THE MAGIC OF THE VIOLIN

One of this country’s brightest stars of the violin, Thomas Gould, comes to Luton with his pianist John Reid to give an evening of unusual but fascinating music. A former pupil of the legendary György Pauk, Thomas has established a busy and varied career as soloist, recitalist and orchestral leader. In 2006 he was selected for representation by Young Concert Artists Trust (YCAT) leading to debut recitals in the Purcell Room, Bridgewater Hall, Wigmore Hall and St George’s Bristol. As a Martin Musical Scholarship Fund award-winner Thomas has appeared in recital in the Purcell Room and Queen Elizabeth Hall. Through the Countess of Munster Recital Scheme and Making Music Young Concert Artist Programme Thomas performs regularly for music clubs and societies across the UK with John Reid.

Thomas is in equal demand as concerto soloist, having performed with numerous orchestras in England and abroad. Notable collaborations include the Gävle Symfoniorkester and Robin Ticciati, Kammerphilharmonie Graz and Achim Holub, Orchestra of the Swan and David Curtis, and the London Soloists Chamber Orchestra. In 2007 he will give the premiere of a concerto written for six-string electric violin by American composer Nico Muhly with Aurora Orchestra.

Thomas is co-leader of Britten Sinfonia and leader of Aurora Orchestra. He also freelances with several London orchestras and plays regularly on soundtracks for film and television. In addition Thomas has recorded works by Herbert Howells and Joseph Jongen for the Meridian and Hyperion labels. Thomas is a regular participant in the International Musicians Seminar at Prussia Cove and the Britten-Pears Young Artist Programme in Aldeburgh.

Aptly for a young player, the programme includes some youthful pieces: Delius’ early Sonata in B major dating from 1892, three pieces from Britten’s Suite Op 6 and Ravel’s rarely heard Sonata No 1 dating from 1897. You can also hear Three Night Pieces by Graham Williams composed in 2006, and César Franck’s glorious Sonata in A major.

Thomas plays a violin made by Gennaro Gagliano in 1754.

Thomas is a Making Music Philip & Dorothy Green Young Concert Artist and this concert is supported by Making Music, the National Federation of Music Societies.

For further information visit www.thomasgould.co.uk