Catalogue Re-issues on CD from flautist Wissam Boustany on Nimbus Alliance
Now available again after a sorely missed absence from the CD catalogues are four titles featuring flautist Wissam Boustany – released together on the same label for the first time. These reissues follow the critically acclaimed new CD from Wissam (with pianist Aleksander Szram, “This Invisible World” NI6170/1 released in the autumn of 2011.
Artist(s): Wissam Boustany with Stefan Warzycki (piano)
Title: Sounds from Within
Catalogue No: NI6166 [07103357616624]
Discs: 1CD/standard Jewel Case
UK PPD: £8.70
UK Release: March 26th 2012
Invisible World Press Release (81.3 KiB)
Frank Martin: Ballade for flute & piano; Simon Holt: Maiastra for solo flute; Béla Bartók: Suite Paysanne Hongroise; Wissam Boustany: Improvisation for flute; Bohuslav Martinu: First Sonata for flute & piano
Artist(s): Wissam Boustany with Peter Manning & Stephen Morris (violins), Philip Dukes (viola), Tim Hugh (cello), Mary Scully (double bass), Steven Devine (cembalo)
Title: Vivaldi’s Children
Catalogue No: NI6167 [07103357616723]
Discs: 1CD/standard Jewel Case
UK PPD: £8.70
UK Release: March 26th 2012
Antonio Vivaldi: Concerto No. 1 “La Tempesta”; Concerto No. 2 “La Notte”; Concerto No. 3 “Il Gardellino”; Concerto No. 4; Concerto No. 5; Concerto No. 6
Artist(s): Wissam Boustany with National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine conducted by Volodymyr Sirenko
Title: Mirror of Eternity
Catalogue No: NI6168 [07103357616822]
Discs: 1CD/standard Jewel Case
UK PPD: £8.70
UK Release: March 26th 2012
Aram Khatchaturian: Flute Concerto; Houtaf Khoury: Mirror of Eternity; Yevhen Stankovych: Chamber Symphony No. 3Artist(s): Wissam Boustany with Nigel Clayton (piano) and Gabriella Dall’Olio (harp)
Title: Wandering Winds
Catalogue No: NI6169 [07103357616921]
Discs: 1CD/standard Jewel Case
UK PPD: £8.70
UK Release: March 26th 2012
Tarek Younis: Rising from the ashes; Bach-Gounod: Ave Maria; Beclard d’ Harcourt (arr.): Chants Peruviens; Hamilton Harty: In Ireland Fantasy; Boghos Gelalian: Quatre Jeux; K. Yamada (arr. Yashiro): Lullaby from the Chugoko area; Jacques Ibert: Entr’Acte; Sakura Sakura: trad Song arr. Yashiro; Anon.: El Quintapesares; El Frutero; El Cameleon; C. Bonet: La Partida; Gustavo Samela (adapt.): Balletico de Procesion; Anon: Camino Pelao
Wissam Boustany’s international career as a concert artist and teacher has taken him to South and North America, Europe and the Middle and Far East. In 1995 Boustany founded Towards Humanity, an international initiative which uses music as a catalyst to support humanitarian projects on an international scale. Born in Lebanon, Boustany began his musical studies with his stepfather. He moved to Britain in 1977 where he studied at Chetham’s School of Music & the Royal Northern College of Music, with Trevor Wye. He has received many awards, notably the Silver Medal in the 1982 Madeira International Flute Competition and (in the same year) the woodwind prize in the Royal Overseas League Competition. He received the silver medal in the Shell/LSO competition and won the 2nd prize in the woodwind section of the first BBC Young Musician of the Year. In 1997 he was awarded a knighthood by the Lebanese government (Chevalier de l’Ordre du Cedre) in recognition of his music and peace work. On 3rd February 1998 he was presented with the Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Wissam continues to use his music as a powerful healing force to ‘open the doors of inspiration between people and nations, and help us reflect on our common humanity’. He is Professor of Flute at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, UK. For more information: www.wissamboustany.com
Wissam Boustany Catalogue Reissues (124.1 KiB)
Towards Humanity
Towards Humanity is an enduring, non-political initiative, taking the form of high-profile concerts, which support a peaceful resolution to conflict, as well as providing a focus for peace organizations and humanitarian work. The founder is international flautist, Wissam Boustany, who grew up in war-torn Beirut. In his own words: “Music opens the doors of inspiration between people and nations, and helps us reflect on our common humanity…”
This multi-decade, multi-media initiative combines the energies of musicians, humanitarian organizations, international media networks and influential companies, inspiring a global co-operation for peace outside of the political arena. The inaugural event took place at the Royal Albert Hall, London on February 2nd 1995; its purpose was to provide a platform for peace in the Middle-East and – on a practical level – aimed to raise £20,000 for each of five charities in Beirut, Amman, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Cairo. Since then, numerous concerts, master classes and musical initiatives have successfully raised funds for many countries.
