Poetry put to unique music (From Stroud News and Journal)

Poetry put to unique music

A PRESTIGIOUS concert by the Allegri String Quartet and Ross Daly is to take place at Ruskin Mill in Nailsworth next week.

"They have a pedigree as long as your arm and it's going to be quite a prestigious event for Ruskin Mill," said Ruskin Mill spokesman Sue Smee.

"The inspiration for this event derives from the first book of published poetry by Richard Douglas Pennant entitled Old Stones New Tales.

"Pennant's poetry will be accompanied by the internationally renowned Allegri String Quartet and Ross Daly, virtuoso of Middle Eastern traditional instruments," added Sue.

"They will play music written especially for the tour by Roland Melia, Andreas Moustoukis and Ross Daly."

Originally founded by Eli Goren, James Barton, Patrick Ireland and William Pleeth, the Allegri String Quartet celebrated its 50th birthday in 2004. The quartet currently consists of Daniel Rowland and Rafael Todes on violins, Dorothea Vogel on viola and P Banda on cello.

A virtuoso of Eastern musical instruments, Daly plays the Cretan lyra, Afghan rabab, laouto, kemence, sarangi, oud, saz and tanbur. The unique sound of his music reflects his personal philosophy, influenced by the Sufi tradition which stresses the sacred nature of music itself.

"We will also have the chance to hear the first string quartet by Janacek, inspired by Leo Tolstoy's book, Kreutzer Sonata, and the first quartet of Shostakovich played by the Allegris. This will be complemented by traditional music and original music that springs from the folk traditions of the Middle East played by Ross Daly."

The concert takes place at Ruskin Mill, Nailsworth on Monday, March 27 at 8pm. Tickets, priced £10 or £8 concessions are available from the venue in advance or on the door.