican Hall and Milton Court have seating for wheelchair users. Please inform the Box Office of any access requirements on booking. An induction loop is provided in the Barbican Hall. Visitors with hearing aids can make use of this facility by switching their hearing aid to the T position. An Access Guide with full details is available at barbican.org.uk/access or from the Barbican Box Office. Visitors with access requirements who have joined the Barbican Access Membership scheme can provide information about their requirements, receive information in alternative formats and may be eligible for reductions on tickets. Any available discounted tickets are limited in number and subject to availability - please book early to avoid disappointment. Multibuy Purchase tickets for five or more AAM performances in and receive a 15% discount. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and will not apply to 10 October, however this concert will still count towards your multibuy total book five concerts including 10 October and you will still save 15% on four concerts. Barbican Aldersgate Street > Fann Street < Beech Street < Golden Lane > Whitecross Street > Silk Street Entrance > BARBICAN CENTRE MILTON COURT Silk Street > < Fore Street Moor Lane > < Milton Street New Union Street > < Bunhill Row Moorfields > Chiswell Street < < Finsbury Street < Ropemaker Street Liverpool Street > South Place > < Finsbury Circus Wood Street > Moorgate London Wall > Bank < 27 28

16 Happy Anniversary Richard Egarr! As Music Director Richard Egarr celebrates ten years at the helm of the AAM, we asked some people close to him and the AAM to share their memories of the man. From the surprising to the heart-warming they all sum up the reasons why the AAM is proud to be associated with such an extraordinary musician. Happy Anniversary Richard and here s to the coming years of music-making together! This tenth anniversary season of Richard Egarr as Music Director is a great cause for celebration. Richard has built on Christopher Hogwood s heritage and brought his own exciting interpretations to programmes ranging from Monteverdi to Beethoven. Under his direction both orchestra and Choir are at the top of their form. We look forward to more discoveries in the years to come. Christopher Purvis, Honorary President of AAM Richard Egarr is a musical force of nature. I particularly love his style of direction from the keyboard. It s fun, often eccentric, and always inspiring! Rather than silently wielding a baton, he directs the orchestra by playing as one of them: it gives a special quality to the AAM s performances. Rachel Stroud, AAM Council member and postgraduate student at the University of Cambridge Benjamin Ealovega Ten wonderful years of unceasing enquiry and excitement, good humour and true musicianship. Richard, you always look for something new in every bar. You let music be filled with personality. I love it. James Gilchrist, tenor Richard, how fortunate the AAM is to have you as its helm! Your virtuosity on multiple keyboards and your eloquence as performer and leader make you a cherished colleague whose artistry radiates through the world. Our recent collaboration in Boston was an unalloyed joy and I eagerly look forward to further performances together. Robert Levin, pianist and conductor The AAM has always played with a special zest, but Richard Egarr s direction brings a pungency to performances that s unique. This orchestra couldn t be confused with any other group. In a world where some performers are content merely to go through the motions, Richard helps to keep AAM different. Michael Smith, AAM Society member Richard majqa! It has been wonderful to work with such an inventive, inspiring and innovative conductor on so many great projects. I always feel like I am singing my best with him and have the freedom to make music spontaneously with no limits. There are constant new horizons and new worlds to be explored. (And even a bit of Klingon sometimes.) Elizabeth Watts, soprano Congratulations on ten years at the helm of AAM a decade of new discoveries and breath-taking virtuosity, but the same sense of joy in the crafting that has marked performances from the early days. Great to witness, amongst familiar faces, wonderful young players emerging and a Choir to match. Thank you Richard. Frances Hogwood, sister of AAM founder Christopher Hogwood Having known Richard since we were at University together and being an admirer of his work I was delighted to appoint him as AAM Music Director. His infectious approach to making music is evident to all, and the effect he has on his fellow musicians results in the performances we are fortunate to enjoy today. Christopher Lawrence, former General Manager of AAM 29 A very happy anniversary from everyone at the AAM 30

17 Associate Ensemble at the Barbican Centre Orchestra-in-Residence at the University of Cambridge Music Director Richard Egarr Founder Christopher Hogwood CBE 11b King s Parade, Cambridge CB2 1SJ +44 (0) info@aam.co.uk Registered charity number All details correct at time of printing Design by Apropos-