Music and the Holocaust
Director Sarah Brandwood-Spencer
Mozart Flute Quartet in D major | Karel Nonet Op. 43 | Spohr Nonet Op. 31
Saturday 14 January 2023 7.30pm
St Michael’s Church, Macclesfield
Born in 1880, Rudolf Karel was a pupil of Dvořák. Having joined the Czech resistance during WW2, he was ultimately arrested and sent to Theresienstadt prison. His treatment resulted in his death in 1945 but, writing sometimes with a pencil on toilet paper, he composed his Nonet from prison. 27 January 2023 is Holocaust Memorial Day and the NCO performs the work in remembrance.
Whilst a handsome commission fee prompted Mozart’s D major Flute Quartet, its youthful exuberance remains compelling. The German composer, Louis Spohr (1784-1859), has enjoyed a recent revival of interest and his captivating Nonet is rightly the best-known work of the genre.
Sarah Brandwood-Spencer has toured the world as principal and soloist with the European Union Chamber Orchestra. She was formerly a principal violinist of the Hallé Orchestra and now enjoys a varied career as guest principal with many of the country’s leading orchestras.
This concert has been generously sponsored by Geoff Holman, in memory of Jennie.
Listen to Sarah Brandwood-Spencer’s biography
Listen to the Mozart programme notes
Listen to the Karel programme notes
