Horsham Music Circle set for 72nd season

Spokeswoman Jill Elsworthy said: “Horsham Music Circle has grown so much, and many of the newcomers are not yet aware of who we are or what we do.

“Horsham Music Circle has been bringing world-class professional musicians to the town over the past 72 years to perform chamber music and solo recitals.

“From its early years the Circle has introduced many of today’s famous names to Horsham at the beginning of their careers.

“These musicians, who went on to achieve star-studded careers include the late Sir Colin Davis, appearing between 1943 and 1955, Jacqueline du Pré, who came in 1960 at age just fifteen, Evelyn Glennie, first appearing in 1986, Julian Lloyd Webber, in 1973 at the age of 22, Steven Osborne, in 1991, and more recently Benjamin Grosvenor, coming in 2006 and 2013.

“Many of these artists made return visits to the Circle concerts including Julian Lloyd Webber in 2012. Add to this well-established artists such as Radu Lupu, the Allegri Quartet, Peter Donohoe, Tasmin Little, Emma Kirkby, Bernard d’Ascoli, Emma Johnson, London Brass and the Nash Ensemble among many more well-known names, the Circle has provided the town with a lavish spread of live music performance.”

Jill added: “Now the current Music Circle’s 72nd Season continues in 2014 with its line-up of more fabulous musicians.

“On February 7 the artist will be Jayson Gillham, a prize-winner from the Leeds International Piano Competition 2012. This is the twelfth prize-winner from this prestigious competition to appear for the Circle. Jayson has achieved world-wide acclaim for his deep natural musicality and phenomenal performances.

“March 15 sees a visit by the fantastic Tivoli Café Band led by the charismatic Italian soprano Alessandra Testai and will have all your favourite tunes, rhythms and musical magic. Dance the night away or just listen to the evocative sounds of the café culture years.

“On April 11 there is a change of artist from the previously-published programme. Percussionist Toby Kearney has been given the opportunity to work with the Philharmonia Orchestra, a chance too good to miss, but it means he is unable to perform for the Circle. He will be replaced by another superb percussionist in Rhys Matthews who will offer a varied programme using marimba, vibraphone and untuned percussion.

“May 17 brings the Music Circle’s 72nd Anniversary concert, which is given by the world renowned Allegri Quartet. The quartet performed for the Circle back in the ’50s and ’60s and return with a sumptuous programme as part of their 60th year tour.”

The February, March and April concerts are at the Drill Hall, Denne Road, and the May concert will be at St. Mark’s Church, North Heath Lane, Horsham, starting at 7.30pm.

All concerts are open to the public and individual tickets are available from the Music Circle direct on 01403 252602, from Horsham Museum (cash or cheques only), 9, Causeway 01403 211661 and online from www.wegottickets.com/HorshamMusicCircle.

Tickets are also available on the door. More information from the web site www.horsham-music-circle.org.uk.