Programme

Antonio Vivaldi Sinfonia No 3 in G major
Caroline Shaw arr Julian Azkoul and the swallow ^
Jesse Montgomery Starburst
Works for Double Bass ensemble
Béla Bartók Romanian Folk Dances
Astor Piazzolla Oblivion ^
Astor Piazzolla arr Simon Parkin Libertango *
Irving Berlin arr James Manson Let’s Face the Music and Dance

Performers

Chris Hoyle, Catherine Yates directors
Pavel Fischer violin *
Hannah Roberts cello *
Anthony Missen choreographer ^
JP Hon, Alice Bonazzi, Kadafi Mulula dancers ^

About

Part of RNCM Strings Festival.

Our first-year string students bring their energy and passion to a rich and varied programme traversing a broad catalogue of music that moves seamlessly from Vivaldi to Frank Sinatra, alongside dancers from Company Chameleon.

The performance opens with Vivaldi’s Sinfonia No 3 in G major, staying true to its original role as an overture and setting the tone with its colourful textures, rhythmic liveliness, and joyful exuberance.

The journey then unfolds through an eclectic mix of pieces, including a string arrangement of Caroline Shaw’s and the swallow, inspired by Psalm 84 and beautifully depicting a bird’s search for a place of safety.

Along the way, a tango-inspired work by Astor Piazzolla is vividly brought to life through expressive choreography by Company Chameleon before a dynamic and uplifting rendition of Let’s Face the Music and Dance, made famous by Frank Sinatra.

The RNCM Strings Festival celebrates the sheer versatility, beauty, and brilliance of string music across a range of concerts and programmes. Our students, staff, and guest artists will be performing side-by-side throughout the festival, captivating listeners and embodying learning at its highest level.

Company Chameleon is one of the UK’s leading independent dance companies. Established in Manchester in 2007 by Anthony Missen and Kevin Edward Turner, Chameleon makes dance productions in the city, which they tour and perform around the world.

Photo credit: Robin Clewley