The inimitable Nash Ensemble celebrate two of the most tuneful chamber music composers of their time, Bruch and Vaughan William – and their little-known connection.

In 1897 the young Englishman Ralph Vaughan Williams spent an enjoyable few months in Berlin studying with the renowned German composer Max Bruch. 'Bruch encouraged me,' Vaughan Williams recalled, 'and I had never had much encouragement before.' Bruch’s official testimonial for Vaughan Williams calls him 'a very good musician and a talented composer'; Vaughan Williams also remembered Bruch appreciating his 've-ry o-riginaal ideeas' – though not his harmonies, which were 'rather too originell'. Hearing their music together, the delightful surprise is discovering how much they had in common.

NB Please note that this programme was incorrectly printed in some early listings.

Change of Soloist

John Mark Ainsley, who was originally scheduled to appear in this concert alongside the Nash Ensemble, is unfortunately no longer able to perform. The LSO is very grateful to Ben Johnson for stepping in to sing a different selection of songs by Bruch and Vaughan Williams’ On Wenlock Edge in his place.

In 2016 John Mark Ainsley was diagnosed with Leukaemia. Fortunately this was an early diagnosis and with ongoing treatment the prognosis for his general health is very good. However, he has decided that it is time to retire from public performance, although it is still his intention to remain involved with singing and performing through teaching, adjudication and master classes. The LSO sends its very best wishes to John Mark Ainsley, and wishes him a swift recovery to full health.

Posted 7 March 2017