|
|
 |
| |
| Musical youth |
REVIEW - End Of Term Show
Musica Nova
|
Alina Tkachenko
Daria Kirilishina
|
MUSICA Nova, the UK’s only Russian bilingual musical academy,
aims to combine the best of English and Russian principals of teaching,
Russia being noted for producing many of the world’s finest
musicians.
The centre opened its doors in King’s Cross this September
and showcased the achievements of pupils this term.
Mostly children, and all impeccably dressed and brushed, students
trotted up to the stage to show off their newly acquired skills.
The youngest performers of the night were aged just four and five
and played short, simple tunes but older pupils tackled more challenging
pieces competently. Every pupil played from memory, which is part
of the Russian teaching method and also the biggest difference between
Musica Nova and standard music school concerts. Every pupil played
confidently and for the most part with commendable quality of sound.
Wrong notes and slips ups did crop up, but attending a concert like
this makes you remember just how many years of hard slog go into
learning music.
As the academy teaches various disciplines there were some unexpected
items in the programme, such as electric guitar, jazz piano and
ballet.
There was also a guest appearance from the small Children’s
Choir of Russian Cathedral in London, who sang sweetly. And at the
end of the concert the Musica Nova teachers performed, showing the
audience what kind of musicianship students were aiming for.
Recreating a lost England
PREVIEW - 17th-Century English Music
Handel Museum
IF you find yourself a bit overwhelmed by the reality of Christmas
– too much wine, excessive turkey, gorged on mince pies –
and fancy a breather, the Handel House Museum in Mayfair has an
interesting programme of 17th-century English consort music on Thursday.
I am a big fan of the museum which is striving to recreate as far
as is possible the home in which Handel lived for many years and
it has a varied programme of concerts from Handel to Jimi Hendrix,
who famously lived next door in the 1960s.
Here, the Maresienne Consort are performing works by little known
English composers, such as John Henkins and Christopher Simpson
and the performers will be using period instruments.
Ibi Aziz is on the viola da gamba, as is Jenny Bullock, Huw Daniel
on baroque violin, and Jamie Akers on theorbo.
Another concert, and a bit more of London’s traditional Christmas
celebrations, is the Belmont Ensemble of London’s concert at
St Martin-in-the-Fields on Boxing Day.
It is a baroque celebration with works by Vivaldi, Corelli, Bach,
Handel and Torelli.
It promises to be an uplifting event in the beautiful James Gibbs’
church.
Brubeck’s triumph
• I read with keen interest the CNJ review on Dave Brubeck
(Count 85 for Brubeck, December 15).
I couldn’t agree more – the quartet was simply excellent.
I prefer the quartet au naturel, minus the orchestra.
A musician of proven durability like Mr Brubeck is bound to attract
a cheering audience every five years.
He was the first, or one of the first, to use classical material
to create high quality popular jazz.
Take Five is amazingly ageless and remains a must.
Christine Moulie
Lismore Circus, NW5
CLICK HERE FOR LISTINGS |
| |
|
|
