March News
Diavolo was released earlier this month and has already attracted praise from The Strad and Europadisc. This is particularly gratifying for Adrian who really flogged himself to deliver the outstanding performances that Tartini’s music demands.
“..a performance that is as notable for its thoughtfulness as for the flawless technique and intonation that are hallmarks of the disc as a whole.” Europadisc
Our next concerts are a little way off – but we look forward to working with Italian mandolin player Raffaele La Ragione in performances for St Martin in the Fields and Music in Country Churches and hope to see many of you there. Tickets on sale now!
7:30pm 23 May St Martin-in-the-Fields Vivaldi Mandolin Concerto
6:30pm 24 May St Peter and St Paul Church Northleach Vivaldi Mandolin Concerto
Plus 6pm pre-concert talk by Matthew Rice, author of Venice: A Sketchbook Guide
Wigmore Hall have announced their 2024-5 Season and priority booking is nearly open for the first concert of our residency, Giro d’Italia. Inspired by the Italian cycle race, this programme features music by Brescianello, Durante, Facco, Gregori, Gnocchi, Valentini, & of course Vivaldi. Do put the date in your diaries – 18 November 2024.
Priority booking for Friends of Wigmore Hall opens at 10am on 17th April 2024, with general booking available from 10am on 30th April 2024.
We realise we didn’t trumpet the arrival of La Serenissima’s new baby – our beautiful UK-made Italian harpsichord. When Robin Bigwood (harpsichord) collected the instrument from maker Alan Gotto ahead of our most recent recording patch, this was the excited message we received from him:
“It is REALLY good – loud, crunchy, singing treble and articulate bass. Also it looks amazingly smart – the panelling on the bentside is understated but classy. It has angled soundboard grain in the manner of Grimaldi instruments, so I think combines all the best qualities of these sorts of instruments.”
Owning our own harpsichord has been a La Serenissima pipe-dream for a long time. Adrian and I are very grateful to our trustees, especially Nathan Burkey and Sam Webster, for getting behind this acquisition and pledging the first donations for the commission. Also, we thank numerous donors for the support (big and small) which enabled us to pay for the instrument this year. Thank you.
Wishing all our Trustees, Patrons, Followers and Friends a very Happy Easter!
Camilla & Adrian