Richard Rodney Bennett Work To Premier In London
As recently as February 1st, 2005, we posted a diary entry updating our information on British composer and Delos recording artist, Richard Rodney Bennett.
As his 70th birthday appraoches, Bennett’s career seems to have leaped onto the fast track. Between the 9th of March and the 8th of April 2006, several events in London will celebrate this 70th anniversary and Sir Richard’s stature as composer and performer.
One that sounds especially interesting will be the world premiere on March 9, 2006 at Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, of a piece commissioned on behalf of the Prince of Wales by the Peter Moore Foundation. Dedicated to the memory of recently deceased Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, the composition is called “Reflections on a Scottish Folk Song.” It is scored for solo cello and orchestra and is about one half-hour in length.
Other events during this same time period include a March 28 Wigmore Hall, London, program entitled “A Richard Rodney Bennett Songbook.” (This is one day before his actual birthday.) With longtime friends and musical partners joining him, Sir Richard will undoubtedly regale an enraptured audience with his songs, both popular and serious.
Finally on April 8 two concerts, one at St. Giles Cripplegate, London, and the other at Barbican Hall, will present a survey of Bennett’s symphonic and choral works. These will include the world premiere of a new work for chorus and orchestra and will involve an impressive cast of performers, among them the BBC Singers, BBC Symphony Chorus and Symphony Orchestra, plus a number of soloists.
It’s evident that having reached the age of 70 Richard Rodney Bennett does not intend to rest on his laurels.
Happy Birthday to a distinguished artist and colleague!
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