20 July 2015
Music in the Round Autumn Season to include memorial concerts for Peter Cropper, first ever ‘Classical Sheffield Festival of Music’ Ensemble 360’s 10th birthday, and guest artists including Maria João Pires and Alina Ibragimova
Autumn Season: 22 September –5 December 2015
Highlights:
- A Celebration of Peter Cropper – 15 November, Millennium Gallery, 18 November, Upper Chapel, 5 December, Crucible Studio
- First ever Classical Sheffield Festival of Music, 23 – 25 October, Crucible Studio
- Ensemble 360’s 10th birthday, 26 September, Crucible Studio
- Guests including Alina Ibragimova with The Chiaroscuro Quartet, 14 November, Upper Chapel, pianists Maria João Pires and Ashot Khachatourian, 27 November, Crucible Studio and The Escher Quartet, 16 October, Crucible Studio
- World premiere of Sir Scallywag and the Stinky Bottom, the new commission for young audiences from Paul Rissmann, 4 November, Crucible Theatre
Following the news of Peter Cropper’s sudden death in May this year, Music in the Round announces an Autumn Season including two concerts and a Bring and Play Day, to celebrate the life of their founder member and former Artistic Director. Originally planned to celebrate Peter’s 70th birthday, the programmes chosen by Peter reflect his love of playing with friends and the importance of family. Some of Peter’s outstanding musical collaborators including Martin Roscoe and Moray Welsh will be joined by Peter’s son Martin in both concerts and his daughter Hazel in the first (18 November). The 5 December concert will be preceded by a talk from Music in the Round Patron John Suchet on Beethoven.
The 10th anniversary of Music in the Round’s resident group, Ensemble 360 is also marked during the autumn with a Birthday Concert featuring works by Beethoven, Elgar and Martinu (26 September).
Tim Horton, Ensemble 360 pianist comments:
“Looking back, the last decade seems to have passed extraordinarily quickly. I feel immensely proud to have been part of Ensemble 360 for these years. It was a characteristically brave decision by Peter Cropper to install an 11-member Ensemble-in-Residence at Music in the Round and we like to feel that decision has paid off! He was so proud of how we had grown over the years as individual musicians and as an ensemble and we owe him more than we could ever tell him..”
The season includes the first ever ‘Classical Sheffield Festival of Music’, a weekend celebrating Sheffield’s vibrant classical music scene from 23 – 25 October. Billed as ‘Tramlines for classical music,’ the festival will feature Ensemble 360 on Saturday 24 October, 6 & 7.20pm, performing works by Kurtag, Boulez, Bartok and Dvořák’s String Quintet in G Op.77.(see notes to editors for more details)*
The intimate setting of Sheffield’s Crucible Studio provides a rare opportunity to hear two internationally renowned musicians performing in the round, at exceptionally close proximity:
– World-class violinist Alina Ibragimova performs with her ensemble, the Chiaroscuro Quartet, presenting classical-period chamber music from Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven performed on instruments with gut (as opposed to modern metal) strings (14 November).
– Internationally acclaimed pianist Maria João Pires (27 November), widely regarded as one of the finest musicians of her generation, performs Beethoven and Haydn sonatas alongside the brilliant young Armenian pianist Ashot Khachatourian (currently under the mentorship of Maria João Pires as part of her Partitura** project).
The dynamic young Escher Quartet visit the Crucible Studio on tour from the USA (16 October). The Marmen Quartet (who were recently appointed to Music in the Round’s ‘Bridge’ development scheme which will support this promising young quartet through the early stages of their career) perform their first full length programme (2 October). And the Leonore Piano Trio, featuring Ensemble 360 members, Benjamin Nabarro, Gemma Rosefield and Tim Horton, commence their exploration of the complete Beethoven violin sonatas, cello sonatas and piano trios in the first of eight concerts (26 November).
Music in the Round presents jazz and folk concerts this season including award-winning Sheffield-based folk singer and leading proponent of traditional songs, Fay Hield (15 October). Winner of ‘best album’ and ‘best group’ (with The Full English) at the BBC Radio 2 folk awards last year, she performs the UK concert premiere of her new album “Old Adam” (due for release in January 2016) with her longstanding band, The Hurricane Party, which expands to include members of The Full English playing fiddle, melodeon, concertina, guitars, bass and percussion.
