If January brought the sell-out Scottish pianist Steven Osborne to Peebles, says Music in Peebles’ John Fox, then February’s concert at 7.30pm in the Eastgate Theatre on Tuesday, February 5, brings one of the best ensembles of the new generation.
The Andrews Massey Duo was formed by flautist Emily Andrews and guitarist David Massey shortly before they graduated with distinction from the Royal Academy of Music in 2010.
Since then, Emily (described by the British Flute Society as ‘one of Britain’s most promising young professionals’) and David (a former BBC Young Musician finalist) have enjoyed great acclaim for their duo performances.
Their status as rising stars was confirmed in 2011 when they were winners of the Tunnel Trust Award for Young Musicians, one of the most prestigious awards available to upcoming ensembles. Part of the award consists of a six-concert Scottish tour, which includes their appearance in Peebles.
The concert will be the first time that this increasingly-popular combination of instruments has featured in a Music in Peebles season, and will be the ideal introduction, as Emily and David have put together a programme that includes some classics from their repertoire, alongside less familiar works.
Their versatility will also be on show in folk tunes from around the British Isles, and some pieces for solo guitar. Most exciting of all, though, is the inclusion of a brand new short work, ‘Journey Home’, commissioned by the duo specifically for this tour, from young Scottish composer Scott Lygate.
Speaking of the work, the composer refers to “clear Scottish influences” in the music, while Emily has described it as “funky, rhythmic, and dance-like, with a slow opening section like a story being told around a camp fire.”
The audience in Peebles will be among the first to hear this intriguing new piece.
Further information about the Andrews Massey Duo and the music they will play can be found at www.musicinpeebles.org.uk or you can pick up a leaflet at the Eastgate Theatre, libraries or other selected locations. Tickets cost £13 from the Eastgate Theatre on 01721 725777. Admission is free for school students.
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