A few weeks ago I had a meeting with Linda Biney who is the Talent Development Manager for the Philharmonia Orchestra. This means that she looks after their Instrumental Fellowship Programe supporting budding orchestral musicians, and their Composers’ Academy doing the same for young composers. Indeed, we had only met because Arthur Keegan, who you may remember from our Thomas Hardy poems concert in the summer, is one of their young composers and had invited me to a presentation.
Linda and I discussed what we might do together – we are hoping that they might be able to use either/both 33 Hampstead Lane and the Highgate School Chapel to showcase some of their students in lunchtime concerts, so watch this space….. And then started swopping random entertaining musical titbits and she asked me if I had heard ‘the gory tale of Haydn’s head’. No I hadn’t, and I very much doubt that you will have done either. So head over to Classic FM’s Case Notes, the very first episode of their podcast.
You will hear some discussion of Haydn’s place in the early 18th century and at the court of Prince Esterházy. But then you will hear how, when the Prince finally decided 10 years after the composer’s death to erect a suitable tomb for him, they found Haydn’s body with just a powdered wig for a head. Where had his head gone? Who had taken it? and Why? Listen on as the gory tale unfolds……
Highgate Society Sunday Lunchtime concerts
The Highgate Society’s lunchtimes concerts are going along with swing. Our last concert, in late January was a sell out – see below for a taster – and we are now booking for the next one on Sunday 17th March.
Playing will be Declan Hickey and Sophia Elger – guitarist and saxophonist – known as the Tondo. Passionate about new music, their programme will reflect the history of their two instruments – jazz numbers by the likes of Pat Metheny sit alongside the tangos of Piazzolla and the folk-inspired music of Ciarán Farrell. Can’t wait!!
Sunday 17th March – 12.00 – 10a South Grove N6 6BS
£15 to include a glass of Bucks Fizz. Book here or pay on the door.
And what you missed on January 24th – but I am sure they will be back…..
The Lior Solomons Wise trio – Lior (piano), Ed (double bass) and Jonah (drums)
Meanwhile……. Friday 8th March
Madeleine Mitchell and the London Chamber Ensemble play Charles Wood’s and Debussy. For more details and to book go here.
Monday April 8th
The Vauxhall Band Bassett Horn Trio. For more details and to book go here.
Blog post to come very soon.
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