Monday
16 July 2001
Sheldonian
Theatre, Oxford 8.00pm
For Immediate Release:
Inspector Morseıs love of
classical music was an essential ingredient in the development of the fictional
character in the hugely successful TV series. The Oxford Philomusicaıs opening concert pays tribute
to Oxfordıs famous sleuth and includes Barrington Pheloungıs original
soundtrack score. It also offers
works representative of Morseıs devotion to classical music, most of which have
been heard by millions worldwide as part of the showıs soundtrack. The
programme, conducted by Marios Papadopoulos, includes the Laudate Dominum from
Mozartıs Solemn Vespers and Pucciniıs
impassioned aria Senza mammaı from Suor Angelica performed by the exciting young Russian soprano
Ksenia Jones.
In complete contrast, and
fresh from their recent triumphant appearance at St Johnıs Smith Square, the
Buskaid Soweto String Project (BSSP) will demonstrate their unique and mesmeric
style of playing as an addition to the concertıs published programme. Currently on tour of the UK, BSSP has
been thrilling audiences with its unique mix of classical and African
music. Oxford Philomusica is
delighted to give BSSP the opportunity of demonstrating the prodigious talents
of its 20 youngsters performing African Kwela, music written in opposition to
the Apartheid regime. Thirty minutes before the concert, BSSP will buskı
outside the Sheldonian Theatre. The vibrant, full-blooded, earthy sounds
produced by these remarkable young musicians reflect a striking impression of
their African souls.
For further information,
pictures and interview opportunities, please contact Carole Radford PR: 01753
771849; 07770 543616.
[Ends]
Notes for
Editors
The Oxford
Philomusica gave its
first concert in November 1998 at Londonıs Barbican Centre. It made its Oxford
debut on 2 February 1999, joined by Steven Isserlis in performances of works by
Fauré and Saint-Saëns and concluding with Brucknerıs Te Deum. Highlights from
its work since include its Sheldonian Theatre performance of Beethovenıs Ninth
Symphony, part of an ongoing series of the composerıs orchestral works
introduced by television newsreader and Beethoven expert John Suchet; the
London premiere of The Persians by Periclis Koukos at the Queen Elizabeth Hall; Mozartıs Requiem,
Piano Concerto in E flat K.482 and his concert aria Chıio mi scordi di te, performed by Patricia Rozario and
Marios Papadopoulos, at the Basingstoke Anvil and Oxfordıs Sheldonian Theatre;
and Bachıs Mass in B minor.
Marios
Papadopoulos, Founder
and Music Director of the Oxford Philomusica, made his London debut in 1974,
since when his career as pianist and conductor has developed on the
international stage. His interpretations of the Beethoven Sonatas, currently
being recorded, have compared with those of Schnabel, Brendel, Barenboim and
Kempff (Daily Telegraph and Classic FM Magazine Criticsı Choice).
In August 1999,
the Oxford Philomusica presented the first International Piano Festival to be held in Oxford, in collaboration
with the European Piano Teachers Association. Described as "the most
significant annual musical event in the city" (Oxford Times), the Oxford Philomusica International
Piano Festival now enjoys an international reputation as a centre of learning
for the musicians of tomorrow. This yearıs festival runs from 5 to 12 August and boasts a range of visiting artists
of the highest calibre and widest possible breadth of musical experience. The
great Bach scholar and performer Dr Rosalyn Tureck makes a welcome return to
the Oxford Philomusica International Piano Festival, together with the Russian
virtuoso Oxana Yablonskaya, Cristina Ortiz, Marios Papadopoulos, Professor
Malcolm Troup and Malcolm Young. They join the company of a distinguished list
of Festival newcomers, Menahem Pressler, Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Professor Niel
Immelman, Bryce Morrison and the legendary piano teacher Maria Curcio among
them. Filippo Gamba, winner of the 2000 Géza Anda Competition and composer
Francis Pott will also contribute to the Festival facultyıs collective
expertise.
The Oxford
Philomusica has
developed a scheme in association with the University of Oxford Faculty of
Music to provide orchestral
experience and conducting seminars to selected students. Philomusica players
are extending the scheme next academic year, offering tuition to students
enrolled on the Orchestral Studies Course. The orchestra recently collaborated
with the university on a highly successful colloquium on Bach, linked to a
performance of the B minor mass at the Sheldonian Theatre.