The University of Liverpool’s free Lunchtime Concerts begin again on Wednesday with a performance from new quartet-in-residence, the Solem Quartet.
Taking place each Wednesday between 1pm – 2pm throughout the Autumn academic term, the concerts offer an opportunity for the general public, staff and students to enjoy shows by talented musicians in the ambient setting of the Victoria Gallery & Museum’s (VG&M) Leggate Theatre.
First to perform, on September 28, is the Solem Quartet. Made up of violins, viola and cello, the quartet were winners of the prestigious 2014 Royal Overseas League Chamber Competition.
Special group
They perform on Wednesday in their new role as quartet-in-residence in the University’s Department of Music, and will be working with staff and students on research and teaching projects throughout the year.
Lunchtime Concerts co-ordinator, Dr Helen Thomas said: “The Solem Quartet is a very special group of young musicians.
“They have that ability to create musical moments that give you ‘goose bumps’ and it takes a very special understanding of the dynamic relationship between musical score, performance and audience to do that.
“The prospect of staff and students working with such fine players in order to explore and analyse aspects of composition, performance, historical musicology and music psychology is very exciting.”
The following Wednesday, October 5, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s Trio D’anches brings oboe, bassoon and clarinet together with the aim of continuing the tradition of the famous Trio d’anches de Paris.
On October 12, witness something completely different, with Live Painting and Improvised Music, before the William Byrd Consort joins five members of the Anglican and Metropolitan Cathedral Choirs together, on October 19.
The pace changes for the final performance of the month, featuring Världens Band, on October 26. Featuring 14 musicians from seven countries and three continents, the concert promises to showcase at exciting blend of cultures, personalities and styles.
The first show of November sees Ian Buckle performing Debussy’s first book of Preludes in its entirety, on November 2. The following week, University of Liverpool Staff Choir takes to the stage, before Gravity Percussion on November 23 and the return of Liverpool alumni and former Amsterdam and Pele frontman, Ian Prowse with his solo show on November 30.
High quality
With the nights now firmly drawn in, Pixels Ensemble; Thelma Handy, violin; Alexander Holladay, cello and Ian Buckle, piano continue the survey of the complete Brahms trios, on December 7. The series wraps up until the Spring, with a final concert featuring folk-classical-crossover group, Selkies on December 14.
Dr Helen Thomas added: “This series has established itself as one of the major events in the cultural calendar of Liverpool. It is an example of the high quality public engagement that the University has with the city and is a great chance for the public, staff and students to relax for an hour at the pivotal point in their busy week.”
All Lunchtime Concerts are free but booking is recommended. To find out more, and book your place, please visit www.liverpool.ac.uk/music/events/lunchtime-concert-series/ or call 0151 794 3100. For updates, follow @ConcertsUoL