Maconchy Centenary

8th January 2007

The centenary of the birth of Elizabeth Maconchy in 2007 presents many opportunities to hear the music of this individual British composer.

Performances of Maconchy’s music taking place around the UK include Concertino for Piano and Strings in St John’s Smith Square, London, and Samson and the Gates of Gaza in Norwich Cathedral. The Royal College of Music will honor its former pupil with two concerts dedicated to her music, as well as a workshop on her vocal music led by Jane Manning. The Park Lane Group will celebrate the centenary, as well as the 60th birthday of the composer’s daughter Nicola LeFanu, with a concert at London’s Purcell Room. Maconchy’s music will be heard in festivals in York and Bury St Edmunds, and at the Wigmore Hall, and will be performed by ensembles that include Gemini, CHROMA and the Ionian Singers. She will be the subject of BBC Radio 3’s Composer of the Week from March 19.

Click here to view the calendar of centenary performances, which will be regularly updated.

Forthcoming recordings include Romanza on Dutton and Epyllion (featuring cellist Raphael Wallfisch) on Nimbus. The label will also re-release the Lyrita recordings of orchestral works conducted by Vernon Handley.

Other events scheduled for the centenary year include the unveiling of a blue plaque at the composer’s former home in Boreham, Essex, an exhibition at St Hilda’s College, Oxford, and a British Music Society lecture by Nicola LeFanu.

A new catalogue of Elizabeth Maconchy’s music is now available. Contact Chester Music for information.