Michelangeli Ensemble concert a great success

The Michelangeli Ensemble (James Kortum, flute; Julia Ryder, cello; Verna Lee, harp) performed an extremely well received concert on Wednesday, 26 November. As usual with all the Chamber Music concerts of the Robertson Village Music Society, the concert was performed at the St John's Christian Education Centre, at Meryla Street, Robertson.
In excess of sixty people appreciated the range of items which these musicians played. It was a mixed program, ranging from a series of Sixteenth Century Lute pieces, (arranged by Dewey Owens), through to some American Folk tunes, also arranged by Owens. These were popular, familiar tunes, however, arranged in keeping with the style of Chamber Music. Indeed these pieces allowed Verna to demonstrate her virtuosity on the Harp, as Owens was himself a specialist Harp player, composer, and arranger of music for the Harp.

I would have to say I appreciated the notes which the Michelangeli Ensemble provided to accompany their performance. I found these notes very helpful, informative and interesting.

Julia Ryder, Cello; with Verna Lee on the Harp

Verna Lee demonstrating different techniques and playing positions on the Harp, as an introduction to the last set of American Folk tunes, arranged by Dewey Owens.

James Kortum, on Flute.

During the the interval Robert Goldsack made a few announcements about forthcoming events of the RVMS. He also mentioned the book which Robertson resident Philip Bailey had just published, "Yehudiana", based upon his years of work with Yehudi Menuhin. Copies of the book were available for purchase at this concert, in advance of the official launch of the book on Saturday 29 November. I obtained my own (signed) copy of Philip's book on the spot.

At the end of the Concert (after an Encore), Julia made an impromptu speech thanking the people of Robertson for their generous support and enthusiastic appreciation of the Ensemble's music.