Afternoon Matinee at Cadogan Hall

On Saturday 20th August 2011 I made my way to Sloane Square for the BBC Proms Chamber Music Saturday Matinee Concert with London Sinfonietta conducted by David Atherton, BBC Singers, Andrew Watts - counter-tenor, Jeffrey Lloyd-Roberts - tenor and Nicholas Hodges - piano.

The programme consisted of II rozzo martello - Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Champ-Contrechamp - Georges Aperghis and Angel Fighter - Sir Harrison Birtwistle. The concert was introduced from the stage by BBC Radio 3 presenter Christopher Cook.

The BBC Singers beautifully sang II rozzo matello after which we were given the world premiere of Grorges Aperghis' new piano concerto Champ-Contrechamp with Nicholas Hodges. This was a very challenging piece that pushes the boundaries with the constant mix of music from pianist and ensemble.

The concert finished with the UK premiere of Sir Harrison Birtwistle's Angel Fighter. A work for ensemble and choir that is based on the Bibles story of Jacob who wrestles with an Angel. Wonderful performances from Andrew Watts and Jeffrey Lloyd-Roberts who brought this dramatic story to life.