Musical Journeys 1957 -2007

Did you know that (well, I didn’t) Benjamin Britten, one of the most outstanding English composers in the 20^th century was commissioned to write a short piece for the Malaya was that emerging as a new independent nation? He visited Malaya just before the independence in 1957 but the piece was never used.

But here’s a chance for you to listen to this composition, arranged by Malaysia’s own Tazul Tajuddin for the London Sinfonietta at the Cadogan Hall on 14^th November.

Here’s the rest of the info. See you there!

"Musical Journeys

Golden Anniversary Concert for Malaysia

As a finale to this celebration year The British Malaysian Society is promoting a concert at the Cadogan Hall in London on Wednesday November 14th which both gives a platform to some brilliant young Malaysian musicians living and working in London, and explores some special links with one of UK’s foremost 20th century composers, Benjamin Britten.

Britten visited Malaysia just before Independence was announced – and was commissioned to write a short piece for the new government. It was never used and thus we can present a Benjamin Britten World Premiere – even if a rather short one.

It has been arranged for the London Sinfonietta by Tazul Tajuddin, who has also been specially commissioned to write a work for piano and chamber ensemble – Warna yang Bernada – the Sound of Colour that uses the tonality of gamelan in the piano part to be played by the brilliant young Malaysian pianist – Bobby Chen.

Rounding off the concert are two other Britten works – one his earliest published work, Sinfonietta Op 1, and the much loved Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings with James Gilchrist and Michael Thompson taking the solo roles. The London Sinfonietta is conducted by the charismatic French conductor Pierre-André Valade.

Tickets are £25, £20, £15 and £10 and are available from the Cadogan Hall box office either by phone: 020 7730 4500 or on their website: www.cadoganhall.com.

We can offer an early bird discount for tickets bought before 14th October – a 10% discount – or there is group discount: 2 tickets free when you buy 10, both for the top two prices. Students can get tickets for a special price of £5.

In the Cadogan Hall all the seats have superb sound and a good view – the doors will be open at 6.30 p.m. the concert starts at 7.30p.m. and the concert is estimated to be over shortly after 9.30p.m. Sloane Square tube is a few yards away."