FRIDAY 16 – MONDAY 26 MAY 2014 Bath Box Office 01225 463362 bathfestivals.org.uk @bathfestivals #bathmusicfest bathfestivals
PARTNERS AND SPONSORS
Creative Partner
Major Sponsors
Festival Funders
Festival Partners
Hotel & Restaurant Partner
School Bath
Associate Sponsors
Vehicle Partner
Local Media Partners
Festival Club
Festival Supporters
Individuals & Trusts The Roper Family Trust Captain B V Woodford CBE RN Camille Tsu Brooke Lady Evelyn Strasburger Sandra Le Marchant PRSF The Joyce Fletcher Charitable Trust The Michael Tippett Musical Foundation The Holst Foundation
Jane Drabble & Bill Nemtin Alison & Kjeld Jensen
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WELCOME
Welcome What makes us human? An interest in exploring and learning new things, tempered with an enjoyment of the familiar; an unquenchable thirst for new experiences and knowledge while revelling in the joy of sheer entertainment. We like to be moved, hope to be intrigued and crave to be stimulated.
T
his year’s Bath International Music Festival is a cabinet of curiosities; a voyage of discovery; and a celebration of both the familiar and the unfamiliar. All against the backdrop of the very human themes of Sleep, the Seven Deadly Sins and War. Alongside international sensations like Jan Garbarek, The Hilliard Ensemble, Stacey Kent, and the Harlem String Quartet, we have more unusual ensembles and artists: Simon Thoumire, the virtuoso magician of the concertina; Pipers 3 with the unfamiliar ensemble of the oboe trio; Martynas Levickis, the recent classical chart topping accordionist; and Gabriella Dall'Olio, showcasing the music of sleep and dreams for harp. We have unique sounds from the world of jazz with the Finn Iiro Rantala and the dynamic ensemble Brass Jaw. We celebrate the 80th birthday of the Master of the Queen’s Music, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, and hear several of his works with Max himself joining us. Amongst other music, a young children’s choir will perform his Kirkwall Shopping Songs and the Gould Piano Trio will play his Piano Trio alongside the world première of a new work by James MacMillan. To complete this intriguing ten days we have a performance of Restoration ballads under the cryptic title Death by Custard performed by the inimitable Musicians of the Globe. Come and join us for a feast of excitement, entertainment and virtuosity for ten days in May.
Alasdair Nicolson Artistic Director Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362 3
JAZZ
Bank Holiday Jazz Over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend you can enjoy an eclectic range of internationally renowned Jazz performers alongside offerings from the quirkier end of the music spectrum.
T
he weekend opens with the iconoclastic Brass Jaw. Armed with one trombone and three saxophones they bring a vibrant new sound to the world of jazz. We welcome the acclaimed Grammy-nominated jazz singer Stacey Kent to enchant us with her exquisite voice and unmatched talent for storytelling. On Sunday lunchtime The Hutchinson Andrew Trio head to Bath, all the way from Canada, to offer a taste of contemporary, prairie acoustic jazz. In the evening we are joined by the remarkable Iiro Rantala, Finland’s best-known jazz pianist. The weekend continues with celebrated concertina player Simon Thoumire and pianist David Milligan, who merge the worlds of Scottish folk and jazz with wit, mischief and virtuosity. The Festival culminates in the dazzling collaboration between Norwegian jazz legend and chart topping saxophonist Jan Garbarek and the iconic British vocal quartet, The Hilliard Ensemble. Using the stunning Bath Abbey as their ‘sixth voice’, this will be a unique celebration of music that is at once both ancient and modern. Follow our Festival theme of a voyage of discovery by purchasing a 2014 Jazz Pass, offering access to any of the Guildhall jazz events on the 24, 25 and 26 of May for just £60. Please note, Jan Garbarek is not included in the offer. See page 38 for offer details.
Saturday 24 May Brass Jaw 1 — 2pm Guildhall — p.17 Stacey Kent 7 — 9pm Guildhall — p.18
Sunday 25 May Hutchinson Andrew Trio 1 — 2pm Guildhall — p.20 Iiro Rantala 7 — 9pm Guildhall — p.21
Monday 26 May Simon Thoumire & David Milligan 1 — 2pm Guildhall — p.23 Jan Garbarek & The Hilliard Ensemble 8 — 9.15pm Bath Abbey — p.24
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FRIDAY 16 MAY
The Biggest Free Show in Bath
Party in the City From 5.30pm Various venues in Bath City Centre Free event The Festival opens with a bang as Party in the City takes over Bath — an evening of joyous live music and theatre, set in, around, and against the city’s glorious townscape. Hundreds of musicians performing everything from classical and folk to rock and pop will fill buildings, venues and public spaces across the city. The free springtime celebration begin at The Forum with the annual Bath Festivals schools commission of fun, fizzing songs composed specially for Party in the City, sparklingly performed by hundreds of local children.