In 1997 Wissam was awarded a knighthood by the Lebanese government (Chevalier de l’Ordre du Cedre) in recognition of his music and peace work. On 3rd February 1998 he was presented with the Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. During this period Towards Humanity also released two CD recordings, “Wandering Winds” and “Vivaldi’s Children” incorporating the Towards Humanity concept and principles. This current recording will eventually be used as a catalyst for projects relating to visually impaired people around the world.
For more information please visit www.towardshumanity.org
List of beneficiaries of aid from Towards Humanity
Egypt: Right to Live Association; Jordan: Al Hussein Society; Lebanon: National School for the Blind & Deaf
West Bank: Library on Wheels; Israel: Peace Child; Kazakhstan: Almaty School for the Blind; Kosovo: Refugees; Worldwide: SOS International Children’s Villages
New CD Information from Divine Art/Metier Records (March 2012)
I outline below the details of new CD titles on the Divine Art/Metier labels, due for UK release on 26th March 2012. The full press information for each release is attached as a PDF file.
MSV28528 John Ramsay – String Quartets performed by The Fitzwilliam String Quartet
John Ramsay is a Professor of Geology by profession but also a highly talented composer of chamber and orchestral works. These four quartets are excellent examples of post-modernist music, employing no artificial boundaries. They are extremely accessible and highly deserving of attention – beautifully played by The Fitzwilliam Quartet. A real discovery is instore for lovers of the string quartet idiom.
28528 John Ramsay String Quartets Press Release (109.2 KiB)
MSV28526 Christopher Fox “Natural Science” performed by Trio Scordatura
This new recording features compositions by cutting-edge contemporary composer, Christopher Fox, and explores a cross section of his compositions. The works of Christopher Fox have been featured on a number of Métier Recordings. Works for Soprano & Piano (MSV92031); Music for Solo Piano (MSV92022); Music for Solo Cello (MSVCD92059); Clarinet Quintet (MSVCD92082); Catalogue Irraisoné (MSVCD92103).
Christopher Fox - Natural Science Press Release (60.9 KiB)
MSV28527 Paul Pellay “Thesaurus of Violinistic Fiendishness” performed by Peter Sheppard Skærved
The works of Paul Pellay have been performed all over the world by a wide range of artists including the Kreutzer Quartet, the Nash Ensemble, the City of London Sinfonia, and the Britten Sinfonia. Conductors who have championed his music include Edward Gregson, Elgar Howarth, Lionel Friend, Richard Hickox, Nicholas Cleobury, Roger Smalley, Ron Spigelman and Alan Balter. He has been active as a freelance music editor, working with various composers and publishers.
Whilst the title reflects the difficulties of performing this mammoth work for solo violin, it does not convey the listening experience, which is less challenging than one might expect – indeed many sections of the work are quite lyrical and full of wit as well as virtuosic complexity. Performed with his usual panache and awesome skill by Peter Sheppard Skærved.
Paul Pellay Violin Music Press Release (64.3 KiB)
Now Available Again
These two classic discs have not previously been available for full trade distribution, and both demonstrate the tremendous virtuosity of pianist Peter Katin. Released at standard mid-price in the UK (Dealer Price £5.55) they are available from 12th March 2012.
As usual, just let me know which samples you would like and I’ll mail on a first come, first served basis. Interviews can be arranged with key artists quite easily and quickly if you are interested.
Peter Katin RP001 & RP002 - Now Available Again - Press Release (72.4 KiB)
I look forward to hearing from you shortly. Review copies are available now.
The Instrumental Quintet of London – Purcell Room – 28th February
Tuesday February 28, 2012 at 7.45 pm
Purcell Room at the Queen Elizabeth Hall
The Instrumental Quintet of London
Susan Milan flute, Nicholas Ward violin, Matthew Jones viola,
Sebastian Comberti cello and Ieuan Jones harp
Quintette op 2 J M Damase
Quartet in C KV 285b flute and string trio W A Mozart
Trio in C minor op 9 string trio L van Beethoven
Sonate en trio flute, viola and harp C Debussy
Concert à Cinque J Jongen
Tickets £15. Concessions available.
Enquiries: South Bank Ticket Office (9am-8pm) on 0844 875 0073.
Press Tickets can be obtained via the box office or from:
John Cronin – Music & Media Consulting Limited
44-(0)1354-740847 (tel/fax)
44-(0)7774-426966 (mobile)
john@musicandmediaconsulting.com
Instrumental Quintet at Purcell Room 28th Feb 2012 (65.3 KiB)
News from Divine Art Records – Herman Finck
Re-discovering one of the stars of British light music
In April 2012, Divine Art Records will release a new CD on its Diversions label devoted to the exquisitely crafted light orchestral music of Herman Finck. This album which was originally due for issue in 2007 is the sequel to The Monckton Album (Diversions ddv24110) which has been highly successful and was included in Gramophone’s Critics Choice for 2004 having been included in the ‘Christmas stocking’ of two of the reviewers. As with the previous disc, the music is performed by the Bel Etage Theatre from Tallinn, Estonia, a company which specialises in Edwardian English operetta, under its conductor and lead baritone Mart Sander and featuring female vocalists Pirjo Levandi and Kelli Uustani.
