Performers

Douglas Boyd conductor
John Lill piano

Manchester Camerata and Douglas Boyd have forged a great, musical relationship with the wonderful John Lill, through their exploration of all Beethoven's Piano Concertos, of which John is true master.

John believes that it is important to perform works that you like and enjoy playing, that way you give more of yourself to the piece, and the performance in turn becomes more enjoyable for the audience …

'You owe it to the public, composer, the music, and yourself to play the music you like best.'
- John Lill

… When Manchester Camerata and John Lill join forces, the air of enthusiasm and enjoyment of playing together is experienced by everyone who hears them perform.

This Piano Concerto, the second, is a reminder that Beethoven's fame initially came from his prowess at the keyboard, with brilliance and power contrasting with serenity and calm.

Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, with its famous opening motif of 'destiny knocking at the door' still has the power to shock even now, and probably makes it one of the most popular and well-known compositions in all of European classical music. It has appeared frequently in popular culture, from disco to rock and roll, to appearances in film and television. And its epic and rousing finale is gripping stuff.

The Music

Mendelssohn The Fair Melusina
Beethoven Piano Concerto no.2
Beethoven Symphony no.5

And don't forget you can download a programme for free a week before this concert, or a recording of Manchester Camerata performing Beethoven's 4th Symphony on their homepage.

Associated links:

About Manchester Camerata
Manchester Camerata's website
About Douglas Boyd
About John Lill
About Beethoven's 5th Symphony (wikipedia)