With funding from the RVW Trust, on the summer solstice the violinist Sian Philipps will perform The Lark Ascending as well as a solo work by Sally Beamish, the premiere of Nocturne by John Hawkins, Egon Wellesz' solo Sonata no.2 and Gerald Finzi's Introit, on the 1699 Stradivarius violin loaned to her. Sian has given recitals at the major London venues such as the Wigmore Hall, St John's Smith Square, and the Purcell Room (SBC) and has performed as soloist with orchestras such as the Philharmonia, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and London Mozart Players. Sian was recently awarded an Arts Council England grant to record and tour, which had to be be postponed because of Covid-19.
"This was a violin sound as beautiful as it comes..." (Musical Opinion Sept/Oct 2006)
Of the CD Homage a Lorca: In Search of Duende, International Record Review wrote "It is rare to hear such engaged, fiery playing...hard to imagine that more inspired performances could be possible. Philipps doesn't need to search for duende; she's already got it."
This concert is part of Make Music Day on June 21st.
Please see the youtube link for our poster competition.
Midsummer Concert Competition to design a poster for the concert (categories for under 18s and under 11s): Vincent Van Gogh once said: “In painting I want to say something comforting in the way that music is comforting”. Do you find music comforting? Does it inspire you or take you to far away places? Or give you more energy and change your mood? The composer of The Lark Ascending was inspired by the poem below about a bird soaring in the sky. We are inviting all schoolchildren to design a poster to advertise our event which represents the music of The Lark Ascending and/or local nature e.g. the scenery of the South Downs. The winning posters will be displayed in the Festival Box Office area and in the concert venue. You might want to enter as a group and/or individually. Please ask an adult to send your entry to admin@sianphilipps.com by June 1st, including your name and age. Details which must be included: Friends’ Meeting House, 1pm, 21st June, Sian Philipps (violin), John Eady (piano), Sally Beamish, John Hawkins, Gerald Finzi, Egon Wellesz, Ralph Vaughan Williams. Tickets: Name Your Price