The pre-concert talks are aimed at the interested lay person rather than the specialist musician. Admission is free and there is no need to book in advance - if large numbers attend, the talk will be given in the Auditorium rather than the Bar at Square Chapel. The performers on the evening in question will be invited - and encouraged - to attend and participate in the talks and to provide musical illustrations where appropriate.
This year, the speakers will focus on the use of Sonata Form in pieces to be performed at the Festival, with particular reference to Haydn's Quartet op. 33 no. 1, Mozart's Divertimento in E flat K 563, Beethoven's Trio in D op. 70 no. 1 ('Ghost') and Mendelssohn's Octet. It is hoped that this comparative view of the very different ways in which 3 great composers of the Classical period, and one of the Romantic period, approach Sonata Form will be of particular interest to 'A' and 'AS' level Music students and their teachers. (Schools and colleges of further education in Calderdale, Kirklees and Bradford will receive targeted mailings with full details of the pre-concert talks and the £1 student seat scheme.)
The speakers are all experienced teachers and have an easy, informal style of delivery and an ability to convey complex ideas in a clear and straightforward way; they are also more than happy to answer questions.
There are 5 pre-concert talks (Mon-Fri during the Festival week) as follows:
Roger Scaife (Huddersfield New College) speaks to members of the Sonoré Brass about playing as a brass quintet - choosing repertoire, arranging, commissioning, constructing a full-length programme etc.
Professor Douglas Jarman (Royal Northern College of Music) talks about Haydn's Quartet in B minor op. 33 no. 1.
Roger Scaife (Huddersfield New College) talks about Mozart's Divertimento in E flat K 563.
Dr Kris Worsley (University of Manchester) talks about Beethoven's Piano Trio in D op. 70 no. 1 ('Ghost').
Dr Nick Baragwanath (Royal Northern College of Music) talks about Mendelssohn's Octet in E flat.