The Associated Boaard of Royal Schools of Music

Pianist Aidan Mikdad contributes an interesting pairing to the Royal Academy of Music Bicentenary Series. Scriabin and Ravel share some notable characteristics: both drew inspiration from poetry and both expanded the sonic and tonal possibilities of the piano. As such, Ravel’s Gaspard de la nuit has the characteristics of an orchestral transcription; Scriabin’s Prélude and Nocturne for the left hand gives the false impression of two busy hands; and his almost Impressionistic second sonata takes its inspiration from nature, akin to the French master. Aidan Mikdad is one of the exceptional artists, including Liam Bonthrone, Junyan Chen, Edvard Pogossian and Charlie Lovell-Jones, who are the recipients of the Academy’s Bicentenary Scholarships scheme for 2021/22.

By combining the highly skilled Royal Academy of Music Brass and the Juilliard School Brass, trumpeter and director Reinhold Friedrich has created a virtuoso super group that is perfectly suited to the glorious antiphonal music of Giovanni Gabrieli. Not only is such a large contingent of exceptional brass players capable of producing the rich and resonant sound that is characteristic of Gabrieli's music, it also produces a credible impression of the performance space, which is usually quite difficult to convey on a standard recording. This album was made in St. Jude-on-the-Hill, Hampstead Garden Suburb, whose barrel-vaulted ceiling and brick-and-marble floor produce fantastic acoustics with a depth and breadth reminiscent of the spacious Byzantine interior of San Marco Cathedral, where Gabrieli served as maestro di cappella.

Chemistry. You either got it, or you don’t. When the five members of Royal Southern Brotherhood convened in February 2016 at Dockside Studios, Louisiana, there was magic in the air. Just seven days later, the acclaimed U.S. soul-blues collective emerged triumphant with The Royal Gospel: the fourth album in their rocket-heeled rise and further proof of a lineup born to play together. Enough has been said about Royal Southern Brotherhood’s illustrious backstory. Enough has been written about the critical acclaim and sell-out crowds that greeted the original lineup’s 2012 breakout. Right now, fans would rather hear about the questing new material and finger-on-pulse worldview of The Royal Gospel, released 2016 on Ruf Records.