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| March 2020 | ||
Rehearsing with Noah Chiari (Alto Sax) for last night's Hampshire Music Service show case concert in Winchfield. Some comments were - that 'we stole the show'!! |
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Saturday 7th March - 7:30pm - St. Thomas' Anglican Cathedral, Old Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2HA I will be a member of the Solent Symphony Orchestra on the piano for the soloists participation. Programme Beethoven - Overture Leonora No 3 Canteloube - Songs from the Auvergne - Soloist: Lucy Cronin (soprano) Brahms - Symphony No 3
Tickets: £15, £5 (students), Kids for a Quid and group concessions On the door, online from Ticketsource or from 01730 601074 ------------------ |
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| February 2020 | ||
| It's a sad farewell to a long term friendship of over 25+ years - as my much loved upright Blüthner, which we shipped all the way from Sofia on the back of a TIR/HGV on settling in the UK, goes on the back of a van - on its way to a new home. To be replaced next Tuesday by an almost new Irmler Studio Grand F172 - again by Blüthner - to join and match my existing Blüthner Grand. Sad - but Happy Days !! |
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For the astute observers amongst you (ha ha ! ), you may have noticed from my website that I've just added Saint-Saëns' "Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22" - probably his most popular piano concerto, to my Concertante repertoire. ------------------ |
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Plans for the year beginning to take on more shape. High degree of probability that I'll be back in France - again in a recording studio; in the late May/early June timeframe. CD number 15 is on the cards - subject to agreements. ------------------ |
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| January 2020 | ||
Monday 27th January - Awards ceremony at Kings Theatre, Southsea. ..... and the Best Classical act award tonight went to Portsmouth Baroque Choir - well done, worthy winners ❤🎶👍 ------------------ |
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Sunday 26th January. Just accompanied my student George, performing beautifully Rachmaninoff 2nd piano concerto, 3rd movement for the Winchester Symphony Orchestra Young Soloist Competition 2020. ------------------ |
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Recently received, for the 2nd year in succession, an invite to attend and appear at this years 'World Piano Conference', organised by the 'World Piano Teachers Association' at the end of June and beginning of July.! ------------------ |
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10th January 2020 - Today at Southampton University - the Turner Sims Concert Hall (seating 600+) was my teaching room. A Fazioli Grand Piano (The 'Rolls Royce', the 'Creme de la Creme' of instruments) was my instrument for teaching on and practicing myself !!
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10th January : Tonight is a notable full moon - the 'Wolf Moon' also with a penumbral eclipse.
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< B R E A K I N G - N E W S > Details HERE. ------------------ |
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| December 2019 | ||
I wish everybody a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous 2020. Here's to good music in the coming year!!! :)
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Have been receiving lots of feedback from my latest Newsletter. ------------------ |
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B R E A K I N G - N E W S!!
The article is here = Portsmouth News. You can vote Here ------------------ |
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I know it's still a while yet 'til Christmas - but a date for your diary ? And I also will be accompanying a saxophonist ! |
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| November 2019 | ||
Just been notified of a very favourable French website review of my CD No. 12 - recorded in Warsaw in June of last year.
The full website is http://www.leducation-musicale.com/newsletters/breves0919.html#cd1
Scroll down until you see 'Ludomir Róźycki - Piano Works 2' CD image. I've translated each paragraph as follows (and am very happy with the final sentence !! :) :) ) Voici une nouvelle réalisation en première mondiale à l’actif du Label polonais ACTE PRÉALABLE et de son dynamique directeur Jan A. Jarnicki. C’est au tour du compositeur Ludomir ROZYCKI, né à Varsovie en 1883 et mort à Katowice en 1953, membre — comme, par exemple, Karol Szymanowski (1882-1937) — du mouvement artistique « Jeune Pologne » promouvant également l’art national, bien que manifestement influencé par l’impressionnisme français. Si son talent a joué à plein dans le domaine du poème symphonique, le volume 2 continue à exhumer son vaste corpus pianistique. ------------------ |
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It can be quite surprising sometimes how unexpectedly one's personal life and professional life can become entwined! Particularly when ones reputation goes before! ------------------ |
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I know it's still a while yet 'til Christmas - but a date for your diary ?
