VICTOR HUGO INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

Schedule of Concerts

to mark the bi-centenary

Victor Hugo (1802-1885)

29 September – 6 October 2002

[Sunday & Wednesday]

David Le Page (violin & viola), Matthew Sharp (cello & voice), Graham Instrall (percussion) with Céline Micout (reader)

A compilation of instrumental music and songs interspersed with readings of poetry and prose offering an insight into the life, character and genius of Hugo. The programme has been researched by Guernsey’s David Le Page who has also arranged or composed the music. This first performance will be given in aid of the National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children and presented in Hauteville House by kind permission of the Mayor of Paris before an invited audience on Sunday 29 September at 8.30 pm. The programme will be repeated in a public performance at Notre Dame du Rosaire, Burnt Lane, St Peter Port on Wednesday 2 October at 8.00 pm. Admission by programme £10 on the night – students half-price.

David Le Page made his debut at the BBC Proms as the violinist with the Composer’s Ensemble.

Carey Langlois

Monday 30/9

Ysaye String Quartet

Programme: Haydn Op 77 No 1; Schumann Op 41 No 1; Ravel in F

France’s foremost chamber ensemble was described by Tim Ashley of the Guardian in December last in these terms: The Ysaye String Quartet ranks among the most aristocratic of today’s chamber groups. They combine refinement with delicacy and intellectual rigour with emotional subtlety.

Yorkshire Guernsey Limited

Tuesday 1/10

Jean-Philippe Collard (piano)

Programme : Fauré Nocturnes; Debussy 3 Estamps, Ireland In a May Morning (from Sarnia); Ravel Pavane pour une infante défunte, Gaspard de la nuit.

One of France’s most outstanding musicians, Jean-Philippe Collard has performed throughout the world and with many of the world’s greatest orchestras and conductors. He has made over 50 recordings for EMI many of which have received international awards.

Thursday 3/10

[To be broadcast by BBC Radio 3]

Véronique Gens (soprano) Jean-Philippe Collard (piano)

Programme : songs by Fauré, Berlioz, Hahn & Poulenc. (5 Hugo texts)

Véronique Gens’ latest CD was hailed by Andrew Clements of the Guardian as: Sublime singing from Véronique Gens, who, with every disc she makes, cements her reputation as the leading French soprano of our time. Gens and Collard collaborate together for the first time in this Festival..

Ansbacher Channel Islands

Friday 4/10

[To be broadcast by BBC Radio 3]

The Harp Consort directed by Guernseyman Andrew Lawrence-King

Les Travailleurs de la Mer – Ancient songs from a small Island

Victor Hugo’s presence created a strong focus for the Island’s literary scene, encouraging local poets writing sometimes in French or English but mostly – and most expressively – in their native Norman-French language, Guernésiaise.

The programme, researched by Andrew Lawrence-King and presented by the Harp Consort, is inspired by such poetry, medieval, renaissance and 19^th century. Each poem will be sung to music written (or newly rediscovered) at that period, and in lighter vein, the concert will also include folk music, dance-tunes, singing-games & dance-songs preserved in island or continental Norman traditions.

Lé Coumité d’la Culture Guernésiaise

Saturday 5/10

English Chamber Orchestra conductor Shuntaro Sato

Véronique Gens soprano

Programme: Ravel, Le Tombeau de Couperin; Berlioz , Les nuits d’été; Mozart, Arias : « Non so più cosa son » from The Marriage of Figaro & « Vado, ma dove? Oh Dei!” KV 583; Mozart Symphony No 33 in B flat.

The English Chamber Orchestra is London’s only full time chamber orchestra and a pillar of musical life in the capital. It has performed in more countries than any other orchestra and is one of the most recorded. Véronique Gens is described by Richard Fairman in the FT as ‘… one of the brightest young stars of French musical life’.

Ogier & Le Masurier

Sunday 6/10

11.30 am

ECO Wind Ensemble

Coffee Concert

Programme : Rossini (arr. G. Sheen) Ouverture, The Italian Girl in Algier Damase, Dix-sept variations ; Mozart - Selection of opera extracts ; Bizet, Jeux d’enfants.

Coffee served in the Dorey Centre prior to a lunchtime concert from members of the English Chamber Orchestra to commence at 11.30 am.

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