Introducing Ailsa Dixon’s Music
Composer Ailsa Dixon studied at Durham in the 1950s. Ahead of a concert celebrating her music, her daughter Josie Dixon tells Ailsa’s story and introduces the music on the programme.
EXAUDI – In dew of roses
Stunning vocal music spanning six centuries, including brand new compositions by A-level students at St Leonards RC comprehensive school
Vingt Regards sur l’Enfant-Jésus
Guest reviewer Olivia Hamilton is enthralled by Rolf Hind’s expressive intentions as he gives a remarkable performance of Olivier Messiaen’s piano masterpiece for MUSICON
Hallelujah! Messiah rises again
Somehow, this was actually my first live Messiah since lockdown. Dunelm Consort and Players made it worth the wait in an evening pulsating with energy and joy.
DUOS Change and Conflict
A tightly constructed programme of music by Graźyna Bacewicz. Paul HIndemith and Dmitri Shostokovich reflects both the musical and political moods of the 1930s and 40s.
RNS Chamber Music at MUSICON
Guest reviewer Zoe Solomon enjoys playful charm and contemplative moments in Royal Northern Sinfonia’s chamber concert at MUSICON
Fretwork: Byrd and his contemporaries
Deep wells of transcendent beauty in Fantasias and In nomines, played by world-renowned viol consort Fretwork. Review by Chris Massa
DUCS: Nordic and French choral music
Elfrida Andrée’s Svensk Mässa is a perfect pairing for Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem in this concert of Nordic discovery by Durham University Choral Society.
A night at the theatre with DUOS
The effect of the evening sun streaming through Durham Town Hall’s stained glass window and bathing the DUOS Chamber Orchestra in light set the stage for a theatrical programme that glittered with musical colour.
