Both this evening and tomorrow, soprano Nadine Mortimer-Smith will be performing in Naked Opera at The Forge, Camden at 7:30pm. The idea behind Naked Opera is to find the bare truth behind opera singers and young professionals, and the reasons why they chose this career and lifestyle, and the challenges and triumphs that they face. A couple of weeks aho on BBC Radio 4’s Midweek, Nadine spoke to Hardeep Singh Kohli about the show, which narrates the stories of each persona the singers take on, and branching out to tell the stories of other people in opera.

Naked Opera is co-ordinated by charity Unexpected Opera, who create ‘stimulating and engaging’ productions, offering fresh and funny renditions of classic musical works. Accompanied by three other young professional operatic singers, and Unexpected Opera’s resident comic, Nadine reveals the naked truth behind opera, through a variety of classic arias.

Listen to Nadine on BBC Radio 4’s Midweek here.
Unfortuntely, both dates have sold out for Naked Opera, but for more information or details of future shows, visit the website here.

(Written on October 8, 2012 )

Check out our Pinterest board for our September concert recommendations. Some of our highlights this month include Metropolitan Opera’s production of L’Elisir d’Amore with Anna Netrebko, Cameron Carpenter’s performance at the BBC Proms, English National Opera’s new production of Martinu’s Julietta. There’s also a performance by ”Britain’s best klezmer and Balkan music band”, She’koyokh at The Forge and King Lear at the Almeida Theatre.

(Written on August 28, 2012 )

Following the success of our previous Young Artist series events, WildKat are pleased to announce the line-up for the upcoming autumn concert on Tuesday 13th September 2011.

Featuring in the concert is vocalist Daisy Chute, whose name many will recognise from the young classical ensemble ‘All Angels’. Since graduating from Kings College, London, Daisy has been exploring the routes that have led her into jazz and contemporary territory. Joining Daisy is oboist James Turnbull, a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music who has recently released a CD of contemporary oboe works, ‘Fierce Tears’. Two students from the Royal College of Music, violist Isabel Villanueva and pianist John Paul Ekins, will also be performing solo repertoire in the Showcase. The concert at the purpose-built Forge in Camden will be an excellent platform to show off the talents of the young musicians.

Tickets can be purchased here from the Forge’s website, and further details of the concert are available here.

(Written on August 16, 2011 )

Alexandra Dariescu

Selected as BBC Music Magazine RISING STAR 2011, Alexandra joined the Young Concert Artists Trust (YCAT) in 2008. She was a resident at the Verbier Festival Academy in Switzerland in 2010 and she was awarded the prestigious CUBS prize. Alexandra is also the winner of Guildhall Wigmore Prize and the Romanian Ambassador for Excellence in Music. This season, Alexandra will collaborate with the Belcea and Elias Quartet, Orchestra of St Paul’s at the Southbank Centre, touring Argentina and the Channel Islands, joining the RPO in Grieg Concerto in Cambridge and Beethoven Emperor Concerto at the Barbican. Alexandra will also be joining Andras Schiff in a week-long residency at Carnegie Hall in New York.

Alexandra is the first pianist to be mentored by Imogen Cooper on the Royal Philharmonic Society/ YCAT Philip Langridge Mentoring Scheme. Over the last year she has appeared as soloist with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sinfonia ViVA, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nottingham Symphony Orchestra, EU Chamber Orchestra in Germany and International Orchestra for Freedom at St. John’s Smith Square. She has given recitals at Wigmore Hall, Barbican, Leeds International Series, Jacqueline du Pré Music Building, the Bath, Leicester, Ribble Valley, Exeter International Festivals and City of London Festival.

Alexandra Dariescu studied in Iasi, Romania, Pocklington School in York and the RNCM, graduating in 2008 with distinction and the Gold Medal. Alexandra also graduated with distinction for her Masters from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with Ronan O’Hora and was awarded the GSMD Piano Fellowship for 2010/2011.

