Reviews for 2014
December - Special Christmas Event
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James Bowman, one of the world’s leading counter tenors, accompanied by Andrew Plant, graced the Funtington Music Group’s Christmas Concert on 20 December at the University of Chichester, where he sang and summarised his life as a Singer.
The programme, suited James Bowman’s subtle, almost relaxed virtuosity, and he skilfully interpreted the mournful languor of the introductory music. Throughout the concert, and as the composers became more modern, moving through Holst, Britten and into the 20th Century, James Bowman’s timing continued to be precise, his intonation impeccable, and he sang with polish and sheer vocal control. |
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Andrew Plant’s wonderfully subtle accompanying, which was thoroughly sensitive and supportive, makes him a performer of real distinction.
David Tinsley, Chairman of Funtington Music Group, said, “This was a wonderful experience for Funtington Music Group, witnessing in Chichester two outstanding musicians who entertained the Group with such impeccable virtuosity. This was a real privilege.”
David Tinsley, Chairman of Funtington Music Group, said, “This was a wonderful experience for Funtington Music Group, witnessing in Chichester two outstanding musicians who entertained the Group with such impeccable virtuosity. This was a real privilege.”
November
International concert pianist Jonathan Plowright was the sole performer at the Funtington Music Group concert on 12 November at the University of Chichester.
His introductory piece was Bach’s French Suite No 5 in G. Every movement was played with emotional simplicity and directness, showing a feat of musicianship that was beautifully embroidered and played with pinprick accuracy. Jonathan Plowright maintained this stunning clarity even in the tidal surge of the finale.
After a short contrasting piece by the Spanish composer Mompou, and two pieces by Chopin, the first half closed with a stunning performance of Brahms Variations on a Hungarian Melody Opus 21, No 2. In this performance the pianist allowed the music to unfold with a certain natural inevitability, maintaining a clarity of purpose as it moved towards the finale, with its crescendos that require playing of jewel-like vibrancy.
After a return to the 18th Century with a fun performance of Mozart, Jonathan Plowright chose the penultimate piece written by Brahms, Opus 118 Six Pieces. He caught to perfection the confident vibrancy and mood of these six pieces from the Romantic Era.
The concluding piece was Polonaise in Ab Major, Opus 53, a most suitable, well-known and timeless masterpiece. It requires strenuous physical proficiency, and absolute accurate dexterity. Jonathan Plowright performed at the highest level and David Tinsley, Chairman of the Funtington Music Group said, “It is wonderful to witness the playing of Jonathan Plowright, who achieves, with apparent ease, such miraculous performances. It was a most memorable evening.”
International concert pianist Jonathan Plowright was the sole performer at the Funtington Music Group concert on 12 November at the University of Chichester.
His introductory piece was Bach’s French Suite No 5 in G. Every movement was played with emotional simplicity and directness, showing a feat of musicianship that was beautifully embroidered and played with pinprick accuracy. Jonathan Plowright maintained this stunning clarity even in the tidal surge of the finale.
After a short contrasting piece by the Spanish composer Mompou, and two pieces by Chopin, the first half closed with a stunning performance of Brahms Variations on a Hungarian Melody Opus 21, No 2. In this performance the pianist allowed the music to unfold with a certain natural inevitability, maintaining a clarity of purpose as it moved towards the finale, with its crescendos that require playing of jewel-like vibrancy.
After a return to the 18th Century with a fun performance of Mozart, Jonathan Plowright chose the penultimate piece written by Brahms, Opus 118 Six Pieces. He caught to perfection the confident vibrancy and mood of these six pieces from the Romantic Era.
The concluding piece was Polonaise in Ab Major, Opus 53, a most suitable, well-known and timeless masterpiece. It requires strenuous physical proficiency, and absolute accurate dexterity. Jonathan Plowright performed at the highest level and David Tinsley, Chairman of the Funtington Music Group said, “It is wonderful to witness the playing of Jonathan Plowright, who achieves, with apparent ease, such miraculous performances. It was a most memorable evening.”
October
The Funtington Music Group was entertained to a fascinating lecture recital on 8 October at the University of Chichester by Simon Callaghan on the Life and Music of Sir Hubert Parry, including a performance of the complete Shulbrede Tunes. Incidentally and appropriately the Chairman was able to welcome Laura Ponsonby, the grand-daughter of Sir Hubert Parry, who was attending the concert by invitation.
Simon Callaghan began, after a short piano introduction, to consider the life and career of the composer. Hubert Parry was brought up in preparation for work in the City of London, but his love was for music. As he was an outstanding musician his career moved, after seven years in the City, entirely in that direction. He became Director of the Royal College of Music and Professor of Music at Oxford University. Although well-known for being the composer of that English icon Jerusalem, in fact he composed five symphonies, chamber music, songs, organ music and much else.
