Sunday Concerts at Conway Hall: Magnard Ensemble
About the Event
The Magnard Ensemble's program features music by four twentieth‐century British composers, framed by two works by Stephen Dodgson (1924‐2013). The combination of solo voice and wind instruments is a unique challenge, but the rarely‐heard works by Ruth Gipps and Vaughan Williams show that such a challenge can yield distinctive music that enriches the selected texts. Malcolm Arnold's Three Shanties are well‐known for their optimistic charm, but it is Dodgson's compositions that will likely captivate many listeners. His grand Sonata for wind quintet sets the tone for the concert, while the evening concludes with an 'entertainment' called Cadilly, a playful and spirited piece for four solo voices and wind quintet.
Conway Hall Sunday Concerts extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Stephen Dodgson Charitable Trust for their generous support of this performance. “A hugely talented ensemble of the younger generation, the chemistry between the five musicians is mesmerizing, and their mature and sensitive interpretations are a joy!” — Paul Patterson, composer.
Join Robert Matthew‐Walker for a pre‐concert talk where he will shed light on the evening's program with background information and anecdotes related to Stephen Dodgson's works, which he has extensively written about and believes have been unfairly overlooked since the composer's passing in 2013.
Highlighting works by Dodgson, Gipps, Vaughan Williams, and Arnold, the concert promises a delightful evening of music that showcases the unique blend of wind instruments and solo voices in a captivating and engaging way.
Cast / Production
Suzie Clements • flute
Mana Shibata • oboe
William White • clarinet
Jonathan Farey • French horn
Catriona McDermid • bassoon
Natasha Page • soprano
Rebekah Jones • mezzo soprano
Gareth Brynmor John • baritone
Jonathan Brown • bass
James Day • conductor
