Thursday 5 May 2011

Adam Pounds: Notes and News

I recently reviewed Adam Pounds new CD ‘Resurrection’ on these pages. The composer has told me that it has been has been well received and that he is now planning a new recording of smaller – scale works which is planned for release next year.

He has given me notice of two important concerts in June that will feature his music. On the 11th (7.30pm), he will be conducting the Academy of Great St. Mary’s at the University Church, Cambridge in a performance of the Enigma Variations by Elgar and the programme will also include the first performance of his Norfolk Seascape. This is a rhapsody for solo flute and orchestra which the composer wrote for his wife, Dinah, who will be the soloist. Pounds told me that ‘like most of my music, the piece is programmatic and the opening represents the coast at Thornham in its tranquillity and timeless beauty. This is one of our favourite places.’

Thornham, for the curious, is a few miles east of Hunstanton on the North Norfolk Coast. There will be a second performance of the work on the 25th June at the Emmanuel United Reformed Church, Trumpington Street, Cambridge (7.30pm) when he will be conducting a concert that will include two choral pieces by Vaughan Williams – the Serenade To Music and Toward The Unknown Region.

Finally, hot off the press: Adam Pound has just finished composing a piece for voice, flute, viola, piano and percussion. The composition is called Time and sets words by Blake, Shakespeare and Shelley. This will be performed on July 14th (7.30pm) in Michaelhouse, Trinity Street, Cambridge. The evening will also feature other music and poetry readings on the subject of ‘time’.

Adam Pounds is not only a composer, but also a busy conductor. He is currently planning for the new season of music performed by Academy of Great St. Mary’s when he will be conducting some great music including the magnificent Concerto for Orchestra by Bartok.

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