Back by popular demand, join Simon Mayor, one of the country’s finest mandolin players for this mid-week masterclass.
“A master musician at his absolute best” The Living Tradition
Simon’s January ‘Mandolin Workshop Weekends’ have been hugely successful and consistently prompt requests for more. This time it’s a smaller group, but a longer, mid-week gathering, suitable for intermediate and advanced players. There’ll still be some ensemble playing, but this will be a chance for students to share their performances and for Simon to offer personal critiques – as always, in an atmosphere of mutual support.
The music of the Irish harper and composer Turlough O’Carolan (1670-1738) has featured from time to time in Simon’s mandolin workshops over the years. This is a chance for mandolinists – or players of other mandolin family instruments – to get more intimately acquainted with his music in a mandolin ensemble setting.
Carolan’s tunes for the most part follow the format of a typical traditional jig, reel or march: two sections, each usually repeated. Stylistically, they differ a little from a typical trad tune because he was also influenced by the classical music of his day, in particular the Italian composers Corelli and Geminiani.
Who is it for?
For Intermediate and Advanced level players – primarily mandolinists, but also mandola players, mandocellists and mandobassists (are there any out there?).
Music will be sent out in advance in both standard notation and tablature. There’ll be duets, trios and quartets along with the odd solo for the brave to have a go at. For the most part, the harmony lines will be simpler than the melody, so less experienced players should still be able to make a welcome contribution to the sound.
The Tutor
Simon Mayor is one of the world’s leading mandolin virtuosos and composers for the instruments. His many faceted career includes his own series on BBC Radio 2, an album in the Classic FM Top Ten chart and causing mayhem at a Canadian humour festival, but maintains his most thrilling moment was a journey through the square window on BBC’s Playschool!
“A remarkable mandolin player… displaying a dazzling fluidity, Mayor is also master of tonal variations.” R2 Magazine
Simon’s playing moves effortlessly between classical, traditional folk, jazz & blues. With dazzling technical skills grace all the music he plays. Also a fine guitarist & fiddle player, Simon has a delicious sense of humour & great teaching ability.
“Evocative virtuosity… uplifting and a joy” The Daily Telegraph