After Madeleine and her 19th century Russian Romantics, on March 10th Nick, Camilla and Eliza of the Korros Ensemble will bring us bang into the 20th century with lost works by Elizabeth Poston – and then into the 21st with pieces from Cheryl Frances-Hoad, Catrin Finch, Howard Blake and Nick himself. All to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8th.
For the full programme and to book tickets go here.
It was Korros’ lockdown search for repertoire suited to their unusual combination of instruments that introduced them to the sadly overlooked English composer, Elizabeth Poston (1905-87). Not only did they find that Poston had composed a Trio specifically for flute, clarinet and harp (probably the first ever of its kind) but they also discovered Poston’s solo harp work, Forma, dedicated to celebrity 20th century harpist Maria Korchinska and, although played by Korchinska, never published.
Their final discovery – Three Pieces for Flute and Harp – had been thought to be lost – until a very elderly harpist who had worked with Poston back in the ’50s found the original manuscripts in his music library at his home in Wales!
Korros have just recorded the Postons, along with pieces by Catrin Finch, Cheryl Frances-Hoad and Howard Blake for Convivium Records – the release to concide with International Women’s Day – and our concert!
‘Crystal clarity and lyrical playing by the Korros Ensemble in this fine recording of Elizabeth Poston’s masterpiece for flute, clarinet and harp’ says John Suchet who has had a sneak preview.
We cannot yet play you any Poston but if you want to hear how good Korros sounds in the Highgate School Chapel check out their performance of de Falla’s Spanish Dance Number 1 last summer for the Highgate Festival.
Highgate School Chapel
We are delighted that we have now come to an ongoing arrangement with Father Robert and Highgate School to allow our musicians to perform in the chapel. Even when my house is finally ready to receive guests and host salon evenings we hope to continue this arrangement as it will also allow us to stage concerts which require either a piano or an organ, neither of which I fear I can provide.
And, Father Robert tells me, he has arranged that any monies received by the chapel will go to the music department of the London Academy of Excellence in Tottenham, a Highgate sixth form sister school catering to students from one of London’s more deprived communities.
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