'A joy to hear'
The Strad
Tales from the 15th Floor to receive performance at charity event in September
Michael's piece for cello and piano, Tales from the 15th Floor, about his time in intensive care, will receive a performance at a charity event in support of the wonderful Music in Hospitals and Care, who improve the health and well-being of children and adults through the healing power of live music. The event is on 18th September (drinks at 6.30pm, music at 7.30pm) at St James Garlickhythe, Upper Thames Street. Full details and tickets are available here.
The piece will once again be performed by Karen Stephenson (cello) and Sophia Rahman (piano), who recorded it in 2023 (extract below) and performed it at Smith Square Hall in May. The programme also features a selection of operas arias performed by Jeremy Huw Williams.
From the third movement of Tales from The 15th Floor. The recording of the piece is available on the CD When The Light Shines.
The most recent performance of Tales took place at Smith Square Hall at a concert to thank the NHS.
Dylan in Swansea and NYC
To commemmorate the 70th anniversary of the death of Dylan Thomas in New York City in November 1953, Michael's song cycle Dylan, which charts the Welsh poet's life, received performances in Swansea, where he was born, and New York City, where he died.
The Swansea performance took place in the front room of 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, the very house where Dylan Thomas was born and grew up and which has been lovingly restored in a period fashion.
Box set of recorded works
Box set containing all 7 CDs of Michael's recorded music, featuring works from across his career
RECORDINGS
ABOUT
The works of Michael Stimpson have been performed, commissioned, and recorded by some of the UK’s most distinguished artists including the English Chamber Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, London Sinfonietta, Allegri and Maggini String Quartets, Bristol Bach Choir, Roderick Williams, Paul Agnew, David Campbell, Philippe Graffin, and Sioned Williams. A number of the UK’s finest venues have featured performances of his work including the Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, and Cadogan Hall, as well as a variety of UK festivals. International recognition has prompted performances in Australia, Europe, Iran and the USA.
FEATURED WORK
The Stars Have Withdrawn Their Shining
'The title, The Stars Have Withdrawn Their Shining, is a modified quote from a late work of the 19th century artist, critic, philosopher, and reformer, John Ruskin. It was written to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his death. The piece itself follows the form of a sonatina, three movements in all, but in reality it is more a personal reflection of Ruskin’s life than a musical structure'
(Michael Stimpson, from the introduction to the piece)
The score is published by Creighton's Collection and is available here.
Read more about the piece here.
FEATURED SCORE
A cappella choir, soli, spoken word. Based on the writings of William Blake.
2006. 1hr 30 mins (approx). Premiered by The Exmoor Singers of London, 28th July 2007, The Grosvenor Chapel, Mayfair, London
Buy here