Our classical music columnist Liz Leatherdale, founder and owner of Colchester Classics, brings you her second lot of picks of January’s classical music events in and around Colchester
The Magic of the Musical
The WEA (Workers’ Educational Association), founded over one hundred years ago, provides education for adults on many topics including Music. Professor Bill Tamblyn is the tutor for “On the Shoulders of Giants”: composers who influenced music history with their large-scale symphonies, such as Havergal Brian, Shostakovich and Vaughan Williams. WEA West Bergholt Branch from January 12 (01206 240512).
Chris Green is the tutor for “The Magic of the Musical”, looking into music theatre from Greek antiquity to current hit musicals: their musical, social and economic place.
This 10-week course is presented by the WEA Colchester Branch from January 14 (01206 502698)
On the Bright Side
Saturday 9 January – Chris Green conducts the Trianon Choir and Symphony Orchestra in a concert entitled On the Bright Side with toe-tapping music from Gilbert & Sullivan, Eric Idle, Eric Coates, Rodgers & Hammerstein and John Williams. Some choir and orchestra members will be busking outside the concert venue from 6.40pm in aid of charity. This concert starts at 7.30pm and is in the Ipswich Corn Exchange, IP1 1DH.
Tickets: from £9.50 (01394 283170)
Puccini
The Kingfisher Ensemble performs its first concert for 2016 in Lion Walk Church, Colchester at 2.45pm. Founder and leader Beth Spendlove will be joined by Greg Eaton, Wendy Poulston, Susie Davis & Chris Slatter performing Puccini’s Crisantemi in C#minor, Beethoven’s String Quartet in Bb No.6 op.18 No.6 and Schubert’s String Quintet in C op.Posth with two ’cellos
Essex Chamber Orchestra
Many musicians based in Colchester and the surrounding area perform with the Essex Chamber Orchestra. This orchestra comes together three times a year for intensive weekend rehearsals followed by a series of concerts. Its first intensive weekend course for 2016, culminating in a concert on Sunday 10 January 2016 at 7pm. This concert includes popular music including Waldteufel’s Skater’s Waltz, Johann Strauss’ Blue Danube and Khachaturian’s Masquerade Suite. Ingatestone & Fryerning Community Centre, 7 High Street, Ingatestone
Ian Ray and Geoff Harniess
Following last Tuesday’s lunchtiEssex Chamber Orchestrame concert in Colchester’s iconic Moot Hall, this Wednesday Ian Ray will be accompanying trumpeter Geoff Harniess in their debut lunchtime recital at the Cramphorn Studio in Chelmsford. January 13 at 1pm (01245 606505).
If you have a forthcoming concert of classical music, you would like previewed, contact Liz Leatherdale on 0800 999 6994.
Start your love affair with Classical Music at www.colchesterclassics.co.uk and take a minute to watch their company video:
Liz Leatherdale