Resident Orchestra of Fairfield Halls, Croydon

www.lmp.org

Members of the audience are reminded that it is prohibited to smoke in the auditorium or take sound recordings or photographs in any part of the performance. Any noises such as whispering, coughing, rustling of sweet papers and the beeping of digital watches are very distracting to the performers and fellow audience members. Please make sure mobile phones or pagers are switched off during the performance. In accordance with the London Borough of Croydon, members of the audience will not be permitted to stand or sit in any of the gangways. If standing is permitted in the gangways or the sides and the rear of the seating, it will be limited to the numbers exhibited in those positions.LMP and Fairfield Croydon are registered charities.

The LMP is funded by the London Borough of Croydon

Saturday 15 December 20123.00 pm

Fairfield Halls, Croydon

Christopher Bell Conductor

TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS MUSIC

INTERVAL

BLAKEThe Snowman by Raymond Briggs

by arrangement with Snowman Enterprises Ltd © Snowman Enterprises Ltd 1982–2012

© Snow

man Enterprises Ltd. 1982, 2012

www.lmp.org

Founded by Harry Blech in 1949 as the UK’s first chamber orchestra, the London Mozart Players (LMP) is regarded as one of the UK’s finest ensembles. Under the leadership of Music Director Gérard Korsten, the orchestra is internationally renowned for its outstanding live performances and CD recordings, and is particularly known for its definitive performances of the core Classical repertoire. The LMP also plays an active part in contemporary music, giving many world premières and commissioning new works, especially by British composers. In recent years, the LMP has premièred new works by composers including Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Tarik O’Regan, Sally Beamish, Cecilia McDowall, Lynne Plowman, and Fraser Trainer. In March 2011 the LMP appointed Roxanna Panufnik as Associate Composer.

Since 1989, the LMP’s home has been Fairfield Halls, Croydon, thanks to generous funding from the London Borough of Croydon. This residency includes a series of subscription concerts at the hall and numerous education and community activities throughout the borough. Touring is a major part of the orchestra’s schedule, with regular appearances at festivals and concert series throughout the UK and abroad. It has strong relationships with other major UK venues, including Turner Sims Concert Hall, Southampton, and is the Orchestra in Residence for Grayshott Concerts. Overseas, the LMP has visited Spain, Belgium, France and Germany.

The 2012/13 season marks the third year of conductor Gérard Korsten’s term as the LMP’s fifth Music Director, continuing the strong Classical tradition developed by Andrew Parrott, Matthias Bamert and Jane Glover. The season sees the orchestra continuing to work with established artists including Howard Shelley and Anthony Marwood, whilst building new relationships with bright new stars including Nicola Benedetti and Leonard Elschenbroich. Acclaimed young violinist Chloë Hanslip performed with the LMP in the celebrations of Fairfield Halls’ fiftieth anniversary, and we welcome back exciting young conductor Nicholas Collon in April 2013. The LMP’s association with Korsten also continues the introduction of some of the best European soloists to our Fairfield season.

The LMP has developed an extensive and highly regarded education, community and audience development programme, LMP Interactive, and is particularly committed to developing new audiences in outer London boroughs as well as rural areas across the nation. Its association with the South Holland district in Lincolnshire brings the orchestra into the heart of the Fenland communities. Working with educational institutions also brings inspiring and valued relationships, providing a professional grounding for young musicians. The LMP is associated with Royal Holloway University of London, Wellington College, Wimbledon College, Portsmouth Grammar School and the Whitgift Foundation Schools in Croydon. Recent projects include ‘Side-by-side in Shepshed’ that saw composer and animateur Fraser Trainer work with seven schools in Leicestershire to build a new youth orchestra for the area, which performed alongside the LMP in a family concert. In Croydon, a Start project funded by the Prince's Foundation for Children & the arts, includes children from primary and special needs schools working together to perform at the LMP’s annual Schools’ Concert in Fairfield Halls. Other ongoing ventures include visiting care homes and concert demonstrations in primary and secondary schools.

The LMP receives project funding from Arts Council England, Orchestras Live and South Holland District Council. In addition, the LMP receives grants from trusts, foundations and many individuals, particularly the Friends of the LMP in Croydon.

Recording has played a major part in the orchestra’s life for many years. Its acclaimed Contemporaries of Mozart series with Matthias Bamert for Chandos numbers over 20 CDs to date, with the latest release of Boccherini proving a success with the critics. A recording with Canadian pianist Alain Lefèvre of works by Mendelssohn, Shostakovich and Mathieu for Analekta was awarded a Canadian Juno Award. The LMP has an online CD shop, www.shop.lmp.org, which has a large range of LMP's recordings on sale.