Finck is one of many musicians whose style has become (according to the orthodox fashion) out of date, and whose name, once known by every household, has been almost forgotten. He was born in London on 4 November 1872; his baptismal name was in fact Hermann Van Der Finck, his parents being Dutch immigrants.
Finck began his musical training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. In 1900 (at the still early age of 28) he joined the Palace Theatre, where he served as Musical Director until the late 1920s. The Palace was famous not only for its orchestra, but for the Palace Girls, a group of beautiful singing and dancing ladies, for whom Finck composed numerous dances, among them Hullo, Girls!. The most famous of these was originally a vocal number called Tonight, which became a top hit under the title In the Shadows. This remains his best known work due its being one of the last pieces played aboard the Titanic. Whilst at the Palace, Finck was also a principal conductor at the Drury Lane Theatre, and he made recordings of many of his own works and arrangements with the two theatre orchestras for the Columbia Graphophone Company.
Finck’s compositions included about thirty stage shows, two of which are represented on the new CD – the ballet My Lady Dragonfly and the operetta Decameron Nights, a superbly written piece which has not been played since 1923. Revues such as The Passing Show and Round the Map were very popular with variety theatre audiences, while his songs and light orchestral pieces were among the best known tunes of their day. Examples on the new album include Queen of the Flowers and Gilbert the Filbert aka The K-Nuts, included in a medley specially arranged for this recording by Mart Sander. The Palace also proudly presented the ballerina Anna Pavlova in her first ever English performance – Finck dedicated his lovely orchestral piece Pirouette to her.
Finck was also a very talented arranger, and one of his most popular works was a medley of music-hall and light classical tunes called Melodious Memories; his recording of this piece sold very well and it was a staple in many of the famous London tea-rooms which boasted a resident ‘palm court’ orchestra.
It is easy to underestimate the position and influence which this almost-forgotten figure enjoyed in his heyday. He is described in The Music Hall & Theatre History Website as “One of the wittiest men in London. He was of medium height, inclined to stoutness, dark, with luxuriant dark hair parted in the middle … he was never at a loss for a joke.” He was also highly regarded among the top musicians of his day including Sir Thomas Beecham and was a special favourite of the Royal Family, especially King George V. Finck was musical director of the very first Royal Command Performance, held on 1 July 1912 at the Palace Theatre, and led a cast featuring all of the top British music-hall and variety performers of the day including Harry Lauder, Vesta Tilley and George Robey – along with the Palace Girls of course. The exception was Marie Lloyd, whose act was considered too risqué for the King and Queen! This pioneering show saw the theatre decorated with three million roses; the proceeds were donated to the Variety Artistes’ Benevolent Fund.
Also in 1912, a concert was held at Drury Lane to which the King brought his cousin Kaiser Wilhelm, only two years before their respective countries went to war. In the Shadows was included in the programme at the specific request of the King, who had become quite a fan. It was ironic that Finck experienced a ‘right royal embarrassment’ in front of the King at a charity event held at Buckingham Palace Riding School. The orchestra was playing Melodious Memories while the audience of titled personages awaited the King’s arrival; just as the Royal party entered the theatre, the orchestra reached that part of the medley called Hush, Hush, Hush, Here Comes the Bogey Man!
Finck continued to enjoy success throughout the 1930s, while light music as a genre was still at the height of popularity. His autobiography, also entitled My Melodious Memories, was published by Hutchinson in 1937 and is a witty and entertaining résumé of a different world of entertainment to that we know today. He never saw the decline and near-death of variety and light music, as he died shortly before the outbreak of World War II, on 21 April, 1939. A new generation is beginning once again to appreciate the gentle joy of British light music and to rediscover composers such as Finck, Albert Ketelbey, Hubert Bath, Lionel Monckton and others.