St James Quintet

Winners of the Ensemble Prize at the 2009 Royal Overseas League Music Competition, the St James Quintet was formed in 2007 from students studying at the Royal Academy of Music for a performance at St James Palace for the awarding of the Queen’s Anniversary Medal.

Since then the quintet has appeared regularly in performances both in the UK and abroad. In 2008, as part of the BBC Proms they gave the UK Premiere of Anders Hillborg’s ‘Six Pieces for Wind Quintet’ which was later broadcast on BBC Radio 3.

They made their Southbank debut in 2009 performing at the Queen Elizabeth Hall before going on to appear in recitals at the Norfolk and Norwich Festival and live on BBC Radio 3’s ‘In Tune’. They have performed at the Purcell Room several times, most recently as Park Lane Group Artists. They made their Wigmore Hall debut in November 2010. The quintet has performed for HM The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Alexandra, HRH The Princess Royal, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Sir Charles Mackerras and Sir Harrison Birtwhistle.

Appointed Leverhulme Chamber Music Fellows at the Royal Academy of Music for 2009-10 the quintet was also awarded the Philharmonia Orchestra / Martin Musical Scholarship Fund Ensemble Award.

Nicholas McCarthy

Born without his right hand, Nicholas is one of a few left-handed pianists worldwide and at present is also the youngest. At 17, Nicholas was awarded a place at the Junior Department of the Guildhall School of Music in London where he studied with acclaimed concert pianist Lucy Parham. After two years of studying at the Guildhall School of Music, Nicholas was awarded the Annual Piano Prize just before he left the school in 2008.

During this time he played numerous recitals throughout the U.K, at venues including St James`s Piccadilly, Fairfield Halls, The Lansdowne Club, Bluthner Piano Centre and Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. Nicholas has been a regular participant at the Chetham’s International Festival and Summer School in Manchester. His time spent at the festival has seen Nicholas take part in master classes with concert pianists such as Peter Donohoe, Martino Tirimo, Philippe Cassard and Margaret Fingerhut. All of whom expressed high acclaim for Nicholas’ playing.

Being described as ‘Truly inspiring: The music prodigy who won’t let anything get in the way of his dream’ by the Daily Mail, Nicholas has been a student at the Royal College of Music in London since September 2008, where he studies with Nigel Clayton. Nicholas has appeared on ITV’s “This Morning” show where he gave a live performance of Blumenfeld’s Étude in A Flat Major Op.36. Soon after his “This Morning” appearance Nicholas was featured on ITV’s “London Tonight” show and GMTV.

Nicholas’ upcoming engagements include performing at a CODA piano recital in Tunbridge Wells as well as in Dublin over the summer.

As well as gaining the Junior Guildhall Annual Piano Prize, he has been awarded an MBF Instrument Scholarship and most recently Nicholas was awarded the prestigious AMI award for creative excellence in music, presented to him at The London Studios in late 2010.

“Truly inspiring: The music prodigy that won’t let anything get in the way of his dream” Daily Mail

Alex Leese

Alex Leese is a versatile flautist who has an extensive repertoire ranging from Bach to Birtwistle.  He started playing the flute at a young age and spent a number of years at the Junior Department of Trinity College of Music, where he was awarded the Cassal Woodwind Prize.  He spent a year studying at Senior Trinity College of Music with Wissam Boustany before beginning his music degree as an instrumental and academic scholar at New College, University of Oxford.  Alex is presently in his third year studying music at the University of Oxford where he is the principal flute of the Oxford Univeristy Orchestra and Sinfonietta working with conductors such as Peter Stark and Daniel Harding.  Having studied with Patrick Gallois at the Academia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, Alex has now accepted a place to study at the Royal College of Music for a two-year postgraduate course and has also just been awarded a place on the prestigious LSO Woodwind Academy 2011.