Full details of forthcoming concerts and more information on the orchestra’s activities are available on the LMP website: www.lmp.org.

LONDON MOZART PLAYERS

www.lmp.org

ORCHESTRA

1st Violins Ruth RogersVictoria SaylesNicoline KraamwinkelAnn Criscuolo(Chair supported by David & Beatrix Hodgson)

Richard Blayden(Chair supported by Debby Guthrie)

Catherine Van der Geest

2nd ViolinsDavid AngelJeremy Metcalfe(Chair supported by Noël & Caroline Annesley)

Jayne SpencerAdrian DunnStephen Rouse

ViolasJudith BusbridgeSimone Van de Giessen(Chair supported by Anonymous)

Michael Posner(Chair supported by Anonymous)

Reiad Chibah

CellosSebastian CombertiJulia Desbruslais Sarah Butcher

Basses Stacey Watton(Chair supported byLouise Honeyman)

Andrew Marshall(Chair supported byToby & Eira Jessel)

FlutesJulia Bausor(Chair supported by Brian & Doreen Hitching)

Emilia Zakrzewska(Chair supported by Barbara Tower)

Nicolas Bricht

Oboes Gareth Hulse(Chair supported byPat Sandry)

Katie ClemmowCor AnglaisJenny Brittlebank

ClarinetsRamon Wodkowski(Chair supported by Stuart & Joyce Aston)

Juliet Bucknall(Chair supported byChristopher Fildes)

Andrew Mason

BassoonsRichard Skinner(Chair supported by Alec Botten)

Robert Porter

HornsNicholas KorthMartin GraingerRichard LewisChristine Norsworthy

TrumpetsPaul ArchibaldPeter WrightHugh Davies

TrombonesIan WhiteJeremy GoughIan Fasham

TubaNicholas Etheridge

TimpaniScott Bywater

PercussionTim BarryNigel BatesBarnaby Archer

HarpSkaila Kanga

Piano/CelesteSophia Rahman

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CHRISTOPHER BELLConductor

Christopher Bell annually conducts choral and orchestral performances at the Chicago Grant Park Music Festival, where he will embark on his 10th season as Chorus Director in 2011. During his tenure he and the chorus have been recipients of the coveted Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence given by Chorus America as well as glowing reviews from both critics and audiences alike. "If Bell isn't the city's most inspiring choral director, I don't know who is."

He is also the Chorus Master of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Junior Chorus, the Edinburgh Festival Chorus and of the Belfast Philharmonic Choir. Largely responsible for the formation of the National Youth Choir of Scotland in 1996, he has been its Artistic Director ever since, conducting them in a highly successful BBC Proms debut in July 2006.

Born in Belfast, Mr. Bell was educated at Edinburgh University and held his first post as Associate Conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony. Since then, he has worked with many of the major orchestras in the UK and Ireland, including the Royal Philharmonic, London Philharmonic, Royal Scottish National, BBC Scottish Symphony, Ulster Orchestra, Scottish Chamber, City of London Sinfonia London Concert, RTE National Symphony, RTE Concert and the Bournemouth Symphony. He conducted the Ulster Orchestra in a special programme for BBC television, which was broadcast in the Spring of 2007.

Christopher Bell was Chorus Master of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra between 1989 and 2002 and was the first Artistic Director of the Edinburgh Royal Choral Union. Further afield, he has conducted the Netherlands Radio Choir and the Opera Australia Melbourne Chorus, and last season he made his debut with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

His operatic engagements have included seasons of Tosca, La bohème and West Side Story for Opera Northern Ireland; Tosca for Dublin Grand Opera Society and West Australian Opera; and Turandot and Nabucco for Edinburgh Grand Opera. He has conducted West Side Story and Carmen for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Eugene Onegin with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra for Wellington City Opera. He was Principal Guest Conductor of the State Orchestra of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia from 1998 – 2000.

