JOHN SUCHET PRESENTS AN EVENING DEVOTED TO EXPLORING THE GLORIOUS WALTZES, POLKAS & MARCHES OF THE STRAUSS FAMILY
David Murphy conducts Sinfonia Verdi in these Viennese favourites with vocal improvisations from Hindustani Classical Vocalist Meeta Pandit
Saturday 4 November, 7.30pm, Cadogan Hall
Few families have had such emotionally charged, dramatic and tumultuous lives as the Strauss family. In the hands of John Suchet these are brought to life with verve, humour and passion as he narrates the stories behind their most loved masterpieces.
Suchet is one of the UK’s favourite personalities, famed for his television work, his Classic FM programme and his many books that have introduced millions to the world of classical music. His love and knowledge of the Viennese classics is evident in his best-selling book ‘The Last Waltz: The Strauss Dynasty and Vienna.’
The Reflected series of concerts will bring together John Suchet and David Murphy in examining the live and work of great composers. For this inaugural concert, the Bagri Foundation have invited two prominent musicians from the Indian sub-continent, vocalist Meeta Pandit and tabla player Hiren Chate, to share the stage with the orchestra so that they can give improvised responses to what they’ve just heard. Such dialogue between them and the orchestra gives audiences a unique opportunity to hear such familiar music refracted through the prism of Indian music thus giving them an appreciation of the emotions and beauty of Indian musicianship.
Commented John Suchet:
“The music of the Strauss family has universal appeal. Their waltzes, polkas and marches are known the world over. To be combining their music with the traditions of Indian classical music is an entirely new experience for me, and a truly exciting one. I am sure the Strausses themselves would be thrilled to see their music so universally loved.”
David Murphy said:
“I’m so excited to be conducting this concert! The great traditions of Indian and Western music flow from the same source – pure, beautiful sound. This performance unites the sublime music of the Strauss family with a dramatic unfolding of their lives and inner worlds through John Suchet’s masterful storytelling and Meeta Pandit’s inspirational improvisations. We are so grateful to the Bagri Foundation for inspiring and making possible this very special evening.”
Dr Alka Bagri, Trustee of the Bagri Foundation said:
“The Bagri Foundation is delighted to present this unique concert, which celebrates the classical musical traditions of India and the West in this year of UK-India cultural exchange. We wanted to bring to life the fascinating emotional journey of the Strauss family and provide a context for understanding their music. We hope to captivate audiences in this special evening; as Sinfonia Verdi perform some of the Strauss dynasty’s most famous scores, Meeta will reflect the composers’ inner turmoil as described by the charming John Suchet.”
The Bagri Foundation’s most recent venture with David Murphy was the co-production with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Opera House and The Curve in presenting the first ever performances of Ravi Shankar’s only opera Sukanya which received incredible reviews and sold-out audiences on its UK tour earlier this year.
For further information please contact Simon Millward at Albion Media, simon@albion-media.com, 07990-507-310.
Editor’s Notes
Ticket information: £35, £28, £20 & £10 with student discounts available. Cadogan Hall box office: 020-7730-4500. www.cadoganhall.com
John Suchet
John Suchet is the voice of morning radio on Classic FM for which he’s been twice honoured at the New York Festivals International Radio Programme Awards in 2014, and the Association for International Broadcasting Awards in 2013.
Before joining Classic FM, John was best known as one of the country’s most popular television reporters and newscasters. As a reporter for ITN, he covered major events around the world, including the Iran Revolution, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and the Philippines Revolution. He then became a newscaster for ITN, presenting all major bulletins including News at Ten.
John has been honoured in both roles. He was Television Reporter of the Year in 1986 and Television Newscaster of the Year in 1996. In 2008 the Royal Television Society accorded him its highest accolade, the Lifetime Achievement Award.
David Murphy
David Murphy’s pioneering musicianship has resulted in many landmark world premiere performances. These include Ravi Shankar’s opera Sukanya, in a joint production with the Royal Opera House and London Philharmonic Orchestra, which was supported by Arts Council England and the Bagri Foundation. David’s work takes him to the world’s finest orchestras including the London Philharmonic, Philharmonia, Royal Philharmonic, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Residentie Orkest, Britten Sinfonia and the London Sinfonietta.
Meeta Pandit
Meeta Pandit is an acclaimed Hindustani Classical vocalist who belongs to the Gwalior Gharana (School of Music). Granddaughter and disciple of Pt Krishna Rao Shankar Pandit, and daughter of Laxman Krishnarao Pandit, she is the sixth in the unbroken lineage. Her voice, both melodious and robust, whose vocal range stretches over three octaves, and her beautiful raga handling have won her critical acclaim and awards.
The Bagri Foundation
The Bagri Foundation is a UK registered charity working in the fields of education, relief work and culture. Through a multidisciplinary events programme, the Foundation aims to foster understanding of Asian cultures, artistic exchanges and enriching experiences. The Foundation believes in the power of collaboration and works with leading organisations, scholars and artists to encourage critical thinking, disseminate knowledge and offer platforms for creativity to blossom.
Complete repertoire for the concert:
Johann Strauss I
Beliebte Annen-Polka
Johann Strauss II
Gunstwerber
Josef Strauss
Sphärenklänge
Johann Strauss II
Tritsch Tratsch Polka; Overture Die Fledermaus; Emperor Waltz
Eduard Strauss
Elektrisch Polka
Johann Strauss II
Blue Danube
Johann Strauss I
Radetzky March
