The King’s Singers: The world-famous vocal sextet

The King’s Singers were founded in 1968 by six choral scholars who had recently graduated from King’s College Cambridge. Their vocal line-up was (by chance) two countertenors, a tenor, two baritones and a bass, and the group has never wavered from this formation. The King’s Singers have been celebrating their golden anniversary, which acknowledges their amazing musical heritage, as well as the bright future of vocal music in all its forms as they move into the next 50 years. This event includes a 20 minute interval.

This event is organised by the Guernsey Literary Festival.

The National Youth Harp Orchestra is Europe’s premiere harp ensemble. Comprising of 30 of the most talented young harpists from all over the UK they have wowed audiences across the globe. As well as performing at landmark venues such as Windsor Castle and Cadogan Hall in London, they have also travelled extensively across Europe and America. A particular highlight was performing for the Clinton Family at the British Embassy in Washington DC.
Come and experience the amazing sight and sound of this dynamic and engaging Orchestra. With their natural enthusiasm and passion for the harp, you will be treated to a captivating performance of the highest standard. The concert is suitable for all family members.

This year we are delighted that Tom Hicks is returning to Guernsey to play one of the masterpieces of the piano repertoire, the well-loved and extremely challenging second concerto by Johannes Brahms. The concert begins with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8, which was begun in the summer of 1812, immediately after the completion of the 7th symphony. Beethoven was forty-one and completely deaf by then. He completed it in four months, and was very fond of it, calling it his ‘little symphony’. Once again the Sinfonia will be conducted by Roger Coull and the orchestra will be made up from some of the many talented young musicians playing in the island, with a bit of help from some of our more senior island players, and of course our professional friends.

Conductor Roger Coull

Soloist Tom Hicks

Leader Philip Gallaway

Beethoven Symphony No.8 Op.93, F Major

Brahms Piano Concerto No.2 Op, 83, B-Flat major (Soloist Tom Hicks)

Kindly sponsored by BWCI

Since winning BBC Young Musician in her home city of Birmingham, Lauren has been invited to perform at the BBC Proms with the BBC Concert Orchestra, Proms in the Park with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and is in demand as soloist throughout the UK and internationally.

At the age of 16, Lauren Zhang won the 2018 BBC Young Musician Competition. Lauren’s performance of Prokofiev’s Second Piano Concerto with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra conducted by Mark Wigglesworth was broadcast live on BBC4 and BBC Radio 3 to widespread acclaim. Following her success in the competition, Lauren will make her BBC Proms debut at the Royal Albert Hall this summer. She is in demand as a soloist throughout the UK and further afield.

Programme:

BEETHOVEN: Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major, Op.101

BRAHMS: Variations on a theme of Paganini, Op.35 (Books 1 & 2)

Interval

CHOPIN: Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise, Op.22

RAVEL: La Valse

RAVEL: Gaspard de la nuit (complete)

Following on from a successful first convention in February, DonkeyCon v1.5 sees St James converted into a one day video and board game festival. Featuring free try outs, on the day competitions and full scale tournaments, there will be lots to see and do.

From 10am all ages are welcome to come and have a look around, try out new games, compete in on-the day challenges for cash prizes and have some fun in the Just Games Lounge.

From 6pm DonkeyCon Dark starts and unfortunately we have to ask our younger attendees to leave (no under 16’s) so that non PG games can be used in try outs and tournaments.

FOX OPEN ART COMPETITION now only open to artists in Guernsey and it’s Bailiwick. Entrants can enter up to two works for the opportunity of winning a cash prize of £1000 in the adult category and to have your work exhibited in Guernsey. The Jock Russell Award (for 12-18 year olds) offers a prize of £500. This year’s judge is Flora McLachlan whose etchings and paintings have an unforgettable presence, infused with a haunting sense of poetry.
Works can include paintings, drawings, original prints and textiles as well as mixed media. Full details on entry form available from St James (also by email), schools and art galleries.
A selection of works will be on view at St James during building opening hours. Preview on Tuesday 17 September 5:30pm – 6:45pm. All welcome.