Classical Series Brochure 2016-17

Welcome
We hope you will join us to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Cambridge Classical
Concert Series on Saturday 21 January 2017 when our resident orchestra The Royal
Philharmonic Orchestra presents a concert dedicated exclusively to the musical genius
of John Williams. One of the world’s greatest film composers, his scores have included
Star Wars, Indiana Jones, E.T., Harry Potter, Jaws, Jurassic Park, War Horse and many more.
In this anniversary year, we are also increasing the number of concerts from seven to eight,
in recognition of the series’ increasing popularity and we are particularly delighted that
Boldfield Computing who so generously supported the Philharmonia Orchestra visit last
season have extended their relationship and have agreed to be Series Sponsor for the
16/17 season.
We are delighted to welcome Alison Balsom as our Artist in Residence. Throughout the
series she will lead us on a fascinating musical journey, exploring the richness and variety
of music written for the trumpet and will also perform a beautifully nuanced programme
of old and new works, in recital with pianist Tom Poster and trombonist Peter Moore.
We extend a warm welcome to renowned conductor Tugan Sokhiev, Music Director and
Chief Conductor of Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre, who makes his Corn Exchange début
conducting violin virtuoso Alexandra Soumm with the Philharmonia Orchestra. We also
welcome the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, and the electrifying Venezuelan pianist
Gabriela Montero with the acclaimed Zürich Chamber Orchestra who also make first time
visits to Cambridge.
Former Artist in Residence Freddy Kempf makes a return visit, as do the European Union
Chamber Orchestra and the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, with cellist Natalie Clein.
We look forward to welcoming you to a truly remarkable season ahead.
Steve Bagnall
Managing Director, Cambridge Live
Friday 28 Oct 2016 | 7.30pm
Royal Philharmonic
Orchestra
Orchestra in Residence
Conductor Violin Alexander Shelley
Carolin Widmann
Rossini William Tell Overture
Mendelssohn Violin Concerto
IN T ERVA L
Sibelius Symphony No. 2
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra launches into the
first concert of the season with Rossini’s jaunty William
Tell Overture, led by the Orchestra’s dynamic Principal
Associate Conductor Alexander Shelley.
Carolin Widmann (“fabulously assured and poetic”,
The Guardian) performs Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto,
one of the foremost violin concertos of the Romantic Era,
full of warmth and vitality.
Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2 evokes the unmistakably
Nordic sound world that is associated with the
composer’s signature style. Moving from an anguished
slow movement to furious passion, it climaxes in an
exhilarating heroic finale that will leave you breathless.
Did you know?
Felix Mendelssohn was extremely prolific: during his
boyhood he composed five operas, 11 symphonies for
string orchestra, concerti, sonatas and fugues.
Pre-concert talk
6pm at Heffers Bookshop – Free to concert ticket holders.
Photo: Carolin Widmann © Lennard Ruehle
Tuesday 15 Nov 2016 | 7.30pm
Czech National
Symphony Orchestra
Conductor
Cello
Libor Pešek
Natalie Clein
Schubert
Symphony No. 8
‘The Unfinished’
Shostakovich Cello Concerto No. 1
I NT ERVAL
Dvorák
Symphony No. 8
The acclaimed Czech National Symphony Orchestra with its
Chief Conductor Libor Pešek brings out all the fragile beauty
of Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony.
One of the world’s most celebrated cellists, Natalie Clein
(“Magically deft, soaringly passionate”, The Times) gives a
stunning interpretation of Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto
No. 1, ranging from tender, folk-inspired melodies to
outpourings of raw emotion.
The evening concludes with Dvořák’s intensely felt and
ground-breaking Symphony No. 8, composed in 1889
at the height of his powers.
Did you know?
1889 was an extraordinary year. Dvořák composed his
eighth symphony; the Eiffel Tower was erected as part
of the World’s Fair in Paris; Vincent van Gogh painted
The Starry Night and the Wall Street Journal was founded.
Pre-concert talk
6pm at Cambridge University Press Bookshop –
Free to concert ticket holders.
