For the finale to the Children’s events at the Oxford Literature Festival, I was extremely honoured to work with the internationally acclaimed Russian pianist Alexander Ardakov on a performance of Pictures at an Exhibition. The concert was completely sold out some weeks in advance and I could not have asked for a lovelier or more amenable colleague.
Ardakov’s superb performance of this virtuoso warhorse challenged me to what I think was one of the best concerts I’ve worked on. To be able to do so in such a beautiful Oxford college as Corpus Christi, was very special.
Pictures at an Exhibition was chosen because the subject matter obviously links to the Katie books, now approaching the end of a year of celebration for her 25th anniversary. I’ve always loved this music – I used to paint images for this even as a teenager. So it was a great treat to do so at a live performance like this. Although the music has been arranged for orchestra many times (most famously by Ravel), the original piano version is very special.
Mr. Ardakov and I have already been invited to return next year, and I very much hope that will be possible.
Meanwhile, my illustrated Mussorgsky will have two more outings this year, first in Cheltenham at the mighty Music Festival. There, I will paint along to Howarth’s brass arrangement, performed by the magnificent Flowers Band in Cheltenham Town Hall – a spectacular venue. This will be on Saturday July 11th. You can find information and book tickets here: http://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/music/whats-on/2015/james-mayhew-paints-mussorgskys-pictures/
Later in the year, on Sunday October 18th, you can hear the famous Ravel arrangement, performed at Saffron Hall, by the Saffron Walden Symphony Orchestra. Booking will open in May, and will be listed on this website under events.
If you can make it, please make sure you come and say hello!
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