Ulla-Riikka and Francis were given the challenge of creating a programme that would appeal both to seasoned chamber music fans, and people who were slightly surprised to be listening to a violin and cello during the course of their day.
They caught everybody’s attention from the first few bars via an arrangement of Beethoven’s Duet for Clarinet and Bassoon in C major. With the audiences suitably captivated, they continued into the Baroque with Vivaldi’s Sonata for Violin and Continuo in D minor. Here the graceful harmonies kept both small children and older listeners enthralled. The final piece of the first half was Haydn’s Duet for Violin and Cello in D major. Conversation around the lunch tables was halted through all three movements, until the final flourishes of the Allegro signalled time for a break.
The second half of the concert began with a tribute to Ulla-Riikka’s homeland: two Finnish tangoes. The emotion of the music came through beautifully, and, once again, audiences were too busy listening to utter a syllable. From tango to the big screen: the next pieces were familiar tunes from “Star Wars” and “Belle and Sebastian” made sublime via the arrangement for violin and cello. With smiles all around and toes tapping, Ulla-Riikka and Francis continued the second half with beautiful arrangements of “Summertime”, “Harvest Home”, and medleys of Scottish and other favourites. In more normal times, singing would have been expected, but humming along worked just as well!
Ulla-Riikka and Francis should be congratulated for their accomplished playing in such different venues: whether a cosy cafe or a hall with echoes, they delivered a brilliant programme, six times in one weekend.
Our Musicians in Residence