Toad Lane Concerts: Alison Burns cello with Jonathan Ellis piano

Alison Burns and Jonathan Ellis

Alison Burns was introduced to the cello at the age of ten after a small collection of old string instruments was found lying dormant in a school cupboard. She rapidly progressed to her local youth orchestra and string orchestra.

Alison gained a Fellowship diploma after four years at Trinity College of Music, London, followed by a diploma from the National Centre for Orchestral Studies.

Nowadays, Alison enjoys teaching and playing in two amateur orchestras as well as a piano trio. She is the Secretary of Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra and is also the Hon Rep for the Stockport branch of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. She also runs a holiday cottage on the edge of the Peak District where she lives with her husband and son.

After starting to learn the piano at the age of three, Jonathan Ellis studied at Wells Cathedral School, and moved on to the joint music course of the Royal Northern College of Music and Manchester University, where he graduated first-class from both institutions and gained higher diplomas and prizes as a soloist, accompanist and chamber musician.

The audience counted themselves twice blessed with players of this calibre.

Sonata No. 5 in E minor, RV 40 Antonio Vivaldi was an attractive appetiser for the imposing Cello Sonata Op. 6 of Samuel Barber, all beautifully played with masterful interpretation and skill.

The soulful qualities of the cello matched the melancholic contemplative moods of Bruch’s Kol Nidrei, and even more with Bloch’s From Jewish Life, where the expressive use of quarter tones highlighted the ancient folk language.

In contrast the lilting Sicilienne, Op. 78 by Fauré was a graceful and captivating Sicilian folk dance echoing Cole Porter’s words, ‘How strange the change from major to minor.’

An encore was demanded and the delightful Dance Rustique by William Squire from 1895 put a spring in everyone’s step.

Alison’s rich and resonant cello sound in the acoustic at St Mary in the Baum and great music choices superbly accompanied, made for a memorable concert experience.

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