JKL Duo (Jacopo Lazzaretti – classical guitar and Kerry Lynch – flute) are become regular features at IM.  They played at one of the last concerts before the world changed at the start of 2020.  So, it was a treat have them play for us again. 

These Sunday pop-up concerts have been a popular addition to our offering. These have been run in conjunction with the North East Scotland Classical Guitar Society and are based on a guitar with a complementary instrument (flute, voice, violin).  The Sunday afternoon format is well suited to this type of light chamber music.

JKL have not been idle since we last saw them.  Early on in the lockdown, they formulated a plan for commissioning, touring and recording new compositions inspired by the great man, Robert Burns.  These are not arrangements but genuine new pieces commissioned from an international range of artists and composters.  As such, they joined us as part of a long national tour.  Through crowdfunding, they are now recording the pieces for a CD release later in the year, The International Poet.

And what an eclectic set of pieces they were.  Some had traces of the Burns originals floating through them whilst others were inspiration only.  It is a rare experience to attend a concert where you have no preconception of what you are about to hear.  This harks back to the mindset of the 19^th Century, where concerts would be advertised guaranteeing that all the music was new.  It is interesting to reflect how our listening patterns have changed to now expect to hear familiar tunes and sometimes see the new pieces as part of our education. 

A big element in the reception of new music is the commitment of the performers to the pieces.  And in this capacity, JKL had no issue.  Every piece was first described and then executed to the obvious enjoyment of Jacopo and Kerry and the delight of the audience. 

We very much look forward to the release of their CD in the near future.  As a young duo based in Scotland, we look forward to welcoming JKL back to Inverurie Music for many years to come. 

Peter Stock – Reviewer

The International Poet Programme

Breton Fantasy on Ye Jacobites*
Laura Snowden

The Lea Rig*
Stevie Lawrence

The Deil’s Awa wi’ the Exciseman & Ye Banks and Braes*
Savourna Stevenson

John Anderson, My Jo*
Amit Anand

The Betrayed Melody (after Robert Burns)*
Francesco Leineri

My Love is Like a Red Red Rose*
Stevie Lawrence

Whare hae ye been sae braw, lad? (Fantasia on a Theme by Robert Burns)*
Vasily Antipov

Auld Lang Syne Samba*
Celso Machado

Ae Fond Kiss*
Roberto Kuhn Versluys