Neil has wowed audiences with his skills as a classical pianist in his previous concerts, this this time he will be joined by cellist Abby Hayward to perform “In Our Homeland”, a varied and timely programme exploring regional and national identity. The programme includes new arrangements of pieces by Edvard Grieg, drawing on Norwegian folk music, an indigenous Australian inspired piece by Peter Sculthorpe as well as new arrangements of traditional folk music by Neil himself. It also features the crystalline perfection of Anton Webern, and the ineffable spirituality of Arvo Part, both of whom had their music banned by their respective governments, as well as a masterpiece by John Cage, composed for the 200th anniversary of American Independence. The great and profound Sonata in E minor by Johannes Brahms completes the programme.
“In Our Homeland” is followed by the Edinburgh String Quartet on 15 November. The Edinburgh Quartet bring an emotionally charged programme featuring the most intense of Haydn’s Op 20 quartets; a work which has been described as Janácek’s “Manifesto on Love”; and Tchaikovsky’s second quartet, regarded by the composer in the year it was written as his finest work. This concert will also feature a new quartet by Tom Harrold as part of the Edinburgh Quartet’s “North-South-East-West” Project in which the Quartet will be joined on stage by local amateur string players.
2018 opens with the Scottish Opera Highlights on 28 February, March sees Neil Georgeson return to Mareel for a solo performance and the season closes in June with brass quintet The Wallace Collection!
Tickets for “In Our Homeland” are available now through Shetland Arts Box Office. Discounts will be available for the rest of the classical season for those who have booked this performance. Book now at tickets.shetlandarts.org, over the phone on 01595 745500 or in person at Mareel.
