updated: 51 days ago
updated: 66 days ago
The debut performance of the Kelvin Trio was the subject of much excitement and enthusiasm at St Paul’s Cathedral on the 19th of May. The trio performed sonatas by Bach, Telemann & Vivaldi in the popular lunchtime concert series.
To read the review please click here
updated: 122 days ago
Agnew/McAllister Duo
Dundee University Concert Review
“Last night saw the final concert in the latest season of University evening concerts, presented by flautist Aisling Agnew and guitarist Matthew McAllister, a combination that never disappoint. Although their programme consisted of only four items, there was never any hint of the audience being short-changed. The content and diversity of each, and the style of performance, was extremely satisfying.
J.S.Bach flute sonatas, adapted for guitar accompaniment, are works that make the perfect entree to any concert. The sonata in E is fairly typical example, but its Andante stands out as a particularly beautiful movement, with a following Allegro that needed both players to be on their toes.
Aisling took the larger share of the technical challenges in Francoise Borne’s Carmen Fantasie, particularly the variations of the Habanera. This work is the perfect vehicle for a flautist of her stature, and although I had heard her perform it before, it was still as captivating.
An interesting contemporary work by Greg Caffrey, an Irish composer known to both players, started the second half of the programme. Pluck Blow demonstrates the extremes each instrument can achieve, at the same time giving each player a thorough examination, a test both emerged from with flying colours.
Astor Piazzolla’s works are becoming increasingly popular in concert programmes. I have heard some of his Histoire du Tango before but the work as a whole is superb. The composer’s metamorphosis of the tango from its early roots to its modern popularity is beautifully constructed and last night’s performance by the
McAllister/Agnew duo was equally excellent
The Chaplaincy Centre has had more than its fair share of excellent performances. This was another to add to the list, and it made a fine ending to an excellent series of concerts.”
Review from The Courier
updated: 122 days ago
This new quartet features Aisling alongside violinist Feargus Hetherington, guitarist Matthew McAllister and bassist Douglas Whates.
The unusual combination of instruments emotes a distinctive sound – one that is more synonymous with traditional Latin American music than Western art music. Whether it’s a simple Cuban habanera or a fiery Argentinian tango, the quartet relish this rich tradition, delivering fascinating arrangements and interesting twists on repertoire both old and new.
To hear clips and watch videos of their recent tour visit Frevo Quartet
updated: 179 days ago
Aisling will be joining the Walsall Symphony Orchestra in early February to perform the Concerto for Flute in D Major (K314) by Mozart. See the Concert Page for further details of this and other upcoming performances…
updated: 224 days ago
In October Aisling was joined by classical guitarist Matthew McAllister as they embarked on a series of concerts and masterclasses in America.
The tour included performances for The North Eastern Pennsylvania Classical Guitar Society, Marywood University – Scranton, James Madison University – Harrisonburg, The Flute Academy – Pittsburgh, The Ventura County Classical Guitar Society, The Boston Flute Association and an appearance with Albany’s Spiral Ensemble.
Vist the audio page and click on the videos to watch highlights from the tour.
Please feel free to leave comments.
updated: 243 days ago
In August I travelled with guitarist Matthew McAllister to the RTE studios in Dublin and recorded the sequel piece to Pluck, Blow by composer Greg Caffrey, aptly named Pluck, Blow 2 The Return! This piece in four continuous movements varies between extremely energetic and incredibly calm points and it is very exciting and challenging to perform.
Click on the screenshot above to watch film footage and stills from the recording session whilst listening to this exciting new work.
RTE Engineer – Richard McCullagh
RTE Producer Celia Donoghue
Broadcast details to follow, for listeners outside Ireland Lyric FM can be streamed live by following the link.
Please feel free to leave comments.
updated: 304 days ago
Aisling Agnew and classical guitarist Matthew McAllister met in Glasgow whilst studying at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Their joint passion for chamber music, interacting with composers and performing new music immediately brought them together. Their debut album, “Recital”, features a wide range of virtuosic and beautiful music from around the globe.
Click here to buy a copy of the album from the naturalstudio records secure on-line shop. At the shop you can also listen to clips from every track on the album plus read reviews of this stunning album!
For a limited trial period naturalstudio shop are offering FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING on any purchase, so take advantage of this offer!