Featuring a programme of works by Ireland, Farr, Bernstein and Weber, the Brixton Unitarians’ Concert Series held their first concert of their Winter 23′ series, with a recital from acclaimed London-based clarinet and piano duo, Kenny Keppel and Evi Wang. Ahead of an exciting season of concerts, it was lovely to welcome back many friends, as well as many new faces to the Concert Series.
We held the first concert of our Winter 23′ series on 24th September 2023 welcoming Kenny and Evi, two superb artists that we were very much gifted to have performing for us.
Lauded for his “raw energy”, “remarkable sensitivity” and “agile poetry”, New Zealand-born clarinetist Kenny Keppel currently holds the position of Solo Clarinet in the Arctic Philharmonic in northern Norway. He has also performed in principal roles with the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, London Symphony Orchestra, The Hallé Orchestra, Orchestre National de Lille, Bergen Philharmonic, Turku Philharmonic and Auckland Philharmonia.
Swedish pianist Evi Wang, known for her “symphonic playing” and “mature and powerful interpretation”, is beginning her Artist Diploma studies at Trinity Laban Conservatoire this year. As an active contemporary and collaborative pianist, Evi has made appearances at Wigmore Hall in London, Stoller Hall and Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, and has collaborated with Manchester Camerata, Psappha Ensemble, and Arctic Philharmonic.
Performing John Ireland’s Fantasy-Sonata, Gareth Farr’s Waipoua, Leonard Bernstein Sonata and Carl Maria von Weber’s Grand Duo Concertant, Kenny eloquently introduced us to some of these staples of the clarinet and piano repertory, as well as captivating us, introducing us to New Zealand contemporary composer Gareth Farr’s lesser-known Waipoua.
These concerts start at 12:15pm, and last approximately one hour and are timed to be convenient for those who have attended our service that morning and for the many now coming-in from further afield. They showcase recognised emerging talent, are an education and a delight, and have become another important part of our spiritual practice.
Our tradition of welcoming new and emerging artists continues to be at the heart of our ethos, with artists having been represented from all of London’s major conservatoires and academic music institutions, either in both attendance and or in performance.
Our next concert looks forward to welcoming Trinity Laban-based flute and classical guitar duo, The Heliconia Duo, performing on 29th October 2023. Catriona Bourne and Julia Seibert look forward to presenting an eclectic programme of classical and folk works from around the world, featuring music by Bartok, Giuliani, Piazzolla and many more.
Tickets are modestly priced at £12, or £6 for student/concession tickets, both including complementary drinks, snacks and light refreshment post-concert. We look forward to welcoming you to our next concert!
Online booking is now open via the Series’s Eventbrite page at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/brixton-unitarian-church-50317251353