London Chamber Ensemble and Beethoven’s String Quartet no. 132 – a snippet

Here we are, last Friday evening, all ready for our London Chamber Ensemble Beethoven concert – already a sell out before I realised that I had miscounted the number of people who had taken up out ‘special Christmas offer’. In as tiny a venue as 33 Hampstead Lane this could have been a disaster. However, by commandeering every chair in the house and garden it all worked out fine and everyone was comfortably accommodated. (Note to self: we can fit more people than I thought – which is good news!)

The first items on the programme were two pieces by Herbert Howells (1892-1983), his Scherzo from Quartet no.3 ‘In Gloucestershire’ and Luchinushka, Russian Lament on a Folk Tune arranged by Madeleine for string quartet.

And then to the meat of the evening – Beethoven’s String quartet no. 132 – one of the six ‘last quartets’.  Madeleine introduced it by reading us this account of its first performance.

And then to the music – a small snippet of which I am including below. Attentive watchers will notice that Ginger Boris, hearing sounds of music from his fastness in my study downstairs, had wandered up to join us – taking his place in the front row on the lap of Highgate’s recently retired vet! A cat who has got life well sorted.

The Beethoven was wonderful – and was rapturously received.

It was followed by supper (which yet again I forgot to photograph) which had remained discreetly tucked away behind our shiny black shelves.

Suffice it to say that all I had left on Saturday was a small portion of the Puy lentil, ginger, chestnut and artichoke heart dish, one half full bowl of butter bean hummus and a heel of cheese. I never even got to taste the smoked mackered, potato and yellow peppers….

See below for our next concerts – Bucks Fizz on offer at the Highgate Society but full supper for our harp recital on March 7th.

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22nd January – Highgate Society at 10a South Grove

Singer Nel Begley and pianist Paul Edis

At midday on Sunday 22nd jazz singer Nel Begley, now completing her scholarship studies at the Guildhall School of Music, and fellow jazzer, pianist Paul Edis, will be wowing us with a range of songs that are close to their – and our –  hearts. Including works by jazz greats such as Cole Porter, Thelonious Monk and Burt Bacharach.
Check in here if you want to hear a clip of Nel singing.

1pm – Sunday 22nd January 10a South Grove

£15 to include unlimited Bucks fizz!     Book your tickets here.

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Tuesday 7th March – Camilla Pay – harp recital

Camilla, as you may remember, is part of the Korros Ensemble who gave us such a delightful concert last July. She intrigued us that evening, talking about how under-appreciated the harp is as an instrument. So we invited her to come and show off its paces for us.

More details and to book – go here.

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