21 April: YCAT Gala

What a wonderful musical evening this was – I am talking about YCAT’s 25th Anniversay Gala, which took place at Wigmore Hall on 24th April.  The Young Concert Artists Trust promotes and supports talented young musicians, such as violinist Thomas Gould, who performed for us in September 2009. YCAT artists are chosen through a rigourous annual audition process, and indeed what a superb group of talented musicians they are – I truly think they are the ones to watch!

More than a dozen current and past YCAT musicians appeared in this concert, the evening’s programme was:

• Schubert – Variations on ‘Trockne Blumen’ for Flute and Piano, D802

• Schubert – Auf dem Strom D943

• Vaughan Williams – On Wenlock Edge

• Rachmaninov – three Preludes

• Shostakovich – Concerto No. 1 for Piano and Trumpet

I must say I was most looking forward to the Shostakovich Concerto, as I love this dynamic and aggressive piece so very much.  I was expecting everything that was to be played before the Concerto would be sort of a ‘preparation’ to lead up to this finale.  But, as soon as the first Schubert started, I was immediately enchanted by flautist Adam Walker.  My goodness, he completely blew me away; I have never heard more beautiful sounds in my entire life.  Every variation was utterly beautiful; so poetic, romantic and emotional.  This work of Schubert was based on a song he had composed the year before.  Adam’s flute flowed like singing – it was like listening to a heavenly voice.  The flute as an instrument has never attracted me, but, wow I completely changed my opinion.

Then the second bomb dropped when the next Schubert piece, Auf dem Strom (Upon the River), started.  It was written for tenor, horn and piano, but in this concert, the horn part was replaced by the cello.  And what a fascinating combination they created.  Ian Bostrige’s voice was absolutely gorgeous and the cellist, Philip Higham, was extraordinary; what sensitive and serene sounds.  The concert was being recorded so perhaps there will be CDs produced?  If so, I would definitely purchase one to listen to this piece in particular, as it gave me such a sensation - tears welled up in my eyes.

Vaughan William’s On Wenlock Edge was superb too.  I am not familiar with this English composer at all, but I loved this composition for tenor, piano and string quartet.  It left me again completely speechless.  The string part was wonderful, which was performed by the Doric String Quartet.  Their biography reads “regarded as one of the outstanding quartets of their generation”, and I believe it.  Their depth and breath are totally in sync, creating amazing harmonies.

The start of the second half was a piano solo by Llyr Williams.  He played three of Rachmaninov’s Preludes.  What stunning Rachmaninov – power, technique, dynamics, all were there.  Prelude Op 23 No 2 was my favourite, with the right hand’s energetic melody and awesome arpeggios played by the left hand.  The ending of octaves was truly impressive.  It is a pity I couldn’t see his finger works as I was sitting right at the back, though I felt the incredible acoustic effects of this concert hall.

The finale was Shostakovich Concert No. 1 for piano and trumpet.  I was hoping (and guessing) the pianist would be Alexander Romanovsky (captured in the photo above after the concert).  I went to his recital at the same venue in March, and I fell in love with this pianist.  My friend Lesley and I would describe him as a man with “desperate passion”, and I was convinced the Shostakovich would suite him perfectly.  Anyway the string part of this piece was performed by the Heath Quartet and Sacconi Quartet, led by Thomas Gould (yes, him, in the photo on the left with composer Christopher Ball), the double bass by Graham Mitchell, the piano by Alexander, and the trumpet by another talented musician, Huw Morgan.  What a line up!  It was such an exciting and energetic performance which all the audience and performers enjoyed!

What a fantastic evening!  My father-in-law Eldred and I walked out completely pleased.  It was great to chat with Tom and Alexander at back stage too!  They seemed in good form although Alexander told me that he had had to get back from Russia by train due to the volcanic ash!

There will be a second gala concert on 23rd June at Wigmore Hall featuring three quartets and a soprano.