The Music of Rick Birley

An unforgettable evening at St Mary’s Church, showcasing Dorset composer Rick Birley’s chamber compositions, brought to life by some of Dorset’s finest musicians. Leora Cohen (violin) , accompanied by Duncan Honeybourne (piano), will play three of Rick’s striking works—a Sonatina (1979), a lively
suite inspired by South American dance, and the darker, aptly named Austerity.

Damien Knollys (cello) then joins them for the premiere of a new piano trio, Past Tense before Abbi Temple (soprano) and Sam Hanson (piano) bring to life six Hardy songs from Satires of Circumstance, including the witty and delightful Ruined Maid. Finally, two of Rick’s powerful piano solos, the evocative
March Wind (1974) and the new Butterfly in the Wind (2024)