Keep an eye out for the mysterious mechanical creatures and exuberant performers of Emergency Exit Arts, students from London’s Drama Centre and Bath’s Natural Theatre Company who will be animating the streets and bringing the evening to a close in spectacular style. This year Party in the City is even bigger as the wonderful museums and galleries in Bath join in as part of the national celebration of Museums at Night. Go to www.bathfestivals.org.uk/music/ partyinthecity to find out more about the biggest free show in Bath. Supported by
Sandra Le Marchant
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SATURDAY 17 MAY
The Harlem Quartet is a formidable ensemble whose members play these highly demanding scores with infectious vitality and breezy confidence THE STRAD
Don't miss Today's Festival On Tour Bath Spa University Chamber Choir. 1 — 2pm, Victoria Hall, Radstock, £5. See page 30 for more details.
Harlem Quartet 7.30 — 9.30pm Guildhall £28, £20, £12 Concessions available (p.38) A2 Ilmar Gavilán V I O L I N Melissa White V I O L I N Jaime Amador V I O L A Matthew Zalkind C E L LO — Beethoven String Quartet Op. 18 No. 6 in B flat major — Wynton Marsalis String Quartet No. 1 (At the Octoroon Balls) — Borodin String Quartet No. 2
Formed in 2006 from first-prize winners of the Sphinx competition for Black and Latino string players, the Harlem Quartet has quickly established itself as an irrepressible creative force, equally dynamic in the classic string quartet repertoire as it is in jazz and improvisation. A byword for skill and wit, the Quartet’s superlative ensemble playing of both contemporary and classical repertoire has won widespread critical praise. Its Bath International Music Festival concert showcases the group’s full range: from the classic elegance of Beethoven’s early quartet, and Borodin’s much-loved, gloriously tuneful Second, to a real Harlem Quartet speciality: a recent composition by jazz giant Wynton Marsalis, which paints the people, places and Creole traditions of New Orleans in vibrant musical colours. Sponsored by
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School Bath
SUNDAY 18 MAY
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Festival Evensong 3.30 — 4.30pm Bath Abbey Free event Bath Abbey Choir Peter King D I R E C TO R — Parry Introit: There is an old belief (Songs of Farewell) — Leighton Responses — Psalm 4 — Wood Canticles: Collegium Regale — Whitacre Anthem: Sleep The annual Festival Service in Bath's magnificent Abbey features beautiful, festive music focused on this year's theme of sleep and dreams. With Bath Abbey’s acclaimed music director, Peter King and the Choir of Bath Abbey. Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362 7
SUNDAY 18 MAY
Bath Philharmonia 7.30 — 9.30pm Guildhall £28, £20, £12 Concessions available (p.38) B1 Bath Philharmonia Rowan Hellier M E Z ZO S O P R A N O Alasdair Nicolson C O N D U C TO R — Wagner Siegfried Idyll — Mahler (arr. David Matthews) 5 Rückert-Lieder — Stravinsky The Soldier’s Tale — Suite — Copland Appalachian Spring Love songs and spring flowers: Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll was a birthday greeting to his new wife, while Mahler’s Rückert-Lieder contained an intimate message to his own beloved Alma. David Matthews’ new arrangement for chamber ensemble forms the tender heart of this concert by Bath Philharmonia under Festival Artistic Director Alasdair Nicolson. Fresh from the Berlin Staatsoper, the rising young Scottish mezzo Rowan Hellier will bring out all their introspection and poetry. The second part of the concert looks towards the theatre and ballet, with music from Stravinsky’s devilishly entertaining tale of a soldier, a violin, and a sinister bargain; and the lifeaffirming pioneer ballet that Aaron Copland wrote for Martha Graham — music of bright colours, new dawns and simple, Shaker tunes. Sponsored by The Roper Family Charitable Trust 8 Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362
MONDAY 19 MAY
In Flanders Fields 7.30 — 9.30pm Guildhall £28, £20, £12 Concessions available (p.38) C1 Isobel Buchanan S O P R A N O Malcolm Martineau P I A N O Jonathan Hyde S P E A K E R Programme to include: — Poulenc Voyage à Paris, Je veux fumer, Bleuet, C, Le retour du sergent, Les chemins de l'amour — Schoenberg Gigerlette, Cabaret Song — Holst I Vow To Thee, My Country — Britten Move him into the sun — Butterworth Bredon Hill, Is My Team Ploughing? — Weill Lost in the Stars — Dylan Blowing in the Wind As the nation prepares to remember the centenary of the Great War, the acclaimed British soprano Isobel Buchanan and her husband, actor Jonathan Hyde (Titanic, Spooks) have assembled this commemorative evening of songs and poetry on the theme of War. With one of the world’s finest living accompanists, Malcolm Martineau at the piano, this promises to be haunting and deeply moving; a truly special Festival occasion. This specially created sequence of words and music leads us through reflections and reports on war through the eyes of composers such as Ivor Gurney, Kurt Weill, George Butterworth and Francis Poulenc alongside the poetry and prose of Sassoon, Kipling, Owen and others. A moving and poignant examination of war from the works of those involved and those that observed. Sponsored by
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TUESDAY 20 MAY
Shopping Songs Bath International Music Festival welcomes eminent composer and Master of the Queen’s Music Sir Peter Maxwell Davies to celebrate his 80th birthday in a day of concerts and discussion.
