In one particular sense, BĂ©la Fleck fulfilled a birthright in writing his acclaimed banjo concerto, commissioned by the Nashville Symphony and premiĂšred in 2011 â despite its tellingly, albeit deceptively, humble title: The Impostor. The native New Yorker and 15-time Grammy-winnerâs full name, BĂ©la Anton LeoĆĄ Fleck (âThe torture started in kindergarten,â he once told Time), is for BartĂłk, Webern and JanĂĄcek - as if his parents, in referencing two folk-inspired and one avant-garde classical greats, somehow prefigured Fleckâs uniquely genre-spanning career, including this first solo-penned orchestral work.
Tonightâs European premiĂšre features its author amidst the full might of the ±«Óătv Scottish Symphony Orchestra. The strings of the orchestra also provide aptly classy accompaniment to the man many regard as Irelandâs greatest living uilleann piper, Liam OâFlynn, whoâs also flanked by legendary guitarist Arty McGlynn and Rod McVey on keyboards, in a programme of his previously orchestrated repertoire, including excerpts from Shaun Daveyâs The Brendan Voyage.
This concert is promoted by Glasgow Life.
The concert is being recorded for broadcast on ±«Óătv Radio 3 on Thursday 28 January at 7.30pm.
