A BOROUGH orchestra’s next concert will feature a prominent role for solo piano in every piece.
Reading’s Aldworth Philharmonic (APO) will return to the University of Reading’s London Road Campus for a concert of music focusing especially on the instrument.
The pianist taking on this daunting challenge is Semra Kurutaç, the orchestra’s first soloist more than 22 years ago, and who has returned many times to wow APO’s audiences.
Monika Bulmer from APO said: “Semra will be performing two devilishly difficult solo works which are both sets of variations of famous melodies: George Gershwin’s jazzy variations on I Got Rhythm, and Polish composer Witold Lutosławski’s variations on Caprice Number 24 by Niccolò Paganini.”
The two solo pieces are bookended by pieces with significant orchestral piano parts.
“The concert opens with Aaron Copland’s Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo, which takes the audience to the Wild West – including the famous hootin’ tootin’ Rodeo,” continued Monika.
“And at the other end of the programme the orchestra will take their listeners on a tour of the Italian capital, with Ottorino Respighi’s The Pines of Rome.
“The spectacular ending depicts a Roman legion marching under the pines of the Appian way, and is one of the most epic musical conclusions you’ll ever hear.”
At 4.30pm on the concert day, APO Young members will be offered the opportunity to watch the end of the final rehearsal, during which conductor, Andrew Taylor, will explain what’s happening in the music.
There’ll also be a chance to meet some of the musicians and members of Reading Youth Orchestra afterwards.
The performance will take place at the Great Hall, on Saturday, February 15, at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £15 for adults, and £10 for under 18s.
Members of APO’s free fan club for 5-15 year olds, APO Young, get a special price of £7.
The APO’s Concert Virgin scheme offers free tickets to anyone who’s never heard a live orchestra perform.
For tickets and information, visit: aldworthphilharmonic.org.uk
