Cheltenham Music Society Programme 08/09

Wednesday, October 1st 2008 at 8pm - PUMP ROOM

1. CARDUCCI QUARTET and NICOLA EIMER (piano)

• Britten Quartet no.1 in D op.25
• Joseph Horovitz Quartet no.5
• Shostakovich Piano quintet in G minor op.57

The Music Society season gets off to a flying start with these talented young artists playing Shostakovich's celebrated quintet. The quartets are a splendid foil; you will be pleased to have discovered Joseph Horovitz's attractive piece.

Tuesday, October 28th 2008 at 8pm - PUMP ROOM

2. YCAT TRIO (flute, cello, piano)

Adam Walker (flute), Bartholomew La Follette (cello) and John Reid (piano).

• Haydn Trio for flute, cello and piano in G Hob.XV 15
• Prokofiev Sonata for flute and piano in D op.94
• Brahms Sonata for cello and piano no.1 in E minor op.38
• Weber Trio for flute, cello and piano in G minor J259

The Young Concert Artists Trust has a proud record of supporting young players in the early stages of their professional careers and has launched many prominent artists on the road to success. Three of the current crop join forces in a delightfully varied programme which includes Weber's best chamber work.

Thursday, December 11th 2008 at 8pm - PUMP ROOM

3. DANTE QUARTET

• Haydn Quartet in C op.20 no.2
• Quartet in E flat op.76 no.6
• Quartet in E flat op.33 no.2
• Quartet in G op.77 no.1

We mark the 200th anniversary of Haydn's death - a few weeks early! - by giving the "Father of the String Quartet" our undivided attention for once. An opportunity to celebrate the range and mastery of his music in the company of one of Britain's leading quartets.

Monday, January 26th 2009 at 8pm - PUMP ROOM

4. JAMES GILCHRIST (tenor) and ANNA TILBROOK (piano)

• Haydn Canzonettas Hob.XXVIa:31-6
• Schumann Liederkreis op.24
• Poulenc Metamorphoses
• Lennox BerkeleyChinese Songs op.78
• Barber Hermit Songs op.29

This recital by the excellent James Gilchrist promises to be one of the real highlights of the season with its varied and intriguing programme.

Tuesday, February 24th 2009 at 8pm - PUMP ROOM

5. PAVEL HAAS QUARTET

• Pavel Haas Quartet no.3 op.15
• Prokofiev Quartet no.1 in B minor op,.50
• Smetana Quartet no.1 in E minor 'From My Life'

The international standing of this Prague-based quartet is most definitely on the rise. The BBC New Generation Artists' dramatic programme incorporates an expressive work marking the peak of the chamber music of the eponymous composer who inspired them.

Sunday, March 22nd 2009 at 8pm - PUMP ROOM

6. PLANE, DUKES, RAHMAN TRIO (clarinet, viola, piano)

• Bruch Three pieces
• Brahms Sonata for viola and piano in E flat op.120 no.2
• Ireland Fantasy Sonata
• Mozart Trio in E flat K498 'Kegelstatt'

Robert Plane, Philip Dukes and Sophia Rahman have been delighting chamber music audiences with the glorious repertoire for this lovely combination of instruments for over 12 years. They include John Ireland's outstanding sonata.

Tuesday, April 21st 2009 at 8pm - PUMP ROOM

7. RICHARD LESTER (fortepiano)

• 'Seeking Haydn': sonatas by C.P.E. Bach, J.C.Bach, Clementi and Haydn

Richard Lester is rightly very highly regarded as a virtuoso performer on authentic keyboard instruments. He plays a fascinating combination of works placing a selection of Haydn's remarkable sonatas in a musical historical context. An enticing prospect.

Tuesday, May 12th 2009 at 8pm - PUMP ROOM

8. TAKÁCS QUARTET

• Beethoven Quartet in D op.18 no.3
• Haydn Quartet in F op.77 no.2
• Schumann Quartet in A op.41 no.3

One of the world's very best quartets brings the series to a splendid climax. Absolutely not to be missed!