Alex has performed in the Cadogan Hall, the Purcell Room, and St John’s Smith Square and has performed concertos throughout Europe. In 2007 Alex won the Wisley Youth Music’s Competition to appear as the soloist in Mozart’s Flute Concerto in G, with the National Symphony Orchestra as a support act to Katherine Jenkins. Recent projects include recitals in the Jacqueline du Pré concert hall, Queen’s College, Oxford, a Naxos recording of Hovhaness’s Symphony No. 23 and a recording for Christ Church Cathedral Choir.

‘The principal flute, Alex Leese, stole the instrumental crown with perfect solos throughout the course of this lengthy opera.’ Opera Magazine, September 2009

(Written on May 24, 2011 )

After a very successful first WildKat Showcase last September, we decided it would be a shame not to host more. We aim to give young, up and coming artists a chance to perform in front of an audience in a fantastic venue, whilst having the opportunity to create valuable connections within the music industry.

Here at WildKat, we are excited to officially announce the artists performing at our next Vocal Showcase at The Forge on Tuesday, 15th March at 7.30pm; Sarah Gabriel, Thorbjørn Gulbrandsøy, Saira Luther and The Segue Sisters. They are all incredibly talented and exciting performers

It promises to be a varied and entertaining night with outstanding talent from each individual performer, so come along and join us for the night. For more information on the evening, take a look at the flyer below or to purchase tickets, click here.

(Written on February 22, 2011 )

What? Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

Where? The King’s Head Theatre, Islington

When? 10th October – 21st December, 19.45 (click to purchase tickets!)

After a sell-out international tour and great success at the Edinburgh Fringe, ‘Showstopper! The Improvised Musical’ returns the The King’s Head pub theatre in Islington, London, from 10th October to 21st December 2010. Each performance of Showstopper! is different, and, with the help the audience’s suggestions, an unpredictable, spontaneous spectacle of dance and singing is formed right before their eyes. Having been described as “fantastically refreshing” by the Evening Standard and “astonishing” by the Metro, Showstopper! promises to entertain and enthral audiences of all musical tastes. Book now to experience “top-class creativity in action” (Time Out).

---

What? Cinemusica – Villa-Lobos and Brazil

Where? The Purcell Room, Southbank Centre

When? Thursday 2nd December, 19.45 (click to purchase tickets!)

The Brazilian pianist Marcelo Bratke and artist Mariannita Luzzati come together to celebrate Heitor Villa-Lobos’ music in this concert at the Southbank Centre. In this performance the audience’s perception of Villa-Lobos’ Brazilian-inspired compositions is enhanced by the projection of Luzzati’s landscape photographs, and this combination of the visual and the auditory creates a striking artistic fusion. Bratke’s interpretations of Villa-Lobos have been described as “offering hints of wildness” and “shining piano colours” by The New York Times, and Luzzati’s works have been praised for their “essence and atmosphere” by The Spectator. As an evocation of the ‘Brazilian soul’, this concert will be treat for all the senses!

---

What? Farsa Monea

Where? The Forge, Camden

When? Thursday 2nd December, 19.30 (click to purchase tickets!)

This unique ensemble of guitar, percussion and vocals brings a fresh and vibrant new life to traditional and folk music of Spain and Latin America. Through the beautiful sound of the Spanish guitar, profound and powerful vocals and various traditional percussion instruments, the ensemble captures the stories, passion and dreams of the Spanish people. They have previously performed in the City of London Festival, the London Classical Guitar Festival and have appeared at venues such as the Bolivar Hall and Bishopsgate Institute. This is most definitely a group to keep your eye on in the near future.

---

What? Arthur Davison Family Concert

Where? Fairfield Halls

When? Saturday 4th December, 11.00 (click to purchase tickets!)

A festive Christmas concert featuring a variety of music and performances including, The Sleeping Beauty, a Toy Symphony, a Sleigh ride for Santa, a Chidren’s Overture, a Feather Dance, and the lively Can-Can. There will also be carols which have been composed by local children as well as traditional carols so that the audience can join in. This event is incredibly family friendly and in the Fairfield Halls which has just completed the refurbishment of its foyer.

