Golden Age: English Elegance

PROGRAMME

(Translated from Hungarian)
The English 100 thematic season of the Hungarian State Opera is strengthened by two thematic concerts, the earlier one, Télvíz, is the English bouquet, which looks at three centuries of England.

Britten’s tribute immediately before Purcell creates the bridge that can span over a really relatively uneventful two hundred and fifty years in British music. Edward Elgar‘s Cello Concerto is a late work and was created during Benjamin Britten’s lifetime.

Gustav Holst‘s orchestral suite entitled Planets was created around the time of Britten’s birth, but like Elgar’s concerto, it also has its roots in the 19th century.

The soloist of the latter is the multiple competition-winning Colombian horn player, Santiago Cañón-Valencia, who is praised by international critics for his flawless technique and perfect interpretation of the composer’s intention.

The three iconic British pieces are conducted by English conductor David Coleman, who is also a well-recognized conductor in OPERA’s ballet ensemble and orchestra following his productions in recent years.

B. Britten: Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Henry Purcell
E. Elgar: Cello Concerto
G. Holst: The Planets

Featuring: Santiago Cañón-Valencia (cello) and the Orchestra and Choir of the Hungarian State Opera

Conductor: David Coleman

Celebramus

I have composed a new piece named Celebremus specifically for the Golden Age, English Elegance concert in Budapest.

It celebrates the coming together of English music and the orchestra and chorus of the Hungarian State Opera, – two artistic cultures in one evening  of music making here in Budapest, – and I am delighted and honoured to conduct this event. 

Within the musical texture, I use the Hungarian National Hymn and the English National Anthem, threading them together in one musical theme.

Towards the end of the composition I quote the theme from Benjamin Britten’s Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra Variations on a Theme of Purcell which follows it in the programme. I was inspired to do this because I did meet and work a little with Britten when I was a student at Dartington Hall. 

In the choral writing, I have preferred to use a universal language. For me, Latin has the added virtue that it can transcend the languages of specific cultures. Thus, for example, the title Celebremus which can mean both “Let’s celebrate” and “We celebrate together”.

PRESS

Interview on Mediaklikk – Begins at 15:30:04 until 17:36:40

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