In partnership with Sheffield Jazz, Music in the Round’s autumn season also includes Jean Toussant’s Blakey Project (17 October) and Chris Biscoe (4 December).
A half-term family concert Onyx Brass for children aged 5+ includes a lively (and occasionally silly!) introduction to brass music and brass playing (28 October) while hands-on Music Box workshops for children aged 2-5 years run in the Studio (24 October).
And finally…
Music in the Round’s award-winning children’s composer in residence, Paul Rissman, presents the world premiere of his new concert for young audiences at a performance for primary schools (4 November). Based on the new children’s book by Giles Andreae and illustrated by Korky Paul, Sir Scallywag and the Battle of the Stinky Bottom is the latest in the popular series of ‘Sir Scallwag’ books which Paul has adapted for performance by Ensemble 360 and narrator Polly Ives. Packed full of highly engaging live classical music, storytelling, illustrations from the book and lots of audience participation, this concert follows Crazy Creatures, Stan and Mabel and Sir Scallywag and the Golden Underpants.
ENDS
For all press requests and information, please contact Jane Verity on [email protected] / 07854 759480. General information about the Spring 2015 concerts can be found at www.musicintheround.co.uk
Notes to Editors
*Classical Sheffield Festival of Music
Classical Sheffield Festival of Music (23-25 October) is a weekend-long celebration of classical music in Sheffield jointly organised by the voluntary and professional classical music organisations in the city.
With more than 600 performers, 30 concerts and 6 city centre venues, the weekend will be the biggest and most varied celebration of classical music Sheffield has ever seen. Highlights include the Hallé Orchestra performing Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring with Sheffield-born Principal Guest Conductor Ryan Wigglesworth and Ensemble 360 performing Dvoøák’s String Quintet in G.
For more details about Classical Sheffield and the Classical Sheffield Festival of Music, please contact Jonathan Best, [email protected], 07472 676215
**About Partitura
Since 1970 Maria João Pires has dedicated herself to reflecting on the influence of art on life, community and education. The Partitura project is one aspect of her engagement with young musicians and includes the mentorship of emerging pianists such as the brilliant Armenian pianist Ashot Khachatourian, who will share the recital on 27 November with Maria João Pires.
Listings info
AUTUMN 2015 SHEFFIELD SEASON AT A GLANCE
Book at www.musicintheround.co.uk, on 0114 249 6000 or in person at Sheffield Theatres box office, 55 Norfolk Street, Sheffield S1 1DA
| Sat 26 Sept | 6.15pm | In Conversation with Ensemble 360 | Crucible Studio | FREE to concert ticket holders | |
| 7.15pm | Ensemble 360 10th birthday concert | BEETHOVEN Quintet in E flat for Piano and Winds Op.16
MARTINU Nonet ELGAR Piano Quintet in A minor Op.84 |
Crucible Studio | £17.50 /
£12 Disabled and Unemployed / £5 Under 35s and Students |
|
| Fri 2 Oct | 6.15pm | In Conversation with Marmen Quartet | Crucible Studio | FREE to concert ticket holders | |
| 7.15pm | Marmen Quartet | HAYDN Quartet in D minor Op.103
BEETHOVEN Quartet in F Op.18 No.1 JOSQUIN DESPREZ Two Chansons BARTÓK Quartet No.4 in C |
Crucible Studio | £17.50 /
£12 Disabled and Unemployed / £5 Under 35s and Students |
|
| Tue 6 Oct | 12.45pm | Ensemble 360 | CHOPIN Introduction and Polonaise Brillante in C Op.3
TCHAIKOVSKY Nocturne Op.19 No.4 GRIEG Cello Sonata in A Minor Op.36 |
Upper Chapel | £11 /
£7.50 Disabled and Unemployed / £5 Under 35s and Students |
| Thur 15 Oct | 7.45pm | Fay Hield & The Hurricane Party | Old Adam
UK concert première. CD Release January 2016 |
Crucible Studio | £17.50 /
£12 Disabled and Unemployed / £5 Under 35s and Students |
| Fri 16 Oct | 7.15pm | Escher Quartet | MENDELSSOHN Quartet in E minor Op.44 No.2
ZEMLINSKY Quartet No.3 Op.19 BRAHMS Quartet in A minor Op.51 No.2 |
Crucible Studio | £17.50 /
£12 Disabled and Unemployed / £5 Under 35s and Students |
| Sat 17 Oct | 7.15pm | Sheffield Jazz: Jean Toussaint’s Blakey Project | Crucible Studio | £15 /
£12 Senior Citizens and Unemployed / £7 Students / £3 Under 16s |
|
| Mon 19 Oct | 7.15pm | Ensemble 360 | MOZART String Quartet in D K.499 Hoffmeister
BERG Adagio from Chamber Concerto for violin, clarinet and piano BRAHMS Clarinet Quintet in B minor Op.115 |
Crucible Studio | £17.50 /
£12 Disabled and Unemployed / £5 Under 35s and Students |
| Sat 24 Oct | 10.15am and 11.30am | Open Music
Box Workshop |
Inspirational hands-on musical workshops for young children aged 3-5 years.