1 — 1.45pm St Michael’s Without Free event Rebecca Toal T R U M P E T Joe Penaliggon T R U M P E T Rebecca Holman F R E N C H H O R N Benny Vernon T R O M B O N E Anna Carter T U B A Young Players of Wells Cathedral School Bathwick St Mary School Choir — Peter Maxwell Davies Kirkwall Shopping Songs — Tallis (arr. Peter Maxwell Davies) Four Voluntaries — Gesualdo (arr. Peter Maxwell Davies) Two Motets — Alasdair Nicolson Bath Shopping Songs WORLD PREMIÈRE
Throughout his extraordinary career, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies has been passionate about music for young people. So, what better way to launch our celebration of Max’s 80th birthday than in the informal warmth of St Michael’s Without, with a free performance of his delightful Kirkwall Shopping Songs? Originally written for the children of Orkney in 1979, Kirkwall Shopping Songs take the audience on a shopping expedition round the Islands’ main town, Kirkwall. Fittingly, the concert also includes some brand-new Bath Shopping Songs, specially written by Maxwell Davies’ successor at the St Magnus International Festival — and Bath International Music Festival Artistic Director — Alasdair Nicolson. Join the celebration and spend your lunchtime on a whistle-stop tour of Kirkwall and Bath! Supported by Captain B V Woodford CBE RN The Holst Foundation 10 Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362
TUESDAY 20 MAY
Home Grown the egg theatre 7 — 8pm £3 D1 A spoken-word / Hip-Hop poetry event for young people exploring what home means to them. Headlined and hosted by Polarbear, the nationally acclaimed spoken-word poet, playwright and author, the event will also feature local spoken-word and Hip-Hop artists including Toby Thompson and Hibbz, and young people from Mentoring Plus. This event will launch a new school project collaboration between Mentoring Plus and Bath Festivals to engage young people in writing and performing their own spoken word poetry leading to an event at the Telegraph Bath Children’s Literature Festival in the autumn. Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362 11
TUESDAY 20 MAY
Gould Piano Trio 7.30 — 9.30pm Guildhall £28, £20, £12 Concessions available (p.38) D2 Lucy Gould V I O L I N Alice Neary C E L LO Benjamin Frith P I A N O
...the performance by the Gould Trio is so good, strong, passionate and at the same time delicate... THE SUNDAY TIMES
— Beethoven Piano Trio Op. 121a 'Kakadu Variations' — MacMillan Piano Trio No. 2 W O R L D P R E M I È R E — Maxwell Davies Piano Trio A Voyage to Fair Isle — Brahms Piano Trio No. 2 in C major Op. 87 The Gould Piano Trio has a reputation as one of the finest, most stylish and versatile chamber ensembles. For over twenty years they have remained at the forefront of the international chamber music scene. Rapturously received by both audiences and critics all over the world, their Festival programme spans three centuries and celebrates four very different musical personalities. Two classics of the repertoire — Beethoven’s playful 'Kakadu Variations' and Brahms’ ravishingly beautiful Piano Trio No. 2 — frame works by two of today’s most distinctive creative voices. Maxwell Davies’ A Voyage to Fair Isle describes a visit to the island, evoking both the rugged beauty of the place and its folk tradition against a background of ancient chant. The Trio makes history with the world première of James MacMillan’s Piano Trio No. 2 — a cocommission by Bath International Music Festival, the Gould Piano Trio, Glasgow Music and the East Neuk Festival from one of the UK’s most communicative and original living composers. Please note this is a live broadcast and the audience should be seated by 7.15pm. Recorded for BBC Radio 3's 'Live in Concert'
Sponsored by The Holst Foundation
Pre-concert talk at 6.45pm with composers Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, James MacMillan and Alasdair Nicolson
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LATE NIGHT SERIES
THURSDAY 22 MAY
Sounds and Sweet Airs 9.30 — 10.30pm Old Theatre Royal at Bath Masonic Hall £16 Concessions available (p.38) F1 Pipers 3 Mark Baigent O B O E /C O R A N G L A I S Jessica Mogridge O B O E /C O R A N G L A I S Julian West O B O E /C O R A N G L A I S
Don't miss Festival On Tour East Meets West: Bath Spa University. Wednesday 21 May, 7.30 — 9.30pm Michael Tippett Centre, £5
— James MacMillan Intercession — arr. Mark Baigent Bulgarian Folk Songs — Alasdair Nicolson Tempest Suite — Richard Causton New Work WORLD PREMIÈRE
— Beethoven Variations on ‘Là ci darem la mano’ from Mozart’s Don Giovanni Beethoven invented the idea of the oboe trio — but Pipers 3 have taken it into the 21st century. Committed to expanding the repertoire for this fascinating instrumental combination, they’ve continually explored and commissioned new work and experimented with new ways of performing. Their album Intercession has won widespread critical acclaim. For their Festival concert they include one of Beethoven’s original works for this combination — itself inspired by Mozart — alongside arrangements of Balkan folk tunes. They also include three works by living British composers: James MacMillan’s mystical, fanfare-like Intercession (one of the group’s signature works), Nicolson’s incidental music for Shakespeare’s The Tempest and a world première by Richard Causton, specially commissioned by Bath International Music Festival. Supported by Jane Drabble & Bill Nemtin Alison & Kjeld Jensen
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FRIDAY 23 MAY
A Charm of Lullabies 11am — 1pm Assembly Rooms £22, £18, £12 Concessions available (p.38) G1 Rowan Hellier M E Z ZO James Baillieu P I A N O
SOPRANO
— Britten A Charm of Lullabies — Warlock Sleep — Bridge Where she lies asleep — Gurney By a Bierside, Sleep, All night under the moon — Songs by Debussy, Fauré, Schubert and Brahms The young Scottish mezzo soprano Rowan Hellier is fast establishing herself as one of the most exciting new talents on the European operatic stage and concert platform; she’s performed with many of the world’s leading opera companies and conductors. In this recital with the highly respected accompanist James Baillieu, she explores the music of sleep; lullabies and slumber songs by some of the supreme masters of the art-song and lied. A programme of music relating to sleep, the night and dreams ranging from various settings by British composers of Yeats’ Cloths of Heaven to reflections by Schubert, Fauré and Brahms on the moon. The exquisite Charm of Lullabies by Benjamin Britten forms the centrepiece of a gentle morning recital.
