This is London Magazine March Edition 2026 - Flipbook - Page 19
ELGAR SINFONIA OF LONDON
CONCERT OF THE NEGLECTED
The continuing remit of the Elgar
Sinfonia is to present programmes of the
unusual and the rarely played. This
March, the concert in St Andrew’s
Holborn is no exception, an inviting and
warm-hearted experience.
Ruth Gipps, known to many for years
as a conductor has, since her passing,
been revealed as a muchoverlooked composer. As a woman
derided before the War as eccentric and
demanding, she was appallingly treated
by male prejudice. This is the first
performance of her First Symphony, a
lyrical, beautifully orchestrated and
constructed work, which should be
heard live in concert halls.
For many years Moeran, who had a
colourful life, was side-lined as possibly
interesting but of having no defining
language. Devoted recording companies
have put that right but there is still not
the bravery to perform to an
audience. Elgar Sinfonia are the
brave! The Violin Concerto is a
masterpiece, not following a traditional
formal pattern but really representing an
example of the ‘conversation’ that can be
written between solo instrument and
orchestra along with passages of great
virtuosity. Sinfonia Leader, Ryo Koyama
is soloist. He has led Elgar Sinfonia
for a while now and is passionate about
British music, including his understanding
of Walton’s Violin Concerto.
On retiring from playing, John Senter
began a composing career with a
wonderful knowledge of the orchestra
and what music should achieve. A brand
new composition is based on the book
of that title and is a reaction to the
implications and message of the said
book. Elgar Sinfonia? Yes, there will be a
surprise work by Edward Elgar at the end
of the Concert!
Music Director, Adrian Brown, will
welcome the audience at St Andrews,
introducing and conducting this great
music in their friendly and relaxed way.
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Ruth Gipps
Adrian Brown
BANK OF AMERICA TOURING
PARTNER OF THE ROYAL BALLET
A major new partnership for 2026
sees Bank of America as the Official
Touring Partner of The Royal Ballet. This
collaboration will support The Royal
Ballet’s international touring programme,
enabling the Company to share its
world-class artistry with audiences
across the globe.
The 2026 Tour includes performances
in Singapore and Tokyo. This first-of-itskind partnership between Bank of
America and a leading European dance
company demonstrates how public
and private investment in the performing
arts can promote cross-cultural
dialogue and strengthen bonds across
communities.
T H I S I S L O N D O N M A G A Z I N E • T H I S I S L O N D O N O N L I N E • w w w. t i l . c o m • @ t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g
