Meliora Collective

We have a clarinet and violin duo from the Meliora Collective on Thursday 1^st September.  We are particularly delighted that they are including in their programme works by women composers, including Judith Weir, Rebecca Clarke and Valerie Coleman.  They will also be playing pieces by WF Bach, Pleyel and Fuchs, taking us on an intriguing journey across the centuries.   A violin and clarinet is an unusual combination, and they will be speaking about the challenges this brings as well as talking about the lesser-known pieces in their programme

Vivier – Piece for Clarinet and Violin
Pleyel – Sonata No.1
Hillborg – Duet
WF Bach – Viola Duet F61 in G

Clarke – Prelude, allegro and pastorale
Fuchs – Duo No.1
Weir – Atlantic Drift
Coleman – Portraits of Langston

Meliora Collective is a freshly established flexible ensemble, comprising an array of dynamic, creative and spirited young artists. They are in the unique position of performing as a dectet, formed of five wind players alongside five string players, whilst also presenting concerts with more intimate chamber groupings.

Born out of a love of chamber music, Meliora Collective strives to celebrate the shared joy of music making, both with audiences and amongst themselves. Founding members, Meera and Steph dreamt up this ensemble in the midst of the pandemic, following many years of friendship and a long-held desire to launch a flexi ensemble of this nature.

The versatility afforded by this set-up allows for intriguing programming, spanning a range of styles and incorporating concert favourites alongside less familiar but equally enchanting repertoire. Meliora Collective feels very privileged to work closely with Aaron Breeze, in presenting highly inventive arrangements, ranging from Piazzolla to Dvorak.

As recent graduates of conservatoires including the Royal Academy of Music, Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Royal Northern College of Music, each of the musicians brings a strong musical identity to the ensemble. The ethos of shared responsibility and collaborative music making is integral to the ensemble and this paves the way for a bright future.