Sign in

George Vass

@georgevass.bsky.social
370 followers 564 following 20 posts

Conductor, Festival Director, lover of great music, food and wine, passionate supporter of living classical composers. Spiritual home – Presteigne in the Welsh Marches.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by George Vass
Bushey Symphony Orchestra @busheysymphony.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
Don't miss BSO Memorial Concert for John Tatham Sund 16 November at 3pm Clarendon Muse Concert Hall, Rickmansworth Road, Watford WD18 7JA Bizet: Jeux d'enfants Shostakovich: Piano Concerto No 2 (soloist: Annie Yim) Mendelssohn: Symphony No 3 'Scottish' Tickets available online: busheysymphony.org.uk
011
Reposted by George Vass
Clare Hammond @clarehammondpiano.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
Listen to the 'Vivace' from Tippett's Piano Concerto - an advance release from my album of British Piano Concertos with the BBC Symphony Orchestra & @georgevass.bsky.social. The full album goes live on the 10 Oct on BIS Records / Apple Music! 🎉 🎹 bisrecords.lnk.to/2604S03
021
Reposted by George Vass
Clare Hammond @clarehammondpiano.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
🔉 Less than one week to go! My album of concertos by Walton, Britten and Tippett with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and @georgevass.bsky.social will be released on Fri 10 October, for BIS Records and Apple Music 🎉 Pre-order at bisrecords.lnk.to/2604
042
Reposted by George Vass
Clare Hammond @clarehammondpiano.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
OUT TODAY!! 🎉 My album of concertos by Walton, Britten and Tippett with the BBC Symphony Orchestra & @georgevass.bsky.social is now out on BIS. Praised @thetimes.com for its "crisp artistry" and Video of the Day in Gramophone, listen online bisrecords.lnk.to/2604
031
George Vass @georgevass.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
Very pleased to announce that I was given the @royalphilsoc.bsky.social Leslie Boosey Award at the opening reception of the 2025 Presteigne Festival. I'm honoured and completely overjoyed to receive this amazing award!
royalphilharmonicsociety.org.uk
George Vass receives the RPS Leslie Boosey Award
040
Reposted by George Vass
Bushey Symphony Orchestra @busheysymphony.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
Very sad to say goodbye yesterday to John Tatham (5 Nov 1922 - 4 July 2025), a long-serving member of the BSO's 2nd violin section. At 102, he was still playing at the BSO's 50th Anniversary concert in May. RIP John, you'll be missed by so many
watfordobserver.co.uk
'Gentle, kind and caring' WW2 engineer dies aged 102
The family of a Second World War engineer from Croxley Green have paid tribute after he died at the age of 102.
021
Reposted by George Vass
Martin Smith @martinsmith.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
Funerals are sad, but today was a celebration. John Tatham was 102. Was a founder member of @busheysymphony.bsky.social, which I lead. Played violin in their 50th anniversary concert A MONTH before his death. In his 90s he was still putting chairs out for rehearsals. May we all learn from his joy.
191
George Vass @georgevass.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
Honoured to be premiering Ninfea Crutwell-Reade's 'Scenes from Under Milk Wood' with Nova Music Opera at @spitsmusic.bsky.social on Wed 2 July. Fab cast – Rebecca Afonwy Jones, Thomas Humphreys, Osian Clarke, Madeleine Morgan and narrator David Prince. Info: spitalfieldsmusic.org.uk/events/scene...
020
George Vass @georgevass.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
The UK Chancellor is reviewing all public spending from scratch. Please sign the @campaignforthearts.org petition to remind the UK Govrenment that the arts make our lives happier and our communities stronger. Now is the moment to invest in them. www.campaignforthearts.org/petitions/sp...
campaignforthearts.org
Petition: Make the arts part of UK National Renewal | Campaign for the Arts
The Chancellor is reviewing all public spending from scratch. The arts make our lives happier and our communities stronger. Now is the moment to invest in them.
