Talented young musicians from Aberdeen will launch the first of a series of informal lunchtime performances in the city today (Thursday, October 7).
Under the artistic direction of Dr Roger B Williams, Director of University Music, at the University of Aberdeen, Lunchbreaks, will commence today at 12.45pm, at the Cowdray Hall. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to attend.
Lunchbreaks is a weekly series of inspired classical and Scottish music, run by Aberdeen City Council and supported by the University of Aberdeen. The artistic influence of Dr Williams has helped to secure an exciting programme of acclaimed composers and artists, who will perform in Aberdeen most Thursdays until next April.
Today's debut concert will feature seven young students from the Aberdeen City Music School, who will perform a selection of classical music, under the direction of Stephen Pinnock. Aberdeen City Music School is Scotland's newest music school and admits talented young musicians by audition. There are now 37 pupils in the school and numbers are growing. All pupils attend Dyce Academy, which integrates their general education into the music programme.
Dr Williams said he was looking forward to an exciting season of music: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be involved in the planning of this important and informal series. I hope the Lunchbreaks series will showcase Aberdeen as a lively centre for music and creative vision.
"Lunchbreaks has something for everyone and we would like the people of Aberdeen to take this opportunity to brighten up their lunch hours."
On Thursday, October 14, the Edinburgh Quartet, featuring Charles Mutter (violin), Philip Burrin (violin), Michael Beeston (viola), and Mark Bailey (cello), will perform Quartet in D by Cesar Franck. October 21 will see a performance by Vocal Liaison, with Jean Webster (Soprano), Peter Webster (Baritone), and Ian Gilles (piano).
Music by Clara Schumann, Elgar, and Musgrave, will come to life on October 28, with Katherine Smith (Mezzo Soprano) and Roger B Williams (piano).
Nationally acclaimed pianist Joseph Long will perform music by Chopin, Schubert and Nielsen on November 4, while the Cults Scottish Quartet will perform traditional Scottish music by composers from Aberdeen and the North East. On November 18, musicians from the University of Aberdeen, will perform music by Bach and Mozart.
December promises to be an equally exciting month for Lunchbreaks, with the Aberdeen Bassoon Quines kicking off the festive month. Seasonal music, performed by singers and instrumentalists from St Margaret's School for Girls, will feature on December 9, under the direction of Andrew Tulloch.
Admission to all the performances is free, though donations are welcome. Refreshments, provided by the friends of the Aberdeen Art Gallery, are available to purchase.
For more information on Lunchbreaks, please telephone (01224) 523700, or email: info@aagm.co.uk.