Simcock and Gould, jazz/classical collaboration

Saturday 16th September

Time 7.30pm

Pianist Gwillym Simcock is principally a jazz musician and composer, but his huge talent has lead him into collaborations with top musicians in a wide range of styles.  He has performed as a duo with virtuoso classical violinist Thomas Gould (former Leader of the Britten Sinfonia) on a number of occasions; their explorations into the threads and links between core classical repertoire and contemporary jazz produce performances of jaw-dropping  ingenuity which are accessible, startling –  and so exciting. Whether you are a jazz fan or a classical music afficionado, this concert will give you plenty to think about.  It’s a bit different from anything we have previously programmed, but we think we’re ready for it!

Following on from the success of their previous duo collaboration that focussed on J.S. Bach, in this concert the duo explores the music of Bach’s Italian contemporary Arcangelo Corelli, probably best known for his final violin sonata “La Folia”. Using two of Corelli’s op. 5 sonatas for violin and keyboard as their starting point, this concert will show the many similarities between music of the Baroque period and jazz, and will include improvised personal responses to the Corelli, culminating in a performance like no other of Corelli’s famous “La Folia” Variations.