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| October 2019 | ||
O M G !! ........... I've just seen this !!
The opening iconic whip crack heralded an outstanding performance. The first movement fizzed along with stand out solos from the piccolo, trumpet, horn, harp, and a triumphant bassoon section but the breathtaking piano cadenza was the highlight. Many in the audience couldn’t help themselves in acknowledging the excitement of this movement with a spontaneous round of applause as it came to a ferocious full stop. The sublime opening of the slow movement perfectly reflected the ethereal setting and Ms. Seferinova’s control of the tranquil and serene piano solo brought about an atmosphere of celestial beauty. The peace and calm were symbiotically supported by the sensitivity of the solo flute entry and the haunting cor anglais melody. With the exquisite final pianissimo piano trill, Valentina brought this movement to a poignant and emotionally-charged close. The last movement once more gives the full orchestra the chance to shine and the atmospheric, jazz-like episodes, shared between piano and ensemble, promote the enjoyment for which this piece is so well known. Valentina’s perfectly presented virtuosic passages brought the first half to a vibrant and celebratory culmination." Read the full review here :- Music in Portsmouth ------------------ |
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Last Saturday (28th Sept.) night's performance of Ravel's Piano Concerto in G major - very well received ! In fact the whole evening was. ------------------ |
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| September 2019 | ||
Just noticed this FaceBook post by somone who attended the Gala Concert I participated in last night !!
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Just received this publicity ...
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Having lost some close family and friends to Cancer I feel it's my duty to support a concert in aid of Rowan's Hospice Silver Jubilee Appeal. In addition to being asked to accompany Rachel Newberry in a Premier Performance of composer James Smith's new piece for Flute and Piano entitled 'Papilio' at St. Peter's Church, Petersfield on Saturday evening 14th September, I will be performing a solo piano piece of my own choice. I've chosen Pancho Vladigueroff's 'песен/Pesen (Song/Chant) op. 21 No 2' - a rare outing for this greatly loved piece ! :) There's a YouTube video of the time I played this as an encore to an Orchestral audience in 2015.
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| August 2019 | ||
GCSE Results Day !! ------------------ |
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Returned from holiday to find this phone message from one of my junior students who'd just learned she'd achieved a Distinction in her Grade 6 results !
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| July 2019 | ||
Sneak preview of 2nd Movement (Adagio Assai - very slow) of last Saturday evening's Ravel 'Piano Concerto in G Major' with the Brunel Sinfonia.
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The only tickets are likely to be returns or 'no-shows' : maybe worth trying on the door on the night ! Or contact them to be put on the reserve list for any returns. Boxoffice@luminosamusic.com |
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Brunel Sinfonia tweet :- 0 replies . 5 retweets 6 likes  ------------------ |
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| June 2019 | ||
Full orchestral program just announced for Solent Symphony Orchestra's Saturday 28th September concert - where I'll be soloist for Ravel's 'Piano Concerto in G major' at St. Thomas' Cathedral, Old Portsmouth. ------------------ |
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Just received publicity info. for my Saturday 13th July evening at St. Peter's Church, Petersfield .... For more info see my website 'Engagements' page. |
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Just caught up with this Tweet doing the rounds ....
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Honoured to be involved.
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Am very happy to mention and promote 2 performance dates involving Jessica Gale, one of my former South Downs College students - who went on to graduate from Surrey University ; and also achieved her 'LRSM' !
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| May 2019 | ||
Not yet received any notifications of any 'formal' reviews - but received this unsolicited message from a colleague who had an early copy of my recently released CD number 12:-
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I feel so privileged, honoured and humbled...
More about Stephen Hough here and here. Here are variations 16, 17, and 18 played Two Pianos/4 Hands - https://youtu.be/iopksG1h6jM and the hauntingly beautiful and famous Variation 18 only - https://youtu.be/vc-RZ2YuLFQ
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| April 2019 | ||
It had been a long tiring intensive recording session (in Paris) to capture Corentin Boissier's "Sonata Appassionata". ------------------ |
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My latest CD is out!!
