RGS WORCESTER HOSTS PRESTIGIOUS WORLD MUSICAL PREMIERE

17 Aug 2016

A concert to commemorate the First World War, featuring a world premiere of the song-cycle by nationally acclaimed composer Ian Venables, took place at RGS Worcester on Thursday 30 June 2016 – the Eve of the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

The song-cycle ‘Through These Pale Cold Days’, which touches on the universality of loss, love and personal identity, was performed by professional musicians Nick Pritchard (tenor), Benjamin Frith, (piano) and Louise Williams (viola).

Ian Venables, who lives in Worcester and was formerly a teacher at RGS, studied Music with Richard Arnell at Trinity College of Music, London and later with John Joubert, Andrew Downes and John Mayer at the Birmingham Conservatoire.

Described as ‘Britain’s greatest living composer of art song’ (Musical Opinion) and ‘a song composer as fine as Finzi and Gurney’ (BBC Music Magazine), Ian Venables has written over 60 works in this genre, including eight song-cycles.

Headmaster at RGS Worcester commented:

“We are extremely privileged to be hosting the premiere of such an important piece of musical work by a local composer who has made a name on the national stage.  It is a fantastic opportunity for our Senior String Group to perform along side some of the country’s finest musical talent and supports our goal to inspire our pupils to achieve the highest levels of musical success.”

The RGS Senior String Group also performed Mozart Symphony No25 (Excerpt) and Piazzola (Oblivion).

The guest speaker for the evening was Mike Stone, a former pupil and past President of the AOOEs.  Mike has recently been awarded the Legion D’Honneur for his part in the Second World War.