John Ireland anniversary celebrations

Very productive rehearsal patch and run-through concert down in Somerset with members of The Berkeley Ensemble, in preparation for next week's John Ireland portrait concert at The Forge. Ireland's music is an intoxicating mix of the English pastoral style and French impressionism and this is a wonderfully varied programme to mark the 50th anniversary of his death: beautiful songs, luscious piano music, a substantial clarinet trio, plus the (non-piano!) sextet for clarinet, horn and string quartet. Petroc Trelawney will be introducing the concert and it's supported by The John Ireland trust.