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| March 2019 | ||
Music Exam and Grade results coming in thick and fast at the moment ! It's a fantastically well done to my student Kendra on achieving a maximum 30 out of 30 for the Performance element of her GCSE Music exam. Brilliant ! ------------------ |
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Proud teacher and Diploma student George, after last night's concert with the Solent Symphony Orchestra in Portsmouth and their "Sketches of Spain" program ! |
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Some snippets of my recording Corentin Boissier's 'Glamour Concerto' with the Ukrainian Festival Orchestra, Conductor & Grammy Award winner John McLaughlin Williams, in Lviv, Ukraine at the end of February/beginning of March. Not all 'takes' are successful ! ...
... but fortunately many are !! :) :)
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Whilst I was away in the Ukraine, Edward Chyczewski reminded me that 1st of March was the anniversary of the birth of Frederick Chopin (209 years ago) So here to commemorate is a public performance I gave in 2012 of one of his most famous pieces - Fantaisie in F minor op 49.
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| February 2019 | ||
BREAKING NEWS.
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Congratulations to my piano student Liam on achieving his ATCL Diploma!
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I am the Piano lecturer/music performance teacher/instructor at Havant & South Downs College's award winning Music Department. ------------------ |
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| January 2019 | ||
| Just come across these French Newspaper cuttings of 20 years ago about myself and colleague Prof. Emilia Mihaylova - now sadly departed. And our appearance & performance at Claude Debussy House & Museum, St. Germain-en-Laye, Paris, in 1999 on the anniversary of his birth - a rare honour to be invited for this annual anniversary concert. Will be making a professional re-visit to Paris - probably in April this year. Yup - that's me bottom left in the first one ; and to the right in the second !! |
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Spent the afternoon in a 3-way Skype rehearsal with myself here in Hampshire, the French composer Corentin Boissier (on the right of the lap-top screen) in Paris, and the Grammy Award winning conductor John McLaughlin Williams (on the left) in the USA. !! Heidi the dog took it all in her stride !!
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It's going to be a very busy year - but am very much looking forward to it !!
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| December 2018 | ||
As we approach the last few days and hours of 2018 - may I wish everybody the very best of times in 2019. ------------------ |
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I know some may feel this to be a bit early - but am so busy in the lead up to Christmas that I hope you don't mind ..
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You may remember (or not - as the case maybe !!) that myself and one of my students took part in Solent Symphony Orchestra's performance at St. Thomas's Anglican Cathedral in early October of Saint-Saëns' - Symphony No. 3 (Organ Symphony) with David Price: organ.
I see that this performance by the Orchestra has been nominated by the Portsmouth News 'Guide' in the 'Best Classical' category of their annual end-of-year awards!
Voting is open soon - keep an eye on it.
Yup - once again I've been involved in some of the more notable events in the area. :) . It's truly rewarding. :)
(There's also a 'Readers Choice' option - but I'm not saying anymore !! :) ) And 'Sssssshhhhhhh' - keep it to yourself - but I have been approached about the possibility of a special 'reprise' concert of the Saint-Saëns sometime next Year ! Watch this space ! Sssshhhhh ! ------------------ |
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Review of my 25th November Sunday afternoon concert with Alex Poulton and Hetty Christopher - to be published (fingers crossed !) in the Sidmouth Herald :-
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| November 2018 | ||
It's a HUGE congratulations to two of my more junior (in age!) students !! One achieved a Merit in his recent ABRSM exam; whilst the other achieved a Distinction. A very well done to both. ------------------ |
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Just announced - Coming Soon ! My 12th CD ! World Premiere Recording. |
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booklet: Karol Rzepecki (Polish, English) |
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It's now confirmed ! It is now confirmed I will be playing Ravel's 'Piano Concerto in G major' as Guest Soloist with the Solent Symphony Orchestra on Saturday 28th September 2019 at St. Thomas's Anglican Cathedral, Old Portsmouth. (Note: This is a changed/amended date from previous information.) and is in addition to a performance of same with the Brunel Sinfonia in Bristol on 6th July 2019. ------------------ |
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Very much looking forward to my next public engagement - Sunday 25th., 2018 - afternoon concert in Sidmouth, Devon. An interesting joint Rememberance themed recital with Baritone Alex Poulton. See my 'Engagements' page. ------------------ |
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| October 2018 | ||
Saturday 6th October - St'Thomas' Anglican Cathedral, High St., Old Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2HA
Sibelius - Finlandia Brahms - Violin Concerto (Soloist: Catherine Lawlor) Saint-Saëns - Symphony 3 (Organ Symphony) (David Price: organ) I, together with one of my students George, will be taking the 4 hand piano part in the Saint-Saëns classic ! Be there !! Tickets: £10, £5 (students), Kids for a Quid On the door, online from Ticketsource or from 01730 601074 ------------------ |
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| September 2018 | ||
Spent the morning (Tuesday - 4th) in a Staff Meeting at Churcher's College in preparation for new academic year. --------------------------- |
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And it's a HUGE congratulations to one of my former students - who's gone on to achieve his Masters degree in performance.
