Avison Ensemble

Today is the anniversary of Charles Avison's death. Born in 1709, he died of unknown causes on 9th May 1770 in Newcastle.

Although quite a wealthy man at the time of his death, his will specified that he wanted very little money to be spent on his funeral and that he wished to be buried beside his wife at St Andrew's Church, Newcastle upon Tyne, where he was buried near the north porch.

But it's not a day for us to be sad, but rather one to celebrate Avison and his music. Rest in peace, Mr Avison, and thanks for the music and everything you did to enrich Newcastle's cultural life!

On this week's Geordie Hour.

The Moonbeats , Air Mail, Ian Douglas, Roy Leslie (Leslie Holmes) John Hopkinson, Johnny Duncan and the Bluegrass Boys, ARC, Landermason , Rachael McShane and the Cartographers, Lara Dubov, Kathryn Lowdon and the Soul Engineers, Avison Ensemble , Terry & Michael Docherty, Sarah Millican , Archie Brown & Pat Cunningham, Mick McCabe.

📻 on 93.6FM within Newcastle & Gateshead and DAB across the North East
🏥 on Channel 1 of the TV Bedside Units within the RVI, QE & Freeman Hospitals
🔈 ask your Smart Speaker to 'Play Radio Tyneside'

Or Listen online at https://play.radiotyneside.co.uk

Today is another important birthday celebration for us: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARCANGELO CORELLI!
Arcangelo Corelli was born on this day in 1653 and his music and style of violin playing exerted a huge influence on composers across Europe, from J. S. Bach to our very own Charles Avison. His pupils included Pietro Locatelli and Pietro Castrucci, and significantly for us Francesco Geminiani who taught Avison.
So today we're celebrating the musical grandfather of Charles Avison!
Thank you Corelli for not only your ravishingly beautiful music but also for inspiring Avison to write his music.
Just a reminder that you can buy our outstanding CD recordings of Corelli’s Chamber, Church and Violin Sonatas from our website and eBay shops. Sadly the CD of our wonderful Corelli's Concerti Grossi recording is now out of stock but it can be downloaded from iTunes and Linn Records, as can our other Corelli recordings.
Join us in our celebration of Corelli and his music by exploring his wonderful music!
http://www.avisonensemble.com/listen-and-buy/default.html
https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/avisonensemble

Happy birthday CHARLES AVISON!

Our hero composer, organist, concert organiser and classical music critic was born on this day in 1709 in Newcastle. Today we’d like to thank him for his inspiring music and raise a glass to everything he achieved in Newcastle and in North East England. He’d be glad to know that his music is now enjoyed all over the world!
Don’t forget that you can buy our recordings of Avison’s music from our website and ebay shops. Join us in our celebration of Avison by exploring our recordings of his wonderful music! Available here:
http://www.avisonensemble.com/listen-and-buy/default.html
https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/avisonensemble

Cello recital tomorrow night, Friday 2nd February at 7:30pm at the Old Low Light Heritage Centre, North Shields.
Our Executive Director and cellist Gordon Dixon and John Treherne, harpsichord, will performing three of Vivaldi's Cello Sonatas, Bach's 2nd Gamba Sonata in D and Schnittke's Suite in the Old Style.
Do join us tomorrow night for this fantastic concert!
Friday 2nd February at 7:30pm.
The Old Low Light, Clifford’s Fort North Shields Fish Quay,
Tyne and Wear, NE30 1JE.
Tickets: £15.
Further details here: https://oldlowlight.co.uk/event/concert-royal-john-treherne-harpsichord-and-gordon-dixon-cello/

Cello recital next Friday 2nd February at 7:30pm at the Old Low Light Heritage Centre, North Shields.
Our Executive Director and cellist Gordon Dixon and John Treherne, harpsichord, will performing three of Vivaldi's Cello Sonatas, Bach's 2nd Gamba Sonata in D and Schnittke's Suite in the Old Style.
Do come along for this fantastic concert!
Friday 2nd February at 7:30pm.
The Old Low Light, Clifford’s Fort North Shields Fish Quay,
Tyne and Wear, NE30 1JE.
Tickets: £15.
Further details here: https://oldlowlight.co.uk/event/concert-royal-john-treherne-harpsichord-and-gordon-dixon-cello/

Join us tomorrow afternoon for a wonderful concert of Vivaldi Cello Sonatas and songs by Bach, Handel, Frescobaldi and Vivaldi!
Saturday 14th October at 1pm at the Lit and Phil, Westgate Road, Newcastle.