021
George Vass @georgevass.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
This is the actual current position, please can the UK media stop glorifying the Right? It is extremely misleading.
083
Reposted by George Vass
The Guardian @theguardian.com · 01/05/2025
The truth is finally dawning on Britain: toadying to Trump has got us nowhere | Emma Brockes
theguardian.com
The truth is finally dawning on Britain: toadying to Trump has got us nowhere | Emma Brockes
Jolly humouring and kind words guarantee nothing from this White House. Right now Walmart has more clout than the UK, says Guardian columnist Emma Brockes
3534274
George Vass @georgevass.bsky.social · 19/04/2025
Really looking forward to this - just under a month to go!
000
Reposted by George Vass
George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
If you want a better world, you must behave as if you live in one.
381290215
Reposted by George Vass
John Chen @johnchen.com.au · 29/03/2025
hear hear
54051511569
Reposted by George Vass
News Eye @newseye.bsky.social · 22/03/2025
NEW: Elon Musk’s X has suspended accounts of Turkish opposition groups, suppressing footage of anti-government protests. So, best we share all the footage we can here! This was last night’s massive demo against Erdogan’s government, which follows the arrest of his rival Ekrem İmamoğlu. 🇹🇷 #Turkey
15796465451
Reposted by George Vass
Vaughan Williams Foundation @vwfndn.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
📣 Deadline approaching! Vaughan Williams Scholarships, worth up to £8K, replace the Vaughan Williams Bursaries previously given only for MA studies. Registrations to apply close on March 31. Get your application in now! Details here:
vaughanwilliamsfoundation.org
Postgraduate funding - Vaughan Williams Foundation
Find out about scholarships for postgraduate composers offered by the Vaughan Williams Foundation.
031
Reposted by George Vass
Joshua Kosman @joshuakosman.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
BREAKING: Pianist András Schiff cancels all his US engagements for 2025-26 in response to "the recent and unprecedented political changes in the United States." "Some people might say, 'just shut up and play.' I cannot, in good conscience, do that." www.kirshbaumassociates.com/agency.php?v...
kirshbaumassociates.com
Pianist Sir András Schiff Cancels U.S. Appearances for 2025-2026 Season
321894521
Reposted by George Vass
The Guardian @theguardian.com · 19/03/2025
Peer who led government NHS review failed to declare shares in health firms
theguardian.com
Peer who led government NHS review failed to declare shares in health firms
Lord Darzi’s undeclared interests in four companies included $500,000 of shares in US-based healthcare venture The independent peer Lord Darzi, a senior adviser to the government on the NHS, failed to officially declare shareholdings in healthcare…
1219885
Reposted by George Vass
Bushey Symphony Orchestra @busheysymphony.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Fantastic rehearsal with Sarah Bennington last night on Christopher Gunning's Flute Concertino – can't wait for our concert on Sunday 16 March at 3pm Clarendon Muse, Watford WD18 7JA Please come and join us ... Book online here shorturl.at/Ekoc6
shorturl.at
002
George Vass @georgevass.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
Young composers, its time to apply for the 2026 @royalphilsoc.bsky.social composer programme – you may be offered the chance to write a work for the Presteigne Festival, as Electra did two years ago. It really is a fabulous scheme.
065
Reposted by George Vass
Bärenreiter @barenreiter.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
Happy 150th Birthday Maurice Ravel!
0143
Reposted by George Vass
Royal Philharmonic Society @royalphilsoc.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
We are welcoming applications for the RPS Isserlis Scholarship to study abroad until 11am on Tuesday 11 March. We offer support to enable musicians to take life-changing opportunities to study overseas. You can find out more and apply on our website. royalphilharmonicsociety.org.uk/performers/s...
royalphilharmonicsociety.org.uk
RPS Isserlis Scholarship - to study abroad
033
Reposted by George Vass
Mia Farrow @miafarrow.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
Leaders of the free world stand united in London The United States is not among them
20255798713163
Reposted by George Vass
Ursula von der Leyen @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu · 28/02/2025
Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President Zelenskyy. We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace.
