OPERA North, the Reg Vardy Band and the Northumbrian Ranters are familiar names taking part at this year’s Northumberland Music Festival... but Liquid Architecture?
They are relatively new kids on the block, having formed in 2005, but have built up a healthy fan base with their committed and technically adept performances.
The award-winning ensemble, representing strings, wind and brass, comprises outstanding graduates of some of the country’s leading musical schools who wanted to put their own spin on classic works, champion neglected repertoire and promote new music for mixed ensembles.
Their name was inspired by the German poet Goethe who said: “The best form of architecture is frozen music.” Turning it on its head, they deduced that the best form of music must be liquid architecture.
Their debut also came in 2005 at the Chelsea Schubert Festival when the audience response encouraged them to stick together and carry on.
In 2009, Liquid Architecture performed octets by Howard Ferguson and Mark-Anthony Turnage at the Royal Festival Hall.
Liquid Architecture will perform two concerts at Eshott Hall, Northumberland, on November 12, one at lunchtime and one in the evening, tickets for each including a welcome drink and a meal.
The performers will be Tristan Gurney and Kate Lindon on violin, Carol Ella (viola), Rosalind Acton (cello), Nicola Davenport (bass), John Davy (horn), Stuart Russell (bassoon) and Richard Russell (clarinet).
Works by 20th Century composers Herbert Howells and Jean Francaix will be performed in the first half with the second devoted to Franz Schubert. The 10-day festival is the brainchild of hotelier and music lover Robert Parker and it takes place at his three Northumberland hotels, Doxford Hall, Eshott Hall and Guyzance Hall between November 9 and 18.
The festival, which took place for the first time last year, is supporting HospiceCare North Northumberland, Macmillan Cancer Support and Action Medical Research.
People attending the concert can take advantage of a special rate for B&B if they wish to stay overnight. Details of this and tickets from 01668 283100 or www.nmfestival.com
