Regular guest conductor Cathal Garvey is returning to perform two British works created around the turn of the 20th century, including A London Symphony by Vaughan Williams
Programme
Elgar: Enigma Variations
Vaughan Williams: A London Symphony
Tickets
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Adult tickets: £18
Concessions: £13
Under 16: £8
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Elgar Enigma Variations
Elgar's Enigma Variations, a masterpiece of the late Romantic era, remains a beloved gem in the classical repertoire, captivating audiences with its diverse array of musical characters. The title itself is a fitting tribute to the enigmatic nature of this piece. Elgar intentionally weaves a veil of mystery around these variations, challenging listeners to decipher the hidden riddle it conceals. While the essence of the enigma has never been explicitly revealed by the composer, speculation and theories have grown for over a century. This enigma leaves room for interpretation, encouraging listeners to undertake their own musical detective work.
Through the fourteen variations, Elgar delves into the lives and personalities of his close friends, creating a musical portrait gallery of remarkable depth and emotional range. Each variation paints a vivid sonic picture of a specific individual, allowing us glimpses into their joys, sorrows, quirks, and idiosyncrasies. The piece opens with a delicate and graceful theme, known as the "Enigma Theme," which serves as the foundation for all subsequent musical explorations. It reappears intermittently throughout the work, uniting the variations and reminding us of the underlying enigma that binds them together.
From the playful humor of Variation II - portraying Elgar's dear friend Arthur Troyte Griffith, to the heartrending beauty of Variation IX - offering a glimpse into his wife Alice's soul, the music showcases Elgar's exceptional ability to capture the essence of each individual. Perhaps the most famous variation is Variation IX, also known as "Nimrod". It stands as a tribute to Elgar's close friend Augustus J. Jaeger. It exudes a deep sense of reverence, its lush harmonies and soaring melodies evoking a profound emotional longing and introspection. Nimrod has become an emblem of British culture, a musical embodiment of unity, strength, and resilience.
As the variations progress, Elgar effortlessly shifts between contrasting musical landscapes - from the whimsical and light-hearted Variation III to the triumphant Variation XIV. His skillful orchestration and inventive use of textures holds the listener’s interest throughout. He weaves a musical tapestry that resonates with listeners, leaving a lasting impression.
Vaughan Williams A London Symphony
A London Symphony, composed by Vaughan Williams, weaves together the diverse and vibrant tapestry of London. Written in 1913 and revised in 1933, this symphony captures the essence of the ever-evolving city, bringing its sounds, energy, and spirit to life through the symphonic medium.
Movement I: Lento - Allegro risoluto:
The symphony opens with a serene and mysterious lento, evoking the hushed whispers of London's dusk. Vaughan Williams introduces the listener to the city's ethereal beauty, painting a picture of misty Thames waters and the ancient buildings that line its banks. As the allegro risoluto bursts forth, the city awakens. The orchestra surges with energy, reflecting the dynamism and bustling activity of London's daily life.
Movement II: Lento:
The second movement captures London’s soulful introspection. The melancholic melodies allow the listener to glimpse into the inner lives of its inhabitants. The solo viola and clarinet express a sense of wistfulness, as if echoing the stories whispered in hidden corners and reflecting upon the city's history.
Movement III: Scherzo - Nocturne:
The third movement, a Scherzo, takes us on a nocturnal journey through the vibrant streets of London. With its lively rhythms and joyful melodies, reminiscent of folk tunes, the orchestra embodies the spirit of revelry and celebration. It is as if one is transported to a lively pub, where the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses mingle with the lively music. Yet, amidst the festivity, a sense of unease emerges, presenting a glimpse of the city's undercurrents.
Movement IV: Andante con moto - Maestoso alla marcia:
In the final movement, Vaughan Williams takes us on a grand procession through the heart of London. The majestic andante con moto swells with a sense of pride and triumph, symbolising the city's resilience and spirit. As the movement unfolds, a triumphant march emerges, showcasing the grandeur of London's architecture, the city's vastness, and the unity of its people. The majestic brass fanfares and pulsating strings convey a sense of awe and admiration for the capital.
Cathal Garvey
Cathal began his career as an Opera Chorus Master working for most of Ireland’s major opera companies including Opera Ireland, Opera Theatre Company, Anna Livia Opera Festival, Opera South and Lyric Opera. For these companies he has worked on over fifty productions, including La Bohème, Il trovatore, Boris Godunov, Aïda, Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, Hérodiade, La rondine, Madama Butterfly, The Flying Dutchman, The Silver Tassie, Cavalleria rusticana, Tosca, Don Carlo, La traviata, Carmen, Macbeth, Faust, Martha, The Queen of Spades, Andrea Chénier, Jenufa, Rigoletto, Orfeo ed Euridice, La Cenerentola, Fidelio, Don Pasquale, The Pearl Fishers and Lucia di Lammermoor. He acted as Assistant Conductor for many of these productions and has also conducted several musicals in Cork and Dublin.
During his ten years in Dublin, Cathal conducted the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, the Orchestra of St Cecilia, the Ulysses Orchestra, the Irish Sinfonia, the Dublin Baroque Players, the Royal Irish Academy of Music Wind Ensemble, Dublin Concert Band, the RTÉ Philharmonic Choir, Bray Choral Society and from 2001 to 2006 was Principal Conductor of the Dublin Orchestral Players. From 2004 to 2009 he was Musical Director of the Dun Laoghaire Choral Society with whom he had a highly successful tenure, covering a wide range of sacred music and oratorios.
St. Peter’s Church, Notting Hill
The venue for our concert is St Peter's Church in Notting Hill, a building of notable architectural quality, listed Grade II*. The interior of the building is very elaborate, with many of the pillars boasting gilded capitals.
To get to St Peter’s Church using public transport, the closest Tube Station is Notting Hill Gate. The closest Bus Stop is PT-Stanley Gardens and PS-Chepstow Villas.
On-street parking outside the church is limited to RBKC resident permit holders, with some prepay spaces also available.
Address: 90 Kensington Park Road, London, W11 2PL