The visual arts and music are often closely connected, especially since the early years of the 20th century when the boundaries between the arts began to break down. Two events explore this fusion of the senses; a recital based on the life and times of Alphonse Mucha, and a lecture-recital about synaesthesia; sound and colour experienced simultaneously. They form part of a wider project encouraging students to create new music and artworks which will be presented in the New Year.
Preview 2.00pm
John Mucha introduces the life & work of his grandfather, Alphonse Mucha.
Enescu Cantabile et Presto
Fauré Fantaisie
Janácek Sonata for flute and piano; V Mlhách (In the Mists), four pieces for piano
Debussy Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune
Thomson Mucha Nase Cesta (Our Way)
Martinu Scherzo; Sonata for flute and piano
The Concertgebouw’s principal flute, Welsh-born Emily Beynon explores her enthusiasm for the Czech artist Alphonse Mucha in a programme that unites two great cities; Paris and Prague. Mucha, best known for his iconic posters of Sarah Bernhardt, was also a champion of Art Nouveau. As a young chorister in Brno, he befriended Janácek, and music inspired him throughout his life. Mucha’s son Jirí was also a friend of Martinu and married the Scottish composer, Geraldine Thomson, whose centenary fell in 2017.