Photo: Natalie Clein © Sussie Ahlburg
Saturday 3 Dec 2016 | 7.30pm
Zürich Chamber
Orchestra
Trumpet
Piano
Alison Balsom
Gabriela Montero
Mozart Hummel Symphony No. 33
Trumpet Concerto
I NT ERVAL
Mozart Piano Concerto
No.14 K449
Shostakovich Concerto for Piano,
Strings and Trumpet
For her first performance as Artist in Residence, Alison Balsom is joined by
Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero, recent winner of a Latin Grammy for
her classical album.
Alison Balsom brings out all the zest and playfulness of Hummel’s Trumpet
Concerto, one of the most popular pieces of music ever written for the
instrument.
Mozart’s beautifully understated and intimate Piano Concerto No.14 K449
takes centre stage after the interval. The evening ends with Montero
and Balsom on top form with a dazzling interpretation of Shostakovich’s
spirited and joyous Concerto for Piano, Strings and Trumpet.
Did you know?
In recognition of her sustained efforts to advocate for human rights through
both music and public discourse, Gabriela Montero has been nominated
by Amnesty International as its first Honorary Consul.
Pre-concert talk
6pm at Heffers Bookshop – Free to concert ticket holders.
Photo: Gabriela Montero © Shelley Mosman
Saturday 21 Jan 2017 | 7.30pm
Royal Philharmonic
Orchestra
Orchestra in Residence
Cambridge Classical Concert Series
30th anniversary concert
The Music of John Williams
Conductor Robert Ziegler
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates the musical brilliance
of John Williams, undoubtedly one of the world’s most prolific and
respected film composers and the most Oscar-nominated man alive.
The orchestra will perform a handful of his superb orchestrations and
legendary melodies, including music from Star Wars, Indiana Jones,
E.T., Harry Potter, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Superman,
Jaws, Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, Hook, Fiddler on the Roof,
Home Alone, War Horse and many more!
From the bleak and haunting Main Theme from Schindler’s List to
the twinkling and mischievous opening to Harry Potter, this concert is
full of the magic of the movies that you know and love. Packed with
action, adventure and a galaxy far, far away, don’t miss your chance
to hear the remarkable music of John Williams performed live in
Cambridge!
Meet the Musicians (6.45 – 7.15pm)
Ever wondered what it’s like to be in a world-famous orchestra?
Now’s your chance to ask! RPO musicians will be front of house
before the concert to answer your questions.
Photo: Robert Ziegler
Wednesday 1 Feb 2017 | 7.30pm
Alison Balsom Recital
Artist in Residence
Trumpet
Piano
Trombone
Alison Balsom
Tom Poster
Peter Moore
Honegger
Hindemith
Schubert
Enescu
Intrada for Trumpet
and Piano
Sonata
Impromptu in G flat major,
D.899 No.3 [piano solo]
Legende
INTE RVAL
Poster/Balsom The Thoughts of Dr. May
Brahms
Horn Trio in Eb major
(transcribed Balsom)
Alison Balsom has cemented an international reputation as one
of classical music’s great ambassadors and is one of the most
distinctive musicians on the international circuit today.
For this perfectly balanced recital of pieces new and old, she is
joined by guest trombonist Peter Moore and by pianist Tom Poster,
who collaborated with her on composing The Thoughts of Dr May.
Please note: this is an additional event to the eight concerts
making up the Cambridge Classical Concert Series.
Tickets: £24.50, £20.50
Students & Under 16s: £12.50
Under 26s: £12.50 in zones B, C
This recital is free of charge to anyone taking out a full series
subscription (all 8 concerts)
Photo: Alison Balsom © Maker
Saturday 4 Mar 2017 | 7.30pm
Philharmonia
Orchestra
Conductor
Violin
Tugan Sokhiev
Alexandra Soumm
Opener
Bruch
To be confirmed
Violin Concerto No. 1
INTE RVAL
Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 6, ‘Pathétique’
Following its extraordinarily successful appearance last
year, the award-winning Philharmonia Orchestra returns with
another outstanding concert that looks sure to be a highlight
of this year’s Classical Concert Series.
Bruch’s Violin Concerto is the composer’s most enduring and
best-loved work, its popularity showcasing the instrument’s
flexibility and rich, luxurious tones. After the interval, the
orchestra does full justice to Tchaikovsky’s great Symphony
No. 6, the ‘Pathétique’, one of the defining sounds of the
Romantic period.