Christopher Bell is well-known for his abilities with working with young musicians. Before his current posts with the RSNO Junior Chorus and the National Youth Choir of Scotland, he was the founding conductor of the Ulster Youth Choir and director of the TOTAL Aberdeen Youth Choir for six years. In 2004, Mr. Bell was instrumental in the multi-week residency of the National Youth Choir of Scotland with the Grant Park Chorus in Chicago. Between 2001 and 2008 he was Artistic Director of the highly successful Children's Classic Concert series.

www.lmp.org

ANDERSONChristmas Festival

TRAD. ARR. DOUGHTY Go Tell it on the Mountain

TCHAIKOVSKY Danse des Mirlitons from The Nutcracker Suite

TRAD. ARR. WILCOCKSJingle Bells

ANDERSONSleigh Ride

TRAD. ARR. DOUGHTYThe Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy

TRAD. ARR. DOUGHTYPenguin Song

INTERVAL OF 20 MINUTES

BLAKEThe Snowman by Raymond Briggs

Luke Dugan Treble

THIS AFTERNOON'S PROGRAMME

In 2001, Bell received a Scotsman of the Year Award for Creative Talent in appreciation for his work with singers, particularly his encouragement of young singers in Scotland. In 2003, he was awarded the Charles Grove Prize for his contribution to cultural life in Scotland and throughout the UK.

In May 2009, Christopher Bell received an honorary Master's degree from the Open University for Services to the Arts. He was joined on this occasion by Sir Mark Elder, Music Director of the Hallé and the UK Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, amongst others.

© Snow

man Enterprises Ltd. 1982, 2012

www.lmp.org

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

The Snowman began as a wordless children’s picture book, written and illustrated by Raymond Briggs, published in 1978. Four years later, it was made into a short animated film by the newly-launched Channel 4, and aired on Christmas Eve 1982. The film version of the story was also wordless, except for the song Walking in The Air, sung by St. Paul’s Cathedral chorister Peter Auty (and not Aled Jones, as commonly believed!), who has since gone on to have a successful career as an operatic tenor. Since then this iconic song has been recorded by artists ranging from Cliff Richard to Tangerine Dream, Plácido Domingo to Barry Manilow, and promises never to lose its appeal.

Howard Blake wrote the iconic score for the animated film, including the lyrics to Walking in The Air. Born in Sussex in 1938, Blake won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music at the age of 18 as both a composer and pianist. On leaving the Academy he became interested in film, but returned to composing after being signed to EMI to produce a solo album.

Blake’s most popular works include scores for The Bear, A Month In The Country, and the orchestral score for the 1980 film Flash Gordon.

The Story

The Snowman begins with a young boy named James waking to find his garden covered with a dazzling layer of snow. He rushes outside and proceeds to build a fantastic snowman, traditionally dressing it with a hat, scarf, coal for its eyes and an orange for its nose. That night, as the clock strikes twelve, the snowman comes to life in a flash of Christmas magic. He graciously introduces himself and is invited inside to explore James’ home.

The snowman is fascinated with everything he finds, and the pair become friends as he tries on human clothes, watches television and bathes in the freezer. After laying eyes on a motorcycle in the garden, the

snowman jumps on and takes James on a thunderous ride, tearing through the forest and startling the woodland animals.

On their return the snowman takes James by the hand as they begin their flight to the familiar sounds of Walking in The Air. The pair fly over the Royal Brighton Pavilion and Brighton Pier, before heading over the ocean towards the North Pole. They encounter whales, penguins and a ferry full of drunken guests. When nearing their destination flashing coloured lights are seen in the distance, before they land on the edge of a dense forest.

The pair begin to creep through the trees and soon encounter a clearing, many more snowmen and none other than Father Christmas! Now it’s the snowman’s turn to show James around, and a party is soon in full swing with cakes, dancing and violin-playing snowmen. They throw a Christmas bash to remember, and later Father Christmas takes James to see his reindeer. He is given a scarf decorated with snowmen before the pair once again take flight and return to James’ home. Once they land he gives the snowman a big hug and they share an emotional goodbye.

The next morning James wakes up and rushes downstairs, straight past his parents and out into the back garden. He is suddenly shocked by a piercing sunlight, and as he slowly walks towards the place where his snowman stood, he finds nothing but a mound of snow, a hat, a scarf and a few pieces of coal. As sadness engulfs him he wonders whether the previous night’s events were all just a dream, but as he reaches into his pocket he finds a blue scarf, ornately decorated with miniature white snowmen.