Fantastically well done Jeremy !
All the best for your future ! --------------------------- |
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With my new recording contract as my main focus for the coming months; and with 3 solo orchestral engagements in the next 12 months ; on top of any other late engagements I've had to take a close look and review of my other commitments - including reviewing and pruning my private teaching practice somewhat to free up time for my own practice/rehearsal time. Some tough decisions have had to be made! But the outcome seems all well ! --------------------------- |
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| August 2018 | ||
Arrived back in UK from hols on Monday the 20th.!
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A huge Congratulations to one of my students - Cleo, for achieving 92% and Distinction in her Grade 5 Music Theory exam !! --------------------------- |
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| July 2018 | ||
I will be taking the Harpsichord part with The Solent Symphony Orchestra Programme: This is a repeat of the program performed on Sunday 7th June at the Royal Marines Museum, Southsea - of which a reviewer commented :- "This was a summer concert not to be missed ........" Handel - Concerto Grosso in Bb for Strings and Oboes Danzi - Sinfonia Concertante for Flute and Clarinet (Helen Walton: flute and Robert Blanken: clarinet) Mozart - Symphony 29 See Solent Symphony Orchesta website for full details and ticket information. There will be retiring Collection in aid of The Rosemary Foundation : The Rosemary Foundation is a Charity providing a ‘Hospice at Home’ service in Petersfield and the surrounding towns and villages. It is intended to help patients in the latter stage of life threatening conditions. |
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| June 2018 | ||
I'm pleased to announce that I've agreed to take part in 2 forthcoming performances of the Solent Symphony Orchestra. Sunday 17th June at the Royal Marines Museum at Southsea; and a repeat of the complete program on Saturday 14th July at St. Peter's, Petersfield. See my Engagements page for fuller details. --------------------------- |
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I am in Warsaw, Poland until the 6th June; in the recording studios of leading Polish Recording Company Acte Préalable. For more information on Lubomir Róźycki - go Wikipedia. --------------------------- |
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| May 2018 | ||
Very excited to be invited by Petersfield Town Council to perform for the re-opening of the Petersfield Town Visitor Centre tomorrow (23rd June). |
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| I'm pleased to announce a (very!) short notice Sunday afternoon Concert in Petersfield - where I've been asked to join colleague Mikhail Lezdkhan ('Cello) and other friends. | ||
Evening Recital with Mikhail Lezdkan and friends |
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MYSTICAL VISIONS Myself (Piano) Mikhail Lezdkan ('Cello) Oliver Nelson (Violin) Rob Blanken (Clarinet) Angela Zanders (Piano) Alexia Mankovskaya (Soprano) Programme:- 1st half:- Glazunov's 'Chant du Ménestrel, Op.7' (myself on piano; and 'Cello) From Scriabin's 'Preludes Opus 17' Nos 3 & 6 (myself solo) The 2nd half will feature Olivier Messiaen's wartime masterpiece: Quartet for the End of Time (1944) - with spoken words by Piers Burton-Page (Retired Radio 3 Presenter) Admission - Free with a Retiring Collection. Refreshments available. For further information and tickets - contact St. Peter's Church |
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| April 2018 | ||
I'm more than happy to lend my support to this entrepreneurial fundraising event on behalf of one of my junior students. A range of music by Mendelssohn, Chopin, and others. Sunday afternoon 29th April at the Garden Gallery - Farnham Museum 38 West Street GU 9 7DX Admission Free : Retiring Collection. A date for your diary.
