Update 22nd December 2024

The last recital of 2024 was given by The London Chamber Ensemble who also did a splendid Workshop in the afternoon at Kirkcaldy High School. Michaela Duckett, acting Head of Music there, had gathered together other Higher Music pupils from St Andrews High and Balwearie High and we are so grateful to her for organising it all so marvellously. Some of the pupils performed some of their exam pieces and were given marvellous help and guidance by the London Ensemble who are so experienced and talented. We were delighted that some of the pupils and their tutors came to the evening concert. The programme for us in the evening was the shimmering Borodin quartet and the gloriously French sun filled Ravel quartet. But rather matter of fact here. The second half was the monumental Beethoven Op 131 with its unusual slow 1st movement. I find the fugal theme with its sudden plunging interval like a stab in the heart. And from there on the ideas and different moods pour out of Beethoven’s incredible mind leaving the listener amazed and bewildered. Next month’s recital we welcome back the wonderful Trio Isimsiz with a glorious programme of Brahms Boulanger and the superb Schubert Bb trio. If you don’t know this piece prepare to lose your heart, and glory in the 2nd movement’s tune which goes on forever. My music teacher played the famous recording by Cortot Thibaud and Casals to me when I was 15 and the wonder of that beauty has stayed with me forever and convinced me that Chamber music is the most glorious form of all. I hope you are all having a very happy Christmas time with family and I look forward to seeing you next year on the 22nd of January. Best wishes Mairi Rolland Chairman