---

What? Coro Ensemble

Where? St John’s, Smith Square, SW1 3HA

When? Saturday 11th December, 18.30 (click to purchase tickets!)

This one is to get you into the Christmassy mood. The London chamber choir, Coro, will be performing a celebratory Christmas concert to mark the 10 year anniversary of their founding. They will be singing highlights of their repertoire together with season music from across the centuries such as Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols. There will also be readings from Penelope Wilton and Benedict Cumberbatch. Coro is also welcoming back their founder conductor, Susan Digby OBE. The Coro ensemble have a strong following an their Christmas concerts are consistently sold out, so make sure you get your tickets soon!

---

What? Spitalfields Winter Festival: Madrigals Transformed

Where? Christ Church, Commercial Street, London

When? Tuesday 14th December, 18.30 (click to purchase ticket!)

Cauis College choir performs madrigals transformed into sacred works by Monteverdi and Coppini. This is a rare opportunity for music lovers to see Montiverdi’s famous madrigals as well as the famous lament from his lost opera, Arianna. The Italian choral works will be a great way to break in your festive season.

Extra: Spitalfields Winter festival is a music festival that has a wide musical selection for everyone to enjoy. From Baroque, Early music, Contemporary, family friendly, school events and free concerts this is definitely something to look into for something to do over the December weeks!

(Written on October 25, 2010 )

This week’s Industry Idols features Charlotte Caird – the Artistic and Managing Director of one of our favourite venues, The Forge.

What are the first, most important steps a young artist needs to take when they embark on their career as a performer?

To get out there! Meet people, exchange ideas and come to concerts! I’m amazed at how few musicians actually listen to live music

What was your first job in the music industry?

Freelance musician – I think my first job was on a cruise ship

What skills do you think are needed to succeed in the music industry?

Determination, hard work ethic, talent as well as a head for business

What’s the most important thing you’ve learnt during your career?

To always enjoy what you’re doing!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The creativity it requires – and finding new talent!

On a typical working day, what’s the first thing you do when you get into the office?

Put the kettle on.

Do you think there is anything in the classical music industry that needs to be changed? If yes, why?

I think it need a more positive attitude. People outside the classical world are so quick to say that it is a dying art form. There needs to be a far more go-getting attitude from artists, venues and promoters alike. Stuffiness and snobbishness can really put new audiences off.

Are there any young musicians, emerging venues, exciting companies, composers… etc that you are keeping your eye on?

Musicians – Ivana Gavric (classical piano), Keziah Thomas (harp), G Project, Lawsone Piano Trio, Manu Delago (hang player and percussionist), Anthony Strong (jazz piano and vocalist), Kit Downes (jazz pianist), Phronesis (jazz group), Beats and Pieces Big Band.

Venues – I have to keep a strong eye on The Forge!

Composers – Andy Scott

Where do you read about classical music?

Classical Music Magazine, Time Out

Where is your favourite place in the world for classical music?

The Forge of course!

(Written on October 20, 2010 )

What? Wimbledon Music Festival 2010 – Claire Martin and Sir Richard Rodney Bennett

Where? Wimbledon Synagogue, London

When? Tuesday 16th November, 19.30 (click to purchase tickets!)

The cabaret duo Claire Martin and Sir Richard Rodney Bennett will be performing at the Wimbledon Music festival, which is held from November 13th to 28th. This performance is for all you jazz lovers and for those of you who want to thank Sir Richard Rodney Bennett for composing scores for some legendary British films such as Four Weddings and a Funeral. He is also no stranger to appearing in jazz duos as he has demonstrated his skills as a jazz pianist and singer with Marion Montgomery, Dames cleo Laine, Mary Cleere and Annie Ross. Claire Martin is his latest partnership and since Sir Richard has been a New York resident since 1976, it will be a few years to have an opportunity like this arise again.

Extra:

As this instalment of Unmissables is for November 15th-30th it is worth suggesting that you check out the Wimbledon Music Festival, as mentioned above. It runs November 13th-28th and there are music events of all kinds for you to enjoy. It’s a good chance to socialise with your friends and to see a vast array of talent.