Why not take afternoon tea accompanied by some music ! RSVP to elisejones99@hotmail.com
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Although I'm not taking part - I can thoroughly recommend this for next Sunday afternoon, 8th April, in Petersfield.
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| March 2018 | ||
Some quotes from Amazon purchasers of my Raff CD (studio recorded 2002);(not me who is/was selling them !! But are available from myself at a lesser price : contact me if interested) "Sadly, there's not a word about the very fine pianist in the CD booklet. Valentina Seferinova is playing all this difficult piano music." "On this disc we hear Bulgarian pianist Valentina Seferinova playing two sonatas together with the Three Morceaux, Opus 2. ....... Performance of these works is confidently undertaken by our soloist in recordings apparently dating from 2002 and go far to underline the importance of Raff's contribution ....." "Charming pieces all beautifully played by Valentina Seferinova with excellent piano sound. Highly recommended." "Valentina Seferinova is unknown to me but on this CD she is a consummate artiste of considerable talent." |
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Yay - London (Luton) -> Warsaw (Chopin) 1st June and Hotel Metropole ; and return on 6th June : all booked for myself and Mike. ------------------ |
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Yet another student of mine achieves their full ABRSM Diploma !! : (loosing count !!) More details to follow. ------------------ |
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Quite a lot of work associated with the Portsmouth Music Festival in accompaniements, and students taking part. I will also be involved with their Gala Concert at 3:00pm at Park Community School, Middle Park Way, Havant PO9 4BU on Sunday 25th March. ------------------ |
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Continuing my rehearsals for 'Róźycki 2' CD ! ------------------ |
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| February 2018 | ||
For the most part of this Winter I'll be keeping my performance diary clear as I use my spare time to prepare for another visit, this comingSpring, to the recording studios of Acte Préalable in Warsaw. The project is to record a second CD of works by Polish composer Ludomir Róźycki Click for more information on Ludomir Róźycki courtesy of Wikipedia This will be my 12th CD !!
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| January 2018 | ||
CALLING ALL Singers who can act ; and all Actors who can sing.
At the moment any profits made to be for the benefit of ‘MIND’.
Or visit Original Operatic Productions for Theatre Spread the word !!! |
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4 new short videos up loaded to YouTube. From the archives of Bulgarian Cable TV channel - videos of a concert on 29th October 2009 in The Recital Hall of my Academy held as a memorial to my Professor Dr. Lubomir Dinolov for his 75 years. Each one is a 4 hands transposition of Mozart's works by Prof. Dr. Lubomit Dinolov ! Each features the late Prof. Emilia Mihaylova & myself. Here they are. Duettino (Don Giovanni, Zerlina) - from Mozart's opera "Don Giovanni" Aria (Don Ottavio) - from Mozart's opera "Don Giovanni' Ariette (Cherubino) - from Mozart's opera "Marriage of Figaro" Aria (Figaro) - from Mozart's opera "The Marriage of Figaro"------------------ |
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For the most part of this Winter I'll be keeping my performance diary clear as I use my spare time to prepare for another visit, next Spring, to the recording studios of Acte Préalable in Warsaw. The project will be to record a second CD of works by Polish composer Ludomir Róźycki Click for more information on Ludomir Róźycki courtesy of Wikipedia
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| December 2017 | ||
'The Guide' magazine of the Portsmouth 'News' has announced their 2017 award nominations for a variety of local entertainment categories. ------------------ |
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| November 2017 | ||
For the most part of this Autumn and Winter I'll be keeping my performance diary clear as I use my spare time to prepare for another visit next Spring to the recording studios of Acte Préalable in Warsaw. The project will be to record a second CD of works by Polish composer Ludomir Róźycki Click for more information on Ludomir Róźycki courtesy of Wikipedia
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| October 2017 | ||
Review of Solent Symphony Orchestra's 25th Anniversary concert - in the Portsmouth News. ------------------ |
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Announcing my first engagement of the new 2017-2018 Season. Saturday 21st October - 7:30pm St. Thomas' Anglican Cathedral, High Street, Old Portsmouth, PO1 2HH Solent Symphony Orchestra's 25th Anniversary Concert
