classical Archives

NPL Musical Society

On Friday the 18th November, I was invited to a lunch time concert in the National Physic Laboratory Science Museum to be given by Gisela Meyer, the concert had as its theme ‘Night Pieces’ and consisted of pieces by four composers/artists:

John Field (1782-1837)
- Nocturne in Bb major – Cantible
- Nocturne in A major – Poco Adagio
Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936)
- Notturno – Lento
Romeo Wecks (1994)
- Nachstuck I
- Nachstuck II
- Nachstuck III
Marice Ravel (1898-1937)
- Gaspard de la nuit
  - ON
  - Ondine
  - Le gibet
  - Scarbo

As mentioned the concert is held in the NPL in the Scientific Museum, which is a former hunting lodge and one time home of William, Duke of Clarence (later King William IV) with views across Bushy Park.

The setting is spectacular, but like all government buildings is in need to some TLC (Tender Loving Care). I was advised that the maintenance contract is coming up for renewal, which may explain why it appears so tired and dilapidated. From looking around the outside territory of the building and the building sitting behind it to the right, it would not surprise me if it was to end up as development territory into very well appointed apartments easily within the million pound bracket or more because of the location and proximity to London!

Now returning to the concert and Ms Meyer; I think everyone enjoyed the range of items performed, though for me the highlight was Gaspard de la nuit by Ravel. I have attempted to find a video of Ms Meyer playing, but nothing turned up during my searches, so here instead you have pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet playing:

Ms Meyer was born in Frankfurt am Main, Germany where she undertook her undergraduate studies (Piano with side subject Cello) and her postgraduate diploma (Piano solo) in Weimar, Gisela obtained a MMus in Accompaniment at the Guildhall School for Music and Drama.

The four pieces are different but similar in that they in the main allowed you to drift away slowly loosing yourself in the music, and does Ms Meyer who is wonderfully accomplished, but almost seems dwarfed by the grand piano, which she plays with total command.

If you are interested in classical music, and have the time, and are in Teddington then I would definitely recommend getting in touch with the NPL Musical Society organisers by contacting Frances Wilson on info@franceswilson.co.uk

Hiding in Plain Sight - LGSO - London Gay Symphony Orchestra

Hiding in Plain Sight – Queer people in NornIrl are used to (locally) powerful elements, namely the now-largest political party, the DUP DUP

(Democratic Unionist Party) and the Free Presbyterian Church, both constructed by the late Dr. Ian Paisley, being resolutely opposed to, in essence, any rights for LGBTs. The situation in other places, particularly other parts of the ‘Anglosphere’ can can appear wreathed in a pinko-lavender glow. We are cosily slotting into British, especially London society, it seems.

How odd, then, was it to read and hear of the puzzlement on the foot of the BBC Proms recent ‘outreach’ to amateur LGSO

orchestras. (Most such bands are not ‘amateur’ in the strict sense of the word, being made up partly of professional musicians who teach or are ‘session’ musicians in recording studios,or are simply retired or bringing up families).

The puzzlement was caused by the LGSO (London Gay Symphony Orchestra), even liberal[ish] blatts were, on the face if things, taken aback. The blatts seemed not to have been aware of the LGSO’s existence, including the journos who should HAVE KNOWN – LIKE THE ONES WHO DIDN’T TURN OUT WHEN IT was working with the USA choirs. Even the local blatts, and the (two) in Islington are professional and consceintiously ‘local’ – and have Lefty histories, they were started by Communist Party people who left after Prague in 1968. A substantial number of them didn’t want to simply dissolve into their surroundings. That was by an organisation founded on May 1996, that has 150+ members, and gives a minimum of four concerts per annum, usually given in the C of E church Saint Sepulcre, Holborn Viaduct- the up-coming autumn one is billed for St. S’s.usually in a church on the border of Islington and the City of London. It first rehearsed and gave concerts in the Drill Hall a Gay-oriented arts centre, since closed down due to ‘austerity’.

With a bit o’luck the LGSO (there’s a similar band in Birmingham) will get ‘picked on’ by the Beeb and show their stuff. They really ought to make records, some major bands in London, and similar large cities sell recordings of the concerts audiences have just sat through. The LGSO filled the Royal Festival Hallsome years ago accompanying LGBT choirs from Europe and the USA. Thus it isn’t unused to critical audiences – though the critics in the ‘straight’ press ignored the event, even though it was given on behalf of two charities.

Further links:

Hiding in Plain Sight - LGSO

Gisela Meyer at the NPL Musical Society

HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT? – LGSO