In the 54th of a series of articles, David Bird discusses the work of Redbridge Music Society and introduces Sandra Porter, John Rogers and Emilie Capulet, who will be performing in Wanstead this month
An essential aim of Redbridge Music Society is to enhance musical knowledge and music appreciation within the borough via high-quality, live chamber recitals featuring distinguished musicians. This aim will be realised in Wanstead in May, when mezzo-soprano Sandra Porter, violinist and violist John Rogers and concert pianist Emilie Capulet will perform a programme of mainly French music, including works by Duparc, Satie, Berlioz, Tomasi and César Franck.
Award-winning mezzo-soprano Sandra Porter studied at the Royal College of Music, London, completing her studies there with Dame Felicity Palmer. She has appeared regularly on BBC Radio 3, has sung with the Chamber Group of Scotland, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and others, and has performed at venues such as the Aldeburgh Festival, English National Opera and Opera Holland Park. Her many roles include Bianca (The Rape of Lucretia), Rosina (Il Barbiere di Siviglia) and Suzuki (Madame Butterfly). Sandra also records, teaches and adjudicates, and her recent album, Clara, with pianist Graeme McNaught, received much critical acclaim.
Violinist and violist John Rogers has been a chamber musician throughout his career. Scholarships to the Royal College of Music and the University of Michigan enabled him to receive coaching from distinguished musicians such as Manoug Parikian, Steven Isserlis and Yo Yo Ma, and from members of prestigious string quartets such as Chilingirian, Juilliard, Allegri and Endellion. John has performed, coached and recorded chamber music in the UK, US, New Zealand and Hong Kong, where he was Principal Viola in the Hong Kong Philharmonic. He has worked with the Philharmonia, BBC orchestras, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra with Simon Rattle and others, and for many years with English Touring Opera.
Emilie Capulet is an award-winning international concert pianist, lecture-recitalist and academic with postgraduate degrees in music and literature. In much demand as a soloist, she has appeared in concert halls across Europe, US, Canada, Latin America and Asia. Her many recordings include classical and contemporary works, and the first recording of the complete solo piano music of Henri Tomasi, which received great critical acclaim. She has broadcast on TV and radio and appears live on Sky News as a classical music expert. Currently, Emilie is the BMus (Hons) Programme Leader at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and Visiting Fellow at Keble College, Oxford.
Please come along to experience this fascinating recital that will celebrate music across three centuries. An evening not to be missed!
The recital will take place at Wanstead Library on 12 May from 8pm (tickets on the door: £12; members: £9). Call 07380 606 767. Redbridge Music Society is affiliated to Making Music.