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25th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Copland - Fanfare for the Common Man Saint-Saens - Carnival of the Animals Narrated by Dame Patricia Routledge (aka 'Hyacinth Bucket' of TV fame) The piece features 2 pianos ; tonight's pianists are Valentina Seferinova and Peter Rhodes Vaughan-Williams - Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis Dvorak - Symphony 8
The concert is also aimed at raising funds for the Aldingbourne Trust, a To find out more about The Aldingbourne Trust or donate, log on to their website at www.aldingbournetrust.co.uk |
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| September 2017 | ||
September beckons a return to teaching and a new performance season! See what you might recognise (apart from a relatively new wedding ring !!! Unfortunately the Directors instructions seems to be on the sound track too at times - but I hope you enjoy. ------------------ |
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| July 2017 | ||
With my performance last night, 1st July, of Rachmaninov's 'Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Opus 43' with the Brunel Sinfonia, it brings to a close my performance season of 2016-'17. Watch this spaqce for new announcements for next season. ------------------ |
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| June 2017 | ||
Short Notice Engagement. Sunday 18th June Solent Chamber Orchestra at Royal Marines Museum, Southsea, Portsmouth PO4 9PX I will be part of the Chamber Orchestra - taking the Harpsichord part in Bach's 'Concerto in A major for Oboe d'Amore'. See poster to the right for other items in the programme. Also in the programme is :- Jon Yates, who was professor of trumpet at the Royal Marines School of Music, is playing 'The Unanswered Question' by Charles Ives |
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Apparently Petersfield Orchestra 15th June is 'Sold Out'! Only chance would be 'Returns' : try telephone 01730 268829. Alternatively - if you're near Bristol, or have family/friends, or willing to travel see below for 1st July in Clifton, Bristol with the Brunel Sinfonia. ------------------ |
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Tickets now on sale ! Brunel Sinfonia - 1st July 2017 .Programme Camille Saint-Saëns - Symphony No.3 (Organ) Claude Debussy - Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune Sergei Rachmaninov - Rhapsody On A Theme by Paganini Op. 43 (Soloist : Valentina Seferinova) Contact |
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| May 2012 | ||
Petersfield Orchestra - 15th June Ticket prices announced: 3 rows at the front on the flat - £16. Raked seating - £18 Under 18s - £1 Reservations/Sales Peterfield Tourist Information Office Tel. 01730 268829 ------------------ |
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Friday 5th May Afternoon : 1-2-1 rehearsal with conductor Nick Bromilow of Rach's Rhapsody/Paganini Variations followed in the evening by first rehearsal with full orchestra. Spontaneous applause from all involved at the break and at the end of the session ! Bodes well ! ------------------ |
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| April 2017 | ||
Short Notice Announcement ! Interesting Concert : Sunday 23rd April - St. Mary's Church, Buriton, Nr Petersfield Part 1 Romantiscism - Schumann Fantasy Pieces & Songs Part 2 Impressionism - Debussy and Shoshtakovitch Part 3 Modern - Messiaen - Quartet for the End of Time Fee Entrance : Retiring Collection See my 'Engagements' page. ------------------ |
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" ...It was 20 years ago today ... " - well not quite Sgt. Pepper !!! - but Hall Number 9 of NDK National Palace of Culture, Sofia |
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First meeting yesterday afternoon (31st March) with conductor Nicholas Bromilow to discuss all 24 variations in Rachmaninov's 'Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini'. ------------------ |
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| March 2017 | ||
Attended a photo shoot a few days ago - for promo of my next public engagement in May with Peter Rhodes : got the 'proofs' back : have chosen this one. |
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1st March 1810 : The great Polish composer Frédéric Chopin was born this day - here is one of his most famous pieces - Fantaisie in F minor Op. 49 I hope you enjoy. |
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| February 2017 | ||
Just received a short notice contract to be Accompanist for Holybourne Singers for their Saturday evening 18th March event in Alton. Get in touch at :- enquiries1@holybournesingers.org See my 'Engagements' page |
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Some few years ago one of my senior students gave me an original chalk drawing/sketch of a copy of a widely known picture of the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865-1957).