Our Executive Director and cellist Gordon Dixon is performing three of Vivaldi's Cello Sonatas in this year's William Shield Festival. Gordon will be accompanied by Festival Director John Treherne MBE. They will be joined by contralto Laura Oldfield who will be performing songs by Bach, Handel, Frescobaldi and Vivaldi.
Do come along for a rather jolly concert!
Tickets: £10; over-60s £5; under-21s free.

Have a look at the other concerts happening during this year's William Shield Festival. Tonight at 5pm there's a performance of Schubert's Winterreise, then at 7:30pm Vox Populi return. Tomorrow morning at 11am there's a concert of songs from William Shield to Cole Porter sung by soprano Colette Boushell and baritone Charles Luxford, accompanied by John Treherne. At 2:30pm there's a talk about William Shield by Dr Amelie Addision and at 4pm the annual festival Schlusskonzert. All events mentioned are at the Lit and Phil. Details here: https://www.facebook.com/communitymusicws/events

Cello recital next Saturday 14th October at 1pm at the Lit and Phil, Newcastle!
Our Executive Director and cellist Gordon Dixon is performing three of Vivaldi's Cello Sonatas in this year's William Shield Festival. Gordon will be accompanied by Festival Director John Treherne. They will be joined by contralto Laura Oldfield who will be performing songs by Bach, Handel, Frescobaldi and Vivaldi.
Do come along for this fantastic concert!
Saturday 14th October at 1pm.
The Literary and Philosophical Society, Westgate Road, Newcastle.
Tickets: £10; over-60s £5; under-21s free.
Do have a look at the other concerts happening during this year's William Shield Festival. Details here: https://www.facebook.com/communitymusicws/events

We're delighted that our Executive Director Gordon Dixon is performing in this year's William Shield Festival. The concert on Saturday 14th October will include works by Vivaldi and other baroque composers such as Frescobaldi and Handel.

Gordon Dixon, cellist
Laura Oldfield, contralto
John Treherne, MBE, harpsichord
Saturday 14th October at 1pm at The Lit and Phil, Newcastle.

Gordon, virtuoso cellist and Exective Director of The Avison Ensemble, has performed in all William Shield Festivals and he will be performing sonatas by Vivaldi. Laura is making her first appearance. A graduate from Newcastle University, Laura was awarded the degree of MMus last year, and is in great demand as a soloist. She is currently an Alto Lay Clerk at Newcastle Cathederal. Her programme includes compositions by Vivaldi and Frescobaldi as well as alto solos from some of the greatest works by J.S Bach and G.F Handel.
Tickets: £10; over-60s £5; under-21s free.

Tomorrow night we're at Durham Cathedral to perform Bach's St. John Passion with the Choir of Durham Cathedral conducted by Daniel Cook, Master of the Choristers and Organist of Durham Cathedral.
Tuesday 4th April at 7pm.
The St. John Passion is a compelling biblical narration of the crucifixion story, with a penetrating reflection of the meaning of the events as described by John.
Do join us for this unmissable concert as part of Easter Week at Durham Cathedral.
Further details in the events section here or at https://durhamcathedral.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173638031/events/428559294?fbclid=IwAR0Q5PAXrk_u4ETHP2SG_EADzfv0SYgAWAtV6rRmr0-aMz76vJ4YOBrYY_Q

J.S. Bach, St John Passion Tuesday 4 April, 7pm | Durham Cathedral

We're at Durham Cathedral next Tuesday, 4th April, at 7pm to perform Bach's St. John Passion with the Choir of Durham Cathedral conducted by Daniel Cook, Master of the Choristers and Organist of Durham Cathedral.
The St. John Passion is a compelling biblical narration of the crucifixion story, with a penetrating reflection of the meaning of the events as described by John.
Do join us for this unmissable concert as part of Easter Week at Durham Cathedral.
Further details in the events section here or at https://durhamcathedral.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173638031/events/428559294

It's not long now until we're at Durham Cathedral to perform Bach's St. John Passion with the Choir of Durham Cathedral conducted by Daniel Cook, Master of the Choristers and Organist of Durham Cathedral.
Tuesday 4th April at 7pm.
The St. John Passion is a compelling biblical narration of the crucifixion story, with a penetrating reflection of the meaning of the events as described by John.
Do join us for this unmissable concert as part of Easter Week at Durham Cathedral.
Further details in the events section here or at https://durhamcathedral.ticketsolve.com/.../shows/1173638031

Happy birthday Antonio Vivaldi, born on this day in 1678.

