Music Appreciation 🎼
Members of our group have an eclectic taste and enjoy listening to a diverse range of music; from Bach to Beethoven, from Strauss to Stravinsky, from Mozart to Mahler...with a little bit of Beatles, ELO and Moody Blues thrown in, we are just as comfortable with Duke Ellington, Gershwin and Scott Joplin.
Each piece is introduced with some stories and background connected to the music or composer ensuring the programme is lively, informative and enjoyable.
One of our most popular items is Pick-and-Mix, where members bring CDs with their own favourite track.
New members are always welcome.
Our group meets each Wednesday morning at 10.30 - 12.00pm in the Moor Allerton Sports and Social Club Bar (except the second Wednesday of the month) to enjoy an hour and a half of music, chat and coffee with chocolate biscuits.
Leader: Margaret Crowe
For more information: E. groups@u3aleeds.com
Autumn Programme 2025
3rd September David Ball Royalty
We will meet Princes, Kings, Counts, Lords, Queens, Nobles and even a Kaiser. The composers who will introduce this procession of royalty include Strauss, Walton, Rutter, Rimsky-Korsakov, Handel, Jenkins, Grieg, Borodin and a few surprises from Neil Hefti and Tolga Kashif.
17th September Richard Lindley Those That Were Left Behind
Richard was unable to include all the items he wanted in his last two presentations. So here are some of the overtures and finales that he previously missed because he ran out of time. Plus some other new items..
24th September Margaret Crowe A History of Black Composers
Looking at black composers who shaped classical and music history.
1st October Colin Hetherington Chamber Music (Part 2)
After a lovely presentation a year ago we have a further presentation of Chamber Music from Colin’s extensive collection.
15th October David Ball Classical Crossovers
Imagine that Bach, Handel or Mozart were born in the 20th Century. What would their music sound like? The melodies might possibly be the same but the orchestration would certainly be different as new instruments, unheard of in their era are now available. We will hear some of the original music as it was written many years ago and some new items inspired by these composers. This is not jazzed-up classics (which I dislike) but orchestrations and improvisations which preserve the mood and integrity of the original compositions.
22nd October Rosemary Thomas Choral Music
Voices from various choirs and ensembles with a wide variety of sounds and textures.
29th October Michael Lockley 21st Century Film Scores
Michael continues his series of film music, this time taking recent examples from the big screen.
5th November Janet Dagwell Pick and Mix
Another opportunity to share your favourite CD tracks.
19th November Margaret Crowe John Wilson, Conductor
Born in Gateshead, Tyne & Wear in 1972, John Wilson is an amazing conductor and arranger with a loyal following. He has many appearances at the BBC Proms. Margaret presents a DVD with some of his music.
26th November David Ball Northern Delights
The music of Scandinavia including some well-known music from Sibelius, Grieg and Wiren together with some lesser-known items from Berwald, Crusell and Lumbye (but no ABBA since they have enough airplay).
3rd December Jean Watson Live Again!
We had a superb session from Jean and her band last year which was very well received. So we are hoping to conclude the year with another session from Jean and her accompanists.