Well the performance of Laura Bowler’s piece went off well on Friday 14th March at the Royal Northern College of Music. As you will see from previous posts this gig came in at the last minute and it was a challenge to learn the music in only 4 days! On top of that I have been suffering some horrible virus this last week so it is amazing it all worked! Everyone was very welcoming and the piece worked well in front of a packed house. It is great to work with composers on the development of new repertoire and Laura has written well for the instrument. I hope she continues working with the accordion in the future!
On Monday 31t March I am off to London to the Musicians’ Benevolent Fund to adjudicate some students applying for funding for post graduate studies. This is a great priviledge for me as the support of the next generation of players has to be the most important work we can do. I will tell you about it when I return. Now where did I put my oyster card?….
On Sunday 9th March my new trio ‘Heretique’ took a trip to Loughborough Festival. As well as a chance to catch up with lots of friends we also had a lot of fun playing at the sessions! Have a look at us jamming a tune at a session in the town hall!
Exciting news! Just had an email from Steafan Hannigan and LinnTilla are to play a gig at Henley Festival. We played there about 3 years ago and it is time for a revisit! May not be the whole band but will let you know! We will be playing at 7pm on Friday July 11th 2008. Maybe see you there!
This Friday I have suddenly been called to play the world premier of a short opera at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. The piece written by Laura Bowler uses small forces and appears to be quite a challenge to learn in 4 days! Oh well fingers crossed!
On Sunday 2nd March I went to the accordion extravaganza at Doncaster racecourse. Run by Harry Kipling this was an opportunity to see a wide selection of accordion players from the UK. As I had to return from London the night before, I was a bit tired to fully appreciate things!!
One highlight though was seeing my friend Sam Pirt, from 422 and many more projects! He was looking for a nice old accordion for a new Brazilian project he is doing. We looked at a few boxes and settled on a nice old Scandalli. In good condition he got himself a bargain, cant wait to hear the band!
Here is a photo of us, people seems to think we are mad! No idea what they are on about!
Well I have just been involved with one of the finest gigs ever! Tonight’s performance of Pinochio with Opera North has to be the most exciting gig for a long time. For the last three shows we have been filmed by Opus Arte for a DVD release and also for a BBC Radio Three broadcast.
Friday evening and today’s matinee were not as good as we would like but tonight everyone seem to connect! Everyone seemed to be able to predict each others timing and feeling and it was one of the most involving concerts I have ever been involved in! I will let you know when the radio broadcast is because this is one not to miss!!
