by Graeme Stevenson
Year 2003 - 04 looks to be the busiest year we have had for quite a while in music. The semester will be only one week old when we make an attempt on the world record for the Fastest Theatrical Production. Even at this stage we still don't know what it will be - the choice of production is revealed at 8pm on Friday 26th September and the show will go on at 7.30pm on Saturday 27th September. There is still time to take part: just go to the University website at www.dundee.ac.uk/music/guinness.htm and send us your contact details.
We have 3 evening concerts this season beginning with a programme for cello and piano to be given by the Scottish duo Harriet Davidson and Claire Haslin. Their concert takes place on Thursday 16th October at 7.30pm in the Chaplaincy Centre and will feature music by Beethoven, Piazzolla and Franck.
On 27th November, Dundee pianist Christina Lawrie makes a welcome return to the University. As well as appearing in the Bonar Hall for a programme featuring Chopin, Rachmaninovv and Liszt, she will also be playing a Mozart Piano Concert at the Caird Hall with Dundee Symphony Orchestra.
In-between these 2 concerts, we will have a "Recorder Rave" event hosted by Piers Adams and Howard Beach. Hopefully around 100 local primary children will be taking part in various workshops on Wednesday 29th October with Piers and Howard and then on the Thursday evening, will join him on stage in the Bonar Hall for two items amongst his solo pieces. With reviews like 'Staggering' (Gramophone) and 'Beyond virtuosity into the realms of improbability' (Classic CD) this promises to be a very special concert and hopefully we will have an excellent turnout.
All the music groups will again be up and running in preparation for their various performances and concerts. OPSOC will be rehearsing for "Return to the Forbidden Planet" - a fantastic sci-fi musical based on Shakespeare and featuring many, many rock and roll favourites: Good Vibrations, Go Now, Gloria, Shake Rattle and Roll etc.
The University Choir will be rehearsing Saint-Saens Christmas Oratorio and Handel's Jephtha while the orchestra will be working on Copeland and Schumann.
Most of the music groups are aimed at all members of the University community so members of staff and students are all welcome - please get in touch or come along to one of our rehearsals. Information about all musical activities can be accessed via www.dundee.ac.uk/music