On Wednesday, 13th November, the Wyvern Theatre will host a captivating performance featuring the Viola and Piano duo of Carol Hubel-Allen and Paul Turner.
Beginning at 1.05pm, the concert, part of Swindon Recital Series, promises an engaging programme that intertwines the timeless works of two musical giants: Dmitri Shostakovich and Ludwig van Beethoven.
Founded by Paul Turner 31 years ago, the Swindon Recital Series aims to bring world-class chamber music to the local area. The series runs from September to April each year, featuring regular concerts by professional musicians at various venues, including the Wyvern Theatre and the Arts Centre.
The highlight of the November’s concert will be the public première of Shostakovich’s Viola Sonata, which was unveiled on 1st October 1975, just seven weeks after the composer’s passing. Written during the last two months of his life, this sonata stands out as Shostakovich’s only work composed specifically for viola and piano. Since its inception, it has secured its place as a cornerstone in the repertoire for this instrumental combination.
Alongside the Viola Sonata, the duo will perform the first movement of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, a piece that is notably referenced in the final movement of Shostakovich’s work. The programme will also feature the Romance from the Soviet film The Gadfly, which gained further recognition as the theme music for the television series Reilly, Ace of Spies.
Carol Hubel-Allen has a distinguished background, having trained at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Her experience includes performances with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and the Pfeifer String Quartet in Stuttgart. Carol has toured extensively across Europe and the United States and has received multiple awards from the Royal Academy of Music.
Paul Turner, an Honours graduate and elected Associate of the Royal Academy of Music, boasts a wealth of experience as a recitalist, performing at esteemed venues in London and major festivals across the UK. His expertise has taken him across Europe and South America, where he has collaborated with prominent singers and instrumentalists. Richard Whitehouse of St. Johns Smith Square praised his “exemplary clarity and poise” in his piano performances.
Tickets for this event are reasonably priced and available online, with adult tickets available for £9, including the venue levy. Students aged 15 to 18 can attend for just £3.50, while accompanied children aged 14 and under can enter for free.
