During the COVID-19 pandemic, we took the decision to live-stream all our lunchtime concerts (some to a socially distanced audience) from the Great Hall of Imperial College London. At a time when many struggled with even the day-to-day, these concerts provided our community and musicians with a moment of respite and inspiration. Recorded by Black Swan Film & Video and streamed by Imperial’s Events Technical Manager, our special thanks go to Imperial’s Silver Group, Education Strategy & Operations Group and all those who took part in making this series such a success. We hope you enjoy reliving these memorable concerts.
Director of the Blyth Centre
Oliver Gooch
Autumn term
Aronowitz Ensemble
For our final lunchtime concert of the term 2020, we welcome the Aronowitz Ensemble
For our final lunchtime concert of the term 2020, we welcome the Aronowitz Ensemble. It was formed out of the desire of seven outstanding international artists to explore and perform chamber music together in highly adaptable combinations. Since its sell-out debut at St John’s, Smith Square, the Ensemble has played across the UK and beyond, covering a vast range of repertoire - familiar, neglected and new. As BBC New Generation Artists and afterwards, the Aronowitz Ensemble has featured extensively on BBC Radio 3. The Ensemble made its BBC Proms debut in 2008 and returned for further performances at the Proms. In this concert of Beethoven’s noble Archduke Trio, they are joined by guest cellist Marie Bitlloch.
Fretwork and Charles Daniels
World-class viol consort, Fretwork, and acclaimed tenor, Charles Daniels
The Blyth Centre welcomed the world-class viol consort, Fretwork, and acclaimed tenor, Charles Daniels. Their programme showcases two outstanding Renaissance masters, Heinrich Isaac and Ludwig Senfl. Recorded live from Holy Trinity Church, Prince Consort Road last December, do join us for this uplifting concert
Gary Ryan
Acclaimed British classical guitarist, Gary Ryan
Acclaimed British classical guitarist, Gary Ryan, is renowned for his innovative guitar compositions and arrangements, creating an exciting and popular new repertoire for the 21st century. In this concert, he presents his own transcription of Bach’s haunting Cello Suite No 1 and arrangements of popular folk songs from New Zealand, America and England.
I Musicanti
The Blyth Centre welcome mixed instrument chamber ensemble I Musicanti
The Blyth Centre welcome mixed instrument chamber ensemble I Musicanti. I Musicanti comprises some of the most experienced and respected musicians to be found in the UK, handpicked by the group’s artistic director, international double-bass virtuoso Leon Bosch. Their brand new arrangement of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D major Op 61 was made by Carl Hinde for string quintet and soloist. The stunning Hungarian violinist, Tamás András, takes centre stage for this seminal concerto.
IC Performers
The termly Imperial Performers concert
We welcomed four talented Imperial musicians, all Ash Scholars, for the termly Imperial Performers concert. Ash Scholars represent the very best musical talent at Imperial and many will go on to undertake postgraduate courses in music conservatoires across the UK. Anson Poon (violin), Michael Kohn (horn), Alex Usher (clarinet) and Bradley Ng (piano) are joined by acclaimed pianist and accompanist, Daniel King Smith, for a programme including movements from Brahms Violin Sonata No 1 and Saint-Saëns Clarinet Sonata.
London Serenata
London Serenata presents an enticing programme of twentieth-century chamber music for piano and wind
London Serenata presents an enticing programme of twentieth-century chamber music for piano and wind.
Mengyang Pan
Acclaimed Chinese-born British pianist Mengyang Pan
Acclaimed Chinese-born British pianist Mengyang Pan presents a programme of two Beethoven sonatas to celebrate the 250th anniversary.
Onyx Brass
Onyx Brass has been described as ‘the classiest brass ensemble in Britain’
This week's concert was given by Onyx Brass, described as ‘the classiest brass ensemble in Britain’. They will be joined by talented brass players from Imperial College, all members of ICSO (Imperial College Symphony Orchestra) to perform two short twentieth century fanfares. The concert was recorded live from the Great Hall last December and features Malcolm Arnold’s Brass Quintet No 1, one of the most widely played chamber works in the brass repertoire.
Phoenix Piano Trio
Phoenix Piano Trio is established as one of today’s leading ensembles
Phoenix Piano Trio is established as one of today’s leading ensembles, bringing together three renowned players and praised for performances with a ‘musical narrative of tremendous, involving depth’. Their concert today at 13:00 includes Haydn’s Piano Trio Hob XV No 9 in A major, composed by 1771 (and possibly dating as far back as ca. 1764-65) and Schumann’s effervescent and cheerful Piano Trio No 2 in F major. The concert will be preceded by Live Notes at 12:45, given this week by Professor Simon McVeigh (Goldsmiths University/President of Royal Musical Association).
The Revolutionary Drawing Room
The Blyth Centre welcomed The Revolutionary Drawing Room for the annual Malcolm Haines Memorial
The Blyth Centre welcomed The Revolutionary Drawing Room for the annual Malcolm Haines Memorial Concert. The programme includes the London premiere of Rachel Stott’s Euphonia and Reicha’s tuneful Clarinet Quintet.