The 2017/18 Absolute Classics series begins in Annan this month with a concert by “formidable Japanese pianist” Hiroaki Takenouchi.
This international star of classical music is described as “unique amongst his generation of pianists” and his four-day tour of the region provides the first taste of the exceptional quality of music to follow throughout the Absolute Classics series’ seven-month run.
Hiroaki will play at Annan Academy on 21 September; the Cochran Hall, Kirkcudbright, on 22 September; Holywood Village Hall on 23 September; and the Buccleuch and Queensberry Arms Hotel, Thornhill on 24 September.
Continuing the series in October are concerts by the Dulcinea Quartet. The quartet regularly perform in the concert halls of London, around the United Kingdom and Japan, programming the classical string quartet canon alongside contemporary works and commissions. They will perform music by Haydn, Takemitsu and Mendelssohn in Annan and Dumfries; and music from the Judith Weir String Quartet, Barber String Quartet and Puts Credo Danish Quartet Woodworks in Kirkcudbright and Thornhill.
In November, highly acclaimed chamber musician, recitalist and soloist cellist, Nicholas Jones, teams up with “pianist of choice” for the masterclasses of the legendary violinist Ruggiero Ricci, Min-Jung Kym, for a diverse programme of music including works by Rachmaninov, Debussy, Beethoven and Fontanelli.
December brings a special treat with two performances by Septura Brass. This septet include some of London’s leading players who redefine brass chamber music through their uniquely expressive sound. They come to Kirkcudbright and Holywood[x1] to perform a programme of festive classics to spread some Christmas cheer.
Tom Poster delivers the joy of the classical piano to the region’s venues in January. Tom is a pianist of outstanding artistry and versatility, equally in demand as soloist and chamber musician across an unusually extensive repertoire. He has been described as “a marvel, [who] can play anything in any style” (The Herald), “mercurially brilliant” (The Strad), and as having “a beautiful tone that you can sink into like a pile of cushions” (BBC Music).
At just 24 years old, baritone James Newby has been described as “the one to watch out for” and the number of recent accolades he has been collecting has proved this statement true. James won the 2016 Kathleen Ferrier Award; was the 2016 recipient of the Wigmore Hall/Independent Opera Voice Fellowship; won the 2015 Richard Tauber Prize; received the overall Third Prize at the Wigmore Hall/Kohn International Song Competition; and was awarded the 2017 Trinity Gold Medal.
He will be accompanied by internationally acclaimed pianist Simon Lepper for the February series.
The Ferio Saxophone Quartet play out the 2017/18 Absolute Classics series in March. Comprising renowned musicians, Huw Wiggin, Ellie McMurray, Jose Bañuls and Shevaughan Beere, this group is one of the leading British saxophone quartets among the new generation of artists, and have deservedly received enthusiastic reactions from audiences and critics alike.
The popular annual series is brought to Dumfries and Galloway by Annan-based performing arts promoters, Absolute Classics, a charity which aims to bring classical musicians of the highest international standards to venues and communities across the region. Absolute Classics works hard to be an inclusive organisation, delivering classical music to as diverse an audience as possible.
Director Alex McQuiston said: “We believe classical music should be made available to everyone and not just those who can afford an expensive evening out at the big city halls.
“We work hard to achieve this aim and are especially keen to welcome younger audience members to our classical music programme. To this end, all of our concerts are free to the under 26s.
“Our 2017/18 programme contains some familiar musicians to Dumfries and Galloway as well as some new ones and we are equally delighted to welcome back musicians such as Hiroaki and Simon Lepper as well as introduce new faces such as Nicholas Jones and Tom Poster.
Programmes are available from outlets across the region or online and further information and tickets from www.absoluteclassics.co.uk. Subject to availability, tickets may also be purchased at the venue on the night.
