The music programme has been carefully created and arranged by violist and composer Simon Rowland-Jones in close association with the musicians and will be hosted by Barry Cheeseman of Kirker Holidays. After many years of experience we have learnt that on a music cruise our clients wish to discover new works as well as enjoy some familiar favourites. Getting the mix just right is an integral part of Simon Rowland-Jones’ work when planning the programme and we are confident that everyone will find something of interest in each of our concerts.
Although the Black Watch carries just over 800 passengers, the Kirker Music Festival’s private concerts are restricted to Kirker guests (we anticipate approximately
60-90 participants) and will be held in the Marina Theatre, ideal for listening to chamber music. Concerts will take place on most days of the cruise and will be complemented by a number of informative talks and interviews with the musicians. In addition to the Kirker programme, two further concerts will be given in the Neptune Lounge for everyone on board to enjoy.
The aim of this cruise is to provide singers of any level the chance to join our choir on board and to prepare for two performances – one exclusively for the Kirker party to be given in a venue in Oslo and one to be enjoyed by everyone on board in the Neptune Lounge as part of the Black Watch’s entertainment programme.
Everyone who books on this cruise will be sent a letter from Christopher asking you if you would like to join the choir – becoming a member of the choir is not compulsory! There will also be a progamme of chamber music concerts to enjoy.
Those who are interested will need to respond to us giving us details of voice type and level of experience – this will assist Christopher in his planning for the performance. Details of his proposed programme will also be sent to you and later, as soon as he is able to confirm the programme depending on the response, we will write to you again giving you full details so that you will be able to bring the music with you.
One of the world’s greatest opera singers, Dame Josephine Barstow will attend rehearsals and give her own vocal classes to individual sections from the choir, and if time allows, help and encouragement to individual choir members. Dame Jo’s formidable technique kept her at the top of her professions for 40 years and in 2011 she is still being invited to sing major roles – so you can be sure that any tips or advice she offers during rehearsals will be well worth listening to!
Day 1
Depart Dover late evening.
Chilingirian String Quartet
Gary Matthewman - Piano
Grieg: Scherzo from String Quartet No. 2 in F
Dvorak: Piano Quintet.
Chilingirian String Quartet
Simon Rowland-Jones - Viola
Mozart: String Quartet in C minor K 406
Beethoven: String Quartet in E flat Op. 127
Day 2
Cruising.
Day 3
Early morning arrive Stavanger. Late evening depart Stavanger.
Optional Excursion: Stavanger
After a panoramic sightseeing tour of Stavanger which will include a visit to the city’s ancient cathedral we will drive along the fjord to a monastery overlooking the sea. After our tour here we will enjoy a performance by the Chilingirian String Quartet followed by lunch.
Chilingirian String Quartet
Suzie Mezaros - Viola
Gary Matthewman - Piano
Haydn: String Quartet in D Op. 76 No. 5
Schumann: Märchenbilder for viola and piano.
Brahms: String Quartet A minor
Day 4
Early morning arrive Flam, Sognefjord. Late evening depart Flam, Sognefjord. Cruising Naeroyfjord.
Day 5
Early morning arrive Olden, Sogn og Fjordane. Late evening depart Olden, Sogn og Fjordane.
Chilingirian String Quartet
Simon Rowland-Jones - Viola
Philip de Groote - Cello
Gary Matthewman - Piano
Grieg: Intermezzo from String Quartet No. 1 in G minor Op. 27
Beethoven: String Trio in D Op. 9 No. 2
Ravel: String Quartet
Day 6
Early morning arrive Bergen, Hordaland. Late evening depart Bergen, Hordaland.
Optional Excursion: Bergen
Bergen is one of Europe’s most beautifully located cities. Our excursion begins with a panoramic sightseeing tour of the city before crossing to the beautiful island of Lysoen where the 19th century virtuoso violinist Ole Bull made his home. His house here is as flamboyant as his personality and playing style. We will her all about him during the visit. After an included lunch we will go to Troldhaugen to visit Grieg’s house and enjoy a concert in the stunning hall here overlooking the fjord.
Dame Josephine Barstow - Soprano
Simon Rowland-Jones - Viola
Gary Matthewman - Piano
Rowland-Jones: River Gods
Brahms: Viola Sonata in E flat
Poulenc: L'histoire du Babar
Day 7
Mid morning arrive Kristiansand. Early evening depart Kristiansand.
Chilingirian String Quartet
Gary Matthewman - Piano
Mozart: String Quartet K159 in B flat
Grieg: Violin and piano Sonata in C minor
Schumann: String Quartet in A minor Op. 41 No. 1
Day 8
Early morning arrive Oslo. Late evening depart Oslo.
Optional Escursion: Oslo
We will attend a performance of our own Kirker Choir at a venue in the city.
Day 9
Cruising.
The Kirker on Board choir will perform in the Neptune lounge.
Chilingirian String Quartet
Simon Rowland-Jones - Viola
Gary Matthewman - Piano
Bartok - Duos for two violins
Grieg: Lyric pieces solo piano
Martinu: 3 Madrigals for violin and viola
Handel-Halvorsen: Passacaglia for violin and viola
Brahms: String Quartet in G Op. 111
Day 10
Early morning arrive Dover.
PLEASE NOTE: Rehearsal and Dame Josephine's Class Schedule: There will be a rehearsal on 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 18 May - times will vary according to the itinerary to allow the maximum time on short at the ports of call. Dame Josephine will give morning classes on 11, 12, 14, 16 and 18 May.
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