BARNARD Castle-based composer and teacher David Jennings has joined the campaign to save the historic High House Chapel in Ireshopeburn, Weardale, by creating a specially commissioned work celebrating the wonders of Weardale.
A Weardale Rhapsody, composed for violin and piano, will have its first ever performance in St John’s Chapel Town Hall on Saturday, June 1, at 7pm.
The violinist will be Pamela Redman and the pianist Ken Forster. All proceeds from the concert will go towards the fund to purchase the chapel for the Weardale Museum.
It is hoped to make a recording of the concert.
The performance will also feature other pieces by Mr Jennings, including his Three Irish Pieces and Passacaglia and Fugue, itself only premiered on March 1 this year, and a number of other pieces.
It is also hoped that A Weardale Rhapsody will be accompanied by a slide show of some of the best photography of the dale contributed by local camera enthusiasts.
Tickets are £10, and £7 for U16s.
They are available from Visit County Durham on 03000 262626, email visitor@thisisdurham.com (£1.50 charge); Weardale Gazette Office, Stanhope; Cafe Maxine, St John’s Chapel tel: 01388537214; Wolsingham Pharmacy (cash only); and Rachel Swaffield on 07936 926199, email rachel_ swaffield @hotmail.co.uk.
Mr Jennings’ music has been performed by professionals of the highest calibre, including pianist James Willshire and members of the Northern Sinfonia.
His music ranges from piano miniatures to large orchestral works and he has always aimed to achieve the right balance between traditional and contemporary approaches.
His compositions have many influences, both musical and non-musical.
