EIGHT soloists from the prestigious Northern Chamber Orchestra are to perform for the first time ever at Warrington’s St Elphin’s Parish Church on Friday April 8.
String, brass and wind soloists will come together to play Schubert’s much-loved Octet. The concert starts at 7.30pm.
While the NCO has regularly given concerts in the Warrington area over the past few years, this is the first time its players have performed in the historic, parish church whose 281 foot spire dominates the Warrington skyline.
The soloists intend to make their own striking impression during the concert, which will see them play a programme of three pieces, including Schubert’s famous, much-loved Octet, which is as enjoyable to play as it is to listen to.
The piece will feature eight players (the clue is in the title!): Nicholas Ward, violin; Catherine Muncey, violin and viola; Richard Muncey, viola; Heather Bills, cello; James Manson, double bass; Elizabeth Jordan, clarinet; Llinos Owen, bassoon and Naomi Atherton, French horn. The Octet bubbles along with beautiful melodiousness on the surface, while an intriguingly dark undercurrent occasionally reveals itself.
Jonathan Thackeray, NCO general manager, who is himself a professional bass player, said: “The NCO soloists will herald the start of spring with one of my favourite Schubert pieces – the Octet. It showcases the sonorous tones of the double-bass.”
The concert also features Mozart’s gentle Horn Quintet, which is almost a mini concerto. While the horn has the star part, it’s full of sweet duets with the violin, before a spirited finale.
Twentieth century composer Jean Françaix loved composing for wind instruments and it shows in his charming, effervescent work, Divertissement, which spotlights the bassoon.
Tickets are available from the NCO Box Office: 0161 247 2220 and on the door.
Find out more by visiting NCO’s website at www.ncorch.co.uk
Top soloists to perform at parish church
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