Alexander Laing: Violinist

Alex teams up with Adam Caird to perform Sonatas by Mozart and Brahms in the Forge Venue, Camden Town, London

DECO has exciting future plans including a concert on Classic fm.

This article first appeared in the Birmingham Mail on 15.04.09:

There is something rather haunting about a piano and solo violin. In the hands of accomplished performers such as Laing, on violin, and Caird, the instruments can sound bright, baroque, romantic and even fun but somehow they always ready to drift into that melancholy which brings back images of wartime black and white films of despair and desolation.

John Williams used just that when he composed the theme for the Oscar-winning Schindler's List with violinist Itzhak Perlman in mind which was one of the highlights of the concert.

The opening was more traditional with Mozart's Sonata in E minor and Brahms' Sonata No. 1 followed after the break with shorter pieces from Elgar, Fritz Kreisler, Massenet and, a bit of a party piece, Monty's Czardash.

Laing showed a fine touch while Caird proved an excellent foil on piano. It was a pity though that more people, especially the young, were not there to see a fine performance.

Nicola Howdle reviewed this DECO concert:

On Friday 21 November the Great Hall (at Lichfield Cathedral School) played host to a very enjoyable evening of Baroque classics performed by the recently formed Darwin Ensemble Chamber Orchestra (DECO), Lichfield Cathedral's own orchestra.

Led by Alex Laing (Head of Strings at Lichfield Cathedral School) time passed quickly as the talented musicians, including Robin Crinson on oboe and Philip Scriven on harpsichord, played music from Bach, Handel and Pachelbel.

The atmosphere was delightful and the evening warmed by Alex who offered a brief and informative overview of each piece. It was a truly memorable and ‘feel-good’ occasion for all and particularly inspirational for all of the children watching. We really are very privileged to have such talented musicians on our doorstep. Please support them!