© Phil Chandler

HOWARD BLAKE (b. 1938)

© Snow

man Enterprises Ltd. 1982, 2012

SNOWMAN

e n t n s c t o t m g s b o rv i a j i s a e l n b r e t ee i u m e l h r i r e v a u qr t t r w c o d r v b t s s wb o o n t o d i e o y l l o hi f n o s u n p v p t u s a tm m r c p p s s i s f m t e oe c a s o f b f w s o o l t bs r i s l t h s l o n n n n if t h i s m v e a y n a e s oo r c h e s t r a m i s a m lh s t o c k i n g m a n m e ll e r r f n h h e f t j g l ec h r i s t m a s a y r y a ce l d e e i t r e t r t u p p

Words to find:breve, carrot, cello, christmas, crotchet, flying, forest, holly, orchestra, pudding, pyjamas, quaver, santa, scarf, semibreve, snow, snowman, stocking, violin.

© www.teachers-direct.co.uk 2005 - Freely reproducible for classroom use only.

CHRISTMAS GAMES!

CarrotCelloChristmasCrotchetFlyingForestHollyOrchestraPudding

PyjamasQuaverSantaScarfSemibreveSnowSnowmanStockingViolin

Try drawing or colouring in your very own Snowman pictures!

WORDSEARCHCan you find these words?

What did you like about the concert? Try writing a Snowman 'Acrostic' poem!

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Making a gift in your will

Making a legacy gift to the LMP is a great way to ensure that future generations of audiences can continue to be inspired by the orchestra that has inspired you. If you have a will or are making one, this would be a good way to make a lasting provision for the future of the orchestra and because the LMP is a registered charity, your donation to us can help reduce your tax liability. If you have already remembered LMP in your will, we are very grateful. If you would like to, do please let us know (in strictest confidence). We would value the opportunity to thank you and to keep you more closely involved with our work.

If you would like more information about any of these ways of supporting us, please contact Caroline Downing, Development Manager, London Mozart PlayersT: 020 8686 1996 or email development@lmp.org

Conductors’ CircleOur most generous Benefactors belong to this exclusive group. Members of the Conductors’ Circle are closely involved with the musicians and management team and play a significant role in the life of the LMP. In addition to the opportunities enjoyed by all Benefactors, members of the Conductors’ Circle are invited to a sumptuous dinner hosted by the orchestra’s Patron, HRH The Earl of Wessex KG GCVO.

Benefactors From world-class concerts to inspiring education projects, none of the LMP’s work would be possible without the financial support we receive from our Benefactors. Our Benefactors are musical patrons, following in the footsteps of those generous, passionate and committed philanthropists who, throughout the centuries, have enabled great musicians to perform and compose.

Benefactors make an annual donation of £1000 and above and enjoy a unique programme of events, including access to rehearsals, exclusive recitals, gala concerts and special receptions throughout the year. Start your own creative partnership and become a Benefactor.

There are lots of ways for you to get involved with the LMP and ensure the oldest chamber orchestra in the UK has a bright future. Play your part today.

SupportersOur Supporters are the building blocks of our success. Make a donation today and help the orchestra you love thrive into the future. You’ll receive our newsletter to keep you up to date with all the LMP’s activities and be credited for your support in our concert programmes.

Every donation, large or small, is important to us and will make a difference. Bronze Supporters make donations of up to £50, Silver Supporters make donations of £50 and above, and Gold Supporters make donations of £100 and above.

PLAY YOUR PART

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SUPPORTING THE LMPThe LMP would like to thank its supporters

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PatronHRH The Earl of Wessex KG GCVO

Principal FundersLondon Borough of Croydon

Public FundersOrchestras LiveSouth Holland District Council

Trusts & foundationsThe Andor Charitable TrustThe Concertina Charitable TrustCroydon Relief in Need CharitiesThe Foyle FoundationThe Matthew Hodder Charitable TrustThe Austin & Hope Pilkington TrustThe Prince’s Foundation for Children & the ArtsN. Smith Charitable SettlementThe Steel Charitable Trust

corporate friendsCantateElite HotelsSimmons & Simmons

conductors’ circleAnonymous x 5Daniel & Alison BentonJoanna & William Brogan-HigginsKate Bingham The Ross Goobey Charitable TrustJeffrey & Rosamund West

benefactorsAnonymous x 4Graham HarmanAndré & Rosalie HoffmannGillian PerkinsSir Roger & Lady SandsMr & the late Mrs K SmithPeter & Sheelagh SmithMr D & Mrs M Wechsler

