Guildford Spring Music Festival13 - 19 March 2016

Festival Programme 2016

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The following organisations (some merged and some no longer trading undertheir original names) provided the initial guarantee fund as Founder Sponsorsand we continue to be grateful to them for their support at the time whenGSMF became a biennial festival in 2006. Several Founder Sponsors have alsosupported individual concerts over the years and their regular support enables

GSMF to plan ahead for subsequent festivals.

Gold Founder Sponsors

Founder Sponsors

WelcomeWe warmly welcome you to the 7th GuildfordSpring Music Festival atthe Electric Theatre,Guildford. This biennial festival was created in2004 to showcase the many talentedmusicians with roots in Guildford andthe surrounding area. We aredelighted to present a week packedwith a wide range of musical events,bringing together both aspiring young musicians and establishedartists, all of the highest standard.

The festival is thrilled to welcome back Michael Collins, theworld renowned clarinetist and GSMF President. Other Festivalfavourites include the GSA Singers, University of Surrey Big Bandand lunchtime jazz with Jimmy Hastings and his band. FormerBBC Young Musician finalist Charlotte Cox and her sisterFrancesca give a sparkling recital of music for bassoon and oboe,and outstanding pianist Lucy Parham, well known in the world’sfamous concert halls, will perform an evening of Chopin,Debussy and Rachmaninoff.

The end of the week sees a Jazz Workshop led by internationaleducator Nikki Iles, followed by a toe-tapping evening of musicfrom Tina May and her band. Guildford’s finest young stringplayers will be in action on Saturday morning in a masterclassgiven by international conductor and cellist Kenneth Woods, andGSMF 2016 concludes with a Festival Finale Gala concert by theSurrey Mozart Players.

None of this would be possible without the support of the local businesses who are Founder and Concert Sponsors.We salute you.

We hope GSMF 2016 will bring a musical spring to your step!

Tony Hennessey-Brown (Chair)

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Booking Information

Ticket PricesLunchtime events: £10 £5 Concessions* Evening events: £17 £8 Concessions*SMP Gala Concert: £19 £10 Concessions** JSA, ESA.

Friends Tickets: All tickets £1 off. 3 or more £2 offGeneral Sales: £1 off each ticket if booking 3 events or more.

Events must be booked at the same time to receive the discount. These offers are not available online.

Jazz Workshop and String MasterclassTickets to listen cost £5

Festival Box OfficesThe Electric TheatreOnslow Street, Guildford, GU1 4SZOpening times: Monday to Saturday, 10.30am to 5pm (or until the start of the performance on performance nights).Sunday opening times may vary.Box Office: 01483 444 789https://tickets.electrictheatre.co.uk

Guildford Tourist Information Centre155 High Street, Guildford, GU1 3AJOpening times: Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 5pm Box Office: 01483 444 334https://tickets.visitguildford.com

Guildford Spring Music FestivalTelephone: 01483 457237email: chair@gsmf.org.ukwebsite: www.gsmf.org.ukfacebook: www.facebook.comtwitter : @guildfordmusic

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Stainer CrucifixionFestival Choral Evening - Come and Sing

Dr Barry Rose, CBE Guildford Cathedral’s first Organist andMaster of the Choristers, who subsequently moved on to StPaul’s and St Albans, conducts this performance. It will be givenby an array of choral singers, including many from local Choirs.

Singers will rehearse from 4pm. At 6.30pm they will perform thisunique work in the wonderful acoustic of Guildford’s Holy TrinityChurch.

All are welcome to perform (no audition needed!) or else tolisten, with the opportunity to join in the hymns which arecontained in this moving composition.

Barry Rose Conductor Anthony Gritten Organist

Sunday 13th MarchHoly Trinity Church, High Street, Guildford - 6.30pm

Admission Free

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Monday 14th MarchElectric Theatre 1pm

Jazz at LunchtimeJimmy Hastings and his Quartet featuring Joe Fenning, Trombone

Back by popular demand, Jimmy Hastings and his Quartet haveperformed at every GSMF Festival since it began in 2006. Theyreturn to the Electric Theatre for a relaxed lunchtime of jazz, andseating will be arranged in a café style with tables and chairs, sobring your lunch, get your drinks and snacks from the Café Bar,sit back and enjoy the jazz.