We really enjoyed recording his Four Seasons and the other eight concertos that make up his op.8 set.

We have very limited stock left of the original release hybrid SACD/CD* of our Vivaldi’s Concerti op.8 recording that includes The Four Seasons and when they’re gone, they’re gone …
This wonderful recording on Linn Records was highly praised at its release:
'... one of the most vibrant, authentic and involving recordings of Vivaldi’s violin concertos I’ve heard.' | Classic FM Magazine.
'Lovely, warm colourful playing.' | BBC Radio 3 CD Review
'... an extremely solid reading of all the concertos ... it's musical, energetic, and charming ...' | American Record Guide
You can buy this now rare recording for the bargain price of £12.50 (plus P&P) from our eBay shop here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275495031697
(* The hybrid SACD/CD format plays on ordinary CD players as well as SACD equipment. Our Vivaldi recording was re-released but without the SACD format and even this version is now hard to come by.)

When they’re gone, they’re gone …

We have very limited stock left of the original release hybrid SACD/CD* of our Vivaldi’s Concerti op.8 recording that includes The Four Seasons.
This wonderful recording on Linn Records was highly praised at its release:
'... one of the most vibrant, authentic and involving recordings of Vivaldi’s violin concertos I’ve heard.' | Classic FM Magazine.
'Lovely, warm colourful playing.' | BBC Radio 3 CD Review
'... an extremely solid reading of all the concertos ... it's musical, energetic, and charming ...' | American Record Guide

You can buy this now rare recording for the bargain price of £12.50 (plus P&P) from our eBay shop here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275495031697

(* The hybrid SACD/CD format plays on ordinary CD players as well as SACD equipment. Our Vivaldi recording was re-released but without the SACD format and even this version is now hard to come by.)

Antonio Vivaldi Concerti Op8 The Four Seasons Avison Ensemble Linn Records 2 CDs | eBay Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Antonio Vivaldi Concerti Op8 The Four Seasons Avison Ensemble Linn Records 2 CDs at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

We're delighted to be returning to Durham Cathedral this Easter to perform Bach's St. John Passion with the Choir of Durham Cathedral conducted by Daniel Cook, Master of the Choristers and Organist of Durham Cathedral.
Tuesday 4th April at 7pm.
The St. John Passion is a compelling biblical narration of the crucifixion story, with a penetrating reflection of the meaning of the events as described by John.
Do join us for this unmissable concert as part of Easter Week at Durham Cathedral.
Further details in the events section here or at https://durhamcathedral.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173638031

It's Handel's birthday today! He was born on 23rd February 1685, so we'd like to wish him a very happy birthday!

We've been listening today to our wonderful multi award-winning recording of his stunning Op. 6 Concerti Grossi on Linn Records. What amazing music this is and how brilliantly we perform it! No wonder the critics loved this set saying "... a landmark SACD, sumptuously recorded, that one should not hesitate to acquire" and "... I shall certainly return frequently to this splendid set" and "... the Avison Ensemble really triumphs in conveying a sense of occasion and musical opulence. Magnificent!" We think our favourite is the 11th Concerti in A. Brilliant writing and a stunning performance by us!

Our recording has been so popular that we've now sold out of all the CDs! But you can download our album on iTunes and from Linn directly.
https://www.linnrecords.com/recording-handel-concerti-grossi-opus-6?fbclid=IwAR1wSWkHFtjDxTgeAPp6X3EEBv9wEHA7qa32Zts1TsQC12XG-2iOWbl-N_U

Happy birthday Handel! Our fantastic, highly praised recording of his Concertos op.6 is available on iTunes and direct from Linn Records.

Happy birthday CHARLES AVISON!

