Thursday, July 26, 2018


GET OFF THE PLATFORM...


Jack Brymer (1915 - 2003)

In the winter in the United States there is a problem in concert halls which become so dry with the excessive heating.  In my bassoon case I would put a humidifier,  a sort of rubber tube soaked in water. 'A London Symphony’ of Vaughan Williams has some very pianissimo sections.  In one of these, with Previn conducting on an LSO tour, one of the double basses literally exploded.  It was an amazing noise, followed by the Mancunian voice of Stuart Knussen (father of Oliver, the composer and solo double bass), ‘git off the platform, Robin!’, to Robin McGee, the owner of the ruined instrument.  Previn really enjoyed that.

Once in the Royal Festival Hall we had just finished the first movement of a symphony when Jack Brymer, sitting next to me,  got up and walked off the platform through the violins.  I think Previn must have suspected what was the trouble for he just stood on the podium and waited.  Sure enough, after probably not more than two minutes, back comes Jack, who says in his marvellous, sonorous voice ‘Sorry, AndrĂ©!’ and goes back to his seat to complete the performance of the symphony.

Roger Birnstingl

Thursday, July 12, 2018

FLUTES OF THE FUTURE



The British Flute Society - Summer Flute Festival

Friday August 17th - Sunday August 19th


This year the theme of the festival is all things new in the flute world


The instrument

Its technique

Its music


There will be celebrity recitals, workshops, a flute choir, trade stands
and opportunities to meet players, teachers and composers.

To book a place contact www.sjss.org.uk
To join the British Flute Society contact: www.bfs.org.uk

The Future Flute Fest 2018 is for everyone who loves the flute.





Thursday, July 5, 2018

WANT TO PLAY SOME OF THE BIG ONES?




CLARINET CHOIR

Four playing days open to clarinet players of all ages from Grade 5 to Diploma level.

Stephanie Reeve will direct rehearsals focusing on ensemble skills, technique and sight-reading, using a wide variety of repertoire and the full range of clarinets from Eb to contrabass. An informal performance will be given at the end of the four sessions.

Further information from: www.staplefordgranary.org.uk

Stapleford Granary, Bury Road, Stapleford, Cambridge CB22 5BP


 

 

YOUR CHILDREN WILL LOVE THIS...

 
 

Gill and David Johnston have masterminded Musicale Holidays since 1977. Their passion is to involve children in meaningful and, above all, enjoyable music-making through a series of fun but structured programmes.
Many of their staff grew up attending a Summer Musicale, and now they are passing on their enthusiasm to the next generation of young musicians.
The courses are run by a dedicated and enthusiastic team of professional players and teachers, whose aim is always to get the best out of the players. At the same time they ensure that everyone has a great time.

COURSES for 2018

Cambridge

Caterham

Guildford

Harpenden


For all details contact www.musicale.co.uk or telephone 01582 713333