After the interval Simon Callaghan played the entire suite Shulbrede Tunes. Every sound that he played was beautifully created, and the combination of delicacy with fire, particularly in the concluding piece Father Playmate, left an indelible impression. The total effect was undeniably brilliant and effective, with subtle details, and an original, and almost spell-binding, depth of feeling. Simon Callaghan portrayed a real sense of enjoyment as he played, showing a natural gift of being able to communicate this to his audience.
David Tinsley, Chairman of the Funtington Music Group, said, “This was a special treat. Not only did we have a wonderful lecturer, but we have listened to a magnificent pianist as well.”
The Funtington Music Group was entertained to a fascinating lecture recital on 8 October at the University of Chichester by Simon Callaghan on the Life and Music of Sir Hubert Parry, including a performance of the complete Shulbrede Tunes. Incidentally and appropriately the Chairman was able to welcome Laura Ponsonby, the grand-daughter of Sir Hubert Parry, who was attending the concert by invitation.
Simon Callaghan began, after a short piano introduction, to consider the life and career of the composer. Hubert Parry was brought up in preparation for work in the City of London, but his love was for music. As he was an outstanding musician his career moved, after seven years in the City, entirely in that direction. He became Director of the Royal College of Music and Professor of Music at Oxford University. Although well-known for being the composer of that English icon Jerusalem, in fact he composed five symphonies, chamber music, songs, organ music and much else.
After the interval Simon Callaghan played the entire suite Shulbrede Tunes. Every sound that he played was beautifully created, and the combination of delicacy with fire, particularly in the concluding piece Father Playmate, left an indelible impression. The total effect was undeniably brilliant and effective, with subtle details, and an original, and almost spell-binding, depth of feeling. Simon Callaghan portrayed a real sense of enjoyment as he played, showing a natural gift of being able to communicate this to his audience.
David Tinsley, Chairman of the Funtington Music Group, said, “This was a special treat. Not only did we have a wonderful lecturer, but we have listened to a magnificent pianist as well.”
Tina Gelner
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 Mariana Rotaru
September
The Funtington Music Group enjoyed a fascinating programme at the University of Chichester on Wednesday 10th September when two outstanding students, Tina Gelnere and Mariana Rotaru played an inspired and diverse programme. |
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Soprano Tina Gelnere is a classical singer from Latvia. She has performed in Europe and America and, after her first piece by Gluck, she sang three songs from Donizetti’s Comosizioni da Camera. Ably accompanied by Chris Coote, her bubbly personality helped to enhance the music, with subtle changes of mood and tempo. She finished her introductory section with a performance from Bellini where she showed how well she could interpret serious dramatic pieces, and develop a wide range of deep emotions.
Mariana Rotaru, who comes from Moldova, then played a violin solo Sonata No 2, by the Belgian composer Eugene Ysaye. This was an introductory tour de force. The technical demands of this piece are as severe as the musical and emotional challenges of the music, and Mariana’s virtuosity was breath-taking. Her tempo changes were poised and her mood was totally convincing, and the audience loved it.
Tina Gelnere returned to the stage just before the interval, and chose two treasures from contemporary Latvian composers, Imants Kalnins and Janis Lusens, and after the interval she returned to play Cuatro Madrigales Amatorios by Joaquin Rodrigo. For the Rodrigo, she ably threw herself into the various parts required by these songs, some sad, some simply romantic, some light-hearted. This was an exciting and convincing performance.
Mariana Rotaru returned with a selection of pieces, including a dazzling performance of Paganini’s La Campanella. This well-known, even legendary, piece demands virtuoso playing and Mariana did not disappoint. Accompanied by Ben Hall, Head of Music at the University, the duet was outstanding.
David Tinsley, Chairman of the Funtington Music Group said, “We were privileged tonight to have two supremely talented artists with blossoming musical abilities at the threshold of their careers. This was a memorable evening.” The audience agreed with ebullient applause.
Mariana Rotaru, who comes from Moldova, then played a violin solo Sonata No 2, by the Belgian composer Eugene Ysaye. This was an introductory tour de force. The technical demands of this piece are as severe as the musical and emotional challenges of the music, and Mariana’s virtuosity was breath-taking. Her tempo changes were poised and her mood was totally convincing, and the audience loved it.
Tina Gelnere returned to the stage just before the interval, and chose two treasures from contemporary Latvian composers, Imants Kalnins and Janis Lusens, and after the interval she returned to play Cuatro Madrigales Amatorios by Joaquin Rodrigo. For the Rodrigo, she ably threw herself into the various parts required by these songs, some sad, some simply romantic, some light-hearted. This was an exciting and convincing performance.
Mariana Rotaru returned with a selection of pieces, including a dazzling performance of Paganini’s La Campanella. This well-known, even legendary, piece demands virtuoso playing and Mariana did not disappoint. Accompanied by Ben Hall, Head of Music at the University, the duet was outstanding.
David Tinsley, Chairman of the Funtington Music Group said, “We were privileged tonight to have two supremely talented artists with blossoming musical abilities at the threshold of their careers. This was a memorable evening.” The audience agreed with ebullient applause.
