ICR Romanian Cultural Institute London

Enescu Society Gala Concert @ ICR London

The Enescu Society December Gala Concert promises a world class musical experience from outstanding internationally renowned soprano Nelly Miricioiu and pianist David Harper.

The evening will also reveal one of the Enescu Society's outstanding achievements this year and will present a message from HRH Princess Margarita of Romania, Patron of the Enescu Society.

For information about the Gala and the special announcement please read the press release.

The recital will be followed by a cocktail reception in the presence of the Ambassador of Romania and members of the Enescu Society board.

Programme:

Joachin Rodrigo (1901-1999): Cuatro Madrigales
Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848): Due composizione da camera
Giachino Rossini (1792-1868): Aria from "Semiramis"
Nicolae Bretan (1887-1968): Two romanian songs
Tiberiu Brediceanu (1877-1968): "Doina Stancutei"
Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901): Aria from "Don Carlo", Aria from "Macbeth"
George Enescu (1881-1955): Three songs from his album of "Sept chanson" de Clement Marot
Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791-1864): Aria from "Robert le diable"
Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835): The mad scene from "Il Pirata" (recitativo, aria an cabalette)

Soprano Nelly Miricioiu is one of the world most remarkable artists. Her rich repertoire includes some of the most powerful dramatic Italian roles and most famous bel canto heroines.
She first began her musical studies in Iasi, Romania at the Liceul de Muzica where she finished piano and also later completed her vocal studies at the George Enescu Conservatoire, followed by a scholarship in Milan. She started her singing career at the Brasov Opera in 1975 and international debut was at the Glasgow Opera in 1981.

International stardom came with the debut at the Covent Garden in London as Nedda in I Pagliacci and then by the interpretation of three leading roles at the Paris Opera: the four heroines of "Les contes d'Hoffman", Violetta in "La Traviata", Tosca and "Lucia" at La Scala Milan.
Nelly Miricioiu performed on the most prestigious stages in the world together with celebrated stars such as: Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo, Rento Bruson, Roberto Alagna, Franco Bonisooli, Jose Cura, Neil Shicoff and Alfred Kraus.
A documentary by Marilena Rotaru about Nelly's life was shown at the Institute in October 2008, part of the National Institute for the Memory of the Romanian Exile event.
In 2001 she received the Order of Cultural Merit - Commander.
Nelly Miricioiu is a Friend of the Enescu Society and partner in one of our leading projects this year.

David Harper: Early success in New Zealand as an aspiring concert pianist led to further study at the Royal College of Music in London. However, an overwhelming passion for vocal repertoire in general and the singing voice in particular soon eclipsed all piano soloist ambitions.

After several years on the Music Staff at English National Opera he embarked on a free-lance career involving both recital accompaniment and vocal coaching activities. A wide-reaching and immensely successful professional profile has built up over the ensuing years with both facets of his involvement in the lyric arts gaining equal recognition in numerous national and international situations.

In addition to a thriving London-based teaching studio, David's current professional pursuits also include frequent invitations for masterclasses, vocal workshops, and guest professorships throughout the UK and Europe, the Far East, USA, and Australasia. Many of his prominent vocal coaching clients regularly invite him to join them on the concert platform at various prestigious recital venues throughout the world.

Recordings include an 11-volume project for Opera Rara London called "Il Salotto" (the Salon) exploring the vast repertoire of music for voice and piano composed for performance in the private salons of the 19th century.