A brass ensemble with a world-wide reputation for innovative programming and outstanding performances is returning to Aberdeen this week to hold workshops for children and local musicians, and a concert in historic St Machar Cathedral. Their residency is generously supported by the George Craig Group.
The Wallace Collection was founded by Fife-born virtuoso trumpet player John Wallace to explore and perform the extensive brass repertory, and is scheduled this year to tour the UK, Argentina, Spain, Ukraine and Ireland. John Wallace said: “We have great expectations of our return to Aberdeen for our residency.”
It will begin its short residency in the city on Friday, February 11th with a workshop for primary school children at Barthol Chapel School in Oldmeldrum, where the youngsters will have the opportunity to learn more about the skills needed to perform with a world-class ensemble.
The workshop will be followed that evening by a special concert in the Barthol Chapel Kirk.
Local musicians, both amateur and professional, will benefit from a workshop for brass players on Saturday, February 12th at the Mitchell Hall at Marischal College from 2-5 pm. Places, costing £2.50, can be booked in advance by phoning University Music on 272570.
The Wallace Collection will make contributions to the University of Aberdeen’s Founder’s Day Service in the King’s College Chapel on Sunday morning, February 13th, at 11 am and will finish the day with the main
event of their residency, a concert at 7.45 pm in St. Machar’s Cathedral.
The concert will be performed in association with UDI Aberdeen City Band, one of the oldest musical associations in Aberdeen, to celebrate of their 150th anniversary. The Director of UDI Band, Alan Haggart, graduated from the University of Aberdeen in 1992 with a first class honours degree in Music. The programme will reflect the ensemble’s wide repertoire, featuring music from Scotland, Italy, Finland, Paris and London – “a feast of brass music”, according to the Director of University Music, Dr. Roger Williams. The audience will be treated to little known brass pieces by Sibelius, music from the 1600’s by Gabrieli, medieval Scottish dances, and the first performance in 150 years of music by Bellon. Founder of the Wallace Collection, John Wallace, said: “We are really looking forward to collaborating with the famous UDI Aberdeen City Band for their 150th anniversary and will play some newly discovered music from the year of their birth on instruments of the period – an interesting reflection of now and then.” Tickets for the concert cost £6 from the Aberdeen Box Office on Union Street (Telephone 641122).
The events have been organised by the University of Aberdeen Music, and generously supported by the George Craig Group Limited. J Douglas Craig, managing director of George Craig Group Limited, said: “Craig Group is delighted to be involved with the University in supporting this musical residency, which stimulates musical appreciation in the area, particularly with young people, and which this year involves the UDI Aberdeen City Band. The group is proud that its past support of the musical residency weekend led to a Commendation in the ABSA Awards.