Our hero composer, organist, concert organiser and classical music critic was born on this day in 1709 in Newcastle. Today we’d like to thank him for his inspiring music and raise a glass to everything he achieved in Newcastle and in North East England. He’d be glad to know that his music is now enjoyed all over the world!
Don’t forget that you can buy our recordings of Avison’s music from our website and ebay shops. Why not take this opportunity to join us in our celebration of Avison and his music by exploring his wonderful music?
http://www.avisonensemble.com/listen-and-buy/default.html
https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/avisonensemble

Join us tomorrow 1pm at the Lit and Phil, Newcastle, for Gordon's cello recital and the start of the William Shield Festival 2022!
Our Executive Director and cellist Gordon Dixon opens this year's Festival with a recital of one of Bach's Gamba Sonatas and fantastic cello sonatas by Jean-Baptiste Bréval (1753–1823) and Henry Eccles (1670-1742). Gordon will be accompanied by Festival Director John Treherne and John will be joined by baritone Charles Luxford to perform songs by Shield and Flanders and Swan!
Do come along for this fantastic opening concert!
Friday 14th October at 1pm.
The Literary and Philosophical Society, Westgate Road, Newcastle.
Tickets £10, concessions £5.
The Festival continues until Saturday 29th October with more great music from Shield and his contemporaries performed by fantastic performers! The full programme is attached here ...

Cello recital this Friday 1pm at the Lit and Phil, Newcastle!
Our Executive Director and cellist Gordon Dixon opens this year's William Shield Festival with a recital of one of Bach's Gamba Sonatas and fantastic sonatas by Jean-Baptiste Bréval (1753–1823) and Henry Eccles (1670-1742). Gordon will be accompanied by Festival Director John Treherne and John will be joined by baritone Charles Luxford to perform songs by Shield and Flanders and Swan!
Do come along for this fantastic opening concert!
Friday 14th October at 1pm.
The Literary and Philosophical Society, Westgate Road, Newcastle.
Tickets £10, concessions £5.
The Festival continues until Saturday 29th October with more great music from Shield and his contemporaries performed by fantastic performers! The full programme is attached here ...

The William Shield Festival starts on Friday 14th October with a cello recital by our Executive Director and cellist Gordon Dixon. Gordon and Festival Director John Treherne will be performing one of Bach's Gamba Sonatas and fantastic sonatas by Jean-Baptiste Bréval (1753–1823) and Henry Eccles (1670-1742). John will be joined by baritone Charles Luxford to perform songs by Shield and Flanders and Swan!
Do come along for this fantastic opening concert!
Friday 14th October at 1pm.
The Literary and Philosophical Society, Westgate Road, Newcastle.
Tickets £10, concessions £5.
The Festival continues until Saturday 29th October with more great music from Shield and his contemporaries performed by fantastic performers! The full programme is attached here ...

Join us tonight at 7pm for our Easter Week performance of Bach's St. John Passion. We're at Durham Cathedral with Durham Cathedral Choir, conducted by Daniel Cook, Master of the Choristers and Organist of Durham Cathedral, performing Bach's compelling biblical narration of the crucifixion story, with a penetrating reflection of the meaning of the events as described by John.
Do join us for this unmissable concert as part of Easter Week at Durham Cathedral.
Tickets: Adult: £10-28. Concession: £8-£24
Tickets are available from Durham Cathedral Visitor Desk, by phone on 0191 338 7178 or https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/.../st-john-passion-2022

We're looking forward to being back at Durham Cathedral this Tuesday 12th April at 7pm to perform Bach's St. John Passion with Durham Cathedral Choir conducted by Daniel Cook, Master of the Choristers and Organist of Durham Cathedral.
The St. John Passion is a compelling biblical narration of the crucifixion story, with a penetrating reflection of the meaning of the events as described by John.
Do join us for this unmissable concert as part of Easter Week at Durham Cathedral.
Tickets: Adult: £10-28. Concession: £8-£24
Tickets are available from Durham Cathedral Visitor Desk, by phone on 0191 338 7178 or https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/.../st-john-passion-2022

Next Tuesday 12th April at 7pm we will be at Durham Cathedral to perform Bach's St. John Passion with Durham Cathedral Choir conducted by Daniel Cook, Master of the Choristers and Organist of Durham Cathedral.
The St. John Passion is a compelling biblical narration of the crucifixion story, with a penetrating reflection of the meaning of the events as described by John.
Do join us for this unmissable concert as part of Easter Week at Durham Cathedral.
Tickets: Adult: £10-28. Concession: £8-£24
Tickets are available from Durham Cathedral Visitor Desk, by phone on 0191 338 7178 or https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/whats-on/st-john-passion-2022