At a time when people have been starved of the arts, The Elgiva and English Sinfonia hope that the residency will bring the community together in music, reminding us of the beauty and joy in which the performing arts can surround us.
The renowned chamber orchestra, with their recently-appointed Principal Conductor Chris Hopkins at the keyboard have also announced three special socially-distanced, chamber music concerts launching the orchestra’s new residency at The Elgiva – “A Concert For All Seasons”, “Epic Fantasy” and “A Seasons Finale”.
Chris Hopkins, Principal Conductor of English Sinfonia says: “I’m really excited to be returning to The Elgiva with English Sinfonia with this series of concerts signalling the start of a new residency. After such a difficult year for performers and audiences alike, these concerts will not only hold a special significance for us, but they also herald the beginning of what we hope to be more wide-ranging activities in the local community, supported by this new collaboration.”
Janice Graham, Leader and Artistic Director, says: “l am delighted that English Sinfonia will be joining The Elgiva as their resident orchestra. We look forward to a rewarding artistic partnership and can’t wait to be engaging and performing for live audiences.”
Theatre Manager David Cooper, says: “I am beyond delighted to welcome such talent to The Elgiva stage; music has incredible power to bring people together, and we hope that the English Sinfonia residency will do just that, bringing our community closer together, while experiencing something truly beautiful. We are committed to the ethos of Elgiva for Everyone, and this residency is part of our dedication to showcase local talent and ensure a wide-ranging programme.”
In line with current guidelines, The Elgiva will remain closed until 17 May, but staff and volunteers are working hard behind the scenes to ensure the theatre is ready to reopen with a bang. Tickets for the concerts are available to book online, and in person or on the phone when the theatre reopens.
Programme
The first programme is a mix of repertoire which celebrates the versatility and impact of the Piano Trio. From Nyman through to Amy Beach, Mendelssohn and Piazzolla, the English Sinfonia demonstrates why this classic combination of instruments continues to be such a popular choice for composers and audiences alike.
Nyman Yellow Beach
Beach Piano Trio
Piazzolla The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires
Interval
Mendelssohn: Piano Trio in D minor
Janice Graham violin
Julia Graham cello
Chris Hopkins piano
Saturday 19th June 2021
Epic Fantasy
From the previous concert which explored the music of the Piano Trio, the ensemble now turns to the Piano Quartet. This concert presents an epic musical journey from the tango-driven music of Piazzolla, to the fantastical worlds of Bax and Bridge before ending with Brahms’ magical Piano Quartet in C minor.
Piazzolla Libertango
Bax Piano Trio
Bridge Phantasy Quartet
Interval
Brahms Piano Quartet
Janice Graham violin
Nick Bootiman viola
Julia Graham cello
Chris Hopkins piano
Sunday 11th July 2021
A Seasons Finale
Here the English Sinfonia present two major concertos which celebrate the full virtuosity of both the piano and the violin. First, Beethoven’s beautiful Fourth Piano Concerto, in an intimate arrangement for piano and string quintet; followed by Vivaldi’s thrilling Four Seasons directed from the violin by Janice Graham.
Mozart Divertimento in D (K136)
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 (arr. Lachner)
Interval
Vivaldi The Four Seasons
Janice Graham violin
Chris Hopkins piano
Members of the English Sinfonia