16107340314669
George Vass @georgevass.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
Unbelievable – money first, planet second
010
George Vass @georgevass.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
Common sense from the UN
theguardian.com
UN general assembly backs resolution condemning Russia for Ukraine war
US, Russia, Belarus and North Korea vote against resolution as 93 countries vote in favor, spurning rival US resolution
000
George Vass @georgevass.bsky.social · 23/02/2025
I'm so glad this is being pointed out – it's something I've been banging on about for years. However, better state education in the arts surely has to be the key for future generations.
theguardian.com
Working-class creatives don’t stand a chance in UK today, leading artists warn
Exclusive: Analysis by the Guardian shows a third of major arts leaders were educated privately
000
George Vass @georgevass.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
So good to see this – can't wait to hear it on the radio
030
George Vass @georgevass.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
This is very welcome news to all of us who are part of the Welsh Arts economy.
bbc.co.uk
Welsh government: Arts in Wales to get extra £4.4m funding
The Welsh government says the cash was an 8.5% increase for day-to-day spending.
070
Reposted by George Vass
Caroline Lucas @carolinelucas.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
Finally!! Great news - congratulations to all who campaigned for this 👏👏Now we need to make it as inclusive as possible eg covering colleges & apprenticeships @europeanmovement.co.uk
eastangliabylines.co.uk
New: Starmer ready to offer Youth Mobility Scheme
Keir Starmer's youth mobility proposal aims to strengthen UK-EU relations, addressing labour shortages and opportunities
251207219
George Vass @georgevass.bsky.social · 16/02/2025
theguardian.com
Starmer to join Macron-led European crisis summit on Trump’s Ukraine plan
French president Emmanuel Macron calls for urgent talks in Paris on Sunday amid fears US leader is sidelining allies
010
Reposted by George Vass
House of Commons @houseofcommons.parliament.uk · 13/02/2025
Following its call for views, the House of Commons Modernisation Committee announces its next steps as it sets out to make the Commons more effective and accessible to all.
7119
Reposted by George Vass
Tom Sutcliffe @tds153.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
The spinelessness of some of the richest baronies in history is extraordinary. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
theguardian.com
Google Calendar removes Black History Month, Pride and other cultural events
Company says listed holidays were not ‘sustainable’ for its model in latest move to roll back diversity efforts
46620
George Vass @georgevass.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
An extraordinary speech from Meryl Streep, hitting the nail on the head ...
youtu.be
Meryl Streep responds to Donald Trump calling her 'overrated'
YouTube video by On Demand News
030
Reposted by George Vass
Ian Dunt @iandunt.bsky.social · 09/02/2025
The UK can secure significant growth of 1.7% - 2.2% through a policy of deep alignment with the EU on goods and services, while staying within Starmer's red lines. This is the approach to push for: peak ambition within the constraints Labour has set. www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
thetimes.com
Research claims EU deal will fuel growth — and Labour is listening
A report says Britain can mend some of the economic damage of Brexit without crossing the red lines set by Keir Starmer
802174599
Reposted by George Vass
Bushey Symphony Orchestra @busheysymphony.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
Tickets now on sale for Bushey Symphony Orchestra's 'Springtime Classics' Concert Sunday 16 March at 3pm Clarendon Muse, Watford WD18 7JA Music by Debussy, Haydn, Frank Bridge, Järnefelt and Christopher Gunning's Flute Concertino with soloist Sarah Bennington Book online here shorturl.at/Ekoc6
063
George Vass @georgevass.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
Very sad news for the classical music world
theguardian.com
Daniel Barenboim announces he has Parkinson’s disease
The conductor, 82, resigned from Berlin State Opera in 2023 but hopes to continue to conduct the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra when his health allows
040
Reposted by George Vass
Helen Day @lbflyawayhome.bsky.social · 02/02/2025
Today is Candlemas- which must be the best name in the calendar. Candlemas - a celebration of the return of light Artist: Gerald Witcomb
A very peaceful scene of a perfectly still body of water at dawn. The scene is a study of pale salmon-pink and grey and the misty sun is reflected in the grey water
261749353
George Vass @georgevass.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Cardiff University is at the forefront of music education in the UK – a leader in composition, musicology and performance. Losing the music department would be a terrible loss to the cultural life of Wales and the wider musical world. If you care about music at all, please sign the petition below.
change.org
Sign the Petition
SAVE CARDIFF UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC
096
George Vass @georgevass.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
Devastating news – Cardiff University looks set to lose its music department completely, so soon after the closure of the RWCMD Junior Department and significant cuts to WNO. The wholesale destruction of culture in Wales continues – short-sighted in every way.
bbc.co.uk
Cardiff University confirms plans to cut 400 jobs and axe courses
Vice-chancellor Wendy Larner says
082
Reposted by George Vass
Krassensteins @krassenstein.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
359113072409
Reposted by George Vass
News Eye @newseye.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
A paper that understands its responsibility, in a country that knows it when it sees it. Impressive from Die Zeit. Refuses to show the salute, but calls it out for what it so obviously was. Headline: “A Hitler Salute is a Hitler Salute is a Hitler Salute”
A screenshot of the Die Zeit website. It is a photo of Musk in black and white doing the Hitler “seig heil” salute - but the actual salute is blocked out by blue material on the left hand side of the photo. The headline is underneath.
6855502053
Reposted by George Vass
Randi Mayem Singer @rmayemsinger.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
If she can do it, we can all do it.
16699344713265
Reposted by George Vass
George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
Musk's fascist salutes are a signal, showing how far he intends to go. They point to the destruction of democracy he seeks, the impunity, the violent pursuit of power. They point to the empire he wants to build, and to the degradation of all our lives as he sets out to crush our humanity.
612044430
Reposted by George Vass
Peter Stefanovic @peterstefanovic.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
Let’s do it
523281713
Reposted by George Vass
Fiona Maddocks @fionahmaddocks.bsky.social · 12/01/2025
At home with Simon Rattle: ‘There are still things I feel are beyond me’ www.theguardian.com/music/2025/j...
theguardian.com
At home with Simon Rattle: ‘There are still things I feel are beyond me’
The world-famous conductor, now 70, on family life in Berlin, why music keeps you young and the bleak outlook for the arts in Britain
2324
Reposted by George Vass
The Guardian @theguardian.com · 12/01/2025
Why not give Sir New Prime Minister a break? | David Mitchell
theguardian.com
Why not give Sir New Prime Minister a break? | David Mitchell
‘Sir Queue Jumper’ for Sir Keir Starmer? Even Liz Truss would deserve better puns than this The concept of a pun was stretched almost to breaking point a few days ago when a newspaper, on a report that the prime minister had been ushered to the front of…
1217625
George Vass @georgevass.bsky.social · 12/01/2025
This is extremely sad news, but surely Schoenberg's manuscripts are kept at the Library of Congress?
110
Reposted by George Vass
Tŷ Cerdd @tycerdd.bsky.social · 02/01/2025
The deadline for applications for Medal y Cyfansoddwr is approaching! Find out more and apply at www.tycerdd.org/medal-y-cyfa... Deadline: 10.00am on Tuesday 7 January
tycerdd.org
Medal y Cyfansoddwr ENG | Tŷ Cerdd │Welsh Music
Open call for composers and music creators. Medal y Cyfansoddwr – Cymru Fydd is a pathway offering three composers a paid opportunity to write for a chamber ensemble from Sinfonia Cymru. Deadline f...
132
George Vass @georgevass.bsky.social · 31/12/2024
I'm 100% with Jay Rayner on this - Happy New Year everyone!
020