The Finck Album
Diversions DDV 62402
Kelli Uustani and Pirjo Levandi (sopranos) & Mart Sander (baritone)
The Bel Etage Theatre Orchestra conducted by Mart Sander
Upper-mid price; CD duration 67.54
UK release April 16, 2012
TRACK LIST:
1. Cheerio! Orchestra (1.58)
2. In the Shadows Kelli Uustani (4.06)
3. Hullo, Girls! Orchestra (2.43)
4. My Waltz Queen Mart Sander (3.22) *
5. Jocoso Orchestra (2.48)
6. Dear Old Fighting Boys Kelli Uustani & Mart Sander (3.11)
7. Pirouette (dedicated to Anna Pavlova) Orchestra (2.54)
8. Venetia (from Decameron Nights) Pirjo Levandi (4.51)
9.-14. My Lady Dragonfly – Ballet Suite Orchestra (15.44)
15. The K-Nuts Medley (arr. Mart Sander) including “Gilbert the Filbert” and “I’ll Make a Man of You Yet” Kelli Uustani & Mart Sander (3.16)
16. Queen of the Flowers Pirjo Levandi & Mart Sander (5.04) *
17. Moonlight Dance Orchestra (3.50)
18. Decameron Nights – Orchestral Suite Orchestra (13.46)
Pirjo Levandi became an overnight sensation after graduating from the Tallinn Music Academy and making her debut at the Estonian National Opera. The tall and slender soprano with more than apt acting abilities was one of the leading members of the ENO ensemble for 8 seasons, making welcome guest appearances at other opera houses and music festivals, including the Gilbert and Sullivan festival in the UK. Since then, she has dedicated herself to the lighter repertoire, often with the Bel-Etage troupe or the Swing Swindlers ballroom orchestra, as well as being a mother. She has also discovered her skills as a comedienne and in 2010 won the Estonian Drama Award as the best actress in the supporting cast. Miss Levandi can also be heard on the first album of the series dedicated to neglected British composers of light music – The Monckton Album (Diversions Records)
Kelly Uustani graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in London and has since then proved herself to be an extremely versatile singer, whose repertoire ranks from light opera and musical comedy to jazz and funk. She is the leading female vocalist of the Swing Swindlers, a dance orchestra led by Mart Sander, specializing on the repertoire of the 1930s, and can be heard on all of the band’s many albums. Miss Uustani is also a sought after vocal coach and arranger for several vocal groups and is often employed by the song writing team, responsible for the (so far only) Estonian winning Eurovision entry. Even when mothering her baby daughter, she still has time for studio work and a tight schedule of gigs.
Mart Sander, the leader and vocalist of both the Bel-Etage and the Swing Swindlers, began his professional musical career at the age of 17 and has since then stayed in the spotlight. He has released dozens of albums, sang and directed at the Estonian National Opera, composed both light and serious music, as well as acted both on stage and screen and hosted several popular TV programs (such as the Estonian version of Dancing With The Stars). He is a well known champion of Gilbert and Sullivan, and was commended for promoting British music by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, on her state visit to Estonia. Mr. Sander is also an exhibited painter and has written three best selling novels.
The Bel-Etage company took over an old music hall at the heart of Tallinn, Estonia, in 2000; since then it has produced and recorded many Victorian and Edwardian shows, musical revues and comic operas. The company is well known for championing British music, especially Gilbert and Sullivan, whose work was previously not well known to Estonian audiences. Bel-Etage also supports a ballet troupe and two successful orchestras and is in constant demand at home and abroad.
FINCK PRESS RELEASE (66.6 KiB)
News from Melinda Hughes/Kiss & Tell
I thought you maybe interested to know that Melinda has recently loaded a brand new song onto YouTube, entitled “Where Have All The Despots Gone” – a satirical spoof on the demise of Dictators.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIj-_he6X4s
For full details about Kiss & Tell Cabaret visit http://www.kissandtellcabaret.com and www.melindahughes.com
Smoke and Noise NI6139 Press Release (74.0 KiB)
News from Jazz Pianist/Composer GEOFF EALES
NEW RELEASE INFORMATION FOR PRESS/MEDIA
GEOFF EALES
“as original as they come, listening to everyone but beholden to no single influence; Eales demands your attention with the force of his musical personality and keeps it with his musicianship” – Budd Kopman (Cadence)
GEOFF EALES is regarded as one of Europe’s most inspirational pianists and composers. Though he has been pro-active in a vast variety of musical situations throughout his long and distinguished career, it is within the realm of jazz and improvised music that the full extent of Geoff’s personality is revealed.
Geoff is that rare breed of artist – the multiple specialist. He is fluent in many musical languages: blues, bebop, swing, ragtime, gospel, latin, fusion, classical, the avant-garde and more. As Jack Kenny puts it in Jazz Views, “Geoff Eales is unique. When you talk to him one word comes up over and over, eclectic… any performance by Geoff will refer to the varied influences of his life so far: a splendid synthesis from Messiaen through Henry Mancini to Bill Evans.”
Geoff’s incredible musical journey began in the late 1950′s in the South Wales Valleys, his jazz-loving father sowing the seeds for a life in music when he taught him the 12-bar blues when he was only eight years old. From that moment on Geoff has never looked back.
Having graduated from Cardiff University with a Masters in Music in 1973, Geoff enrolled on a Ph. D course where he specialized in Composition and the music of American composer Aaron Copland. As a career in academia beckoned Geoff decided to broaden his horizons instead. Cruising the world as a ship’s musician for a couple of years, Geoff absorbed the music of many different cultures – Greek, Turkish, North African, Spanish, Japanese, Balinese and North and South American. These early musical experiences would have a tremendous impact on his later work.