Don't miss Today's Festival On Tour Pipers 3 7—9pm. St John the Baptist, Midsomer Norton £10. See page 28 for more details.
Sponsored by Lady Evelyn Strasburger 14 Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362
FRIDAY 23 MAY
Death by Custard: The 7 Deadly Sins in 7 Ballads 7 — 9pm Assembly Rooms £28, £20, £12 Concessions available (p.38) G2
As accomplished as it was unfussy — a glorious introduction to anyone new to the world of early music THE ARTS DESK
Musicians of the Globe Joanne Lunn S O P R A N O Penelope Spencer V I O L I N Lynda Sayce L U T E Elizabeth Pallett B A N D O R A Henrik Persson V I O L In Restoration London, hack poets and ballad-mongers chronicled and commented on the past and present lives of the great and not so great. Their verses were the pop songs and tabloid press of their day — satirical, political, comical and scurrilous, often blood-curdling or hair-raising, but always entertaining. Human nature doesn't change. Then as now the greatest delight was to relish every shocking detail of the latest crimes, murders, beheadings, hangings and drownings. This programme presents some of the best of them, including a particularly gory ballad about the death of Faust, and an outrageously funny description of death by custard! World-renowned ensemble Musicians of the Globe was founded in 1993 to carry the name and ethos of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre around the world through concerts and broadcasts. It is one of today’s most eminent advocates of period performance. Sponsored by Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362 15
FRIDAY 23 MAY
9.30 — 10.30pm Old Theatre Royal at Bath Masonic Hall £16 Concessions available (p.38) G4
LATE NIGHT SERIES
Asleep, Dreaming, Remembering
Gabriella Dall’Olio’s immaculate technique, reinforced by an acute sense of rhythm, is always at the service of the music… bringing to the harp a rainbow of colours and an underlying poetry DIAPASON
Gabriella Dall’Olio H A R P — Dowland Lachrimae — Jackson Be Not Afeard — Handel Andante Allegro — Parish Alvars Serenade — Knotts Entice the dewy-feather'd Sleep — Britten Nocturne from Suite Op. 83 — Nicolson Nod W O R L D P R E M I È R E — Lewis Friday Night Jazz Suite — Marson El Picaflor A recital of British music for harp with a nocturnal mood, exploring sleep, dreams and memory. Spanning the centuries, the music ranges from the understated poignancy of Dowland’s Lachrimae to several recently-written works and the première of a newly commissioned work by Festival Artistic Director Alasdair Nicolson, taking the biblical Land of Nod as its theme. There is also a virtuoso showpiece from Parish Alvars (the Liszt of the Harp), the quirky Jazz Suite by Paul Lewis and a musical sketch of a hummingbird by one of the twentieth century’s most famous British harpists, John Marson. An internationally-renowned teacher, Gabriella Dall’Olio plays regularly with the London Symphony and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestras, while her solo recitals have captivated audiences around the globe. In her hands, this enchanting programme will be a feast for the senses. 16 Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362
SATURDAY 24 MAY
Proving that Jazz can be funky, intelligent and riotously entertaining
Brass Jaw
JAZZ UK
1 — 2pm Guildhall £16, £12 Concessions available (p.38) H1 Michael Owers T R O M B O N E Paul Towndrow A LTO S A XO P H O N E Konrad Wiszniewski T E N O R S A XO P H O N E Allon Beauvoisin B A R I TO N E S A XO P H O N E Named Ensemble of the Year in the 2013 Scottish Jazz Awards, and with one of its members named Instrumentalist of the Year in the same awards, Brass Jaw is one of the most exciting groups currently on the UK jazz circuit. The multi-award winning Glasgow based four-piece brings a vibrant new sound to the world of jazz. Working without a traditional rhythm section, Brass Jaw creates a performance that is truly unique in sound and direction, revealing a group that is able to adapt to almost any performance environment. Deep at the heart of Brass Jaw’s philosophy is the idea that music should be as engaging, entertaining and humorous as it is virtuosic, cerebral and progressive. Expect all the band’s trademark momentum, drive and charisma, in a set featuring tracks from their latest acclaimed album, Minted.
