It was a real pleasure once again for the Music Society to be taking part in the Shipston Proms this year. The last two years has passed us by but here were again in St Edmunds Church on Thursday 23rd June gathering together to listen to an evening of classical guitar music.
Julian Vickers and Daniel Bovey had come to Shipston some years ago to play for the Society – in fact they reminded us it was 9 years ago. At the time they were completing their studies at the Birmingham Conservatoire, after which they graduated with Distinction in a joint Masters from the Royal Academy of Music in London. Since then, they have won many awards and have appeared both nationally and internationally. So we were delighted when they accepted our invitation to return to Shipston.
The recital began with Mauro Giuliani’s Grande Variazione Concertanti an early 19th century Italian piece where the guitars alternately appeared to talk to each other and then come together. We then went to France for Rameau’s suite Pieces de Clavecin. These expressive pieces included La Poule, Le Rappel des Oiseaux, with their restless tone, the peacefulness of Musette en Rondeau, and ending with ‘busy’ Les Cyclopes.
These were followed by Spanish/Cuban composer Nin-Culmell’s Tonadas originally written for the piano and which reflected a true Spanish style. The first half concluded with the fabulous early 20th century piece Alborada les Gracioso by Ravel which was at once both mysterious and exciting.
The second part of the programme consisted of Janacek’s haunting In the Mists, again originally written for the piano, and the Tango Suite by Astor Piazzola, which truly encapsulates the joy of the tango and brought to an end a recital that had been absolutely gripping. The playing of Julian Vickers and Daniel Bovey was truly outstanding throughout and reflected their total harmony and mastery of their instrument. It was a fine end to our 2021 2022 season of concerts, and we look forward to the new season of concerts starting in September.