Algarveans were granted a rare music treat the week after Easter, when three world class musicians gave three different chamber music recitals. The events were produced under the auspices of the Associação de Amigos de Música de São Lourenço.
Tim Hugh, principal cellist with the London Symphony Orchestra, Jack Liebeck, featured violin soloist with many of Europe’s top orchestras, and the distinguished pianist Christopher Ross, were the protagonists. They were at the very top of their form, thrilling a total of over 300 music lovers during their week long festival. Jack’s priceless 1785 Guadagnini violin enhanced his outstanding contribution.
On the opening night, the trio played two major works – Kodály’s duo for Violin & Cello Op 7 and Ravel’s sonata for violin and cello – and, of course, several other lesser pieces, including encores, at the Capela des Artes in Alcantarilha. The recitals on April 14 and 16 were at the Centro Cultural de São Lourenço in Almancil and featured major chamber works by Beethoven (sonata No 5 Op 24 and Trio Op 1 No 1), Debussy (cello sonata), Mendelssohn (piano trio Op 49), Prokofiev (5 Melodies) and Dvorák (Trio Op 90).
Music making of this calibre in the Algarve is rare indeed, and the trio’s audiences greeted their efforts with sustained and heart-felt applause for the enrichment that only the greatest music can bring.
The Amigos de Música is the Algarve’s principle group for serious music lovers and has succeeded in bringing a large number of Europe’s better musicians to the Algarve. Although there is a waiting list for entry, information about the Associação may be obtained from Helga Hampton – e-mail: [email protected]