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6th Febuary :- Just received this email from a Dr. Professor of Music at Kansas State University, KS 66506, USA concerning an earlier 2011 CD of mine : I quote :- Ignore the financial aspects - it's unsolicited comments like this that make it all worthwhile !
http://www.acteprealable.com/albums/ap0263.html ------------------ |
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All but finalised our 2 piano programme (one more Vladigeuroff piece to be agreed) with colleague Peter Rhodes for Saturday 27th May performance. see for an earlier performance of this piece - https://youtu.be/M-yoKHir3hw |
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| January 2017 | ||
WARNING ! WARNING ! WARNING ! ------------------ |
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Just received information on this Polish Newspaper/Journal 'Nasz Dziennik' review of my latest CD. (see October 2016 below)
See translation on the right.
Another (English language) review is available at : |
Translation :- "Epic Pachulski" "Henry Pachulski is another eminent Polish composer and pianist rescued from oblivion. He was in his time an accomplished musician, mixing amongst the greatest creators and artists. He was born in 1859 in Lazach, Siedlec.As a teenager, he began studying at the Warsaw Institute of Music, where his piano teacher was Rudolph Strobl, and the secrets of harmony and counterpoint were studied with Stanislas Moniuszko and Wladystawa Żeleński. After graduating from the Institute in 1876 he started his concert and teaching career. In 1880, he entered the Moscow Conservatory, where he studied with the excellent pianist, and founder of the university - Nicholas Rubinstein. After the death of his teacher Pachulski had a year of year of interrupted studies, but in 1881 continued them with Paul Pabst. Pachulski's music is characterised by epic style and lyricism, melodiousness, verses, slush, rarely - drama, as well as the returning elements of dance and specific playfulness. On the disc are four hands Suite Op. 13, Meditation Op. 25, the development of the String Quartet op.11 Arensky; Fantasy for Two Pianos Op. 17 and Polonaise Op.5. Valentina Seferinova and Venera Bojkova are from Bulgaria and finished at the Music Academy in Sofia. They both live seperately in the UK, playing solo and performing duets. They play, record, and promote Polish music. The name 'Va i Ve' comes from the first syllables of their names. Their performances combine class and precision of great artistes. Their record is a masterly realisation. The combination of excellence and quality, which can reach the most prominent artists. The duo are perfectly timed and in understand each other perfectly. Their distinct sound is both expressive and clear, filled with energy. They are no strangers to lyrical and melodious phrases. The record is perfect for a long winter evening. I recommend. Enjoy!" See Page 22 of the .pdf below |
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| December 2016 | ||
Thanking everybody for their support, and .....
I look forward to seeing you all again in 2017 ! ------------------ |
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I'm pleased to announce, that in addition to performing Rachmaninov's "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" (which includes, by common agreement, one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written) - firstly with a two piano version with my colleague Peter Rhodes in May at the historic Winchester College Music Department Concert Hall, and then as Guest Soloist with The Petersfield Orchestra for their 90th Anniversary Concert on 15th June 2017, I've now also been invited to play the same as Guest Soloist with the Brunel Sinfonia, Bristol at Clifton Cathedral on 1st July 2017. Am I looking forward to these events ?? Well, to give a clue :- my Thesis for my Master's Degree is/was entitled ‘Nature of intonation and texture of the piano works of S V Rachmaninov’ !!! Enough said ? ------------------ |
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| November 2016 | ||
Just come across an on-line review of my recent Bristol Music Club appearance ! Not sure whether I can add to, or comment on, it ! Click here - Ian Digby ------------------ |
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| October 2016 | ||
Yay ! My latest CD is now available world wide !
http://www.acteprealable.com/albums/new_ap0361.html
My fourth one for this company ! And 11th overall ! |
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Rehearsing and looking forward to two November performances of Dubussy, and Satie in Bristol and Portsmouth ! ------------------ |
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| September 2016 | ||
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| August 2016 | ||
Well done to ALL South Downs College music students in their AS & A Level results this year! ------------------ |
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Tchaikovsky at home
Admission free.