life friendsMichael & Barbara Hill

golden supportersAnonymous x 19Morag BeierMr & Mrs M C BushellMr & Mrs C ClementiMrs Patricia CoeMrs Jill DaltonMr Quintin GardnerGeoff & Mary HearnMr & Mrs F HercliffeMichael & Barbara HillBrian & Doreen HitchingDavid & Beatrix HodgsonMargaret Jones MVOMr & Mrs A J LambellDerek & Deirdre LeaJeanne & Gordon LeesMr John MeadCllr Derek & Mrs Bunty MillardMr & Mrs M E MillikenMiss Gillian NobleHazel & Geoffrey OttonMr J B PriceRos & John RawlingRobert Keith RobertsonDavid RobinsonChristine RobsonMiss A E StoddartJean-Anne & John TillotsonBarbara Tower

silver supportersAnonymous x 21Irene & Leslie AaronsMr M P BlackMr Nick CullMiss Rowena ForbesMr & Mrs Frank HercliffeDavid & Beatrix HodgsonChantal KeastNick & Jane MallettMr Dennis ProtheroeMr & Mrs M RiversMr Brian J StockerMrs Marion SunleyGeorge SutherlandMrs R WhittinghamMr B E & Mrs P B Woolnough

bronze supportersAnonymous x 10Mr George BrayThe Revd Canon Martin & Mrs Mary GoodladMr I A HamlynMrs P HirstMrs Rosemary KempMrs JMP MarlowMrs M MattinglyMr and Mrs C McCarthyMrs N RobertsMrs Claire SmithMr David SmithMrs Judith Spencer-GregsonMrs M A SunleyMrs Rosemary Whittingham

PatronHRH The Earl of Wessex KG GCVO

Music DirectorGérard Korsten

Associate ConductorHilary Davan Wetton

Associate ComposerRoxanna Panufnik

Council of Management

ChairmanRowan Freeland

Chair of the Audit CommitteeRosamund Sykes

Daniel BentonDan DaviesSimon FunnellGillian PerkinsDavid Wechsler

Administration

Managing DirectorSimon Funnell

General ManagerDavid Wilson

Development ManagerCaroline Downing

Marketing & PR ManagerChloë Brookes

Concerts & Projects ManagerCaroline Molloy

financial consultantChristopher Wright

Orchestral LibrarianMartin Sargeson

InternEmily Curwen

London Mozart PlayersFairfield HallsPark LaneCroydonCR9 1DG

T: 020 8686 1996F: 020 8667 0938E: info@lmp.orgW: www.lmp.org

Registered in EnglandNo. 18720034

Registered CharityNo. 290833

www.facebook.com/londonmozartplayers

@mozartplayers

LMP MANAGEMENT

If you would like to join the LMP mailing list and receive updates via email, please go to www.lmp.org and click on the “subscribe to email list” link. Alternatively, please email info@lmp.org or call 020 8686 1996.

The LMP has an online shop!Visit shop.lmp.org to see all of our recordings

FRIENDS OF THE LONDON MOZART PLAYERS

Joining the LMP Friends is an ideal way to become part of a very friendly group of people who share your love of music.

In return, there are wide-ranging benefits and opportunities to meet the musicians.

Your benefits:

• Substantial ticket discounts for Fairfield Halls concerts and advance booking.

• Access to private Friends’ bar before the concert and during the interval with discounted drinks at Fairfield Halls concerts.

• Access to LMP rehearsals.

• Friends events including coffee meetings with talks on music, outings to non-London LMP concerts and an exclusive annual concert and lunch at

Woldingham School.

• Newsletters keeping you involved with all the LMP’s activities.

• Discounts on LMP CDs and free programmes for Fairfield concerts.

Membership costs £40 per year, or £60 for couples.

For more information or to join, please visit the LMP desk in the foyer, call the LMP office on 020 8686 1996, email info@lmp.org or visit www.lmp.org

FORTHCOMING CONCERTS

Thursday 31 January 2013 7.30pmMozart RequiemMozart Symphony No. 36, 'Linz' KV425

Conductor Gérard KorstenCity of London Choir

Thursday 14 February 2013 7.30pm Wagner Siegfried IdyllSibelius Pelléas et MélisandeBrahms Violin Concerto, Op. 77

Conductor/violin Joseph Swensen

Saturday 16 March 2013 7.30pmWeber Oberon Overture Mozart Piano Concerto No. 22 K482 Brahms Symphony No. 2 Piano/Director Howard Shelley

Thursday 25 April 2013 7.30pmBrahms Double Concerto for Violin and Cello Dvořák Symphony No. 6 Conductor Nicholas Collon Violin Nicola BenedettiCello Leonard Elschenbroich

Thursday 23 May 2013 7.30pmBeethoven Violin Concerto Beethoven Symphony No. 5 Conductor Gérard Korsten Violin Anthony Marwood