Vivaldi to Sinatra with Company Chameleon

Programme

Antonio Vivaldi Sinfonia No 3 in G major
Caroline Shaw arr Julian Azkoul and the swallow^
Jesse Montgomery Starburst
Works for Double Bass ensemble
Béla Bartók Romanian Folk Dances
Astor Piazzolla Oblivion^
Astor Piazzolla arr Simon Parkin Libertango*
Irving Berlin arr James Manson Let’s Face the Music and Dance

Performers

Chris Hoyle, Catherine Yates directors
Pavel Fischer violin*
Hannah Roberts cello*
Anthony Missen, Alice Bonazzi, Kadafi Mulula, Cameron Woolnough choreographers^
Alice Bonazzi, Kadafi Mulula, Cameron Woolnough dancers^

Dancers from Company Chameleon

RNCM’s first-year string students present a vibrant and diverse programme, blending music and dance in a captivating performance alongside dancers from Company Chameleon.

The concert opens with Vivaldi’s Sinfonia No 3 in G major, retaining its original role as an overture and setting the tone with colourful textures, rhythmic energy, and joyful exuberance.

The programme continues with a string arrangement of Caroline Shaw’s and the swallow, inspired by Psalm 84 and beautifully depicting a bird’s search for safety. A tango-inspired work by Astor Piazzolla is brought to life with expressive choreography by Company Chameleon, leading to a dynamic and uplifting rendition of Let’s Face the Music and Dance, famously performed by Frank Sinatra.

Part of the RNCM Strings Festival, this performance highlights the versatility, beauty, and brilliance of string music across a variety of concerts and programmes. Students, staff, and guest artists collaborate throughout the festival, showcasing excellence in learning and performance.

Company Chameleon, one of the UK’s leading independent dance companies, was founded in Manchester in 2007 by Anthony Missen and Kevin Edward Turner. Known for their innovative productions, the company creates and tours performances worldwide.