Friday 2nd June 2023
7.30pm in Bishop Auckland Methodist Church

Laurence Perkins (bassoon)with Yoshiko Endo (piano)

Charles Avison (1709-1770):
Sonata

Trad. Scottish arr Perkins:
Three Hebridean Melodies

Vaughan Williams:
Studies in English Folksong

William Hurlstone (1876-1906):
Sonata in F

Richard Walthew (1872-1951):
Introduction and Allegro

Paul Reade (1943-1997):
Catalonia

Elgar:
Romance, Op.62

Perkins:
Darkness at Derwentwater

Gilbert Vinter (1909-1969):
The Playful Pachyderm

Laurence Perkins is well-known worldwide for his pioneering concert work as a bassoonist, and his solo recordings for the Hyperion label. He has given solo performances and played in orchestral and chamber concerts throughout the UK, Europe and worldwide. Solo concerts include recitals at the Wigmore Hall and Purcell Room in London, Dartington International Summer School, and concerto performances including St John’s Smith Square with the English Chamber Orchestra. His live broadcasts include solo performances on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM. Laurence’s CD of concertos by Mozart and Weber received a five-star rating in the BBC Music Magazine, with the Mozart Concerto being a top recommendation on BBC Radio 3’s Record Review programme. His Hyperion recordings have on two occasions reached No. 4 in the UK Classical Charts - in 2018 playing Richard Strauss Duet-Concertino with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and in 2021 for ‘Voyage of a Sea-god’, including the world première recording of Elizabeth Maconchy Concertino with the CBSO. Laurence’s educational work has included tutoring and adjudication at several major UK conservatoires. He has also led national and international projects promoting the bassoon to young musicians. He is very committed to working with amateur musicians as a bassoon and chamber music tutor. He is Director of Wind Serenades which includes three courses a year at Higham Hall in the English Lake District. His other activities include musical relaxation sessions with cancer patients and landscape photography.