Geoff moved to London in 1977, joining the BBC Big Band a year later. Here he worked with some of the best arrangers in the business including Nelson Riddle, Billy May and Bob Farnon and many fine jazz vocalists such as Norma Winstone, Rosemary Clooney and Marian Montgomery. By the time he had left the organisation in 1983 he had been featured in well over a thousand broadcasts.
After the BBC years Geoff quickly became one of the most sought-after pianists on the London session scene. He remained a top studio musician for over 15 years working alongside a host of musical luminaries, Leonard and Elmer Bernstein, Henry Mancini, Jerry Goldsmith and Lalo Schifrin included. However as the new millennium approached Geoff felt an inner need to return to the music that had inspired him in his youth – jazz.
In 1999 Geoff released his first jazz album as a leader, Mountains of Fire, to rave reviews. Since then a steady stream of highly acclaimed albums has flowed: Red Letter Days (2001), Facing the Muse (2002), Synergy (2004), The Homecoming (2006), Jazz Piano Legends (2007), Epicentre (2007) and Master of the Game (2009).
Throughout his career Geoff has performed at many of the world’s leading jazz clubs including the Blue Note Clubs of Japan, New York’s Birdland, the Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles, Louisville’s Jazz Factory and London’s Ronnie Scott’s. He has also graced the main stages of many of the major jazz festivals such as Belgrade, Zagreb, Cork and Brecon.
Geoff is very pleased to announce the release of two CD projects that illustrate his diversity and musicianship – both as performer and composer. Both discs will be fully serviced to all UK classical & jazz music press and radio. Advertising will include major appropriate music magazines and publications. For more details, and to request a review sample and/or an interview request, please contact John Cronin at Music & Media Consulting Limited.
Artist: Geoff Eales & Isorhythm
Title: Shifting Sands
Cat. No: 33Jazz226
Discs: Single CD/Standard Case
UK Release: Available Now
Distribution: Proper Note (UK)
Towards the end of 2010 Geoff Eales formed the exciting genre-busting band Isorhythm featuring Ben Waghorn (saxes/bass clarinet), Carl Orr (guitar), Fred T Baker (bass guitar) and Asaf Sirkis (drums). “Shifting Sands” is Isorhythm’s debut album (which includes a guest appearance by the brilliant violinist Chris Garrick).
Featuring eight new compositions by Eales, this is the pianist’s ninth album as leader and is his most daring and innovative to date. The vibrantly colourful music is firmly rooted in the jazz-fusion genre and is replete with propulsive rhythms, sudden metrical shifts, post-Hendrix guitar wailings, edgy sax lines, infectious bass riffs and take-no-prisoners power house drumming.
The sources of Eales’ inspirations are many and varied: Mahavishnu, Bitches Brew, Soft Machine, Zappa, Messiaen and Stravinsky to name but a few. However, he never imitates. Instead he listens, absorbs, and then transcends his influences.
“Shifting Sands” reveals Eales to be a master story-teller. Some of the tales are dark and menacing – angry even. Others speak of unbridled joy and ecstasy. There are songs of sadness and regret. At times the music floats ethereally. Elsewhere it throbs and grinds with primeval energy.
Isorhythm tour the UK in late spring 2012. Confirmed dates so far include 606 Club Chelsea (18/4); The Castle Wellingborough (19/4); Wakefield Jazz (20/4); The Woodman Sevenoaks (23/5); Symphony Hall Birmingham (25/5); Jagz Ascot (27/5); Dempseys Cardiff (29/5); Swansea Jazzland (30/5); Stratford Jazz (3/6).
Further information can be found at www.geoffeales.com
Artist: Geoff Eales
Title: Mountains of Fire
Cat. No: NI6158
Discs: Single CD/Standard Case
UK Release: Available Now
Distribution: Wyastone Estate/Discovery UK
Personnel
GEOFF EALES, piano: NIGEL HITCHCOCK, alto saxophone: ROY BABBINGTON, bass; LAURENCE COTTLE, bass guitar: MIKE SMITH, drums: IAN THOMAS, drums
Geoff Eales writes:
Since the original notes to ‘Mountains of Fire’ were written thirteen years ago, a great sea-change has taken place in my musical life. From the time I left my native South Wales in 1977 for the buzz and excitement of London until I recorded ‘Mountains’ in 1998, my work could be best described as follows: studio musician, accompanist to the ‘stars’ and part-time jazz musician.
The whole dynamic changed post-1998. I became less and less interested in playing second fiddle to others and more and more concerned with carving a career for myself as an artist in my own right. Also, jazz had been on the back-burner for a very long time and I felt that it was high time that it occupied centre-stage. After all, it was the music that meant so much to me in my youth. ‘Mountains’ was warmly received by both public and jazz press alike and this further inspired me to dig deeper into my jazz soul.
The last thirteen years of intensive touring and recording have been hugely rewarding. I have had the opportunity to meet and work with many wonderful people throughout America, Europe and Asia, and it is always a thrill to go into the studio with a brand new project. I feel that I am on an incredible journey, one that would never have begun if it wasn’t for my decision to record ‘Mountains of Fire’.