Part of Classical Sheffield Festival of Music www.classicalweekend.com |
Crucible Studio | £6 per child
Accompanying grown-ups are free |
| 3.30pm | John Suchet talk | The Last Waltz: The Classic FM presenter tells the intriguing story of the Strauss family.
Part of Classical Sheffield Festival of Music www.classicalweekend.com |
Crucible Studio | £5 | |
| 6pm | Ensemble 360 | WATKINS Piano Trio
KURTAG Signs, Games and Messages (excerpts) BOULEZ Notations for Piano BARTÓK String Quartet No.3 in C sharp
Part of Classical Sheffield Festival of Music www.classicalweekend.com |
Crucible Studio | £10 /
£5 Disabled, Unemployed and Students |
|
| 7.20pm | Ensemble 360 | DVOŘÁK String Quintet in G Op.77
Part of Classical Sheffield Festival of Music www.classicalweekend.com |
£10 /
£5 Disabled, Unemployed and Students |
||
| Wed 28 Oct | 11am | Family Concert: Onyx Brass | City Hall Ballroom | £8 Adults /
£4 Children and Students / £18 Family ticket |
|
| Wed 4 Nov | 10.45am & 1.30pm | Schools’ Concert: Sir Scallywag & the Battle of Stinky Bottom | Ensemble 360 perform Paul Rissmann’s new concert based on the new book written by Giles Andreae and illustrated by Korky Paul. | Crucible Main House | £3 per child, accompanying teachers free |
| Tue 10 Nov | 12.45pm | Ensemble 360 | COPLAND Duo for flute and piano
BARBER Canzone for flute and piano CHOPIN Ballade in A flat No.3 Op.47 for piano DVOŘÁK Sonatina in G Op.100 for flute and piano |
Upper Chapel | £11 /
£7.50 Disabled and Unemployed / £5 Under 35s and Students |
| Sat 14 Nov | 7.15pm
And post-concert Q&A |
Chiaroscuro Quartet | MOZART Divertimento in F K.138 Salzburg Symphony
HAYDN Quartet in A Op.20 No.6 BEETHOVEN Quartet in E flat Op.74 Harp |
Upper Chapel | £17.50 /
£12 Disabled and Unemployed / £5 Under 35s and Students |
| Sun 15 Nov | 11.15am | Bring & Play: Martin Cropper and the Marmen String Quartet | Millennium Gallery | £10 /
£8 Disabled and Unemployed / £6 Under 18s and Students |
|
| Wed 18 Nov | 7.15pm | Martin & Hazel Cropper, Adrian Wilson, Marmen Quartet, Cassia Quartet and more | HANDEL Solomon HWV67 Arrival of the Queen of Sheba
BACH Double Concerto in C minor BWV1060R for oboe and violin VIVALDI Double Concerto in A minor RV522 for two violins BACH Double Concerto in D minor BWV1043 for two violins MOZART Oboe Quartet in F K.370 VAUGHAN WILLIAMS The Lark Ascending |
Upper Chapel | £17.50 /
£12 Disabled and Unemployed / £5 Under 35s and Students |
| Mon 23 Nov | 12.45pm | Ensemble 360 | SCHUBERT Violin Sonata in A minor D.385 Sonatina
BRAHMS Violin Sonata in G Op.78 |
Upper Chapel | £11 /
£7.50 Disabled and Unemployed / £5 Under 35s and Students |
| Thur 26 Nov | 7.15pm | Leonore Trio | BEETHOVEN
Cello Sonata in F Op.5 No.1 Violin Sonata in D Op.12 No.1 Piano Trio in E flat Op.1 No.1 |
Crucible Studio | £17.50 /
£12 Disabled and Unemployed / £5 Under 35s and Students |
| Fri 27 Nov | 7.15pm
And post-concert Q&A |
Maria João Pires and Ashot Khachatourian | HAYDN Piano Sonata in F major, Hob.XVI:23 BEETHOVEN Piano Sonata in A major, Op.101 HAYDN Piano Sonata in E flat major, Hob.XVI:52 BEETHOVEN Piano Sonata in C minor, Op.111 |
