The Sixth Stratford-upon-Avon Bach and Paganini Festival
for Violinists — 6th to 13th August 2007

The Stratford music scene moves up a notch next week, with the sixth Stratford-upon-Avon Bach and Paganini Festival opening on Monday 6th August at the Levi Fox Hall, with Bach’s Sonata for Violin and Piano in C Minor, plus Elgar’s delicious Sonata for Violin and Piano (Op.82).

Let me quote from the programme…

“The Festival was founded by Dr Rimma Sushanskaya as an opportunity for young violinists to study the virtuosic repertoire of solo Bach and Paganini. Rimma was originally inspired to set up the Festival from her experience of studying with the Bach specialist Dr Rosalyn Tureck, who was its Founder Patron. The tone of the Festival is set by a recital given at the start of the week by Dr Sushanskaya and Dr Robert Markham in the Levi Fox Hall of King Edward VI Grammar School.

“ Since its beginning the Festival has grown to include a wide range of composers and the students have the experience of working with other instrumentalists.

“ This is a truly international Festival as our participants represent many countries including Russia, Sweden, France and Hungary as well as the UK.

“ During the day students benefit from expert tuition given by Dr Savely Shalman (St Petersburg) and Alvia Vandysheva (Moscow), as well as taking part in master classes with the inspirational Dr Rimma Sushanskaya. They are also able to work closely with our wonderfully talented pianists, Dr Robert Markham and Joanne Sealey.

“ The solo studies culminate on the Saturday evening with a concert which showcases an impressive array of talent and virtuosity.

“ Students are also encouraged to explore the orchestral repertoire through daily ensemble rehearsals under the directorship of Dr Sushanskaya. The Monday evening concert given in the magnificent Parish Church allows the students to end the Festival by working together to present a thrilling orchestral performance.”

And that end of Festival concert at Holy Trinity on Monday 13th August – with the Stratford Virtuosi Orchestra conducted by Rimma Sushanskaya – will this year include Bach’s Concerto for Violin, Oboe and Strings in C Minor, two pieces from Walton’s film score for Henry V, Guy Woolfenden’s Concerto for Oboe and Strings, and Dvorak’s Serenade for Strings in E Major.

Dr Rimma Sushanskaya has lived in Stratford for some time now, and when I last spoke to her had recently returned from a conducting engagement in Moscow, and believe me this woman is passionate about her music, and is undoubtedly one of the finest violinists alive today.

If you can get to Stratford for these concerts make the effort.

Tickets will be available on the door, or can be reserved by telephoning 0121 3739649.

Find out more about Dr Sushanskaya.