The Jimmy HastingsQuartet has grownfrom an original duobetween Jimmy andJohn Horler, whichstarted in the late1970’s. There havebeen personnelchanges and additionsduring this time butthe band has alwaysmanaged to preserveits own character,playing music bothfamiliar and unfamiliarto jazz audiences.

The quartet will be joined by guest trombonistJoe Fenning, who is currently studying at theGuildhall School of Music.

Tickets sell out fast for this event, so earlybooking is advised.

The quartet comprises: Jimmy Hastings Tenor saxophone/flute John Horler PianoPaul Morgan Double bass Pete Cater Drums

Supported by

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Monday 14th MarchElectric Theatre 7.30pm

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Michael Collins MBEThe President’s ConcertAn evening of works by Brahms, Poulenc, Liszt and Chopin

GSMF is thrilled to welcome back Festival President, the worldfamous clarinetist Michael Collins, who gets the week off to anexciting start with an enthralling programme to include worksby Brahms, Poulenc, Liszt and Chopin. He will be accompaniedby Michael McHale, with whom he has performed and recordedto wide acclaim.

Collin’s dazzling virtuosity and sensitive musicianship have earnedhim recognition as one of today’s most distinguished artists anda leading exponent of his instrument. At 16 he won thewoodwind prize in the first BBC Young Musician of the YearCompetition, going on to make his US debut at New York’sCarnegie Hall at the age of 22. He has since performed assoloist with many of the world’s most outstanding orchestrasand Collins has become increasingly highly regarded as aconductor and in September 2010 took the position of PrincipalConductor of the City of London Sinfonia. His success in thisrole is testament to the natural musicianship and galvanisingleadership that is evident in both his playing and conducting.

“Michael Collins' dazzling virtuosity and sensitive musicianshiphave made him one of today's most sought-after soloists.” BBC Music Magazine

Michael Collins ClarinetMichael McHale Piano

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The Vineyard Trio

A selection of music for Bassoon, Oboe and Piano

Mozart Oboe Sonata (Movements 1 & 2) Saint Saéns Bassoon SonataPoulenc Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano

Charlotte Cox began hermusical life in Guildfordbefore continuing herbassoon studies at the RoyalCollege of Music. Charlotteis currently studying inGermany, and in 2015 wasselected for the BrittenPears Young Artistprogramme in Aldeburgh,and also the LSO Academy.

Charlotte will perform Saint-Saens’ Sonata for Bassoon,written in 1921, a workwhich amply demonstrates the distinctive sounds and versatilityof this beautiful instrument.

Charlotte’s equally talented sister Francesca, hasbeen awarded a scholarship to study oboe atthe Royal Academy of Music. Both sisters havebeen members of the National Youth Orchestra,and they will be joined by well-known Guildfordpianist Margaret Roberts in the Poulenc Trio.

The Trio for Bassoon, Oboe and Piano waswritten in Cannes in 1926 and dedicated toManuel de Falla. The work reflects the composer’s ownconsiderable abilities as a pianist, and his love of windinstruments, and is full of wit, playfulness and Gallic charm.

Charlotte Cox BassoonFrancesca CoxOboeMargaret Roberts Piano

Tuesday 15th MarchElectric Theatre 1pm

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UoS Big Band

An exciting evening of jazz and big band music.

The University of Surrey Big Band is a professional multi-platinum award winning 21 piece big band playing a large varietyof repertoire swing, Latin and funk.

Each year, the band auditions for the most outstanding jazzmusicians that Surrey University has to offer and rehearsesweekly in preparation for competitions, an annual tour, as well asmany sell-out headline gigs across the UK. Boasting a surplus ofdedicated, energetic, and talented young musicians, the band hascemented itself as the premiere jazz ensemble of the Universityof Surrey and the surrounding area.

Sam Max Band leader

Sam was elected to be the president of the band after a year ofperforming as the drummer. Since joining the band at Surrey inSeptember, highlights have included a Gold Award at NationalConcert Band Festival; A sell-out gig at The Electric Theatre,including an open "Buddy Rich Style" drum solo; Performing inseveral packed student venues within Surrey University

Tuesday 15th MarchElectric Theatre 7.30pm

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Will Todd in ConversationThe Guildford composer demonstrates through words, musicthe inspiration and process of composing the family operaAlice’s Adventures in Wonderland

This family opera has enjoyed huge acclaim, culminating in itsperformance at the Royal Opera House in November 2015. Itcontains a brilliantly eclectic mix of jazz, musical theatre andopera.

