International pianist Mark Bebbington, has long championed the music of twentieth century British composers, in particular the work of John Ireland.
Therefore it’s no surprise that he’s chosen one of Ireland’s works to perform on October 15 for the second in this season’s nadsaconcerts.
A little different, though, is that his concert at Newton Abbot’s Courtenay Centre will be supported by the John Ireland Trust.
A quick glance through Mark’s discography and past concerts reveals the sheer range of his repertoire.
As well as works by English composers, he is equally at home playing Poulenc, Gershwin, Grieg, Mozart, Schubert, Chopin, Beethoven and Scarlatti – and even Verdi and Wagner orchestral works.
Indeed, when Mark returns to Teignbridge for nadsa concert’s 75th Anniversary Season, nine years since his first performance, it’s Verdi’s ‘Rigoletto’ and Wagner’s ‘Tristan and Isolde’ he’ll be playing.
Those who were at his previous Stover concert, amazed at the brilliance and delicacy, will be delighted to know that he will be performing these Liszt transcripts again. It was almost impossible to believe that a single human being could encompass the vast scores.
As well as compositions by Ireland and Liszt (transcripts of Verdi and Wagner), Mark has chosen to perform two contrasting works: the ‘Prelude, Chorale and Fugue’ by César Franck and one of Beethoven’s best known piano sonatas, the ‘Appassionata’.
The concert, sponsored by the John Ireland Trust and E and D Humphreys, will be performed at the Courtenay Centre on Friday October 15 at 7:30pm.
As audience numbers will be limited to allow social distancing, early booking is strongly advised. All tickets must be booked in advance which can be done through the website www.nadsa.co.uk.