Looking ahead at the diary it looks busy, exciting, challenging…
One of the highlights will be the Music Nation weekend that starts the lead up to the Cultural Olympiad. On Saturday 3rd March I will be premiering Tunde Jegede’s new concerto with Sinfonia Viva in Derby, and the following day playing Fraser Trainer’s concerto, The Duke’s Cut, with the BBC Phil in Manchester. Both of the pieces will feature improvisation in them, which is a wonderful experience with an orchestra behind you. Two new concertos in two days will stretch me, to say the least.
Also really looking forward to being Associate Artist with the Spitalfields Festival in June. I’ve always admired the festival for their imaginative approach, and the way they manage to somehow get the grit of the East End in their programming!
There are many more Peasant Girl concerts this year, including one in the White Nights of St Petersburg which is going to be absolutely fantastic – I haven’t been there during the summer for over 20 years.
I’m hoping to do some writing/recording this year of my own material, as well as recording Britten in Canterbury Cathedral for release in the Britten Centenary year, 2013, when I’m planning a huge tour of the UK. I’ll be posting some news of that soon.
But for now, Happy New Year to all!!!