---

What? Juice Vocal Ensemble

Where? Handel House Museum

When? Thursday 18th November, 18.30 (click to purchase tickets!)

The Handel House Museum has featured in the Unmissables before, it is an intimate setting and a must see for classical music lovers, as you will get to see inside the famous composers home. Juice Voice Ensemble (who performed at our Young Artists Showcase at The Forge) are a unique, experimental and most importantly fun, a cappella trio. Their musical leanings vary from world music, jazz, folk and pop, fused with their alternative-classical style performances. Their programme will no doubt be adventurous and innovative and they will also be premiering a new work by Composer-in-Residence, Duncan MacLeod.

---

What? Badke Quartet - Hattori Foundation Rush Hour Recital

Where? 1901 Arts Club, SE1 8UE

When? 22nd November, 19:00 (click to purchase tickets!)

Hattori Foundation was established as an Educational Trust by the Hattori Family and granted charity status in 1992. The aim of the Foundation in the field of music is to encourage and assist exceptionally talented young instrumental soloists or chamber ensembles who are British Nationals or resident in the UK and whose talent and achievements give promise of an international career. After the concert guests are invited to join the artists in the Club’s exclusive bar.

---

What? Youtuba- Tuba Quartet

Where? The 1901 Arts Club

When? Tuesday 23rd November, 19.30 (click to purchase tickets!)

The 1901 Arts Club is based in Waterloo, it is an intimate performance space which offers the audience a wonderful experience, as this is a Tuba quartet this will really be something to see in this space. YouTuba are  a highly acclaimed and young tuba quartet, founded in 2006 and are highly talented fun to watch. This concert will feature Saint-Saëns Carnival of the Animals, arranges by Hepple, with the recognisable pieces and the funny orientation of this ensemble, it will be hard to not continuously smile throughout this performance.

---

What? Nicola Benedetti with the RPO - The Great Classics: Elgar, Bruch, Holst

Where? Royal Albert Hall

When? Thursday 25th November, 19:30 (click to purchase tickets!)

Although he composed several choral and orchestral works, Bruch’s fame today rests largely on one phenomenally successful piece – Violin Concerto No.1 in G minor. Richly melodic and sumptuously orchestrated, this enchanting work is beloved of performers and audiences alike. The Concerto is framed by two English masterworks – Elgar’s unashamedly romantic celebration of London and Holst’s extraordinary The Planets. The Suite embraces the martial, the magical and the mystical, with its terrifying visions of war in Mars and the rollicking Jupiter, which gave to the world the song I Vow to Thee, My Country.

(Written on October 11, 2010 )

What? Khatia Buniatishvili, piano

Where? Wigmore Hall

When? Monday 1^st November 13.00 (click to purchase tickets!)

This light, lunchtime concert will be a cultural way to begin your month and first week of November. The repertoire offers the pianist, Khatia Buniatishvili a BBC New Generation Artist and winner of the 2010 Borletti-Buioni Trust, the opportunity to demonstrate her technique and interpretive skills. This concert will let you enjoy classical music in a calm environment and also let you see young, talented musicians. She will be performing:

Schumann, Fantasy in C major for piano

Liszt, Mephisto Waltz no.1

Stravinsky, Pétrouchka (3 movements played)

What? Nigel Kennedy

Where? Royal Albert Hall

When? Wednesday 3rd November 19:30 (click to purchase tickets!)

For over twenty-five years, Nigel Kennedy has been acknowledged as one of the world’s leading violin virtuosos and is, without doubt, one of the most important violinists Britain has ever produced. His virtuoso technique, unique talent and mass appeal have brought fresh perspectives to both the classical and contemporary repertoire. He is the best selling classical violinist of all time.Nigel Kennedy returns to the Hall for an evening of Vivaldi. The programme will include Vivaldi concertos and Kennedy’s legendary interpretation of The Four Seasons.

