A Concert for Swifts 2024

We are pleased to announce this fundraiser with three local musicians - see biographies below.

During the interval, we will observe Salisbury's largest colony of nesting swifts just outside the venue - weather permitting.

All proceeds will go towards Salisbury and Wilton Swifts (SAWS), helping to keep our skies alive!

Please note - Refreshments will NOT be provided .Please feel free to bring your own drinks for the interval.

THE PROGRAMME

Bill Benham - Violin

Chris Hedland - Piano

Alison Myers - Cello

Rimsky-Korsakov. (arr Kreisler) Danse Arabe (from Sheherezade)

Tartini Sonata “Didone Abandonata”.

De Falla (arr Kreisler) Danse Espagnole

Granados (arr Kreisler) Danse Espagnole

Glazunov Serenade Espagnole Op 20 (Cello)

Faure Berceuse (Cello)

Interval

Debussy En Bateau

Mozart Piano Trio in G, K496

Handel Water Music

Grainger English Country Gardens

Rimsky-Korsakov ‘The Flight of the Bumble Bee’

Poliakin The Canary

Dinicu The Lark

Bill studied the violin with John Sealey, Homi Kanga, Jean Pougnet and Alfredo Campoli. He was a member of the Bath Festival Orchestra and London Symphony Orchestra - which he joined in 1968. During his five years with the LSO, he performed in the Nash Ensemble and the Academy of St Martin–in-the Fields, before being appointed co-leader of the Northern Sinfonia. From 1975 to 2003, he was a session musician playing in a wide variety of films and recordings. He has given many recitals, some at International festivals, and has made several CDs of his concerts. In 1979 he qualified as an Alexander Teacher and has taught a number of people over the years. He has also developed an Ergonomic Chin Rest which is adjustable in height and angle. With this equipment, Bill has helped many people with long arms as well as long necks to play without pain. His violin is a copy of Paganini’s “Canon”, made by Tibor Semmelweis.

Alison Myers studied the cello at the Guildhall School of Music under William Pleeth. She joined the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra where she stayed for 22 years. This was followed by teaching the cello at Winchester College. She now enjoys a freelance career, continuing to teach and run workshops for multiple cellos.

Christopher Hedland studied composition at the Royal Academy of music graduating in 2002. More recently he has studied conducting both here and abroad and has participated in several performances of chamber music.

Many thanks to the musicians and Sarum College for use of the venue.

Host or Publisher Daniel Kronenberg