Featuring Fleur De Bray, who sang the roles of Bottle andVictorian in the opera, this delightful presentation will celebratethe composer’s craftand the performer’sartistry which giveAlice’s Adventures inWonderland a specialplace in the operaticrepertoire.

Wednesday 16th MarchElectric Theatre 1pm

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Associated Board of the Royal Schools of MusicHigh Scorers’ ConcertAn evening of performances by some of the mostoutstanding young music exam candidates in theGuildford area

This will be the 3rd successive time that GSMF has included aHigh Scorers’ concert in its programme. Because of itspopularity, the concert will be an evening event this time so thateven more talented young performers can be included.

In conjunction with ABRSM, a selection of the highest scoringexam candidates from 2015 will be featured.

Expect a wide range of instruments and ages in what will be afascinating line up of local talent.

Wednesday 16th MarchElectric Theatre 7.00pm (Please note the earlier start time)

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GSA SingersGuildford School of Acting

Tickets will be flying out of the door for this, the finalperformance by this outstanding company of performers fromthe Guildford School of Acting’s 2nd Year Musical Theatre andActing courses of 2015-16. The group, with their usual talent,enthusiasm and panache will perform a delightful blend of songsacross the years, from musical theatre through the ages andmuch more, beautifully sung and choreographed.

The GSA Singers are acompany ofperformers from the2nd year MusicalTheatre and Actingcourses formedspecifically to provideentertainment forbusiness functions,private parties,fundraising events andconcerts. Their wide repertoire offers songs from MusicalTheatre and popular classics and each year features a newselection.

Peter Roberts Musical DirectorSamantha Lloyd Director/Choreographer

Thursday 17th MarchElectric Theatre 1pm

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An evening with Lucy Parham“A highly gifted and sensitive musician. This was playing of realartistry and stylistic conviction."The Daily Telegraph

Lucy will take the listener on a on a musical journey throughsome of the finest keyboard works from the Romantic era,performing pieces by Chopin, Debussy and Rachmaninoff.

One of Britain’s finestpianists, Lucy Parhamfirst came to publicattention as the winnerof the Piano Class in the1984 BBC TV YoungMusician of the Year, andmade her Royal FestivalHall debut at 16.

Lucy has gone on toperform throughout theworld as a concerto soloist and recitalist and is also a regularbroadcaster and guest on BBC Radio 3 and 4, appearingregularly on CD Review, Composer of the Week and In Tune.

Lucy will take the listener on a on a musical journey throughsome of the finest keyboard works from the Romantic era,performing pieces by Chopin, Debussy and Rachmaninoff.

"Lucy Parham played with truly delicate grace. She gave adazzling version of Debussy's L'isle Joyeuse, which she sailedthrough with considerable energy, and in the Rachmaninoff shegave herself up to the sonorous warmth of this big-bonedmusic.”The Independent

Thursday 17th MarchElectric Theatre 7.30pm

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Peter Medhurst“An English Orpheus” A Lecture Recital on HenryPurcell

Peter Medhurst appears in the UK andabroad as musician and scholar, givingrecitals and delivering illustrated lectureson music and the arts.Peter, who has lectured at the University of Surrey, will presentan illustrated talk on Henry Purcell - The English Orpheus.

Despite his early death in 1695, Henry Purcell remains one ofthe finest musical figures of the late Baroque era, an all roundEnglish composer who wrote in a wide variety of musical formsranging from tiny 16-bar harpsichord pieces to large scale worksfor the theatre.

Peter will look closely at Purcell’s music to see exactly what it isthat gave him his unique and distinctive musical voice. It also willcompare his style with that of contemporary musical wizards onthe Continent, and go on to assess the impact that Purcell hadon later generations of composers, including Handel, Haydn,Tippett and Britten.

Friday 18th MarchElectric Theatre 1pm

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Friday 18th MarchElectric Theatre 4pm - 6pm

Friday 18th MarchElectric Theatre 7.30pm

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Jazz WorkshopLed by Nikki Iles

Come and hear this Jazz Workshop foryoung musicians between the ages of13 and 21 led by Nikki Iles, one of theUK's finest composers and pianists anda well respected jazz educator. Twicenominated for the Parliamentary Jazz Education Award, Nikki is asenior lecturer at Middlesex University and visiting Professor atthe Royal Academy of Music, The Guildhall School of Music andTrinity College of Music. She has developed the graded examsfor The Associated Board of Music and is a tutor for the NationalJazz Collective.Performers should apply (cost £5) by e-mail to MarianneWindham at m.windham@ntlworld.com

The Tina May QuartetTina May is, without doubt, one of the UK’s top female jazzvocalists. She has toured extensively in Europe and the Far East.

