Toad Lane Concerts: Richard Haslam guitar and Anna Chiu piano

Anna Chiu and Richard Haslam

Derbyshire-born classical guitarist Richard Haslam was the performer at this week's Toad Lane Concert. He graduated from Hull University before higher study with Craig Ogden at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). He teaches and gives recitals as soloist and in a variety of ensembles.

The charming classical lines of Introduction and Variations on a Theme of Mozart by Fernando Sor rang through the acoustic in St Mary in the Baum where even the intricate and delicate sounds ring true without being forced.

Contemporary composer Gary Ryan’s Birds flew over the Spire similarly floated through the space. His Benga Beat however, with its use of extraneous percussive tapping and strumming and even vocals, produced a fascinating and joyous African mix.

These were ideal warm ups for the main treat of the programme, Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez. Richard was joined for this by pianist Anna Hoi Ching Chiu to play the orchestral reduction. A graduate of Hong Kong University, Anna took her masters at the RNCM and now is an international accompanist and harpsichordist.

Any worries about the piano overpowering the guitar were soon dispelled as the skilful and judicious accompanist sensitively supported the soloist whilst giving power to the full orchestral sections. A memorable experience for the enraptured audience.

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. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.

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

Dr Joe Dawson