Swindon Recital Series’ opening concert of the 2023/24 season at the Arts Centre introduces us to a broad base of styles and periods in French music, ranging from the Baroque (sonatas by Leclair), through Romantic (Méditation from Thaïs by Massenet and sonatas by César Franck) and Impressionist (sonatas by Debussy), to the Twentieth Century with Lili Boulanger.
Moods range from crystal clarity and formality, through ethereal sounds and humour, to full-blown drama. We’re particularly lucky to have SRS favourite Miranda Dale play for us in her busy schedule (she will have played at the Proms a few days before!), bringing her usual warmth and approachability to the proceedings.
“Miranda Dale… radiantly ecstatic” (Andrew Clements). “Miranda Dale…played with absolute conviction, and her enthusiasm… enhanced the feelings of joy and elation” (Chris Linford – Beethoven violin concerto)
We are delighted to be able to introduce Megan Humphries, an emerging young harpist, at the first of the Lunchtime Concerts at the Wyvern Theatre. Megan’s sparkling and joyful programme includes works by Debussy (The Girl with the Flaxen Hair and The Sunken Cathedral) alongside works by Pierné, Tournier, Renié, Hasselmans, Andrés and Grandjany.
This concert is supported by Bower Bailey, Solicitors.
Miranda Dale and Paul Turner appear at the Arts Centre on Sunday September 10th at 3pm. Tickets are £16 for adults and £13 for Seniors and unwaged people. There is also a theatre administration fee of £1.50. Student tickets are £3; accompanied children aged 14 and under are admitted without charge.
There is an additional charge of £3.65 for each financial transaction undertaken (not for each ticket if you are buying more than one).
Megan Humphries appears at the Wyvern Theatre on Wednesday September 27th at 1.05pm. Standard tickets are £7 plus administration fee of £1. Student tickets are £3; accompanied children aged 14 and under are admitted without charge.
Miranda Dale gained a scholarship at sixteen to study with Howard Davis at the Royal Academy of Music in London before furthering her studies in Canada and the USA. She is Principal Second Violin with the Britten Sinfonia and is in demand as a Guest Principal with the Philharmonia Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, English National Opera and English Chamber Orchestra. She also tours with chamber players in the US.
Megan Humphries has performed across the United Kingdom in venues such as The Royal Albert Hall, Festival Hall, and The Barbican. An impassioned orchestral player, Megan has played under the batons of celebrated conductors, including Sir Mark Elder, John Wilson, and Kirill Karabits. She regularly works alongside The London Phoenix Orchestra and The Campanella Orchestra. Megan is a current scholar of the Royal Academy of Music for her postgraduate degree, studying with Suzy Willison-Kawalec, principal harpist for the RPO.
Paul Turner (pictured) is an Honours graduate and an elected Associate of the Royal Academy of Music where his many prizes and awards culminated in the Queen’s Commendation for Excellence and the Peter Pears Accompaniment Prize. An experienced recitalist he has appeared at London’s leading venues and major UK festivals. He has given concerts in Europe and South America and worked with eminent singers and instrumentalists.
“For his part, Turner offered…intricate piano writing rendered with exemplary clarity and poise” (Richard Whitehouse – St. Johns Smith Square)
Swindon Recital Series was founded 29 years ago by Paul Turner. The Recital Series is committed to providing world-class chamber music in the Swindon area by presenting regular concerts of chamber music given by professional musicians. The Series takes place between September and April each year at various venues in and around Swindon, including the Wyvern Theatre and the Arts Centre.
For more information contact either Artistic Director Paul Turner at turner.paul@virgin.net, recitals@hotmail.co.uk or on 01793 531316 or 07989 397372 or SRS Secretary Julia Singleton at juliaesingleton@gmail.com or on 01793 644660 or 07718185518
Information about the recital series can be found at swindonrecitalseries.org