Our final 2 concerts for 2026 showcase Saint Saens septet for trumpet, piano and string quartet, and a new piece specially written by Tasmanian composer Tim Jones for the same forces. They will be performed by a stunning septet featuring Yoram Levy (Trumpet), Berta Brozgul (Piano), Christopher Nicholas (Violin), Margaret Connolly (Violin), Damien Holloway (Viola), Gwyn Roberts (Cello)and Adrian Whitehall (Double Bass).

Pictured on the left: Yoram Levy, then clockwise from top left: Berta Brozgul, Damien Holloway, Christopher Nicholas, Adrian Whitehall, Gwyn Roberts and Margaret Connolly.

Program Notes

With thanks to Annick Ansselin and Kettering Concerts for the use of these.

Georges Enescu (1881-1955) - Légende in C

Légende in C was composed by the Romanian composer George Enescu in 1906, as a competition piece for students at the Paris Conservatory. It is dedicated to Professor Merri Franquin, who championed the modern small trumpet (trumpet in C}. The style of Enescu's compositions reflects his Romanian heritage, especially the folk music. He was a prolific composer, producing 5 symphonies, including a chamber symphony for twelve instruments, numerous chamber music works (sonatas, trios, quartets), a piano quintet, and an octet for strings. He made his American debut as a conductor in 1923, and subsequently often visited the USA, conducting many orchestras. In the 1920's he also recorded a number of violin works. Yehudi Menuhin was one of his most famous pupils, who described Enescu as the greatest musician. Enescu also promoted contemporary the works of Romanian composers such as Constantin Silvestri, Mihail Jora, lonel Perlea and MarEian Negreaa.

Tim Jones (1969- ) - Winter from Symphony No. 1 (The River)

Winter Solstice mvt. 4 from Symphony no.1 (The River) arranged for Septet, was composed by Tasmanian composer Tim Jones. It has been in process for 2 years, commissioned by Tim's patrons. Tim says "The work is a slice of 6 months full time labour. The source material and sketches were done in winter 2024, and this arrangement and completion of the wind band version were done in winter 25.

Tim says "It is a meditation on the Derwent River. I can only see the top of it. The weathers interaction with that, physical and visual, became an inspiration. I write tunes at the piano (the melody and chord symbols) this is improvised on a lot, until a sensible form presents itself. It incorporates 3 such melodies, which I arranged to my hearts content. My fun is had transitioning between them. It has cold and still for the most part until a series of storms whip up the preceding spring."

Claude A. Debussy (1862-1918) - String Quartet in G minor, Op. 10 (L.91)

I. Anime et tres decide; II. Assez vif et bien rythme; Ill. Andantino, doucement expressif; IV. Tres modere - En animant peu à peu

Having given up on writing his opera Rodrigue et Chimene, Claude Debussy planned to compose two string quartets instead, only one of which he actually finished, his String Quartet in G minor, Op. 10 (L.91). The quartet was to be dedicated to his then friend, the composer Ernest Chausson, who declined the dedication, as the work did not follow the rules of classical harmony favoured at the time. Indeed, the quartet received a mixed reaction, when it premiered in Paris in December 1893. It is described as being in the Phrygian mode (related to the minor key), and is rather dark and moody. The work is in four movements: I. Anime et tres decide (animated and decisive); II. Assez vif et bien rythme (rather lively and very rhythmical); Ill. Andantino, doucement expressif (moderately fast and softly expressive); IV. Tres modere - En animant peu à peu (moderately intense, gradually becoming more animated and passionate).

Camille Saint-Saens (1835-1921) - Septet in E-flat major, Op. 65

Camille Saint-Saens composed his Septet in E flat major, Op. 65 in 1879-80. It is an unusual work, written for the trumpet, two violins, cello, double bass and piano. It is classified as a "Neoclassical" work, a style popular at the time, which demanded order, balance, clarity, economy and emotional restraint. The focus was on rhythm and counterpoint (two or more melodies sounding "against" each other}, harkening back to the 17th century French dance form. The work was commissioned by the mathematician Emile Lemoine, founder of the chamber music society La Trompéte. The work is in 4 movements: Preambule (prelude); (Menuet; intermede (interlude); Gavotte and finale. The first and last movement have a mix of Baroque and romantic elements, the Menuet has hints of baroque influence, while the interlude is fully romantic. The work was much admired for its most skillful! inclusion of an unusual combination of instruments as well as its musical humour.