This month’s Intimate Classics in the City chamber music concert was a fabulous finale to end the season. Hull born cellist behind the series Thomas Bertolotti, recently awarded a Masters from the Royal Academy of Music and making waves internationally teamed up with English guitarist Merlin Miller, currently studying at the Royal Academy to treat us to a wonderfully eclectic concert of solos and duos.
Tom and Merlin’s stylish playing created the most evocative sounds. Textures and dynamics flowed from Tavener’s anguished lament, Bach’s rhythmic toccata and Piatti’s most remarkable Caprice building to a stunning final frenzy.
Local heroes this month were The Albemarle Clarinet Quartet, I loved their performance and choice of piece by Respighi.
What a wonderful series this has been, stunning performances all round by international musicians in the beautiful setting of Hull’s oldest parish church – St Mary’s, Lowgate. It has been a joy in many ways. Stunning performances at every concert, each month showcasing an up and coming young musician or group, giving them the chance to play on the same bill as the world class guest musicians to a great audience. The concerts have been free of charge with a retiring collection for the church restoration fund, and held in the early evening with the aim of making them available and accessible to all including those who may not normally go to classical concerts. Following an exuberant round of applause at the end of the concert Intimate Classics Patron and Hull Philharmonic Orchestra’s conductor and Director, Andrew Penny MBE closed the evening with a few words. He revealed that Intimate Classics in the City has raised over £2000 for the church fund. What a terrific outcome all round, thanks to Tom and Intimate Classics for a marvellous series.
Rich took this gallery of photographs, just click on an image to see the full picture and scroll through…
Programme
Merlin Miller and Thomas Bertolotti solos and duos:
Gibbons – Work transcribed for Guitar
Tavener – Threnos
J.S Bach – from Partita No.6 in E Minor, BWV 830 Toccata
Piatti – Caprice No. 3
Gnattali – Sonata for guitar and cello
Janacek – Trois pieces
Assad – Jobiniana No. 4
Albemarle Clarinet Quartet – Respighi
Rich, Lou and Dexter Duffy-Howard
Photographs © Rich Duffy-Howard
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