Jacqueline Roche – violin. Prof Robert Winston, Stephen Johnson speakers
Bach – Franck – Ravel
Combining the pleasures of music and conversation, this unusual, vibrant violin recital has Lord Robert Winston introducing both halves with an illuminating discussion (in the style of BBC Radio 4 Robert Winston’s musical Analysis programme) with celebrated musicologist Stephen Johnson, providing fascinating insights in to the exquisite music to follow, thereby illustrating the extraordinary relationship it has with the Genesis Trust whose work the concert is in aid of. British violinist Jacqueline Roche performs some jewels of the violin repertoire – Ravel’s notoriously fiendish, gypsy- inspired Tzigane, a concert rhapsody is juxtoposed with his souful, rather haunting Kaddish, a mournful lament for the dead and a glorification of God. Also included is a rare opportunity to hear Bach’s two-part inventions performed in an unusual instrumentation – violin and viola, which bring a fresh, luminous quality to the music, and the recital is concluded with Franck’s epic violin sonata, a masterpeice of passionate romanticism brimming with luscious lyricism and fiery declamations which for Franck signified the triumph of good over evil. It promises to be an exuberant evening bursting with contrasts.
One of the most exciting musicians of her generation, Jacqueline Roche is widely admired by audiences and colleagues alike for her refined yet charismatic performances. She was a sometime student of Pinchas Zukerman whilst studying at the Juilliard School in New York, Indiana University and at the Guildhall school. In recognition of her playing she has recieved numerous awards and prizes. Her latest CD of 20th century English violin sonatas was released to wide critical acclaim: 5 stars from BBC Music magazine; “Performed with warmth and passion..Jacqueline Roche delivers its rich themes with a lavish tone colour..The players breathe life into the music” The Strad; “Exceedingly persuasive performances..With marvellous performances like these anything could happen” The Gramophone; “Intensely honeyed singing line….Played full out with total commitment” International Music; “Exhibiting mastery and insight overall…a sound of striking richness and exuberance……Opulent performances….Recommended with special urgency” Fanfare.
For a more detailed biography go to www.jacquelineroche.com.
She is joined by long-time friends Sophia Rahman and Matthew Jones.
Sophia Rahman is founding member of the acclaimed Plane-Dukes-Rahman trio and regularly performs as a soloist and chamber musician – she has recorded over 20 discs and has performed with the UK’s major chamber orchestras such as the English Chamber Orchestra, London Mozart Players and Northern Sinfonia. Matthew Jones was hailed by “The Strad” magazine as a worthy successor to Lionel Turtis, having won the audience prize of the International Viola competition. He is a member of the Bridge duo and Debussy trio.
Prof Robert Winston is chairman of the Royal College of Music, professor of Science and Society at Imperial College and founding chairman of the Genesis Research Trust. Stephen Johnson, the celebrated musicologist and author, regularly presents on BBC Radio 4 and 3 (Discovering Music) and the World Service. In 2003 Stephen was voted by Amazon.com, ‘Classical Music Writer of the Year’.
Genesis Research Trust raises money for the largest UK-based collection of scientists and clinicians who are researching the causes and cures for conditions that affect the health of women and babies. This Trust is uniquely based in the building where the scientists carry out their research at the Wolfson and Weston Research Institute for Family Health, on the Hammersmith Campus of Imperial College London. Successes include:
* One of the first screening programmes for cervical cancer
* One of the first pregnancy ultrasound screening programmes
* Early advances into placental physiology
* The prevention of premature labour
* Investigation into the genes involved in female cancers and embryo implantation
* The reduction of brain damage in babies born in a vulnerable state
Tickets available from Wigmore hall box-office 02079352141 or www.wigmore-hall.org.uk