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You may remember the viral Ice Bucket Challenge of a couple of years ago in aid of ALS/Motor Neurone Disease research. Valentina's Ice Bucket Challenge ------------------ |
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| July 2016 | ||
I feel honoured and privileged to be invited back again as Guest Soloist for Petersfield Orchestra's significant 90th Birthday Concert next June.
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Congratulations to Bradley Betteridge. Achieving his Grade 3 ABRSM as his first Grade exam ! Well done Bradley. ------------------ |
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| June 2016 | ||
For some years I've had the privilege of being a Steinway & Sons™ (based in New York) listed Music & Piano Teacher; Steinway have also provided performance sponsorship.for me here in the UK in the past. Click : - http://www3.steinway.com/teachers/directory/valya ------------------ |
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Coming Soon ! The recording I did in Warsaw with my piano duet partner Venera Bojkova, as the Piano Duo 'Va i Ve', back in April, is coming out soon!
http://www.acteprealable.com/albums/soon_ap0361.html ------------------ |
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| May 2016 | ||
That Rhapsody is feeling closer to happening !! Can you guess ? Here's a clue ! ------------------ |
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| April 2016 | ||
Breaking News :- ------------------ |
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All done! :) Today saw us finish the 4 hand pieces. ------------------ |
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Have flown out to Warsaw; will spend 2 or 3 days there - mostly in a recording studio with my 'Va i Ve' piano duet partner Venera Bojkova. ------------------ |
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Well, it's the final 2 days of rehearsals before traveling again to Warsaw to record in the Studios of the Polish National Radio an all 2 pianos/4 hands CD of Henry Pachulski' works, with best friend (and of course 'Va i Ve' piano duet partner) Venera Bojkova. Can't wait! The resultant CD will be issued on the Acte Préalable label. ------------------ |
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| March 2016 | ||
Monday 21st March : ------------------ |
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I will be accompanying singers Caroline and Felicity; violinist Jia, and also Sophie on woodwind - all winners of their respective categories of the Portsmouth Music Festival at the Portsmouth Music Festival Gala Concert from 7:00pm on Sunday 20th March at The Kings Theatre Southsea. ------------------ |
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February 2016 |
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Well done Fliss ; Congratulations on taking 2 of the 3 Cups on offer today " ------------------ |
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Friday 19th Just noticed from this year's The Portsmouth Music Festival programme and website, that for the second year running my name has been included as one of the 'approved accompanists' for all participants ! My first one is this afternoon and evening. Best of luck Fliss. ------------------ |
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Spending the third week of February rehearsing with my 'Va i Ve' duet partner Venera Bojkova, in preparation for our studio recording session for Acte Prealable in Warsaw in early April. ------------------ |
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Extract from an email comment (in Russian, and signature removed to protect privacy)) forwarded to me this evening concerning last Saturday night's concert :- "Дорогие мои русские друзья! A 'Google Translate' translation follows :- "My dear Russian friends! ------------------ |
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For those attending my concert with 'Cellist Mikhail Lezdkan on Saturday 6th February at Winchester College Music School; please note that the Music School is in a different location to the College itself. Although there is a free car park (entance around the corner in Romans' Road) I believe there is ample on-road parking near by. The organisers have also asked me to point out that the event starts at the earlier time of 7:00pm.; and that early arrival is needed because any one arriving late will not get in through the secure door - as evrybody will be in the auditorium ! ------------------ |
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January 2016 |
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Just completed a joint engagement with 'Cellist Mikhail Lezdkan in Chichester Cathedral. Stewards report "500+ audience" in the Cathedral. ------------------ |
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Out to dinner last night with hubby; this guy comes over and says "Hi. I've downloaded 1 of your CDs from ITunes ". ------------------ |
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| I can announce that the programme for myself, together with Cellist
Mikhail Lezdkan More information about Mikhail at http://concertsociety.com/lezdkan/ And follow him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mikhaillezdkan at Chichester Cathedral at 1:10pm on Tuesday 26th January is:- Programme Johannes Brahms - Sonata for Piano and Cello F major, opus 99: Dmitri Shostakovich - Sonata for Cello and Piano in D minor, opus 40: Admission is Free, with a retiring collection. ------------------ |
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