With echoes of the legacy of thegreat American ladies of Jazz, shehas developed her own uniquestyle and interpretations of thegreat jazz repertoire.

Tonight she is joined by Nikki Iles,one of our finest composers and

pianists, whose duets with Tina are well known by performersand audiences in the UK Jazz scene for their outstanding andintuitive partnership.

Supported by renowned and much loved jazz favourite,drummer Steve Brown, together with Guildford’s own MarianneWindham on double bass, this quartet will present a joyousevening of jazz classics, performed to the very highest level.

Tina May Vocals, Nikki Iles Piano, Steve Brown Drums, Marianne Windham BassSponsored by

Sponsored by

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String WorkshopLed by Kenneth Woods

Guildford Spring MusicFestival is delighted to beholding a String Masterclassat the Electric Theatre,Guildford, under the experttuition of Kenneth Woods.

GSMF have chosen someof Guildford’s finest youngstring players to be tutored,many of whom will beconsidering pursuing acareer in music.

The class is open to playersunder 21 with a minimumstandard of Grade 8 pass.The morning will culminatein a GSMF Bursary of £300being awarded to the mostpromising player.

Kenneth Woods is a cellist,conductor, composer andauthor, who has workedwith the RPO, the NationalOrchestra of Wales andthe Budapest FestivalOrchestra amongst others.Kenneth took up theposition of Artistic Director of the English Symphony Orchestrain 2013 and is currently cellist in the string trio EnsembleEpomeo and the Music Director of the Surrey Mozart Players.

His wealth of knowledge and experience working with youngmusicians will make for an inspiring morning.

Saturday 19th MarchElectric Theatre 10.30am - 1pm

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Surrey Mozart PlayersFestival Finale Concert

Mozart Symphony No. 29 in AHaydn Cello Concerto in C Soloist Jane LindsayBeethoven Symphony No. 8 in F Surrey Mozart Players traditionally bring the GSMF Festival week to arousing close, and this year is no different.

Mozart was just eighteen years old when he wrote his 29th Symphony,and this work is regarded by many as a turning point in his developmentas a composer.

The orchestra is joined by talented young cellist JaneLindsay in Haydn’s cello concerto in C. Jane is rapidlydeveloping a reputation as an exciting andcompelling performer, and has been awarded a placeon the prestigious Countess of Munster MusicalTrust Recital Scheme.

Under the baton of the orchestra’s Music Director Kenneth Woods, aperformance of Beethoven’s ebullient Symphony No 8 in F will providea fitting finale to the evening.

“The symphony ended with tremendous energy, an exhilarating closeto an exhilarating evening. This talented orchestra goes from strengthto strength, season by season”The Surrey Advertiser, Sept 2014

Kenneth Woods ConductorGillian Wallace Leader

Saturday 19th MarchElectric Theatre 7.30pm

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Sponsored by Barlow Robbins LLP

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Play the Organ! Daywith Surrey & North Hampshire Organists’ Associations

Here is a golden opportunity to explore learning the organ,with FREE taster sessions for pianists.

Recitals will be givenon the hour bystudent organists onthe easy to see anduse St Mary’s pipeorgan.

At 3pm a workshopfor students andbeginners with TomBell, highly regardedinternational recitalist,broadcaster andtutor.

FINALE CONCERT4.00 - 4.45pm

Admission £5 (Students & U16 Free)

Saturday 19th MarchSt Mary’s Church, Quarry Street, Guildford

12noon - 4.45 pm

Become a Friend

Become a Friend or renew your subscription before you buyyour tickets to receive Friends’ discount of £1 off each ticket aswell as other special benefits.

• A complimentary invitation to the programme launch concert held in the autumn before the Festival week.

• Gold level Friends (over £50 subscription) receive two complimentary tickets for a Festival event of their choice.

• Both Gold and Silver (£20 subscription) Friends receive advanced notice of the programme and priority booking periods.

Please contact the Friends Secretary:Rhoda Nevins at: friends2016@gsmf.org.ukor fill out the form below

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Guildford Spring Music FestivalPresident: Michael Collins

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