New work by Elaine Agnew at the BBC Proms
Dark Hedges, a new work by Irish composer Elaine Agnew commissioned by the BBC, will form the centre of a performance on Saturday, 4 August 2012 by the Ulster Youth Orchestra and Ulster Orchestra as part of the BBC Proms.
The work for double orchestra and flute features renowned soloist Sir James Galway and will be conducted by the Ulster Orchestra’s principal conductor JoAnn Falletta. The composer writes about the piece:
"The starting point for the piece and its title is an ancient avenue of mature beech trees near the village of Armoy in County Antrim. Over the past 250 years or so, the beech trees have guarded both sides of the road, reaching up and across to each other becoming heavily intertwined to create a mystical arched tunnel where shadows and light play through the branches.
The trees look totally different once you walk ‘inside’ and demonstrate just how thick the branches are, seemingly blocking the sky from view altogether. Ancient, twisted, gnarly trees with a distinctive character and soul of their own. A mysterious ghost, known as the Grey Lady, is said to weave her way silently along the roadside, vanishing as she glides past the last tree."
The concert takes place at the Royal Albert Hall at 2pm on Saturday 4th August. Tickets are available online here. The concert will also be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.
Further information:
Programme:
Chabrier – Espana
Mozart – Flute Concert No. 2 in D major, K314
Agnew – Dark Hedges
Stravinsky – The Firebird