Finally, I would like to say how delighted I am that Nimbus Alliance has re-issued my debut CD – it’s the album that changed my life.
Geoff Eales has an active tour schedule (in addition to the Isorhythm dates listed above) and confirmed highlights in 2012 include Kings Head Bexley (9/1); Bulls Head Barnes (20/1); Hawth Theatre Crawley (22/2); The Pheasantry Chelsea (13/4 & 14/4); Wales Millennium Centre (6/5); Portsmouth Jazz Society (14/5); Ribble Valley Jazz and Blues Club (7/6); Village Institute, Hornby, Lancaster (8/6); Zeffirellis Ambleside (9/6); Savile Club Mayfair (15/6); St Mary’s Church Hall (27/6), Sandbach: Berkhamsted Civic Centre (30/6). These dates are followed by a nine day Russian Tour with vocalist Salena Jones. Further information can be found at www.geoffeales.com
Geoff Eales Press Release Dec 2011 (91.5 KiB)
Premiere of “The Angel in the Forest” – St. James’s Church, Piccadilly, London W1 on 21st January 2012
The Angel in the Forest
Premiere: 21st January 2012 (7.30pm)
St James’s Church Piccadilly,W1
Book tickets: £10/£15/£20 CLICK HERE
A Dramatic Song Cycle
music by Julian Marshall
text by Gertrud Kolmar
James Gilchrist (tenor solo)
Sophie Harris (‘cello)
Christopher Wray (choir master)
The Welten players and singers conducted by Ian Belton.
Special Guest reader: Dame Janet Suzman
All profits to the Barenboim-Said Foundation www.barenboimsaidusa.org
The concert will be introduced by Iain McGilchrist (author of The Master and his Emissary)
The Barenboim-Said Foundation
We are especially proud and delighted to report that all profits form this concert will go to the Barenboim-Said Foundation – the remarkable organisation that creates high level opportunities for young musicians from all the Arab countries and Israel, most notably in the form of the West-East Divan Orchestra. (www.barenboimsaidusa.org).
News from Nimbus Alliance Records/Flautist ANDY FINDON
Artist: Andy Findon
Composer: Various
Title: Density 21.5
Catalogue No: NI6157 [0710357615726]
Discs: Single CD/Standard Case
UK PPD: £8.70
UK Release: Available Now
Tracklisting
Andy Scott: KBM* (flute); Edgar Varèse: Density 21.5 (flute); Michael Nyman: Song for Tony* (baritone sax); Geoff Eales: The 11th Commandment* (flute); J.S. Bach: partita in A minor for solo flute; Andy Scott: Eighteen* (baritone sax); Michael Nyman: Canzona* (flute); Dave Heath: Coltrane* (alto flute); David Cullen: Sonata for solo flute*; Michael Nyman: Yamomoto Perpetuo #5* (baritone sax); Michael Nyman: Yamomoto Perpetuo #9* (piccolo); Michael Nyman: Song for Tony* (flute)
* World Premiere Recording
Total Playing Time 69.41
Repertoire Information
This long awaited, enterprising debut solo recording displaying Andy Findon’s musicianship, features unaccompanied works for flute, alto flute, baritone sax and piccolo, including ten world premiere recordings of compositions by contemporary British composers. Andy has professional relationships with all of the contributing composers whose premieres feature on this CD.
There are two pieces from Andy Scott who is fast establishing himself as one of the most exciting composers of today. To further demonstrate Andy’s talent as a flautist, the pieces by Geoff Eales and David Cullen are very accessible. Geoff Eales, the renowned pianist, arranger, and jazzman provides his composition “The 11th Commandment” which draws out a breathtaking performance. David Cullen’s main career to date is as the orchestrator for Andrew Lloyd Webber, so having the opportunity to write for a solo instrument is a challenge admirably acquitted here.
The connection between Andy Findon and Michael Nyman is clearly underlined with four Nyman compositions, one of which is a work from 1965, “Canzona” – again all premieres – including “Song for Tony” performed twice, once on baritone sax, and then on flute.
Dave Heath’s composition “Coltrane” is in tribute to a musician admired by both Heath and Findon, the first half is blues, and the second half is rhythmically and harmonically influenced by North Indian music. At Dave’s suggestion, this is the premier performance of his 1981 work on alto flute.
Also featured on this CD are Bach’s Partita in A minor and the well known 20th century composition “Density 21.5” by Edgar Varèse. It is this piece that gives the CD its title, for 21.5 grams per cubic centimetre is the density of platinum, and features Andy’s platinum flute made in 1950 for Geoffrey Gilbert – the most highly renowned British Flautist active from 1930 to the late 1960’s.
