We were enthralled by the masterful performance on June 11th at Sidmouth Parish Church by local violinist Joel Munday and pianist Thomas Kelly.
Joel’s playing of this ambitious programme was outstanding. The concert was made all the more remarkable in that Thomas stood in for Julian Trevelyan with only two days notice and, although virtually sight-reading his way through the challenging playlist, his performance was equally impressive. (Julian was unexpectedly indisposed.) The pair ploughed their way through Beethoven’s technically demanding “Kreuzer” Sonata before the interval. After the short break serenity returned to the magnificent church with a beautiful rendition of Vaughan Williams “The Lark Ascending”, a piece Joel played for us last year in Colyton, which was his debut performance. Then on to the Strauß Eb Violin Sonata , another grandiose and demanding work, again recited with brilliant virtuosity. No wonder they had no energy for an encore and the applause was thoroughly deserved.
Another wonderful evening of fantastic music.
Here is a link to hear Joel play an arrangement he made of the Andante from JS Bach’s Organ Sonata Nr. 4 in E Minor, BWV 528 for your enjoyment.