Thanks to Tim Isard from the Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra for this reminder of the next concert. Ed
The concert will open with a rare performance of the Oriental Suite, Beni Mora by Gustav Holst. This three-movement suite was first performed in 1912 and was inspired by a holiday Holst had in Algeria, a holiday paid for by Vaughan Williams whose music concludes the concert.
Viv returns to the Island
The orchestra will then be joined by pianist Viv Mclean who makes a welcome return to the Island for a performance of the beautiful Piano Concerto by John Ireland.
The concerto was written for pianist Helen Perkin who gave its first performance and was the work’s original dedicatee. Ireland had a romantic interest in Helen Parkin, but unfortunately this interest was not reciprocated and she ended up marrying someone else and moving to Australia. When this happened, Ireland removed the dedication!
Once a popular concerto at the proms it is sadly rather neglected these days, so it is good that it is getting a deserved airing at this concert.
Vaughan Williams concludes the concert
The concert concludes with Job a Masque for dancing composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Originally conceived as a stage work, (Vaughan Williams did not like the word ballet, hence it being called a Masque), it is based on the Book of Job from the bible and was inspired by the illustrated edition by William Blake (it is planned to show these illustrations at the concert).
The work was first performed in 1931 but due to the large orchestra required, it is not often performed today.
Tickets selling fast
So, one concert, three rarely heard works by English composers!
Maybe it is for this reason that with over a month to go, already over half of the tickets have been sold.
The concert date is May 21st 2016 and it will start at 7.15pm. The orchestra are indebted to the John Ireland society and the Vaughan Williams Charitable Trust for their support with this concert.
To book tickets, please contact the Medina theatre box office on 01983 823884 or visit the theatre’s Website.
