Monday 25 January 2016

Thank you to the Ferio Saxophone Quartet for their first 3 Tour concerts, their Tweeting & Blogging! Great to enjoy the Tours vicariously!
Here's to their return to Scotland 16th - 20th March for four concerts at
Kircaldy Music SocietyWestbourne Music Helensburgh Music Society
Dunblane Cathedral Arts Guild
                   
Full details on our website at http://www.tunnelltrust.org.uk/concerts1516.html 







Sunday 24 January 2016

Ferio Saxophone Quartet - Day 3 - Newton Stewart

The last leg of this tour certainly did not disappoint! After a brief trip to the Melrose Abbey we ruefully began our long drive through the Scottish Borders; past loch, waterfall and a vast number of soggy sheep. With incredible scenery at every twist and turn we gradually made our way West in the direction of the Newton Stewart Cinema, our final concert venue of this January Tunnell Trust tour. Once again the warm reception from the audience demonstrated that our "magical mystery musical tour" had once again proved a hit in the small town. After an evening meal courtesy of our generous hosts (we have been truely spoilt this tour) we were able to sit with a gin and tonic and reflect on the past few days. At each venue and location we have been richly rewarded for our musical offerings. The music societies have been so welcoming, the hosts kind and generous and the scenery a suitable fit for the fantastic tour we have had. We can't wait to embark on our March tour but for now we will leave you with a joke - how do you keep your saxophone from being stolen? Put it in a bagpipe case.....



Saturday 23 January 2016

Ferio Saxophone Quartet - Day 2 - Melrose

 
Well, what a fantastic tour this is turning out to be! The early start was rewarded with a beautiful drive from Glasgow to Melrose and through the alluring borders that Scotland has to offer. When embarking on this tour we were unsure what to really expect with concert locations and the travelling it would involve, but certainly our opinions have been changed for the better! Nothing can compare to the handsome serenity that this part of the world has to offer! We arrived in Melrose to the imposing and solemn structure of Melrose Church and were struck by the incredible beauty and silence that was surrounding us. But the tranquility most certainly did not follow us into the Parish Hall for our second recital of the January Tunnell Trust tour. We immediately felt welcomed by the, larger than anticipated, audience as we embarked on a musical venture showcasing the incredible music written (or arranged) for the saxophone quartet. (Who knew that four saxophones could be so intriguing..!!) Even with a vigorous rugby match taking place just 200 yards away, the audience were captured by the wide variety of repertoire what was offered. We were richly rewarded for our efforts by our incredibly kind hosts at an evening meal with, most certainly, the best food we have had so far in Scotland! Day two - SUCCESS! Bring on whatever tomorrow and Newton Stewart has to offer - I am certainly hoping we will have a stop off at the Melrose Abbey and the home of the heart of the mighty Robert the Bruce… but maybe that is just me.. A huge thank you to our very generous hosts and we certainly hope to be returning!


Friday 22 January 2016

Ferio Saxophone Quartet - Day 1 - Milngavie

What a fantastic start to our first Tunnell Trust January tour! The (somewhat rainy) day began at the Bearsden Academy with a workshop for around 20 woodwind students. After a quick performance it was time for us to put down our instruments and be in the audience for a change while a saxophone quintet entertained us with a few jazzy numbers. We were all very impressed with not only the level of playing but also the impeccable politeness of all the students! A brief appearance from the sun warmed our journey from the academy to the Cairns Church for our evening recital where we were very kindly greeted by Milngavie Music Club. The beautiful venue was perfectly suited to our widely varied repertoire, ranging from the mesmerising pulses of Philip Glass, through the familiar solidity of J.S Bach to the exotic dances of Guillermo Lago. A warm reception from the audience confirmed that Milngavie has been our favourite so far.... Let's see how Melrose compares tomorrow!

Thursday 21 January 2016

Follow our fabulous touring Awards Winners as they visit Scottish Music Clubs this year.

Click here for a full list of Concert Dates: 
 http://www.tunnelltrust.org.uk/concerts1516.html