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SCRATCH!

Musical scramble of strings and winds starring an ever-changing concertmaster

  • 11/11
  • 12/11
For the first time in two years, one of the annual highlights of HKU Utrechts Conservatorium's concert calendar can again be physically visited in the Fentener van Vlissingenzaal: SCRATCH! For SCRATCH!, strings and winds from all years of study work from scratch towards two one-hour concerts, starring a changing concertmaster.
  • 11 Nov 2022 - 12 Nov 2022
  • HKU Utrechts Conservatorium
  • Fentener van Vlissingenzaal
  • Mariaplaats 27, Utrecht

The concertmaster has a central place in every orchestra. Together with the conductor, this first violinist directs the orchestra; all eyes of the orchestra are on them. Unique to SCRATCH! is that each piece of the programme is led by a changing concertmaster and there is no conductor. This allows the concertmaster to shine in their leading role. Many students are concertmaster of a large orchestra for the first time during SCRATCH!; a wonderful experience to witness.

During SCRATCH!, musicians perform an actual musical scramble. Not only the concertmaster changes every piece. First and second violinists also constantly change places and there is a new soloist every piece. This may be a violinist or viola player, but also a wind player; flute, clarinet or oboe. During SCRATCH!, solo pieces by all the great composers will be performed: Mozart (violin, flute, oboe, clarinet), Haydn cello) and Stamitz (viola). One piece from each solo instrument will be featured.

Concerts

SCRATCH! has two concerts on Friday 11 as Saturday 12 November from 12.30 to 13.30 in the Fentener van Vlissingenzaal. Both concerts have a different programme with different concert masters and soloists. The concerts are free of charge, registration is not required.

Elisabeth Perry

SCRATCH is conducted by Elisabeth Perry; violinist and lecturer at HKU Utrechts Conservatorium with 30 years' experience as concertmaster with Radio Philharmonic Orchestra. At the age of 14, she already shared the stage with renowned violinist Yehudi Menuhin at the Royal Albert Hall. Since then, she has been a welcome guest soloist with leading British orchestras such as the London Symphony, Royal Philharmonic and Philharmonia Orchestra. A passion for contemporary music and a commitment to expanding the violin repertoire led to many acclaimed premieres. Perry was the first to introduce Alfred Schnittke's quasi una sonata and performed its US premiere at Alice Tully Hall.