Jazz Pass Don't miss this year's Jazz Pass which buys you access to any of The Guildhall Jazz events on 24, 25 and 26 May for just £60
Sponsored by Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362 17
SATURDAY 24 MAY
Music Festival bar Circo will be running a pop-up bar in the Guildhall around the evening concerts so be sure to stop by for a glass of wine, beer, fizz or a cocktail or two.
Stacey Kent 7 — 9pm Guildhall £20 Concessions available (p.38) H2 Stacey Kent V O I C E Jim Tomlinson S A XO P H O N E S , F L U T E Graham Harvey P I A N O , F E N D E R R H O D E S Jeremy Brown D O U B L E B A S S Josh Morrison D R U M S
The Changing Lights finds the singer’s storytelling gifts reaching ever-greater heights JAZZWISE
Stacey Kent sings from the soul, telling her stories with faultless phrasing and a lucid, enchanting voice. An American who speaks fluent French as well as Portuguese, Italian and German, she is able to transcend genre and national boundaries with an ease that few other artists can. Stacey’s albums on Blue Note have sold more than half a million copies worldwide. Having recently recorded a live album in Rio De Janeiro with Marcos Valle, Stacey’s musical journey has brought her ever closer to Brazilian music. The Changing Lights places her love for Brazilian music centre stage, featuring Bossa Nova classics alongside originals by the songwriting team of Jim Tomlinson and famed novelist Kazuo Ishiguro, who composed the title track. Kent’s new album is a milestone for her and the highlight of a 15-year recording career from a gifted jazz singer with not only an exquisite voice but also an unmatched talent for storytelling. Supported by our Creative Partner
18 Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362
SATURDAY 24 MAY
The wizard guitarist James Boyd … held us enthralled THE TIMES
9.30 — 10.30pm Old Theatre Royal at Bath Masonic Hall £16 Concessions available (p.38) H3
LATE NIGHT SERIES
Shapes of Sleep
James Boyd G U I TA R — Dowland Fantasia DP. 72 — Tippett The Blue Guitar — Joseph Phibbs Suite — Dowland A Fancy DP. 5 — Britten Nocturnal Virtuoso guitarist James Boyd is recognised for his lyrical and intensely moving performances and, for this Bath International Music Festival recital in the historic surroundings of the Old Theatre Royal, he’s chosen a programme that peels back the guitar’s own many-layered history. The concert is framed by music originally for lute by John Dowland, and Benjamin Britten’s haunting reflections on Dowland’s song Come, heavy sleep. Tippett’s The Blue Guitar, meanwhile, draws the listener into an intense reverie upon a Wallace Stevens poem that in turn draws inspiration from Picasso’s ‘blue period’. As tradition belongs to the future as well as the past, Boyd performs a new work by the young British composer Joseph Phibbs, composed specially for him in 2013.
Ticket offer Don't miss our 50% off ticket offer. See page 38
Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362 19
SUNDAY 25 MAY
Don't miss Today's Festival On Tour Brass Jaw 4 — 5pm. Conygre Hall, Timsbury £10. See page 29 for more details.