Artist Information
Andy’s background of mixed musical experience has led to an incredibly diverse career. Having trained as an orchestral flautist, as principal flute of the National Youth Orchestra in the early 1970’s and three years at the Royal College of Music, he soon branched out into the London musical scene, from dance band dates (working for Nat Temple, Joe Loss, Eric Delaney & Sidney Lipton among others) to Ballet Rambert, taking in The National Theatre and the formation of the Myhra Saxophone Quartet with John Harle. He soon found work in the thriving “session” world and was busy deputising in the London orchestras and working on numerous West End shows. An interest in “ethnic” instruments seemed to fit well alongside work as both an orchestral flautist and a commercial “woodwind doubler”. He has played with an enormous list of renowned international artists, composers, arrangers and producers.
The early 80′s saw the start of work with the “Michael Nyman Band”, with whom he still tours and records, and a most enjoyable period as a member of the folk-rock band, “The Home Service”, recording albums with them and appearing at leading folk festivals, recently back on the road with the CD - ”Home Service, Live 1986″. He is also a member of “Acoustic Earth” a trio with whom he’s released the CD – “Travelling Man”. Andy is principal flute of The National Symphony Orchestra, and works with many other chamber groups, including The Ceruti Ensemble, London Saxophonic, Sax Assault and Saxpak.. More information about Andy can be viewed at www.andyfindon.com
Andy is a “Pearl Flutes International Artist” (www.pearlflutes.com )
Press/Media and Marketing
The CD will be fully serviced to all UK classical & jazz music press and radio. Advertising will include major appropriate music magazines and publications. For more details, and to request a review sample and/or an interview request, please contact John Cronin at Music & Media Consulting Limited.
NI6157 Andy Findon Density Press Release. (82.7 KiB)
News from ABP Musique Classique Productions/Violinist Marie Cantagrill
Artist(s): Marie Cantagrill
Composer: J. S. Bach
Repertoire: Solo Violin Works
Catalogue No: ABP1/2 [3775000023768]
Discs: Single CD/Standard Case
UK PPD: Full Price
UK Release: 13/02/2012
Distribution: Metronome/Discovery for UK
Tracklisting
J. S. Bach: Sonata No. 1 in G minor (BWV1001); Partita No. 1 in B minor (BWV1002)
Artist Information
The French violinist Marie Cantagrill was five years old when she began learning with Helene Grangaud. After studying in France, she entered Philippe Koch’s class at the Royal Superior Conservatory of Liege in Belgium where she obtained the Advanced Diploma for Violin with High Distinction in June 2000. She also worked with Zoria Chickmoursaeva, a teacher at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow, and followed Igor Oistrakh’s advanced class for two years at the Royal Superior Conservatory of Bruxelles in Belgium.
She has won several National and International violin competitions; the Pierre Lantier International Competition in Paris, the Claude Langevin Special Prize, the Vieuxtemps Competition in Belgium, to name just a few. Marie Cantagrill now pursues a concert recital career in France and throughout Europe.
Her first two first violin and piano albums included virtuoso and romantic masterpieces (“Marie Cantagrill – Romantic and Virtuoso” and “Récital Slave”, was followed by a recording of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto coupled with Rimsky-Korsakov’s Fantasy on Russian Themes - recorded at the Hungarian Radio Studios in Budapest, with the Budapest Concert Orchestra – conducted by Tàmàs Gal. late 2009 saw the release of ”Bach – Partitas No. 2 & 3 for solo violin”.
Marie Cantagrill is presently playing a Calcanius Bernardus violin from 1748.
For more information please visit www.mariecantagrill.fr
Repertoire Information
Between 1717 and 1723 J. S. Bach was in the service of Leopold, Prince of Anhalt-Köthen in Brandenburg. The Prince was a great music lover, but the areas strict Calvinist following did not allow any religious music – other than simple ritual psalms. This period was also personally very difficult for Bach, during which one of his children, his wife and two of his brothers passed away – and he produced the three sonatas and three Partitas for solo violin.
In the baroque period two distinct genres emerged from the 16th century sonata form – the Sonata da Chiesa (Church Sonata) and Sonata da Camera (Chamber Sonata). While “da Chiesa” had a more austere and well defined structure, “da Camera” took a great variety of forms – eventually developing into Partitas, Suites and so on.
This album features a perfect example of each form. Sonata No. 1 was composed in four movements structured like a “Sonata da Chiesa”. The Partita on the other hand is a suite of dances each one of them followed by a “Double”, a variation of the preceding piece.
This disc is the second volume of Marie’s set of the Complete Partitas and Sonatas for Solo Violin of J. S. Bach (ABP1/1 contains Partitas 2 & 3). The recording was made in Combelongue Abbey renowned for a unique acoustic and atmosphere.
