Toad Lane Concerts: Juan Antonio Rodriguez bassoon and Ellada-Angelina Pavlou piano

Juan Antonio Rodriguez and Ellada-Angelina Pavlou

The Toad Lane Concert on Wednesday 18 May was a truly international recital doubled with a rare opportunity to hear the solo bassoon in concert.

Last season, bassoonist Juan Antonio performed with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in Glasgow and Edinburgh, the Internationales Orchester in Germany. Along with American and Columbian orchestras, Juan has taken part in performances, masterclasses and festivals throughout the world. and now he can add Rochdale to the list.

Born in Manizales (Colombia) and trained in the United States and the United Kingdom, Juan began his studies at Fundacion Batuta at the age of 5. He holds degrees from Duquesne University, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and the RNCM. Juan currently studies at the Scoula di Musica di Fiesole in Italy.

Ellada-Angelina Pavlou is a Greek pianist who recently completed her studies at the RNCM with a master’s and a postgraduate diploma. She previously graduated with honours from Trinity Laban Conservatoire. Ellada has won prizes in several piano competitions including Greece and the USA.

She was recently offered a place for a Master for Chamber Music at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm.

Fantasia no 2 for unaccompanied bassoon by Telemann was a real masterclass. Juan went on to explain his choices and his gregarious personality immediately engaged his audience. His passion for music and the bassoon is infectious.

Joining with the piano we had two beautiful lyrical pieces, ‘Morgen!’ (1894) a transcribed song by Richard Strauss and Romance Op.62 (1911) by Elgar. The rapport between the players was extraordinary as they achieved a rare fluency throughout.

Camille Saint-Saëns clearly relished composing his Sonata for bassoon and piano Op.168 (1921). Here was the enthusiastic clown, sometimes dramatic, sometimes with a tear running down his cheek.

Piazolla’s Le Grand Tango (1982) was a terrific finale and had everyone’s feet tapping. What a duo!

The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. No refreshments available now, but the venue is Covid-19 compliant. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.

To see details of forthcoming Toad Lane Concerts, click here.

Dr Joe Dawson