Did you know?
In 1866, the year Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 was premièred
in its original form, in France, Degas began painting scenes
of dancers at the ballet; in Germany Alfred Nobel invented
dynamite; and in Russia Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment
was published in twelve monthly instalments.
Pre-concert talk
6pm in Cambridge Guildhall Council Chamber –
Free to concert ticket holders.
Photo: Alexandra Soumm © Beatrice Cruveiller
Thursday 6 Apr 2017 | 7.30pm
European Union
Chamber Orchestra
Director
Cello
Eva Stegeman
Guy Johnston
Mozart
Serenade in D, K 185
Haydn
Cello Concerto No. I in C
Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings
The renowned European Union Chamber Orchestra returns to the Corn
Exchange with a sumptuous programme of works by some of the world’s
best-loved composers.
Mozart’s Serenade in D is full of delightful twists and turns, and a false
ending or two that will keep you on your toes! The orchestra teases out
all the quick-witted charm and lyrical energy of Haydn’s Cello Concerto
No. 1 in C and the evening is rounded off with Tchaikovsky’s tender and
heartfelt Serenade for Strings, written in homage to Mozart, whom the
Russian composer idolised.
“Remarkable…an exceptionally sensitive musician.”
The Sunday Telegraph on Guy Johnston
Did you know?
Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C was composed between 1761 and 1765 but
the score was lost during the composer’s lifetime and only rediscovered
in 1961!
Pre-concert talk
6pm at Heffers Bookshop – Free to concert ticket holders.
Photo: Guy Johnston © Jack Liebeck
Thursday 11 May 2017 | 7.30pm
Moscow Philharmonic
Orchestra
Conductor
Piano
Yuri Botnari
Freddy Kempf
Shostakovich Festive Overture
Rachmaninov Concerto No. 2
IN T ERVA L
Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition
For the penultimate concert in this year’s series, former
Artist in Residence Freddy Kempf makes a welcome return,
conducted by the celebrated conductor Yuri Botnari.
Shostakovich’s Festive Overture has been described by Russian
musicologist Lev Lebedinsky as a “brilliant effervescent work…its
vivacious energy spilling over like uncorked champagne!”
There is no better interpreter of Rachmaninov’s Concerto No. 2
than Freddy Kempf, whose dazzling virtuosic skills are displayed
right through to the finale’s tempestuous climax. Mussorgsky’s richly
textured Pictures at an Exhibition concludes this outstanding concert.
Did you know?
The score for Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition remained unpublished
until 1886, five years after the composer’s death. Then, almost immediately,
dozens of composers were drawn to orchestrate it, the most famous being
Ravel, whose version you will hear this evening.
Pre-concert talk
6pm at Cambridge University Press Bookshop – Free to concert ticket holders.
Photo: Freddy Kempf © Neda Navaee
Saturday 17 Jun 2017 | 7.30pm
Royal Philharmonic
Orchestra
Orchestra in Residence
Conductor Trumpet Martyn Brabbins
Alison Balsom
Debussy
Haydn
Prélude à l’après-midi
d’un faune
Trumpet Concerto
IN T ERVA L
Shostakovich Symphony No. 5
Debussy’s languid, dreamlike Prélude à l’Après-midi d’un
faune opens this final concert of the series.
Artist in Residence Alison Balsom is a three-time BRIT
Award winner and was Gramophone’s Artist of the
Year 2013. Her interpretation of Haydn’s eloquent
Trumpet Concerto is an absolute delight.
Filled with wonderful melodies and stirring rhythms,
Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 pulses with
irresistible energy. Written under Joseph Stalin’s
stifling Soviet regime, the composer subtly crafted
a blend of satire and submission that intrigues
audiences to this day.
Did you know?
Failure to please the authorities with his Symphony
No. 5 would most likely have led to Shostakovich’s
‘disappearance’. No pressure then!
Pre-concert talk
6pm at Heffers Bookshop – Free to concert ticket holders.
Photo: Alison Balsom © Maker
Create
Our education programme, Create, is at the heart of the Cambridge
Classical Concert Series. We offer young aspiring musicians the
opportunity to perform alongside and learn from the world class musicians
that we bring to Cambridge. We are also passionate about providing a
platform for young people to engage with classical music for the first time.
