Toad Lane Concert: Duncan Glenday piano

Toad Lane Concert: Duncan Glenday (piano)

The Toad Lane audience was delighted to welcome back pianist Duncan Glenday in a typically elegant and moving recital on Wednesday 12 July.

Incidentally, the vintage 1933 Challen grand piano was the very same instrument he had played as a promising young teenager back at the old Art Gallery’s ‘Music at Lunchtime’ concerts before it was moved to St Mary in the Baum. He subsequently developed the enormous potential he displayed by graduating first class from the prestigious joint course of the RNCM and Manchester University. As well as diplomas in professional performance, his competition successes included first prizes in the John Ireland Competition and the Proctor-Gregg Recital Prize.

Duncan returned in a busy schedule as an accomplished recitalist, concerto soloist, chamber musician and teacher. He has performed over 300 concerts throughout the UK. He is a piano teacher at the University of Manchester and the founder and artistic director of the annual Uppermill Summer Music Festival.

We began with Schumann’s Novellette, followed by four of his Waldscenen (Woodland scenes). Duncan summoned up warm, descriptive tones from the vintage instrument through these charming pieces with their hints of hidden depths.

We then went on to tour other musical places with Guernsey for John Ireland’s ‘In a May Morning’ from “Sarnia,” then to sunnier climes with Andaluza by Granados, and Granada by Albeniz, their exciting strong Iberian rhythms ringing out.

Maxwell Davies’ solidly Scottish ‘Farewell to Stromness’ brought us back to the British Isles. This live performance and vital interpretation proved why it has remained a Classic FM favourite for many years. Finally, a commanding rendition of Chopin’s Barcarolle left the audience wanting more.

The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at the Grade 1 listed church of 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