Press Feedback
Previous releases and performances have been very well received across Europe:
“…an inspirational violinist who plays with no-holds-barred intensity that galvanises the listener’s attention… Highly recommended” The Strad Magazine
“..an ardent and moving violinist, with a deep and luminous sound…and a twirling virtuosity…” Classica Repertoire – France
…an extraordinary sound evenness, as if she could make her violin sing, talk, tell stories..” RTL (Alain Duault) - Classic Classique
“Outstanding Marie Cantagrill! … A matchless, tremendous talent and great discovery!” Paris Match
“What Marie managed to make of her violin performing act was simply stunning …. One could have thought that that devil-violinist was just Paganini’s reincarnation!” Der Zürcher Oberländer Zürich, Switzerland
“Marie Cantagrill’s amazing virtuosity!..She has the talent of genius performers and also knows how to move your soul!” Thème Radio – Les Rendez-vous du Classique – Troyes – France
Additional Details & Marketing
The CD will be fully serviced to all UK classical music press and radio and key media overseas. Advertising will include major classical music magazines and publications. Interviews with Marie Cantagrill can be quickly arranged.
Please address requests for review copies and/or interview to john@musicandmediaconsulting.com
Marie Cantagrill CD Press Release (74.9 KiB)
New Release Information from Regis Records (December 2011)
Please find attached (and outlined below) details of the December Releases from Regis Records.
If you would like a review copy of any titles, please respond before 17th November and they will be sent out a few days after then. The PDF attachment features the front cover visuals and detailed tracklistings – and by popular demand, recording dates.
Lennox Berkeley Chamber Works
RRC1380 [Bar code 5055031313808]
UK Dealer Price – £2.70
Regis presents a brand new recording of the chamber works of Lennox Berkeley including two world premieres. Regis has had a long association with oboist Sarah Francis (there are six existing recordings in the catalogue) and is delighted to collaborate with her in this project. Sarah discovered the manuscripts for the new works in the Royal College of Music library and they are presented here with other works for similar forces. Extensive liner notes are provided by Berkeley’s biographer, Peter Dickinson. Released at Super-budget price.
Mozart Piano Sonatas 15-18
Maria João Pires
RRC1382 [Bar code 5055031313822]
UK Dealer Price – £2.70
Beautiful performances of Mozart’s late piano sonatas by the world renowned Portuguese pianist Maria João Pires. The recordings originally appeared on the Denon label in the 1970s and are now available from Regis at super-budget price.
‘Pires has always been something of a Mozart specialist, and her playing is tasteful and cleanly articulated, the lyrical melodies sensitively shaped, the passage work fluent and even. Nothing she does is ever harsh or graceless.’ Gramophone
British Light Music
RRC1381 [Bar code 5055031313815]
UK Dealer Price – £2.70
A popular selection of British Light Music including the theme music for the Archers, Dick Barton Special Agent, In Town Tonight, Top of the Form, Desert Island Discs and works by Eric Coates (Television March,
Knightsbridge March etc.) and Percy Grainger (Country Garden, Londonderry Air). Released at Super-budget price.
Schubert Die Schöne Müllerin
Dietrich Fischer‐Dieskau and Gerald Moore
RRC1383 [Bar code 5055031313839]
UK Dealer Price – £2.70
Fischer-Dieskau’s first recording of Die Schöne Mullerin with Gerald Moore displays the singer in his youthful prime. He recorded the work several times again but without the same level of spontaneity
which is the hallmark of this reading. A ‘must buy’ for lovers of both Fischer Dieskau and lieder singing. Released at Super-budget price.
‘Fischer-Dieskau lives the part of the young miller intensely from the first note he sings to the last… He gives an impression of utter spontaneity, as if not a note had been written down, but as if
everyone was being created there and then: a wonderful instance of art concealing art.’ Gramophone
Schubert Chamber Works
Busch Chamber Ensembles with Rudolf Serkin
RRC3012 [Bar code 5055031330126] 3CD
UK Dealer Price – £5.25
A 3 CD set of definitive recordings of Schubert’s chamber music played by the Busch Quartet, digitally re-mastered and available at super-budget price.
‘A classic and indispensable set, and given the quality of the musical wisdom the Busch possess, this is in a class of its own.’ Gramophone
W. H. Auden reads W. H. Auden
FRC6145 [Bar code 5055031361458]
UK Dealer Price – £2.20
Following the highly successful Betjeman and T.S. Eliot releases (FRC 6138 and FRC 6129 respectively), Regis presents another disc of poetry, W.H. Auden reads W.H. Auden. The recordings were made in New
York and London between 1953 and 1960 and feature some of his most popular poems. The Regis compilation consists of 27 tracks, over 75 minutes of poetry at super-budget price.
The Voices & Noises of Peter Ustinov
FRC6144 [Bar code 5055031361441]
UK Dealer Price – £2.20
Peter Ustinov was perhaps the most entertaining raconteur in living memory. His ironic take on motor racing, The Grand Prix of Gibraltar, is featured in this Regis release which also includes his comic
collaborations with Anthony Hopkins, Mock Mozart and Phoney Folklore. A ‘must buy’ for Ustinov fans. Super-budget price.
Winter 2011 Press Release (Final) (500.9 KiB)