Toad Lane Concerts: Duncan Reid violin and Jonathan Ellis piano

Duncan Reid and Jon Ellis

Once again, these two supremely talented musicians dazzled the audience at St Mary in the Baum with their virtuosic verve.

Both violinist Duncan Reid and pianist Jonathan Ellis studied on the prestigious joint music course of the Royal Northern College of Music and Manchester University and gained postgraduate diplomas.

Duncan Reid, originally from Bristol, has worked with various orchestras and chamber ensembles, around the UK. He performs regularly with string quartets in a wide range of repertoire and is a well-regarded music teacher in schools. He also conducts the Xaverian College Chamber Orchestra. He plays on a fine example of a Joseph Hel violin made in Paris during the 1890's.

Jonathan Ellis started to learn the piano at the age of three, then studied at Wells Cathedral School and moved on to the joint music course of the RNCM and Manchester University, graduating first-class from both institutions. There he gained higher diplomas and prizes as a soloist, accompanist, and chamber musician.

From the stately opening of Mozart’s Sonata K. 454 in B flat major to establish the even treatment of both instruments, they embarked on an energetic interpretation. The dazzling scalic virtuosity flashed between them to the end, save for a reflective melodic middle movement.   

This was followed by an exquisite performance of Vaughan Williams’ ‘The Lark Ascending’, probably the best known of his works. The compact violin concerto or rhapsody is based on a famous poem and evokes a post-First World War England, aided by Jonathan’s sensitive reduction of the orchestra.

The shimmering tranquillity this achieved was shattered with the madly joyous flashes of brilliance of Wieniawski’s Polonaise Brillante in D major, an exhilarating flashback to their college days, as fresh as ever, boosted now with years of experience. This was a stunning finale from two excellent players.

The much-demanded encore was the beautiful intermezzo, Meditation from ‘Thais’ by Massenet. A marvellous experience.

The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. No refreshments available. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.

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

Dr Joe Dawson