Toad Lane Concerts: Roth Guitar Duo

Roth Guitar Duo

The Roth Guitar Duo formed whilst studying at the Royal Northern College of Music and have been described as “…two of the UK’s brightest young stars of the guitar” by their teacher, Craig Ogden. They perform throughout the UK, including several invitations to the Bridgewater Hall.

Sam Rodwell, gained a first class honours degree and a masters with distinction and was employed by the university as an associate teacher. In his fourth year he was a finalist in the ‘Gold Medal’ competition.

Emma Smith also graduated from the RNCM with a masters, plus a Pg Dip (Solo Performance). Prior to that she gained a BMus (Hons) at Edinburgh Napier University.

Any concerns about small instruments in a big space were soon alleviated by the professional skill and clarity of these players. Within seconds the exquisite music captivated everyone, including 13 students from Heywood’s Holy Family RC & CE College who augmented the audience today.

The timeless Farewell to Stromness by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies was a Classic FM favourite for many years for piano. This peaceful arrangement for guitar duo promoted its hypnotic folk qualities.

The rapport between the two players was palpable as their expressive world tour continued with Tres piezas de otoňo (3 Autumn pieces) by contemporary Argentinian composer Maximo Diego Pujol. Then two further descriptive Spanish pieces by Albeniz, and the dazzling, energetic and vibrant Balkan Express by Vojislav Ivanovic. Finally, pieces by guitarist-composer Yvonne Bloor specially written for the duo, Always Good to Me (an engagement present) and Homecoming, which created a touching finale.

These ‘brightest young stars’ certainly shone today in the cathedral-like acoustic of St Mary in the Baum.

The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts every Wednesday at 12.30pm at the Grade 1 listed church of St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.

To see details of forthcoming Toad Lane Concerts, click here.

Dr Joe Dawson