REVIEW
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
MILOŠ
The Voice of the Guitar
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
Sunday 6 October 2019
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
MILOŠ
The Voice of the Guitar
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
Sunday 6 October 2019
Long gone are the days of “three-weekly rep“ at the Palace. Programming for this increasingly versatile and wonderful theatre is now far more varied and eclectic. Sunday evenings, however, are a more problematic slot to fill. People don’t want to be out too late. WIth the prospect of a busy monday looming, the last thing you want is anything too demanding. Maybe some music?
Well last night, the Palace came up with the perfect solution. An evening of classical guitar, played by Miloš, a name new to me, but nevertheless one of the world’s leading exponents of this compelling instrument. Ably supported by a string quintet - drawn from the very accomplished 12 ensemble - handsome Milos, looking very much the Spanish Toreador, in a sharp black suit with white shirt and black tie, took his place front centre stage, and literally held us spellbound for the next two hours.
Miloš has recorded at least 4 albums covering a huge range of music; and the evening consisted of a broad selection drawn from classical Bach, to an arrangement of Radiohead’s Street Spirit. The guitar as an instrument is, of course, the voice of Spain and we were treated to some fabulous tangos, fandangos and flamenco-flavoured danzas by Boccherini, Terrega, and Villa-Lobos, before the interval.
Each group of items was wittily and insightfully introduced by Miloš. He is a serious musician, but has a great sense of fun and loves to communicate with his audience. If ever he gives up on the guitar he would make a terrific stand-up comedian. He obviously enjoyed giving us his own personal view of each piece. As well as being very informative, it was a treat to hear why he had chosen the pieces he played, and what each item meant to him.
However, it was the music that we had all come to hear, and there is no instrument more captivating than the guitar. In the hands of Miloš, the effect was utterly hypnotic, A large crowd was held in spellbound silence throughout the concert last night, and each piece was greeted by enthusiastic applause.
During the second part of the evening, Miloš turned his attention more towards contemporary music. He has recorded a complete album of Beatles' songs. He did not hear much of this repertoire until he came to London to study, and was immediately captivated by the songs of Lennon & McCartney, but in particular, George Harrison, who wrote Here Comes The Sun, which Miloš took particular pleasure in playing.
My personal favourite was a stunning arrangement of Somewhere Over The Rainbow. It truly brought a tear to my eye, as it was played with such sensitivity.
Milos did not perform all the music solo. He was accompanied for a number of items by the 12 ensemble who played up a storm themselves. Violinist Louise joined him for a gorgeous duet from Piazzola’s History of Tango called Cafe 1920. I especially enjoyed the work of the cellist who had a great rapport with Miloš.
This concert was a first class treat for lovers of classical music. Tickets were certainly not cheap, but worth every penny, A real FIVE STAR evening. More please!
Review: Andrew Walters
Well last night, the Palace came up with the perfect solution. An evening of classical guitar, played by Miloš, a name new to me, but nevertheless one of the world’s leading exponents of this compelling instrument. Ably supported by a string quintet - drawn from the very accomplished 12 ensemble - handsome Milos, looking very much the Spanish Toreador, in a sharp black suit with white shirt and black tie, took his place front centre stage, and literally held us spellbound for the next two hours.
Miloš has recorded at least 4 albums covering a huge range of music; and the evening consisted of a broad selection drawn from classical Bach, to an arrangement of Radiohead’s Street Spirit. The guitar as an instrument is, of course, the voice of Spain and we were treated to some fabulous tangos, fandangos and flamenco-flavoured danzas by Boccherini, Terrega, and Villa-Lobos, before the interval.
Each group of items was wittily and insightfully introduced by Miloš. He is a serious musician, but has a great sense of fun and loves to communicate with his audience. If ever he gives up on the guitar he would make a terrific stand-up comedian. He obviously enjoyed giving us his own personal view of each piece. As well as being very informative, it was a treat to hear why he had chosen the pieces he played, and what each item meant to him.
However, it was the music that we had all come to hear, and there is no instrument more captivating than the guitar. In the hands of Miloš, the effect was utterly hypnotic, A large crowd was held in spellbound silence throughout the concert last night, and each piece was greeted by enthusiastic applause.
During the second part of the evening, Miloš turned his attention more towards contemporary music. He has recorded a complete album of Beatles' songs. He did not hear much of this repertoire until he came to London to study, and was immediately captivated by the songs of Lennon & McCartney, but in particular, George Harrison, who wrote Here Comes The Sun, which Miloš took particular pleasure in playing.
My personal favourite was a stunning arrangement of Somewhere Over The Rainbow. It truly brought a tear to my eye, as it was played with such sensitivity.
Milos did not perform all the music solo. He was accompanied for a number of items by the 12 ensemble who played up a storm themselves. Violinist Louise joined him for a gorgeous duet from Piazzola’s History of Tango called Cafe 1920. I especially enjoyed the work of the cellist who had a great rapport with Miloš.
This concert was a first class treat for lovers of classical music. Tickets were certainly not cheap, but worth every penny, A real FIVE STAR evening. More please!
Review: Andrew Walters
Described as ‘classical music’s guitar hero’, guitarist MILOŠ is back with his fifth studio album and a UK tour including Southend on Sunday 6 October.
For his performance at The Palace Theatre he will be joined by string players from the 12 Ensemble, in a programme showcasing the immense diversity of the guitar: from Spanish classics and Latin American rhythms to Bach, baroque dances and the Beatles. ‘Whether it’s Bach or McCartney, Schubert or Paul Simon, it’s all music to me and I love it.’
Classic BRIT Award-winner MILOŠ is the world’s best-known classical guitarist and received unanimous acclaim for his 2016 Beatles album. After suffering from a serious hand injury at the peak of his career, he now makes a much-anticipated return to recording and performing.
His new album, ‘Sound of Silence’, has just been released on Decca Classics and is inspired by his journey back to performing, featuring Miloš’ very own takes on songs by Portishead, Radiohead and Leonard Cohen, sitting alongside guitar pieces by Pujol and Tarrega.
For his performance at The Palace Theatre he will be joined by string players from the 12 Ensemble, in a programme showcasing the immense diversity of the guitar: from Spanish classics and Latin American rhythms to Bach, baroque dances and the Beatles. ‘Whether it’s Bach or McCartney, Schubert or Paul Simon, it’s all music to me and I love it.’
Classic BRIT Award-winner MILOŠ is the world’s best-known classical guitarist and received unanimous acclaim for his 2016 Beatles album. After suffering from a serious hand injury at the peak of his career, he now makes a much-anticipated return to recording and performing.
His new album, ‘Sound of Silence’, has just been released on Decca Classics and is inspired by his journey back to performing, featuring Miloš’ very own takes on songs by Portishead, Radiohead and Leonard Cohen, sitting alongside guitar pieces by Pujol and Tarrega.
He says: ‘This tour and the album are a very personal scrapbook of music that will always have a special meaning to me – from Bach to the Beatles, Granados to Portishead, Piazzolla to Radiohead. It comes after one of the biggest challenges of my life – suffering from a serious physical injury and a mental burnout - this programme is a musical reflection on that time and on my long journey back to full health. It is the music I love above all else.’
Miloš will be signing copies of his new album after the performance.
Miloš will be signing copies of his new album after the performance.
Tickets: www.southendtheatres.org.uk