Blog Archives
4 SCHUBERT 1823 [NEWBY & MIDDLETON]
Schubert: Die Schöne Müllerin, D.795
James Newby, baritone
Joseph Middleton, piano
Few young singers inspire such critical acclaim as James Newby has enjoyed over the past decade: ‘Lieder is considered a rarefied pursuit. Yet when it’s delivered with the disarming openness of … James Newby it feels like the most direct form of expression there is … he has a wonderfully mellifluous tone, which he can deploy in a confessional whisper or an anguished cry’ (The Times). In partnership with Joseph Middleton, he brings us Die Schöne Müllerin [The Beautiful Miller Maid]. It is very much a young man’s affair – words and music by men in their mid-20s. Its subject? Love, jealousy and loss, the tale of a lad who falls for the girl who falls for someone else. It is rich in great melodies and piano writing that brings brooks, meadows and woods to life while vividly exploring the inner turmoil of the frustrated lover.
3 ‘ALL THINGS COUNTER, ORIGINAL, SPARE, STRANGE’
Join Festival Director Svend McEwan-Brown for an introductory session to the complete cycle of Beethoven’s late quartets which will run throughout the festival this year. Four of the very best quartets come together for this 20th Festival project – alphabetically (and from the top) Belcea, Castalian, Elias and Pavel Haas.
Take a look at the Late Quartets Blog for thoughts and insights from Svend as he explored these amazing pieces over the past year.
2 DIYANG MEI & FRIENDS
Stravinsky: 3 pieces for solo clarinet
Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet (excerpts)
Mozart: Kegelstatt Trio, K.498
Kurtág: Hommage à R. Sch.
Schumann: Märchenerzählungen, Op.132
Diyang Mei, viola
Sergio Pires, clarinet
Many brilliant, inspiring young musicians have come to ENF as students (especially to the ENF Retreat programme) and subsequently gone on to reach the top of the profession. We are thrilled to welcome two of them here: violist, Diyang Mei (now First Principal Viola of the Berlin Philharmonic) and Sergio Pires (Principal Clarinet of the LSO) for a playful programme of solos, duos and trios ranging over 200 years.
There’s Mozart and Kurtág in warm, humorous mood, Schumann telling fairy stories, Prokofiev’s Shakespearean ballet – a proper showcase for these brilliant musicians.
1 OPENING CONCERT [SHIBE SCO MANZE]
Larsson: Pastoral Suite, Op.19
Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez
Schubert: Symphony No. 6 in C, D.589
Sean Shibe, guitar
Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Andrew Manze, conductor
The SCO have appeared at every ENF, so who better to open this 20th Festival? Principal Guest Conductor Andrew Manze offers music telling of three very different places: rural Sweden, royal Spain and imperial Vienna. At its heart – perhaps the most famous piece ever written for guitar – Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez. It was inspired by the palace and gardens as Rodrigo – blind from birth – experienced them: through touch, floral scents and the sounds of birdsong and fountains.
Guitarist Sean Shibe first came to ENF in 2012 shortly after winning the Gold Medal, First Prize, and String Prize at the prestigious Royal Overseas League Competition – a staggering achievement. Since then, his brilliant and thoughtful musicianship has taken him all over the world, winning a string of awards and the admiration of musicians and audiences alike. We are delighted to welcome him back for this concerto and a string of concerts on Saturday at which he will play lute and electric guitar as well as guitar.
Manze closes the concert with a joyful symphony with a poignant history. Schubert wrote it aged 21 and called it his ‘Great’ C Major. Nine years on he wrote another, which would be called ‘The Great’ C Major, but sadly the musicians found it impossible to play, so this earlier work was substituted and the later piece disappeared until decades after Schubert’s death.
Erskine Hall, Anstruther
ACCESS: There is flat/ramped access to the Erskine Hall which is all on one level.
TOILETS: There are disabled toilets within the building
PARKING: Parking on-street near the venue is very limited, but there are several car parks by the harbour, a 200m walk to the venue. Remember to leave yourself plenty of time to park and please do so with consideration to others, especially the residents of Anstruther. Do not block access routes for emergency vehicles.
Dreel Halls
Crail Church Hall
ACCESS: Level access into and throughout the Hall.
TOILETS: There are standard male and female toilets in the church hall. For busy events, all those toilets may be reserved for ladies – gentlemen may use the portaloos behind the church. Please look for ENF signs or ask a steward which toilet regime is in place for which event.
PARKING: Most people park on-street near the church as directed by our stewards. Another car park lies behind the church, accessible from Bow Butts Road, from where a footpath leads you through the graveyard to the back of the church. Remember to leave yourself plenty of time to park and please do so with consideration to others, especially Crail residents. Do not block access routes for emergency vehicles.
Anstruther Town Hall
ACCESS: From School Green there are 7 steps to main entrance. There is a ramp leading to a lift and separate wheelchair lift.
TOILETS: There are toilets (including enhanced access) within the building
PARKING: Parking on-street near the venue is very limited, but there are several car parks by the harbour, a 200m walk to the venue. Remember to leave yourself plenty of time to park and please do so with consideration to others, especially the residents of Anstruther. Do not block access routes for emergency vehicles.
St Ayle, Cellardyke
Please note that there are two St Ayle churches and check you have the correct one. The other church is St Ayle Anstruther
ACCESS: There are 3 steps up into the church and a ramp. 20 steps to gallery, and 4 steps to the front row of gallery; otherwise level access inside the building.
TOILETS: There are toilets (including enhanced access) within the building
PARKING: Parking area beside church. Once full, on street parking only. Please park with consideration to residents and note that Toll Road is on a public bus route and thoughtless parking can easily prevent their access.
FURTHER READING: DISCOVER THE FASCINATING HISTORY OF ST AYLE CELLARDYKE CHURCH ON THE SCOTLAND’S CHURCH’S TRUST WEBSITE.