Crucible Studio | £17.50 /
£12 Disabled and Unemployed / £5 Under 35s and Students |
| Wed 2 Dec | 7.15pm | Ensemble 360 | HAYDN Piano Trio in G Hob.XV:25 Gypsy Rondo
LIGETI Trio for horn, violin and piano Hommage à Brahms BRAHMS Piano Quartet in G minor Op.25 |
Crucible Studio | £17.50 /
£12 Disabled and Unemployed / £5 Under 35s and Students |
| Fri 4 Dec | 7.15pm | Sheffield Jazz: Mingus Profiles Sextet | Crucible Studio | £15 /
£12 Senior Citizens and Unemployed / £7 Students / £3 Under 16s |
|
| Sat 5 Dec | 6.15pm | John Suchet –
pre-concert talk |
Crucible Studio | FREE to concert ticket holders | |
| 7.15pm | Nabarro, Cropper, Roscoe, Welsh and more | HAYDN Piano Trio in C HobXV No.27
MOZART Clarinet Quintet in A K.581 |
Crucible Studio | £17.50 /
£12 Disabled and Unemployed / £5 Under 35s and Students |
About Music in the Round
The UK’s leading promoter of chamber music outside of London, Music in the Round, based in Sheffield, is dedicated to presenting the best in small-scale classical music in an informal atmosphere. In 2013 it won the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society Award for Chamber Music and Song.
Driven by the belief that music has the power to change and enrich people’s lives, Music in the Round aims to thrill wide and diverse audiences with the unique intensity of performances in an intimate setting. The organisation hosts performers from the UK and around the world, building audiences regionally and nationally, and developing and deepening relationships between artists, venues, promoters and audiences.
Music in the Round has been active since 1984 and now promotes more than 100 concerts a year through its three main seasons:
- i) the Sheffield concerts, in the 400-seater Crucible Studio.
- ii) a national Season supporting a range of venues to promote high quality chamber music;
iii) the South Yorkshire concerts featuring Ensemble 360.
Music in the Community is the learning and participation season that initiates and delivers ground breaking activity in collaboration with its Children’s Composer in Residence, Paul Rissmann, winner of the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors in 2012, and a David Bedford Award for Music Education in 2013. Each year, thousands of young people are introduced to live classical music by this Season of work.
At the heart of much of Music in the Round’s work is Ensemble 360 who have been resident ensemble since 2005. Building on the tradition of Music in the Round’s founding ensemble, the Lindsay String Quartet, Ensemble 360 is one of the leading chamber music ensembles in the country and is an ensemble of high musical quality and integrity whose members are passionate about chamber music. Outside of Ensemble 360 the players all have careers as soloists and/or orchestral players, both in this country and internationally.
Music in the Round is funded by Arts Council England, Mayfield Valley Arts Trust and the Andrew McEwan Fund, numerous local trusts and foundations, and supported by Sheffield City Council.