In recent years we have delivered projects with distinguished artists such
as Freddy Kempf, Julian Lloyd Webber, Evelyn Glennie and Vladimir
Ashkenazy; all working with young people in a collaborative way that
both inspires and offers practical experience. These projects culminate
in performances at the Corn Exchange, with young musicians playing
alongside world class orchestras; showcasing their developing talents to
our audiences.
“
“
Children are a wonderful inspiration to us all and the children involved were the ones that brought the project to life.
Freddy Kempf speaking about the 9 Pianos project in 2015.
Become a Create
supporter
Our Create programme aims to support the development of tomorrow’s
musicians, conductors and composers; providing opportunity and
inspiration as they craft their futures. As a Create supporter you will be at
the heart of our work, investing in the future of classical music. Supporters
will be invited to rehearsals, meet the young people and artists we are
working with, and be part of a club of passionate, like-minded people.
To join Create please consider a donation of £100 or more when booking
your concert tickets - your generosity will make a huge difference.
Where applicable, your donation will also be boosted
by 25p of Gift Aid for every £1 you donate, at no
additional cost to you.
Registered Charity Number 1159593
Artist in Residence 2016/17:
Alison Balsom
Our Artist in Residence plays an important role in the Create
programme. We are very pleased to announce trumpeter Alison
Balsom as Artist in Residence for 2016/17 Cambridge Classical
Concert Series. She will be delivering some inspirational music
education workshops to students throughout the county, in
partnership with Cambridge Live and Cambridgeshire Music.
Alison is a passionate advocate of the importance of music
education. She studied trumpet at the Paris Conservatoire, and
with Håkan Hardenberger. She also studied, and is now an
honorary fellow at, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
She regularly teaches masterclasses worldwide including at the
Julliard School, New York, and the Curtis Institute, Philadelphia.
Balsom regularly gives talks and seminars including a TED talk at
the TEDMED conference at the Royal Albert Hall, London in 2014,
entitled ‘Music as a Healer’, and in 2015 a lecture at Somerville
College, Oxford University, entitled ‘Women in the Arts’.
“
I’m absolutely thrilled that I am to be artist in
residence at this glorious venue next season.
I have played in Cambridge almost from the first
month I started to play the trumpet at the age of
seven, and many of my most cherished musical
memories and experiences are from the Corn Exchange and surrounding areas. I’m hugely looking forward to playing once again in this great acoustic with a variety of my favourite concert programmes,
and with world class friends and collaborators.
Alison Balsom
“
Booking information
Individual concert
ticket prices
A £40 B £36 C £30
No view £17
Students & Under 16s £12.50
Under 26s £12.50 available in
zones B, C
Booking dates
Booking for 6, 7 or all 8 concerts
opens on Wed 20 April 2016
Previous subscribers can renew
their subscriptions*
Row YY approximately 65 stairs from the foyer
Subscribe & Save
Multibuy
Book for 6, 7 or all 8 concerts
and save up to £100
Book for 5 concerts and save 20% off
individual concert ticket prices
Full series (8 concerts):
Book for 4 concerts and save 15% off
individual concert ticket prices
Zone A £220
Zone B £196
Zone C £156
+ a free ticket to Alison
Balsom’s Recital
7 concerts:
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Zone B £175
Multibuy and individual concert
booking opens on Tue 17 May
2016
Zone C £140
* If you are a current subscriber and
you wish to renew your subscription
and retain your seats for the 16/17
series, please contact the box office
via telephone or in person.
Zone A £171
Zone B £153
Zone C £126
How to book
Opening times
Cambridge Live Tickets
Telephone: 01223 357851
Online: www.cornex.co.uk
In person:
Cambridge Live Tickets,
Wheeler Street,
Cambridge CB2 3QB
By phone: Monday – Saturday: 10am – 6pm
In person: Monday – Friday: 12pm – 6pm
& Saturday: 10am – 6pm
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Approximately 30 stairs from the foyer (no lift)
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Wed 20 April – Wed 11 May 2016
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Seating plan key
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The Corn Exchange is fully accessible.
Please inform the box office of any
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No view
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Approximately 10 stairs from the foyer
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