Hutchinson Andrew Trio 1 — 2pm Guildhall £16, £12 Concessions available (p.38) J1 Chris Andrew P I A N O Kodi Hutchinson B A S S Karl Schwonik D R U M S The Hutchinson Andrew Trio is a distinctive voice from the rich Canadian jazz scene. Their brand of contemporary acoustic jazz brings a unique perspective to the genre, combining such elements as swing, latin, odd meter and acoustic groove. The trio’s latest album, Prairie Modern, effortlessly conjures up the landscape of their home: the serenity and beauty of the Prairies and Rocky Mountains, alongside the excitement of the lively and cosmopolitan young cities of the Canadian West. 20 Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362
SUNDAY 25 MAY
Fizzes with glittering contrapuntal playing, jaw-dropping juxtapositions of fast bass lines and right-hand cascades, tantalising swappings of romantic rhapsodies and bluesy swing and all kinds of other pianistic fireworks THE GUARDIAN
Iiro Rantala 7 — 9pm Guildhall £20 Concessions available (p.38) J3 Iiro Rantala P I A N O Imagine a fluent jazz improviser, a poetic composer, and a virtuosic classical pianist all wrapped into one, and you have Iiro Rantala, one of Finland’s greatest contemporary musicians. Rantala is a thoroughly 21st century musician who transcends categories and labels. His career has spanned the realms of classical and jazz; he’s a performer, composer, TV presenter and concert organiser. He’s played classical concertos and worked in a trio with a beat-boxer. He is truly a unique phenomenon. Having toured the world for 18 years with Trio Töykeät, he recently embarked on a solo career. In this concert he plays music from his award-winning solo albums Lost Heroes and My History of Jazz in homage to some of his favourite musicians. Performing a strikingly diverse repertoire — from improvisations on Bach’s Goldberg Variations to his original compositions — Rantala offers a truly one-off evening of music: not to be missed. Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362 21
SUNDAY 25 MAY
9.30 — 10.30pm Old Theatre Royal at Bath Masonic Hall £16 Concessions available (p.38) J4
LATE NIGHT SERIES
Fragilissimo
Martynas Levickis AC C O R D I O N — JS Bach Fantasia & Fugue in A minor BWV 561 — Scarlatti Sonata in D minor K1 — Scarlatti Sonata in B minor K87 — Gorka Hermosa Fragilissimo — Jonas Tamulionis Toccata Diavolesca — arr. Levickis Lithuanian Folk Songs: 'The Dawn is breaking' & 'Rūta žalioj' — Ruta Vitkauskaite 'For many thousands' — Sergej Berinsky Lullaby Martynas Levickis is a captivating performer whose virtuosity has transformed the way we hear the accordion. Playing accordion since the age of 3 and having completed his studies at the Royal Academy of Music in 2012, he became the first ever accordionist to be signed to Universal Music Group’s Decca Classics label and is the first accordionist to reach number one in the UK Classical Music Charts. Put your preconceptions aside: this programme contrasts the timeless clarity of Bach and Scarlatti with the dark and brooding reflections of Hermosa’s Fragilissimo (a tour-de-force for the performer), and Berinsky’s gentle and searching Lullaby. To complete the programme, Levickis performs his own highly colourful arrangements of folk music from his home country. All are transformed by the sound of the accordion and Martynas’ own consummate artistry. Hear for yourself in the wonderfully rich acoustic of Bath’s Old Theatre Royal. Sponsored by Camille Tsu Brooke
Levickis’s mastery of an instrument once dismissed as a squeeze box has been revealed THE TIMES
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MONDAY 26 MAY
Nothing short of electrifying… brimming with wit, mischief and virtuosity THE SCOTSMAN
Simon Thoumire & David Milligan 1 — 2pm Guildhall £16, £12 Concessions available (p.38) K1 Simon Thoumire C O N C E R T I N A David Milligan P I A N O Simon Thoumire is a magician on one of the smallest and, some would say, most limited instruments in the world. He is a concertina player, and in his hands this instrument becomes the most extraordinary and virtuosic musical communicator. David Milligan is a pianist whose musical imagination flows freely between jazz improvisation and the traditional airs and dance metres of his native Scotland. Individually, they’re two of the finest exponents of the contemporary Scottish music scene. Together, they’re the most engaging and amusing partnership you could hope to hear, combining intense performances with 'laugh-out-loud' banter, their collaboration fuses the two worlds of folk and jazz. Expect to hear contemporary and traditional music-making, taking in reels, jigs, slow airs and sundry other tunes. Sponsored by Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362 23
MONDAY 26 MAY
Jan Garbarek and The Hilliard Ensemble 8 — 9.15pm Bath Abbey £28, £18, £12 Concessions available (p.38) K3 Jan Garbarek S A XO P H O N E S David James C O U N T E R T E N O R Rogers Covey-Crump T E N O R Steven Harrold T E N O R Gordon Jones B A R I TO N E Norwegian saxophonist Jan Garbarek and British vocal quartet The Hilliard Ensemble have enjoyed chart-topping success with their enchanting and uplifting collaborations. The Festival is delighted to welcome back these superb, hugely-popular artists for a unique fusion of jazz and choral music in the beautiful surroundings of Bath Abbey. 24 Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362
MONDAY 26 MAY
The inspired partnership of Jan Garbarek and The Hilliard Ensemble has resulted in consistently inventive music making since 1993
Closing Night Reception Don't miss this opportunity to experience one of the greatest musical partnerships of recent years, between Jan Garbarek and The Hilliard Ensemble, before the Hilliards retire at the end of 2014. This concert will draw largely on their third album together Officium Novum, focusing on the music of Armenia including both sacred medieval music and the bardic tradition of the Caucasus. However the content and order is never finally decided until the performers reach the venue and let the building — the sixth voice — speak to them: Bath Abbey, 'the Lantern of the West', is sure to inspire something profoundly special. Supported by our Creative Partner Sponsored by
9.30 — 10.30pm ArtBar at the Abbey Hotel £15 Join the Bath Festivals team on the closing night of the 2014 Bath International Music Festival, at a celebratory reception following the Jan Garbarek & The Hilliard Ensemble concert in Bath Abbey. The reception will take place in the lovely surrounds of the ArtBar at The Abbey Hotel, a couple of minutes walk from the concert venue. Toast the Festival and enjoy delicious canapés. Numbers are limited, so booking in advance is essential.
Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362 25
FILM
We explore the Festival theme of Sleep through a screening of Hitchock’s striking film Spellbound
Spellbound (PG) Monday 26 May 2.45pm Little Theatre Cinema £9 full, £8 concessions, £7 members, £6 students K2 Director Alfred Hitchcock. Starring Ingrid Bergman, Gregory Peck. USA 1945. 111 mins In 1945, Freud was beginning to have a profound influence on American thinking, so armed with a script by Ben Hecht and the services of a consultant, Hitchcock decided to ‘turn out the first picture on psychoanalysis’. Bergman is a psychoanalyst who falls in love with her new boss, Peck, and when it’s discovered that he has a problem she goes to work on his memory. Notable for the intense performances of its leads and for the famous dream sequence, co-directed by Salvador Dali. 26 Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362
LATE NIGHT SERIES
Sleep One of Bath’s most atmospheric Georgian buildings, the Old Theatre Royal, is the stage for our dramatic series of late night events. Featuring performers hand-picked for their dynamism and distinctiveness, we invite you to join us as night falls, to captivate your senses and lead you into a world of sleep and dreams.
Thursday 22 May Sounds and Sweet Airs: Pipers 3 9.30 — 10.30pm / p.13
Friday 23 May Asleep, Dreaming, Remembering: Gabriella Dall’Olio 9.30 — 10.30pm / p.16
Saturday 24 May Shapes of Sleep: James Boyd 9.30 — 10.30pm / p.19
B
ringing Beethoven’s idea of the oboe trio into the 21st century, Pipers 3 are sure to fascinate with their characteristic range of sound and expression, and amaze with their variety and repertoire. A feast for the senses awaits with internationally renowned harpist, Gabriella Dall’Olio as she creates a nocturnal mood with explorations of sleep, dreams and memory through her enchanting programme. Virtuoso guitarist James Boyd will, with his intensely moving performances, take you on a journey through haunting reflections on John Dowland, Benjamin Britten and Michael Tippett. And completing the series, the accordionist Martynas Levickis will lead us through light and dark as he contrasts the brooding reflections of Hermosa with the timeless clarity of Bach.
Late Night Ticket Offer
Sunday 25 May Fragilissimo: Martynas Levickis 9.30 — 10.30pm / p.22
Buy a ticket to any of our late night events in the Old Theatre Royal and get 50% discount on a further late night event, on a different evening. See page 38 for details.
Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362 27
ON TOUR
We’ve got four fabulous family friendly events heading your way. Bath Spa University’s Chamber Choir heads to the newly-refurbished Victoria Hall in Radstock for an evening of American show tunes, while East meets West at the Michael Tippett centre with the university’s Gamelan Orchestra. The captivating Pipers 3 play an intriguing mixture of ancient and modern music in Midsomer Norton while the riotously entertaining Brass Jaw explore new musical territory in Timsbury.
Pipers 3 Friday 23 May 7 — 9pm St John the Baptist, Midsomer Norton £10 G3 Mark Baigent O B O E /C O R A N G L A I S Jessica Mogridge O B O E /C O R A N G L A I S Julian West O B O E /C O R A N G L A I S — James MacMillan Intercession — Quantz Sonata in D — Beethoven Variations on ‘Là ci darem la mano’ from Mozart’s Don Giovanni — Richard Causton New Work — arr. Mark Baigent Bulgarian Folk Songs — Alasdair Nicolson Tempest Suite
We bring Pipers 3, one of Europe’s leading Oboe trios to Midsomer Norton, with a beautiful and uplifting programme. Audiences are continually captivated by the wide range of sound and expression that is characteristic of this trio and amazed by the variety and vibrancy of their repertoire. Tonight they bring their Bath programme to Midsomer Norton. Beethoven, Joachim Quantz and arrangements of Balkan folk tunes sit alongside works by living British composers including James MacMillan’s Intercession, a brand-new piece by Richard Causton, specially commissioned by Bath International Music Festival and Artistic Director Alasdair Nicolson’s incidental music for Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Supported by
28 Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362
Jane Drabble & Bill Nemtin Alison & Kjeld Jensen
ON TOUR
Brass Jaw Sunday 25 May 4 — 5pm Conygre Hall, Timsbury £10 J2 Michael Owers T R O M B O N E Paul Towndrow A LTO S A XO P H O N E Konrad Wiszniewski T E N O R S A XO P H O N E Allon Beauvoisin B A R I TO N E S A XO P H O N E This will be a lively and entertaining concert for all the family. This multi-award winning four piece brings a vibrant new sound to the world of jazz, creating a performance that is truly unique in sound and direction. Deep at the heart of Brass Jaw’s philosophy is the idea that music should be as entertaining and humorous as possible, while offering an engaging live music experience.
A group of musicians who prove that it’s possible to make jazz with a healthy dollop of fun! BBC RADIO SCOTLAND
Family ticket offer A limited number of £5 tickets are available for children (Under 16s) for our On Tour events. Book by 31 March. Use code FAMILY when booking. See page 38.
Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362 29
Master Plan Further your own master plan with postgraduate study at Bath Spa University Postgraduate study has many advantages: enhanced career prospects; support for a change in career direction; or the personal satisfaction gained from exploring a subject in depth. Bath Spa University offers a wide range of postgraduate courses, from Music to Art and Design, Education to Filmmaking, Creative Writing to Business and Management. As a University centred around creativity, culture, enterprise and education, and ranked one of the UK’s most creative universities, we welcome postgraduate students who want to make connections across traditional subject boundaries. If you want to explore how one of our postgraduate courses can meet your aspirations, look no further. Bath Spa University is proud to be the Creative Partner of Bath International Music Festival.
www.bathspa.ac.uk
different thinking
BATH SPA UNIVERSITY
Bath Spa University Chamber Choir Saturday 17 May 1 — 2pm Victoria Hall, Radstock £5 A1 A family lunchtime concert of songs from American shows, performed and introduced by students from Bath Spa University.
East meets West: Bath Spa University Wednesday 21 May 7.30 — 9.30pm Michael Tippett Centre £5 E1
Pre-concert talk at 6.30pm with Artistic Director Alasdair Nicolson.
An evening with Bath Spa University’s Indonesian Gamelan Orchestra, featuring tuned gongs, metallophones and other percussion instruments. The Gamelan group play a variety of traditional and new music for chamber ensemble and solo western instruments composed by students from the University’s Undergraduate and Masters Composition courses.
Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362 31
For information on Steinway & Sons pianos or to arrange a private appointment to visit our London showrooms, please call 0207 487 3391 or email info@steinway.co.uk
WWW.STEINWAYHALL.CO.UK
SUPPORT YOUR FESTIVAL
Your support matters
Friends £30 (£50 joint) a year
W
e believe that engagement with the arts has a powerful, positive impact on the quality of life, culture, and economy of our community and we need your help to continue to achieve this. As a charity with less than 40% of our income from ticket sales, and with ongoing reductions in public funding, your support is essential in helping us raise over £1.2million every year to bring world class literature and music to your doorstep together with the largest outreach Learning & Participation programme of any festival organisation. Last year we worked with 500+ educators and 4,500+ young people, fulfilling potential, enriching lives and enhancing the well-being of our community. You can play a vital role in making this happen. To find out how please visit bathfestivals.org. uk/support-us
Two weeks priority booking Invitation to Friends’ events Discounts and special offers from sponsorship partners Advance mailing of the Festival brochure Regular updates from Bath Festivals
Benefactors £100 a year All Friends’ benefits plus: Acknowledgment on our website Three weeks priority booking
Principal Benefactors £250 a year All Benefactors’ benefits plus: Invitation to the Patrons’ reception Acknowledgment in our brochure & website Refunds on tickets*
Festival Champion £500 a year
Registered Charity No. 801617
All Principal Benefactors' benefits plus: Opportunity to meet artists after performances** Autographed album from your favourite Festival artist Dedicated assistance with booking tickets and making hospitality arrangements
Festival Ambassador £1,250 a year
Join today at bathfestivals.org.uk/music/ membership or ask at the Box Office for more details
All Champion benefits plus: Exclusive Festival briefing with the Artistic Director** Opportunity to involve artists in private receptions or dinners** Festival brochure autographed by various artists
T: 01225 463362
* two tickets per event and up to three days prior to events ** to be arranged in advance and subject to artists agreement
Become A Friend Enjoy. Save .Support
Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362 33
The Gainsborough Bath Spa is delighted to sponsor Bath Festivals 2014
Opening summer 2014 the hotel will set a new standard for luxury accommodation in Bath and has the exclusive privilege of being the only hotel in the UK to have direct access to natural thermal waters in the 1300 square metre spa village. Made up of three beautiful Grade II listed historical buildings and situated right in the heart of the city, The Gainsborough Bath Spa is a contemporary expression of this vibrant and creative city.
www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk
enquiries@thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk
SUPPORT YOUR FESTIVAL
Become a Patron
Thank you Bath Festivals’ Patrons for your generous support:
Join us at the heart of Bath Festivals and play a vital role in developing our programmes, our audiences, and our education work.
Life Patron Lady Evelyn Strasburger
From just £62 per month, enjoy exclusive benefits across all of our festivals, including: Priority booking Patrons Box Office with dedicated private booking line Invitation to exclusive events, including the annual Artistic Director’s dinner and literary lunch Opportunities to attend rehearsals and behind the scenes tours Pre-reserved top price seats to selected events Advance information with newsletters and programme previews Acknowledgement at every festival Priority booking and Patron benefits at St Magnus International Festival
Paragon Patrons Trevor Osborne Circus Patrons Jane Drabble and Bill Nemtin Peter Stormonth Darling Charitable Trust Andrew Fletcher Crescent Patrons John & Rosalie Challis Rob & Deborah Clements Ian & Morny Davison Roy & Maureen Hatch LT.CDR Conrad Jones Sheila McCormack Nigel & Stephanie Pollard Bob & Diana Potter Wyn & Jan Rees Chris & Jan Shepley Brian & Maggie Woodford Honorary Patrons John & