Quercus fine tuning local talent this weekend

Local young musicians in Derry-Londonderry will this weekend take part in a special series of performance workshops marking the centenary of the well loved composer Benjamin Britten.
Members of the Quercus EnsembleMembers of the Quercus Ensemble
Members of the Quercus Ensemble

Quercus Ensemble are returning to the city to coach young aspiring string players as part of the UK City of Culture’s Music Promise programme, before staging a special performance of one of Britten’s early masterpieces ‘Simple Symphony’ taking place on Sunday November 24.

The concert, titled Inspire - Aspire, is supported by the University of Ulster and will take place at the Great Hall at Magee, where the young local talents will get the chance to perform alongside internationally acclaimed professional chamber musicians.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The final concert will feature the newly formed Quercus Youth Strings, Benyounes Quartet and Prima Quartet as well as rising stars Fiachra Garvey (Piano), Eimear McGeown (Flute) and Jessie Grimes (Clarinet).

They will join together to perform the Britten with Quercus Ensemble to an audience of families, friends and the general public. In the second half of the concert the youth players will have the chance to listen to the Benyounes Quartet and Prima Quartet deliver a magical performance of Mendelssohn’s Octet, composed when he was just 16 - the average age of the youth orchestra.

This week Quercus have also been out and about in local primary schools introducing over 200 children to rhythm, pitch and stringed instruments through a series of fun introductions and quirky instrumental pieces.

Quercus member Kim Vaughn said. “We’re very excited to be back in Derry as part of the UK City of Culture celebrations and to work closely with the Music Promise to deliver our project Inspire ~ Aspire.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Over the course of the week we’ve been bringing live classical music experiences to young people across the city. We explored Ravel’s atmospheric and colourful string quartet with primary school children and were thrilled to work with them as they participated with such enthusiasm and imagination. We are looking forward to delving into Britten’s Simple Symphony with the newly formed Quercus Youth Strings and to sharing this exuberant, youthful work with the public at our concert on Sunday.”

Inspire - Aspire will take place in the Great Hall at Magee at 6pm on Sunday, all are welcome and admission is free. You might also catch Benyounes Quartet & Prima Quartet performing together in a secret location in the city on Saturday evening.

For more information about the event go to www.quercusensemble.com.