First July Recital - Fabulous Strings
Natalia Lomeiko & Yuri Zhislin, Violin & Viola
It was a liberating experience. On Saturday 4 July, the first day of freedom from lockdown, “Summer at Breinton: Fabulous Strings” was potentially the very first live, public concert with an audience for over 100 days.
The first time for the musicians to perform to real people. The first time for us to hear live music. For many, the first time to be with people from other households, albeit outdoors and staying two meters apart. The first time to feel the unusual ‘normal’ again...
Second July Recital - World Tour
Lotte Betts-Dean, mezzo soprano; Bartosz Glowacki, accordion;
Andrey Lebedev, guitar
Our second recital featured a very different musical genre but, unfortunately, the same rather dark and threatening British summer weather!
The three performers took us on a joyful and emotional ride with music from around the world. They put a smile on our face and left warmness in our hearts; this was a concert to be remembered for a long time.
Third August Recital - Third Quarter
The Carducci String Quartet
with Hannah and Katherine Dienes-Williams
Our dream combination of two violins, viola and cello was presented by the Carducci String Quartet who not only showed their bubbling energy and glorious harmony, but their indisputable togetherness, full-bodied sound making and expression, and brilliant projection.
Their programme featured Beethoven’s Serioso, so dark and dynamic, and Dvorak’s American; the contrast of personalities was striking.
Fourth August Recital - Seemingly Unlikely
Huw Wiggin, saxophone
Oliver Wass, harp
What crossed the minds of our guests during Gershwin’s Summertime, I will never know, but it had a bittersweet feeling now that this unprecedented summer 2020 is nearing the end. Fantasie Brillante sur des airs de Carmen certainly showed off the skills of both performers, then Piazzolla’s Oblivion, total beauty lingering with a bit of sorrow, to conclude Summer at Breinton, at least, for now.
Fifth & Final Recital - Inside Out with Stephen Hough
Stephen Hough
solo piano
A brave endeavour saw the pianist inside and the audience outside, but, as the first chords of Bach-Busoni’s Chaconne burst into the open air, an absolute silence prevailed in the garden. Even the birds stopped chirping; there was nothing but the piano sounds played by Stephen..
Our last outdoor concert was a truly memorable event. Even the weather was on our side, with plenty of sunshine and a very gentle breeze!
