Jonathan Bloxham conductor / Alec Frank-Gemmill horn
Benjamin Britten Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge Op 10
Malcolm Arnold Concerto No 2 for Horn and Strings Op 58
WA Mozart Horn Concerto No 4 in E-Flat Major K495
WA Mozart Symphony No 29 in A major K201
(Alec Frank-Gemmill replaces Ben Goldscheider as soloist, who has had to withdraw from this event due to a scheduling conflict.)
Making their second appearance at this year’s Festival, our Orchestra-in-Residence the London Mozart Players perform a richly varied programme featuring two major horn concerti. The first, Number 2 by Malcolm Arnold, was written in 1956 for Dennis Brain. It is followed by Mozart’s familiar and much-loved Horn Concerto No 4. The concert opens with Britten’s Variations on a theme of Frank Bridge, one of the landmarks of 20th-century string writing. The piece is a character portrait of Britten’s revered teacher, Frank Bridge. Concluding with Mozart’s stylish and sparkling A major symphony, this programme offers delights for everyone.
Alec Frank-Gemmill was principal horn of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra for ten years and took up the same position with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra in 2019. A regular at London’s Wigmore Hall, he has also performed in trios and at chamber music festivals, and is a member of the ‘wind super-group’ Orsino.
The orchestra is conducted by Jonathan Bloxham, who took up his post as Resident Conductor of London Mozart Players in October last year. He has been acclaimed for his ‘accomplished technique, innate musicianship, with a natural rapport with orchestras and a deep knowledge and understanding of the symphonic repertoire.’ (Paavo Järvi)
‘A stunning performance… Alec Frank-Gemmill made the instrument dart, wail and flutter as if those were normal things for a French horn to do’. The Herald
‘I especially enjoyed Alec Frank-Gemmill’s cheeky handling of the runs and decorations in the Horn Concertino.’ (Gramophone)
This concert is produced in association with Orchestras Live.
Tickets: £36, £28, £20, £14
£10 special offer: best available seats for those aged 30 and under.
