Bach to the future

New Zealand News UK, 15 October 2003

Penelope Spencer. a New Zealand Baroque violinist, is changing the face of classical music in London. DUNCAN MILLS chats to her about her innovative and ambitious project.

Roll over Beethoven: Classical Kiwi violinist Penelope Spencer, pictured left, aims to bring her music to a fresh young crowd in the UK by employing a variety of techniques in performances which well help the audience discover what classical music is all about.

If you don't regularly attend classical music concerts, they can be an intimidating affair. Shifting uneasily in a seat next to an eminent lord or lady, trying to enjoy the music but not really knowing your Handel from your Elgar, and wondering whether the musician is on key or having a bad night.

A New Zealand concert violinist, Penelope Spencer, is trying to change all that by bringing the comfort factor into performances which she hopes will attract a younger and fresher audience.

Originally from Hamilton, Spencer has developed Realm of Music, a series of classical concerts aimed at removing the stuffiness from classical music.

"Our focus is on just over an hour of music, which we present beforehand. Everybody is given a 'listening pack` a fun and easy to use guide that highlights what is really cool about the music, what to listen out for. There will also be the opportunity to socialise before and afterwards, to have a glass of wine or champagne. People enjoy this relaxed atmosphere."

The first of the concerts was held at the University Women's Club in central London in June and provided an overview of the 17th century. The event proved a success and was followed by another concert in July.

The way the venues are set out for performances is aimed at encouraging more interaction between the performers and the guests.

"There is no separation between the stage and the audience," she explains.

"So we can get intimate with the audience, look them in the eye, talk to them - its friendlier and we can communicate easily."

Spencer is now preparing for an October concert titled FlashBach! As the name implies it will be a performance of music by the famous German composer Johann Sebastian Bach.

'It's a great chance for professionals to network," she says.

The concept sounds good already, but gets better when she discusses another idea in the pipeline.

"We're looking at doing a beer tasting event. We'll have different types of beer themed to our music.

"It's going to be a concert on German music with German beer from the period to go with the music."

Two hundred and fifty-year-old German beer and music. Could it be the beginning of a sophisticated version of Oktoberfest?

While different to most classical concerts, Spencer says her events will retain an authentic feel and both her and her fellow musicians will play original music, on traditional instruments, in venues where it was originally performed.

Often these venues are closed to the public, which she hopes will give an edge of excitement to proceedings.

"There is a tremendous history related to music in London, the buildings and their interiors, paintings on the wall and so forth. We play in traditional venues and this helps to bring the music to life more vividly - there is a story behind it all."

Spencer has a bit of a story behind her too, having been based overseas now for more than 10 years.

She left New Zealand in 1990 to study Baroque music in The Hague, The Netherlands, and stayed for 10 years before deciding it was time for a change.

"I came to the UK in 2001 and lived in London, before moving to St Albans. London is a great city and it's an exciting place to live and work."

Spencer clearly has a genuine enthusiasm for her music and for London and understands its potential appeal to Kiwi's.

"Everything is so accessible - the theatres, the museums. There are so many opportunities."

She says New Zealand still holds a strong place in her heart and she travels home whenever possible to see friends and family.

"I also get New Zealand marmite delivered to me - it's different to the stuff you get over here - it's much better."

Rather like Realm of Music really. The same product, just much more appealing.

For information on FlashBach! and other forthcoming Realm of Music events, see www.realmofmusic.com.

Events are priced at around £30, including music, drinks and a listening pack. Tickets can be booked online or by telephone on 01727 846 763.

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