In Welsh history, there appears a revered noble woman, wife and mother, Angharad, who lived a long, noteworthy life until 1162. She was lavishly praised by her husband's biographer as a handsome, blonde, gentle, eloquent, generous, discreet woman who was good to her people and charitable to the poor. The name, Angharad, means “much loved.”
Angharad’s Feast was commissioned by parents and friends of Brisbane’s Western Suburbs String Orchestra. It marks WSSO’s 30th Anniversary and the ongoing contribution of founder and director, Andrea Messenger. The premier performance, presented by an alumni ensemble at WSSO’s November 2019 concert, brought pleasurable surprise to Mrs Messenger and concluded the event with great excitement.
Angharad’s Feast depicts a family gathering and meal. Each string section characterises family members across the generations. The first violins are the children, enthusiastic, playful and energetic; the second violins are their parents, gently guiding, cajoling, encouraging; violas play the voices of aunties and uncles while the double basses and cellos represent wise grandparents. It is a warm, well-paced and charming musical experience from the opening folk-style theme, including optional solos. The parts are interesting and enjoyable to play. A thoughtful structure underpins the work with all themes drawn from the first subject. Angharad’s Feast comes together in concert as a fitting celebration of family, music and life.
Duration: 4:20 Key: D Major
Keith Sharp has been a string educator in The Gap regional state schools of Brisbane, Australia since 1985. Keith commenced teaching at Brisbane State High School in 2012, where his program focuses on ensemble and group tuition. He enjoys writing imaginative and appealing pieces for string students, many of which are now performed by young players around the world. These educational ensemble pieces have been consistently highlighted as Editor’s Choice in the J.W. Pepper Orchestral Music Catalog.
Keith holds a Bachelor of Music Degree and a Graduate Diploma of Further Education. He is a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. In 2006 he received a Ryan Recognition Award and in 2013 a “Can Do” Educator of the Year Award acknowledging his contribution to music education in the region. Keith is a past president and committee member of AUSTA Queensland, and in 2012 was recognised by AUSTA with a state award. He regularly appears at schools, music camps and workshops as a guest clinician/ composer, teacher and conductor. Keith is co-author of the popular beginner string method, Encore on Strings - Music Maestros.
