“Sprites. Fairies. Bring some magic dust.” (From The Glasshouse website). That is exactly how I remember this play. As a child I had some strange interests. My parents gave me a copy of the complete works of Shakespeare when I was very. I soon became fascinated by the book and this particular tale of actors like Oberon, Titania and Puck. Today, some 60 years later, I remember little of their adventures, but I still retain a sense of magic about the ancient tale. So it was with some childhood memories, which I carried along with me, to this concert.
I know, this is hardly vintage rock, but it was a memorable experience and one which I felt worthy of inclusion on my blog. The Glasshouse website continued: “It wouldn’t be a season-opening concert without our very own Royal Northern Sinfonia, Chorus and Principal Conductor Dinis Sousa. They’re joined by special guest, pianist Kristian Bezuidenhout, who returns after his incredible BBC Prom with us last summer, and two superb Samling singers making their debut performances with us, Charlotte Bowden and Jessica Cale. Be whisked away into the wondrous world of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with Mendelssohn’s very own musical version of it, plus Mozart’s serene Piano Concerto No.21.”
The cast included: Dinis Sousa conductor; Kristian Bezuidenhout piano; Charlotte Bowden and Jessica Cale soprano; Alexander Knox narrator; Tim Burke chorus director and the rest of the Royal Northern Sinfonia. I went along out of curiosity and because, as a friend of The Glasshouse I was invited to see the performance and partake in preshow drinks. How could I resist? It would be rude to decline this tempting invitation.
The website continued: “First up you’ll hear the serene sounds of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21, in which the delicate fragility of the central movement (made famous by the film Elvira Madigan) contrasts with an ending that is entirely devoted to fun. Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream incorporates text from the play and transports you to the mischievous, entrancing and beguiling world of Shakespeare’s play.”
“Addicted to Mozart Kristian Bezuidenhout confessed to falling in love with the music of Mozart after watching the 1984 film Amadeus, portraying the life and sometimes raucous times of the composer. He went on to create an album of the complete keyboard works of Mozart. You can hear him talking about his passion here.”
As I have said above, this was a new experience for me. It is very rare that I witness an orchestral performance. Having said that, the juxtaposition of Shakespeare, a Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the Royal Northern Symphony Orchestra intrigued me. I really enjoyed the concert and was pleased that I went along. I may well go to similar performances in the future. Many thanks to The Glasshouse for inviting me along.
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