What? Pocket Caravan

Where? The Forge, Camden

When? Wednesday 3rd November 19:00 (click to purchase tickets!)

Pocket Caravan explores the fascinating rhythms and fiery dances of the world. The inspiration for the ensemble came from British guitarist Peter Michaels’ research into the historic route of the Gypsies across the continents. From Flamenco to Manouche Jazz, this is the unique music of people absorbing what they find into their own culture. In Brazil the same process was occurring. Styles such as Samba, Baiao and especially Choro are the result of African cultures colliding with European and native sounds. Peter began playing with musicians from around the world who had made their homes in London. He worked with Spanish guitarists and North Indian singers, as well as exploring his own Eastern European heritage. After a chance encounter with South Brazilian musician Felipe Karam, they quickly realised they had a shared interest in learning from other cultures.

Tonight they are celebrating the launch of their album on Forge Records

What? Vanbrugh String Quartet

Where? Cadogan Hall

When? Monday 8th November 19:30 (click to purchase tickets!)

Complete Beethoven String Quartet Cycle 5
Beethoven: String Quartet Op.18 No.3
Beethoven: String Quartet Op.135
Beethoven: String Quartet Op.130

Although it is numbered third, Op.18, No.3 was the first quartet Beethoven composed; as he began writing the Op.135 quartet, Beethoven knew it would be his last. Op.135, begun in 1826, was dedicated to Johann Wolfmayer just a few days before his death. Beethoven sent a note to the publisher along with the final manuscript: “Here, my dear friend, is my last quartet. It will be the last; and indeed it has given me much trouble. For I could not bring myself to compose the last movement.” It was not ultimately his last movement. Beethoven wrote one more. His last movement was the replacement finale for Op.130, replacing the gritty grosse fuge, which will be played in the next concert; this much shorter and lighter finale was Beethoven’s final movement.

What? The Music of Edward Elgar- Cadogan Hall

Where? Cadogan Hall

When? Tuesday 9^th November 19.30 (click to purchase tickets!)

This is for the English patriots who love classical music, a whole concert dedicated to the music of Edward Elgar. The evening is hosted in Cadogan Hall which features on our Unmissables frequently, and rightfully so as they hold a variety of events and evenings to attract all ages. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing some of Elgar’s most recognisable and significant works. Mezzo-soprano Christine Rice also joins RPO for this evening of nationalistic music.

The Serenade for Strings

Chanson de Matin

Sea Pictures

‘Enigma’ Variations, featuring Nimrod variation.

What? London Mozart Players & Francesco Piemontesi

Where? Fairfield Hall

When? Saturday 13^th November 19:30 (click to purchase!)

Another BBC New Generation Artist, Francesco Piemontesi, pianist will be gracing Fairfield Halls with the acclaimed London Mozart Players. He will be performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.25 with the London Mozart Players, conducted by Gérald Korsten. LMO are a unique ensemble based in the Croydon area, with Fairfield Halls hosting regular events with them, it is definitely worth viewing their website to see their upcoming concerts.

Last Chance:

What? Faust

Where? Young Vic, Waterloo

When? 25th September-30th October 19.45 (click to purchase tickets!)

Although this production has already started and doesn’t run into November when the rest of our selection is, we thought we would add this to our list as we missed it out before. Faust is a brand new opera production direct from Iceland, portraying the story of a man who sells his soul to the devil. Do not expect your stereotypical opera, this is an exciting infusion of glam-rock, soulful ballads, acrobatics and humour. The Young Vic is also an exciting venue to check out, it has various types of productions, including theatre, dance and contemporary . It’s name derives from the nearby Old Vic which is an popular venue with the famous actor; Kevin Spacey as Artistic Director.

(Written on September 27, 2010 )

The WildKat PR team are always eager to support young, up and coming artists who want a platform to demonstrate their talent. This is why we have combined forces with our friends at The Forge, London to present and invite you to our young artists showcase next Tuesday, 21 September 2010.

Tickets are available from this link!

(Written on September 17, 2010 )