Flauguissimo concert at St Nicholas’ Chapel, King’s Lynn

MUSIC REVIEW: Flauguissimo

St Nichols’ Chapel, Lynn

Once again thanks must be given to The Classical Music Rocks Charity for bringing together professional musicians performing fine concerts and recitals, not just for the general public locally, but also on a smaller scale for schools within West Norfolk and beyond, introducing and encouraging youngsters to explore the world of classical music, and perhaps even learning to play an instrument.

The latest public concert was given at S Nicholas’ Chapel, King’s Lynn recently and featured Flauguissimo, consisting of Yu-Wei Hu,the flautist, and Johan Lofving, the guitarist and theorbo player. The duo take a special interest in early and contemporary music, and in order to expand their repertoire, often collaborate with other artists.

You-Wei and Johan have performed widely in many international venues, broadcast frequently and made recordings including, in 2019, their debut album: ‘A Salon Opera’ and currently, ‘To the Northern Star’, the launch of which is being toured this year.

In the concert, Flauguissimo were joined by soprano Emily Atkinson, another distinguished musician who has sung with many well known early music groups, and in contemporary music performances. She has recorded on CD and broadcast frequently.

An enthusiastic audience enjoyed a varied programme including music by G.F.Handel, H.Purcell and the not so well known F.Corbetta (1615-1681), and F.Barsanti (1690-1775). I was pleased to encounter music by composers previously unknown to me, but also to hear more of Johan Helmich Roman’s music, a Swedish Baroque composer, known sometimes as ‘ the father of Swedish music’, who lived from 1694 until 1758.

The programme, consisting of instrumental and vocal music, performed with sensitivity, grace and charm, was well suited to a mid-summer evening. Thanks again to Classical Music Rocks, generous support from Continuo Foundation and, of course, Flauguissimo.

The next date for your diary, continuing The Classical Music Rocks Concert Series is Friday, October, 13, a flute recital, given by Klio Blonz, at St Mary’s Snettisham, starting 7.30pm. Visit: cmrschoolswestnorfolk.com for more CMR information.

Andy Tyler