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Since its founding in the 1960s, the London Sinfonietta has been renowned for interpreting contemporary music not only in the United Kingdom but all over the world. As early as 2012, the London Sinfonietta made its debut at the BMF performing works by George Benjamin and Qigang Chen. This concert marks a reunion after 11 years, and in marking this happy occasion, young Chinese violinist Lin Ruifeng joins Sinfonieta musicians in performing a special contemporary work, launching a new chapter as the BMF welcomes the younger generation—members of the avant-garde—on stage.
This program focuses on contemporary chamber compositions featuring strings and woodwinds. In 2004, Thomas Adès collaborated with playwright Meredith Oakes in the opera The Tempest based on Shakespeare’s play. Since its successful world premiere, the composer adapted six musical excerpts associated with the Naples court. The resulting work for clarinet,violin, cello and piano is entitled Court Studies, each movement a veritable fun-filled character piece. Tansy Davies’s Grind Show was inspired by scenes referencing Goya’s painting The St. Isidore Pilgrimage. Apart from strings and woodwind, added electronic effects conjure a bizarre sound world Penderecki’s Clarinet Quartet is considered a contemporary masterpiece inspired by Schubert’s final String Quintet, paying homage to its creative spirit. In the concert’s second half, Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time offers an unforgettable journey coming face to face with the end of life, a masterwork challenging not only the technical prowess but also the humanity and musicality of the players.

Track:
Claude Debussy: Syrinx, for Solo Flute, L. 129
Tansy Davies: Grind Show
Thomas Adès: Court Studies
Chou Wen Chung: movement II from String Quartet no.2, "Zhaohun"
Krzysztof Penderecki: Clarinet Quartet

—Intermission—

Olivier Messiaen: The Quartet for the End of Time

Artist/Group:
Ruifeng Lin, guest violinist
London Sinfonietta