January tends to be a quieter month for concerts so I've been spending quite a lot of time planning concerts for later in the year and and working out programmes. Choosing programmes is always an interesting process. Some of the programmes have a theme (for example a Mozart piano concert in May and a Remembrance concert in November). For other concerts I have to bear in mind what the instrument is capable of. For example in April I'm performing on a fairly small organ in Cornwall so I need to find a programme that is exciting and interesting but also appropriate for the instrument. I also have to bear in mind where I may repeat the same pieces and which new pieces I might like to work at learning through the year. Of course, each programme must also be enjoyable and entertaining for the audience, although I always try to introduce them to some new music as well as including pieces they are already familiar with.
I find this an enjoyable process and look forward to exploring new repertoire. However, I'm also interested to hear whether there are some new pieces you hope to learn over 2016? What are you musical goals for the year? Feel free to leave comments!
