Every so often, real magic happens and we were delighted to welcome internationally renowned oboeist and conductor François Leleux yesterday evening for the second in our Edinburgh Masterclass Series.
François Leleux’s pre-eminence as an oboist is internationally recognised but over the last twenty years he has in parallel developed a significant reputation as conductor, and is now in demand on the podium both with and without oboe in hand. Leleux is regularly invited by the world’s leading orchestras, festivals and concert series, both as soloist and player/director with repertoire ranging from baroque to newly commissioned work.
Although those students participating might have felt a little nervous to start they needn't have been - Leleux took them through their paces in a way that was constructive but informal and engaging and equally captivating for the assembled audience. Seven pupils participated directly in the evening while others in the audience were able to learn through observation, taking notes as they went. Repertoire included solo and ensemble pieces comprising J.S.Bach Sonata in Eb Major, mvt.I Allegro Moderato & mvt.II Siciliana, Richard Strauss Oboe Concerto, Mvt I Allegro Moderato and Charles Gounod Petite Symphonie Mvt.I Adagio et Allegretto & mvt.II Andante Cantabile.
In a busy 2018/19 season Leleux will appear as conductor and soloist with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra , Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra,hr-Sinfonieorchester and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, and concerto performances include a return to the Münchener Kammerorchester, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and Orchestre de Chambre de Paris.
St Mary's would like to thank all those who support our masterclass programme and make magical moments like these come to life.
