Britten Sinfonia - John Woolrich at 60

Sophie Bevan, soprano
Clare Finnimore, viola
Thomas Gould, violin
Duncan Ward, conductor*

Purcell arr. John Woolrich Three Songs
Wolf arr. John Woolrich Italian Songs
John Woolrich Ulysses Awakes
Stravinsky Eight Instrumental Miniatures*
Mozart Per pieta, non ricercate
Stravinsky Dumbarton Oaks*
John Woolrich Violin Concerto (London premiere)* 

There’s nothing like planning someone else’s party and tonight Britten Sinfonia is enjoying the celebrations for the 60th  birthday of  their close friend, collaborator, distinguished composer and programmer, John Woolrich. It’s a party befitting a key figure on the British music scene whose own take on Purcell and Wolf involves young soprano Sophie Bevan, who also brings a present of Mozart to the evening too. Woolrich himself is inspired by Monteverdi in his piece Ulysses Awakes for solo viola (Britten Sinfonia’s Clare Finnimore) and strings. There’s playful Stravinsky and, finally, the main birthday present, the London premiere of Woolrich’s dynamic yet warmly lyrical Violin Concerto assured of a memorable performance by Britten Sinfonia’s own Thomas Gould.

6.15pm: Pre-concert event
The young musicians of Britten Sinfonia Academy take to the stage in this pre-concert event featuring pieces by John Woolrich alongside a discussion with the composer. (free to ticket holders)

TICKETS: £30, £25, £15. Please book tickets through Cambridge Corn Exchange box office on 01223 357851 or via the Corn Exchange website