Styled heading

Autumn
Concert for Peace

When the world needs peace more than ever, Musicians for Peace and Disarmament return to Lauderdale House for their Autumn Concert for Peace.

Since 1983, Musicians for Peace and Disarmament or MPD (formerly Musicians Against Nuclear Arms) have organised events to raise funds for the peace movement. The famous guitarist John Williams OBE is the President, and many leading figures from different areas of music make up the list of Patrons.

The MPD Chamber Ensemble consists of musicians who regularly perform for MPD. As always they are giving their services in the cause of peace.  

The Autumn Concert for Peace's programme is full of joy and optimism. In its blending of expressive melodies with masterly control in combining the three instruments, Schubert’s youthful 'String Trio' recalls Mozart’s masterpiece, the Divertimento K 563. Three 'duos for clarinet and bassoon' have been attributed to Beethoven, but their origin is not completely clear. Whoever the composer, they abound in good humour and witty interplay between the instruments; No. 2 is typical, and contains a particularly touching slow movement. Nielsen’s music is often quirky and original; the 'Serenata in vano' portrays a group of musicians who attempt to serenade a lady, but when that fails, they go home playing a jaunty tune.

Beethoven’s 'Septet' achieved immediate success – something he later resented, when the public failed to appreciate some of his more serious and profound works. It is genial and uncomplicated, and provides opportunities for each player to shine. The final movement ends with a breathless flurry of triplets for the violin.