Scottish Catholic Observer

In answer to the title, Why is this night different?, the Lentfest evening with eminent Scottish composer James MacMillan and the St Patrick’s Ensemble promises to be entertaining and enlightening.

The St Patrick’s Ensemble is performing chamber works by Mr MacMillan (above) next Wednesday, with an introduction and discussion by the composer himself, as part of Glasgow Archdiocese’s Lentfest 2012 programme. The event is being held in the historic setting of Glasgow University’s Memorial Chapel, centred around the Passover-inspired String Quartet No 2.

The first half, beginning at 7.30pm, will be introduced by Mr MacMillan, discussing the works with musical illustrations. After the interval, the programme will be performed in full, including Kiss on Wood and After the Tryst for violin and piano, Lumen Christi for piano solo and excerpts from String Quartet No 1, Visions of a November Spring.

The St Patrick’s Ensemble was founded by violinist, Paul Livingston, in 2009 with the original aim of performing a benefit concert for St Patrick’s, Anderson, restoration appeal. It has since rasied money for many worthy causes and continues to showcase some of the UK’s finest young professional musicians.

“The St Patrick’s Ensemble is committed to widening participation in the arts,” Mr Livingston said. “In collaboration with the excellent work of Stephen Callaghan and AGAP, the group is pleased to contribute to the cultural life of the Archdiocese of Glasgow.”

Wednesday’s performance will bring together German violinist Janina Kronberger, Armenian violinist Ani Batikian and Mr Livingston on violin with Jessica Wyatt (viola), David Sloan (cello) and Simon Smith (piano).

— Tickets for the Why is this night different?—The Music of James MacMillan talk and performance are still available at £8 (£5 conc). Book by telephoning 0141 554 1333 or visiting http://[email protected] online.

Pic: Paul McSherry