Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741): Le Quattro Staggioni (The Four Seasons, Op.8 1-4)
Astor Piazzolla 1921-1992): Las cuatro estaciones porteñas (The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires)

Corona Baroque Strings/Corona Strings
Janet Lincé, Conductor
David Le Page, Violin

Conductor Janet Lincé presents two contrasting perspectives on the four seasons; by composers Vivaldi and Piazzolla, in an inventive concert programme featuring the specialist period instrument players of her acclaimed Oxford-based Corona Strings and celebrated violin soloist David Le Page, at St John the Evangelist (SJE), Iffley Road on Saturday 24th February 2018.

Heralding Spring 2018, Corona Strings’ show-stopping programme juxtaposes performances of Vivaldi’s famously spirited Baroque masterpiece, ‘The Four Seasons’, with Piazzolla’s own individual take on the subject – the ‘Four Seasons of Buenos Aires’.

Four soloists from Corona Baroque Ensemble will take centre stage in a period instrument performance of Vivaldi’s famous suite, under leader Miranda Walton. The same players then change instruments to be joined by the full Corona Strings ensemble under their leader, Catherine Leach, and by violin soloist, David le Page, to perform Piazzolla’s colourful and rhythmic interpretation of the same name.

Known for his eclectic approach to performing, le Page appears regularly as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral leader and has formed a number of his own groups. He is leader of the Stratford-upon-Avon based Orchestra of the Swan and appears regularly at SJE.

“Within Corona Strings we have a strong group of Baroque players who will be performing Vivaldi on authentic instruments”, explained conductor, Janet Lincé, “thereby giving our audience an even broader contrast with Piazzolla's great response to the same theme.”

“We aim to offer a platform for exciting soloists”, she added, “and are especially delighted that violin soloist, David Le Page, who will be familiar to audiences at SJE from his many fine performances there, will be joining us for this programme.”

Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992) composed his Four Seasons between 1965 and 1970, originally for an unusual combination of violin, piano, electric guitar, double bass and bandoneon. Combining Jazz, and Tango from his native Argentina, and fusing it with Classical and 20th Century influences, listeners will recognise the composer quoting directly from Vivaldi’s work of the same name.

St John’s Church, Iffley Road, Oxford provides a warm and comfortable venue with a superb acoustic for these vibrant and atmospheric works.