The British Flute Society
6th International Convention 2008
Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester
21st – 24th August 2008
Convention Preview
Preparations for the Convention in 2008 were under way even before the last note had been played at the 2006 Convention, and as before, the programme contains a mixture of old and new and including the most popular players from 2006.
The Convention starts with a Teacher’s Day with news and views for those involved in teaching. It will include advice on using, buying and practising alto and bass flutes and piccolos; simple repairs of school flutes; a recital of exam syllabus pieces; the best new educational music; a talk on forming a flute choir and much more. A complimentary lunch will be served.
Three well known and respected figures from the international flute world, William Bennett, Michel Debost and Walfrid Kujala will offer their wisdom, Debost playing a short programme and talking about his years as Professor at the Paris Conservatoire, and William Bennett presenting a programme with the Japanese ensemble, Concert Lumiere.
Players who have been extensively talked about worldwide, Marianne Gedigian (USA), Sharon Bezaly (Sweden) and Timothy Hutchins from Canada will all perform a recital.
Popular players who appeared at our last Convention, Denis Bouriakov and Lorna McGhee will be with us again as will Wissam Boustany.
I have lost count of the number of times Robert Dick, Ian Clarke and Matthias Ziegler have played for us, but again by popular request, they will play in Manchester.
Widely known soloists who have appeared at other world flute conventions Andrea Oliva who will be with us in Manchester. Another first timer is Steve Kujala playing the flute as though it has no keys.
Well known UK players and who are appearing for the first time are Jonathan Snowden, Daniel Pailthorpe and Jaime Martin, not forgetting the master piccolo player, Stewart MacIlwham, with a welcome return of Philippa Davies. Adam walker, a young artist will also play for the first time
Marco Granados has again agreed to weave his Latin magic on Sunday night, and to teach those how to play those engaging melodies.
Amy Morris and Christine Potter are new visitors, Amy including Scottish music in her programme and Chris putting the spotlight on alto and bass flutes as too will Carla Rees with her Rarescale performance. New too are Nikos Nikopoulos and Georgia Xagara, (harp) from Greece and Elizabeth Reian Bennett from the USA who will introduce and play the Japanese shakuhachi.
Adrianne Greenbaum will perform Klezmer music in her recital and two international masters of baroquery, Barthold Kuijken and Rachel Brown will both talk about early music and play the traverso, Rachel performing the complete Telemann Fantasies.
Vieri Bottazzini has attracted attention both in performing and directing his flute choir, and we look forward to his expertise in this field.
Many asked for a return of the excellent German flute quintet Quintessenz and immediately after their concert in 2006, they were booked.
Rhonda Larson appears in her special show again by popular request.
Denis Verroust, for many years the organiser of the French Flute Society will talk on the life and work of the French virtuoso, Jean-Pierre Rampal whom he knew well.
Stuart Scott will call to mind the great British players of the past with historic recordings. Helen Spielman will help those with Stage Fright and Anxiety to manage their problems and Liz Taylor will once more help us to understand our bodies in her twice daily Yoga sessions. Mia Dreese will talk about the relevance of Quantz today. Extra late night relaxing techniques sessions with Niall O'Riordan will help you sleep. The technical and repair expertise of Ian McLauchlan will be again be available, and the kindly Arthur Haswell will also be running a non stop repair and advice service. The proceedings will begin on Thursday morning with talks, lectures, clinics and recitals, primarily for teachers though anyone will benefit from this day. Emma Williams will demonstrate examination music and the day will end with Wissam Boustany, a great favourite who will play the first recital together with the innovative Steve Kujala who plays the flute as no other.
At regular intervals throughout the Convention, there will be piccolo events drawing attention to the purchase, the playing of and the practical management of the smallest member of the flute family.
Heading and co-ordinating these events is Christine Beard (USA) and contributing soloists are Matjaz Debeljak (Slovenia), Lior Eitan (Israel Phil. Orch.), and Stewart McIlwham (UK) as well as contributions from Patricia Morris (formerly of the BBC Symphony Orchestra) and Walfrid Kujala, a long standing member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
To help everyone wind down, a new visitor from Japan, Haruka Okubo, otherwise known as Lulu, together with her guitarist, Jun Kagumi, has plenty of relaxing Bossa Nova to see the day out in the Bar.
We also have a special presentation: Gregory Patillo whose Beat Box on YouTube has exceeded 9 million hits!
Our two hard working pianists Timothy Carey and Richard Shaw will again be accompanying the soloists.
A small group of BFS faithfuls which include Atarah Ben Tovim and Julie Wright will take flute groups and choirs and help run the parties.
Members can take part in a number of Flute Choir sessions, the most notable of which will be a rehearsal and performance of the Tallis Motet in 40 parts with 120 flutes.
Julie is again the indispensable Convention Co-ordinator. We have the benefit of John Rayworth’s excellent Convention booking system.
The Convention will be held at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester from 21st – 24th August 2008, the BFS Silver Jubilee Year.
Details of bookings and when they will begin will be posted on the BFS Website: www.bfs.org.uk
How can you afford to miss it?
Trevor Wye. Programme Director
Please note that the BFS reserves the right to change or cancel any performance at this event without notice
