SHEFFIELD: University Firth Hall

TUE 23RD NOV, 2010 19:30

18:45: Pre-Concert Talk: Bernstein and the Broadway Musical (speaker to be confirmed)
19:30: Concert
20:15: Interval Talk: Bernstein and the Ballet (Sophie Redfearn, PhD Student, University of Sheffield)

CHROMA

Stuart King (clarinet)
Marcus Barcham-Stevens (violin)
Clare O'Connell (cello)
Martin Cousin (piano)

This season marks 20 years to the death of Leonard Bernstein, a man generally recognised as music's most exuberant hero. Composer, conductor, pianist, teacher, humanitarian, thinker, entertainer and adventurous spirit, he forged his many talents with an irresistible personality to transform the way people everywhere hear and appreciate music. He broke rules, shattered precedents and opened doors, insisting that the art of music could and should play a vital role in the lives of all people. Bernstein's successes as a composer ranged from the Broadway stage-West Side Story, On the Town, Wonderful Town, and Candide-to concert halls all over the world, where his orchestral and choral music continues to thrive. As a conductor, Bernstein was a dynamic presence on the podiums of the world's greatest orchestras for almost half a century building a legacy that endures and continues to grow through a catalogue of over 500 recordings and filmed performances.

This concert showcases a small selection of Bernstein’s extraordinary chamber works, and is supplemented by works of other American composers of his generation. In addition to the musical offerings, two researchers from the University of Sheffield will discuss two further areas of Bernstein’s prodigious musical output; the Broadway Musical and the Ballet.

Founded in 1997, CHROMA is a dynamic, critically acclaimed chamber ensemble featuring some of Britain's most outstanding musicians, known for the passion it brings to contemporary works, its vivid renderings of classic pieces and its diverse programme of education work. Following its debut at the Purcell Room CHROMA has become most closely associated with the performance of contemporary music and has forged close links with many prominent British composers through many premières and collaborations. CHROMA has an active outreach and education programme, including ongoing collaborations with Spitalfields Festival and Tête à Tête opera company, and is resident at Cardiff University and the University of London’s Royal Holloway and Bedford College.

In addition to forming part of the Autumn 2010 Concert Season, this concert also features in the University of Sheffield's “Gay Icons Project”, a programme of events exploring historically influential and iconic gay men and women across the cultural spectrum. For more information on the project please visit
www.gayiconsproject.co.uk

Bernstein: Piano Trio
Bernstein: Sonata for clarinet and piano
Bernstein: Three Meditations from ‘Mass’ for cello and piano
Ned Rorem: End of Summer
Samuel Barber: Canzone for violin and piano, op. 38
Menotti: Trio

Tickets: £8, £5 (concessions/staff), £2.50 (students/unwaged)
(There is no admission charge for the talks)

"the top-notch chamber ensemble CHROMA"
The Guardian