Tremendous December concert

An amazing concert on Sunday 9th December to end 2018. Nineteen performers, nine of whom were making their first appearance at OPC performed a varied programme starting with a selection of songs in preparation for a grade 8 singing exam, the Sicilienne by Faure for clarinet, and a movement from Brahms clarinet sonata number 2 in E flat (opus 120). For piano there was the Schubert impromptu number 4 in A flat major, followed by three Miniatures by Frank Bridge for string trio. The second half mood lightened with Blackberry Blossom for banjo, a selection of French cafe music and two pieces for sax and piano by Hoagy Carmichael. A setting by Percy Grainger of Embraceable You (Gershwin) wrapped up the concert before the serious stuff of drinking, eating and chatting took place.

It has been a great year – so many people have had an opportunity to perform and have gained the confidence to do it again – and so many ensembles and alliances have formed as people find playing partners.

If you haven’t joined us yet, sign up! Come along to listen to a concert and see how it works. 2019 dates are January 20th, March 3rd and April 7th.

Fabulous concert on October 21st

Thank you to all the performers last Sunday and to the listeners who came along to enjoy the music. We enjoyed virtuosic music for flute and piano; a Haydn piano sonata and a Brahms Intermezzo; duos for viola and cello followed by some lush pieces for viola and piano by Elgar; a movement from a four-hand piano sonata by Mozart; and to finish two pieces by Schumann for the piano. See the facebook page for some photos: https://www.facebook.com/oxfordshireperformersclub/

More dates for 2019 have now been confirmed: January 20th, March 3rd and April 7th. You are welcome to sign up for a slot at any time.

Additional concert date this year: December 9th

Anyone wanting to perform at our final 2018 concert do get in touch to book a slot. There are also still a couple of spaces for performers at next Sunday’s concert on the 21st October (3pm, Charlbury Memorial Hall), and everyone is always welcome just to come and listen if you aren’t ready yet to get up on your hind legs.

September concert a triumph

The concerts get better and better! September 9th was a triumph with what was almost a little Bach-fest: three pianists offering pieces by The Master. A big round of applause must go to our learner of the month, a very new violinist working to his Grade 1. Well done for standing up and playing. Despite losing his cellist duo partner, our visiting viola player insisted on going ahead, and performed some charming solo exercises. To round off we had Scriabin for the piano, some lighter music for clarinet and piano, and a Grainger piano duet. Here’s looking forward to the next one which is already filling up.

September 9th, next concert, 3pm at Charlbury Memorial Hall

Five acts already booked (eight performers) including delights such as Mozart duets for viola and cello, light pieces for piano and saxophone, a Bach duetto from the Klavierubung and a four-hand piano duet by Grainger. Just trying to decide on the cake. As it’s autumn, perhaps a plum-nut streusel cake would be appropriate. All are welcome, whether performing or not.

July 15th – new venue: Charlbury Memorial Hall

This concert will be held at Charlbury Memorial Hall which has a very lovely, recently installed Grotrian Steinveg grand piano. The Hall is on Market Street, a one-way street that takes you past the Co-op store on the approach to the Hall. We recommend you turn right just before the Co-op and park in the free car park, which is only 1 minute away from the Hall. There is also parking on the streets of Charlbury but this is quite limited.