Savernake Ensemble Local Classics

Introducing the Savernake Ensemble

Tamasin Coates – violin; Alice Simmons – mezzo-soprano; Kevin Bates – piano.

 

This lively trio first performed together in 2016 at a classical recital in Holy Cross. Alice Simmons met Kevin Bates via Bella Voce, Tam Coates teaches violin and cello locally which is how she met Alice, and Tam and Kevin worked together on Ravensbury Players’ “Oliver!” Kevin is a regular organist and pianist for Holy Cross and Bella Voce. Violinist Tamasin studied at the Junior Royal College of Music whilst she was at St John’s school and subsequently played in the Cambridge University Symphony and Chamber Orchestras and is a experienced recitalist. Alice performs in concerts in a variety of genres, from oratorio, opera and early music to jazz and folk, and also sings with Avebury Vocal Ensemble.

The Savernake Ensemble’s performance in the summer concert for Axford Open Gardens 2017 was so well received that they arranged a full Christmas concert later that year. They rehearse in both Ramsbury and Axford, at their homes or in concert venues, and perform a wide repertoire, being especially fond of JS Bach’s beautiful works for voice, violin and keyboard instruments. Savernake Ensemble play a range of music from early, baroque and contemporary classical through to more popular genres, sometimes creating their own arrangements. Yes they are available for gigs!

US composer Paul Elwood and Alice met when she was performing in the Tate Modern – Tino Sehgal’s “This is Propaganda” (2002), as part of the New Tate Modern opening season. When Paul asked Alice if she would like him to create a new composition for her to perform,  she was delighted and this suggestion paved the way for the concert on March 17.  The resulting composition, “Raindrips to Rethfernhim”, will be premiered by Alice and Marlborough pianist Clare Toomer at the concert. Paul is a highly accomplished banjo player as well as a composer, and will be performing alongside fellow Kansan and cellist Dr Susan Mayo. Further collaborations are planned to bring a diverse programme of music to lucky local audiences!

The Savernake Ensemble, Paul Elwood and Friends

present

Music from the Baroque to the 21st Century

March 17, 2018 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm, Holy Cross Church, Ramsbury

Supporting Shelter, Young Minds and the Friends of Holy Cross

Licensed Bar. Tickets £10 from Ramsbury Post Office, Midway Stores
or Ian Smith at 27 Oxford Street 07977 473975 oldtiff@hotmail.co.uk

Premiere of Paul Elwood’s “Raindrips to Rethfernhim”

Alice Simmons – mezzo-soprano; Clare Toomer – piano

Music from the Baroque to the 20th Century

Tamasin Coates – violin; Alice Simmons – mezzo-soprano; Kevin Bates – piano

Music for banjo, electronics, voice and strings

Paul Elwood – banjo; Susan Mayo – cello; plus guests