CURRENT PROJECTS
BATTLESHIP POTEMKIN
Sergei Eisenstein’s 1925 silent masterpiece, Battleship Potemkin, is one of the the most influential films in history, often hailed as amongst the greatest movies ever made.
Originally written as a revolutionary propaganda film, Battleship Potemkin is a dramatic retelling of a notorious mutiny in 1905, when the Potemkin’s crew rebelled against their officers. Eisenstein hoped the film would be given a new soundtrack every 20 years to help retain its relevance for each passing generation. For this screening, Ashley has curated a powerful soundtrack of music by composers who were themselves influenced and affected by the Russian Revolution of 1917, including Shostakovich and Prokofiev. Each work has been selected to complement the film’s narrative, and skilfully timed to correspond with each change of scene. The juxtaposition of one of the 20th Century’s most powerful films with a live soundtrack from some of the greatest composers associated with this turbulent era of political upheaval, makes for a truly compelling experience.
SILENT SOUNDTRACKS
This evening of cinematic treasures celebrates 100 years since the creation of Chaplin’s set of masterpieces known as the Mutual Comedies, and explores the fascinating relationship between music and film in the hands of one of the 20th Century’s greatest cultural icons. Highlights will include screenings of memorable set pieces from The Immigrant, The Adventurer, Modern Times and The Vagabond, each with specially curated soundtracks for violin and piano. These soundtracks will include the music of Fritz Kreisler, Scott Joplin, Bela Bartok and the famous Czardas by Monti. The show will also chart some of the musical inspirations of Chaplin’s formative years, and features several of his own compositions alongside those of famous musicians with whom he enjoyed close relationships, such as George Gershwin, Jascha Heifetz and Leopold Godowski.
Linking the show together will be lively, fun and informative introductions from the stage, including stories and anecdotes, all illustrated with projected images.
MUSICAL MYTHS
The Musical Myths series of concerts offers children an escape into the worlds of imagination and wonder created by some of classical music’s greatest composers, through the fairy tales which have captivated us all for countless generations. Featuring music by the likes of Stravinsky, Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky arranged for piano and narrator, with accompanying illustrations.
BLACK & WHITE
Ashley Wass's new project "Black and White" marks a significant milestone in the British pianist and educator’s musical journey, approximately 40 years since first touching the keys of a piano. Drawing inspiration from composers including Debussy, Chopin, Beethoven and Satie, whose works have been a constant presence in his life, Ashley seeks to reconnect with the music that originally ignited his passion for the piano. This project is a reflection of his desire to find stillness, focus on the joy music brings, and to share the gift of music with his young children. The album emphasise the happiness and personal significance Wass has found in each of the 12 selected pieces, creating a reflective musical journey filled with the creative expression, confidence and experience he has found after four decades at the piano.