February 16th and 18th, 2016
Paul Silverthorne, viola and Aglaia Tarantino, piano
The first Amigos’ concerts of 2016 were truly exciting and varied. Aglaia Tarantino and Paul Silverthorne gave us musical delights of an unusual kind – not only because the pairing of piano with viola is rare, but also because these two musicians had chosen a most varied and spell-binding programme of music which showed their virtuosity and mastery to best effect.
On Tuesday February 16th. Paul and Aglaia gave a concert with music by Beethoven, Schubert, Britten and Brahms. On Thursday February 18th. Paul and Aglaia played music by Tartini, Bowen, Prokofiev and Stravinsky.
AGLIA TARANTINO,
The audience’s enthusiasm was palpable and Aglaia and Paul told me afterwards that they were inspired by the hushed appreciation of the full-house crowd. They were astounded at the intimacy exuded in the unique atmosphere of our auditorium, and I don’t think it will be difficult to invite them both back in the future.
Paul Silverthorne has just left the London Symphony Orchestra after 25 years as Principal viola. He has also been the principal viola of the London Sinfonietta. In January he took up the post of Professor of Viola at Soochow University in Suzhou, China where he joins the international faculty at the newly established music department.
As a soloist, Paul has performed with such conductors as Sir Colin Davis, André Previn and Sir Simon Rattle. He is particularly renowned for his interpretation of new music by leading composers of our time, many of whom have been inspired to write for him.
His many recordings appear on EMI, Naxos, Chandos and other labels. His most recent recording is of the viola concerto (Divinum Mysterium) by Kenneth Fuchs on Naxos American Classics. In addition to his teaching in China, Paul will continue his long association with the Royal Academy of Music as a visiting professor. For more information about Paul visit his website www.paulsilverthorne.com
Aglaia Tarantino is an Italian pianist living in London. As a soloist she has played with several orchestras in Italy, including the Giuseppe Verdi Symphony Orchestra and Piccola Sinfonica in Milan. In addition to solo recitals Aglaia has performed as a guest artist with contemporary ensembles all over Europe giving many premières. Chamber performances have taken her to many festivals in Europe and also as far Japan. She is a regular duo partner with flautist Andrea Manco and Paul Silverthorne.
As an accompanist Aglaia works regularly at the Royal Academy of Music in London. She has won several national and international competitions including the Premio Schubert , Premio Tortona and Citta’ di Asti prize. During her postgraduate studies with Clifford Benson and Ian Brown at the Royal Academy of Music in London, Aglaia was awarded the ‘M. A. Garrett’ and ‘Wilfred Parry prizes’. Aglaia’s website is www.aglaiatarantino.com