Talented violinist returns as soloist for Alderley Edge Orchestra concert

The Alderley Edge Orchestra is very pleased have leader, Shahla Armitage, once more take the soloist's platform to play the Saint-Saens Violin Concerto No 3. Shahla delighted audiences in March 14 when she played Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending to a packed house.

Shahla was born in Baghdad and started playing the violin at an early age. She studied violin and piano under Russian tutors at the Music and Ballet School and later through a scholarship at the Mendelssohn Hochschule in Leipzig. After graduation she joined the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra. Shahla has performed in many countries in the Middle East, Russia and Eastern Europe.

Since settling in the UK in 1997 she has played with a number of local orchestras including Wilmslow and Stockport Symphony Orchestras, performing many concerts and giving a number of recitals.

Shahla says: "I've always wanted to play the Saint Saens 3rd Violin Concerto so I was delighted to be asked to perform it with Alderley Edge Orchestra. It is very challenging technically and also has some lovely, memorable tunes.

"Playing a solo is quite different from my normal role as Leader and I feel greatly encouraged to have been asked again."

The conductor for this concert is Richard Howarth who has been president of the Alderley Edge Orchestra for many years. Richard, former leader of the Manchester Camerata, has had a distinguished career as a violinist, leading and directing orchestras for over thirty years. He brings to conducting a wealth of experience and energy to inspire both musicians and audiences.

Richard comments: "I'm excited that the next concert mixes three distinctly different styles of music: Saint-Saens' flamboyant Violin Concerto No3 and music by Ravel and Beethoven. The lush smooth sounds of Ravel's Mother Goose contrast with the angular, biting nature of the 4th Symphony by Beethoven."

Ravel originally wrote Ma mère l'Oye (Mother Goose) as a piano duet for the Godebski children, Mimi and Jean, ages 6 and 7. He dedicated this work for four hands to the children. Ravel orchestrated the five-piece suite, and in this form it is most frequently heard today.

The concert will take place at 7.30pm on Saturday May 21st in the Methodist Church in Alderley Edge. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £1 for under eighteens. Tickets will be available on the door or can be bought in advance through the website or on the ticket hotline 01625 581321 or 07813 075119.

Do visit our website to hear a preview of the music to be played at the concert and for general news and information about the orchestra.

Photos: Shahla Armitage and Richard Howarth.

Guest post by Helen Hall.

Tags:
Alderley Edge Orchestra
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement