Angharad’s Feast," composed to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Brisbane’s Western Suburbs String Orchestra and honor founder Andrea Messenger, premiered in November 2019. The piece represents a family gathering, with each string section symbolizing different family members: first violins as energetic children, second violins as guiding parents, violas as aunties and uncles, and double basses and cellos as wise grandparents. With a warm and charming folk-style theme, the composition beautifully encapsulates the spirit of family, music, and life.
In Welsh history, a revered noblewoman named Angharad was a wife and mother and lived a long, noteworthy life until 1162. Her husband’s biographer praised her as a handsome blonde, gentle, eloquent, generous, discreet, kind to her people, and charitable to people with low incomes. The name Angharad means “much loved.”
“Angharad’s Feast” was commissioned by the parents and friends of Brisbane’s Western Suburbs String Orchestra (WSSO) to celebrate its 30th anniversary and honour the ongoing contributions of founder and director Andrea Messenger. The premiere performance, presented by an alum ensemble at WSSO’s November 2019 concert, was a delightful surprise for Mrs. Messenger and concluded the event with great excitement.
“Angharad’s Feast” depicts a family gathering and meal, with each string section representing different family members across the generations. The first violins symbolise the children—enthusiastic, playful, and energetic. The second violins represent the parents, who gently guide, cajole, and encourage. The violas embody the voices of aunties and uncles, while the double basses and cellos signify wise grandparents.
The piece is warm, charming, and well-paced from the very first intimate folk-style theme. The musical parts are engaging and enjoyable to play, supported by a thoughtful structure that draws all themes from the initial subject. “Angharad’s Feast” is a fitting celebration of family, music, and life.
“The Spaniard” is a piece of WSSO’s commissioned music that premiered in 2018. It tells three parts of a heroic captain’s valiant exploits. The captain survives a shipwreck, is rescued by an Irish maiden he marries, and returns to his seafaring life. The piece has lyrical melodies and is enjoyed by audiences and middle/high school students.
Keith Sharp has been teaching string music in Brisbane’s regional state schools since 1985. He holds a Bachelor of Music Degree and a Graduate Diploma in Further Education. Keith is an accomplished musician, a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, and a recipient of several awards. He is a guest clinician, composer, teacher, and conductor at schools, music camps, and workshops. Additionally, he co-authors Encore on Strings - Music Maestros.
This Pavane, written in the style of entrance music for an Elizabethan masque, wedding or other festive occasion, has a characteristic 2/2 swing with the occasional injection of 3/2 meter for rhythmic variety and spice. It is lyrical in essence, featuring long melodic lines passed between the parts. Technically straightforward and playable in the first position, the musical and tonal scope of the piece affords interest to a broad spectrum of ensemble standards.
Keith Sharp is a Brisbane-based string educator, composer, and guest lecturer. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and has created award-winning programs and popular compositions worldwide.
"Snapdragons" is a Grade 1.5 music piece by Keith Sharp for string orchestra. It's eight pages long, 30 cm long, and includes a conductor's score and parts. Its duration is 2:40. Published in 2010 by Music House String Publications Pty Ltd, it's known for its catchy tunes and provides young string orchestra players an excellent opportunity to showcase their skills.
Keith Sharp is a distinguished string educator based in the Gap region of Brisbane, Australia. He has produced award-winning string programs and ensembles and is passionate about composition. Keith has gained recognition from teachers in the United States, Great Britain, and Germany. He also maintains an active schedule as a clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.
This flexible arrangement has a challenging violin extension, optional two-part vocals, and a groovy bass part. It is written in a jazz/swing style with the sounds of Randy Newman, Nat King Cole, and George Gershwin.
Keith Sharp is a string educator who earned his Bachelor of Music in 1984. He still teaches in the Gap region of Brisbane, Australia. Keith is also a composer whose works are famous in Australia and gaining recognition worldwide. He is actively involved as a clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.
Collage Romantique is an impressive piece for high school string orchestra. It features driving rhythms, emotional melodies, and dramatic runs in minor tonality. Sections take turns with accompaniment and leading lines, often teaming up. Students are encouraged to use full bow and vibrato. The themes linger with the audience after the final chord.
Keith Sharp earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984. He works as a string educator in Brisbane, Australia, producing award-winning string programs and ensembles and composing music. His works are famous in Australia and have gained recognition in the US, UK, and Germany. Keith is also a clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.
“La Llorona” is a 6-minute programmatic piece for a high school string orchestra with optional percussion. It tells a story based on a Spanish/Mexican legend of La Malinche, a noble Aztec girl sold into slavery to Mayan merchants. The music starts with an Entrada, signalling the arrival of the Spanish fleet led by Cortés, who colonized Mexico.
La Malinche was a translator and mistress to the conqueror Cortés. She had twin boys with him, but when he was convinced to return to Spain with a Spanish aristocrat, La Malinche realized the hopelessness of her situation and drowned herself and her children in a nearby river.
Keith Sharp’s musical masterpiece, Restless, is now available for Grade 4 String Orchestra. The arrangement includes a conductor’s score and multiple string parts, making it easy to perform. Published by Music House String Publications, it offers an unparalleled musical experience. Keith has been a renowned string educator in Brisbane since 1985, and his educational ensemble pieces are recognised globally. He is a past president of AUSTA Queensland and co-author of Encore on Strings.
"Explorers" has a majestic main theme and catchy accompanying figures. It portrays the determination and resilience of explorers as they face the unknown and the joy of new discoveries. The central chorale is in G Major, and all parts share the melodic interest. It lasts 3 minutes and 20 seconds.
Keith Sharp is a string educator based in Brisbane, Australia since 1984. He completed a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995 and has produced award-winning string programs and ensembles. Keith is a composer, and his works are famous in Australia and internationally. He is an active clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
