Performer Name: Saffyre
Show Name: The Elements
Show Description
Saffyre presents The Elements, a rich and uplifting programme which leads you on a journey through Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Ether by way of a diversity of compositions, interjected with light hearted but informative introductions. Classical, jazz, folk and world music rub shoulders through a combination of instruments including violin, cello, piano and recorder, providing a rich tapestry which is sure to have you tapping your feet or swaying nostalgically.
We are flexible with lighting, we bring our own stand lights, and are happy with the lighting arrangements for each individual venue.
We would like to be able to access the venue 2 hours before the performance if possible and no less than 1 1/2 hours.
Performance area 4m or more.
We just have business cards at the moment, but are looking into recording a cd.
"Saffyre" (Helen and Di) describe themselves as a duo. They are professional instrumentalists on violin, viola and cello. But in addition, they perform with equal skill on descant and treble recorders and piano in varying combinations, six instruments in total!
We have just returned from an excellent Sunday afternoon's musical entertainment in the mid-Wales town of Llanidloes. The atmosphere was convivial, fostered and encouraged by the warm rapport between the performers (they are obviously very good friends) and towards the audience who were riveted and relaxed in equal measure.
The verbal introductions to each of the five sets - Earth, Air, Fire, Ether, Water- were informative but not stuffy, being peppered with personal anecdotes and friendly repartee. Within each of the five sets the programme ranged through a diversity of moods, styles, epochs and instrumentation. A memorable example was the set entitled "Air" which began with Dvorak's "Humoresque" ( Op 101 no 7) for violin and cello, then progressed through Aleksey Ingudesmann's "Irish Stew in the Morning", then onto Mendelssohn's "O for the Wings of a Dove " before finishing with Bart Howard's "Fly Me to the Moon".
Particularly stunning were the pieces for solo descant recorder - The Alderman's Hat" and "Cat in the Village". How is it possible for fingers to fly so fast !
Throughout, the standard of performance was polished and delivered with aplomb. Totally uplifting.
Rosemary and John Thornton, music enthusiasts, living in South Shropshire.