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‘Born by the Thames’ – Fanfare review
September 18, 2024
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An absorbing and important book, which deserves to be widely read – and is a hugely enjoyable read!
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‘Born by the Thames’ – MusicWeb International review
September 12, 2024
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To discuss music with Stephen Dodgson was to follow an incomparably rich trail of knowledge and ideas. And many memories of him have been rekindled by reading this excellent book. It is beautifully produced and reasonably priced. It is a worthy celebration of its subject, a fine composer and erudite musician who was also a thoroughly nice man.
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‘Born by the Thames’ – BBC Music Magazine review ★★★★
September 11, 2024
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A heartfelt and thoughtful centenary tribute – the appetite to learn more is thoroughly whetted through remembrances, interviews, essays and more.
Continue Reading →‘Mirage’ piano works – MusicWeb International review (2)
September 10, 2024
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Challenging yet rewarding music, fine performance and recording.
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‘Canticle of the Sun’ Diapason review ★★★★
September 06, 2024
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Sonoro choir, conducted by Neil Ferris, celebrates the memory of Stephen Dodgson (1924–2013) with a selection of works which, without revolutionising the genre, attest to the composer's attachment to British poetry, such as the dazzling Canticle of the Sun. This colourful lively ensemble, with generous warmth of expression, finds the nocturnal atmosphere of the Poems of Mary Coleridge, woven together under the breath of a meandering flute.
Continue Reading →‘Canticle of the Sun’ – American Record Guide review
August 15, 2024
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Sonoro sings with precision and produces a vibrant and sumptuous sound. Singers from the choir are well equipped to take solo parts. Dodgson's choice of texts is keen. His compositional style seems to resist categorization. This is a very well performed and recorded album.
Continue Reading →‘Born by the Thames’ book – British Music Society review
July 09, 2024
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A first-rate volume, carefully crafted to appeal to both the average music-lover and the professional seeking more detailed information, this immediately becomes the definitive handbook on its subject. For a volume of this size and extremely modest price, there is an especially generous provision of colour plates – all excellently reproduced – together with other illustrations, photographs and music examples. This is an essential purchase and should win the composer many friends.
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‘Mirage’ piano works – International Piano review
July 05, 2024
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Stephen Dodgson's was always elegantly crafted and often quietly memorable, too, usually in a broadly tonal language but always sounding fresh. Such is assuredly the case with a generously fill disc of Dodgson’s piano works. Osman Tack is a thoughtful pianist and he allows Dodgson’s music to unfold naturally, giving it time to breathe and never forcing the pace – exemplary performances and very well recorded.
Continue Reading →‘Canticle of the Sun’ choral works – BBC Music Magazine review
June 17, 2024
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A very accomplished and enjoyable album. Dodgson's deft, beautiful scores stand the test of time. Sonoro are on marvellously pliant and virtuosic form. Performed with real commitment throughout, this is altogether a commendable selection that shines a welcome light on Dodgson’s appealing and engaging music.
PERFORMANCE ★★★★
RECORDING ★★★★
Continue Reading →PERFORMANCE ★★★★
RECORDING ★★★★
Latest news
Upcoming events
Nov
23
Sat
2024
7:00 pm Trumpet Concerto – Imogen Whitehead @ St Martin-in-the-Fields
Trumpet Concerto – Imogen Whitehead @ St Martin-in-the-Fields 
Nov 23 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Acclaimed trumpeter Imogen Whitehead, with St Martin’s Chamber Ensemble and conductor Patrick Milne, performs Stephen Dodgson’s Trumpet Concerto – his very last work, written for Imogen Whitehead herself when she was 18 – alongside Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto and Mozart’s Divertimento in D. All in the stunning and atmospheric setting of St-Martin-in-the Fields. Tickets available at: https://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/calendar/mozart-and-haydn-by-candlelight/?whatson-event-date=2024-11-23&whatson-event-time=7:00%20PM
Nov
25
Mon
2024
7:30 pm Pomenade 2 – Magnard Ensemble @ St Mary's, Luton
Pomenade 2 – Magnard Ensemble @ St Mary's, Luton 
Nov 25 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
The much admired wind group the Magnard Ensemble return to Luton with a programme particularly featuring Stephen Dodgson’s Promenade No.2. Richard Sisson (Chair of Luton Music): ‘Stephen was for many years associated with Luton Music, generously giving his time to serve as a Vice-president. 2024 is the centenary of his birth and it is an honour to programme this fine piece in his memory.’ Programme Sergei Rachmaninov (arr. McDermid) – Prelude in E flat Major Op 23 No.6 Martin Butler – Down-Hollow Winds Stephen Dodgson – Promenade No.2 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (arr. Shiner) – Rondo in A minor K511 Samuel Barber – Summer[...]
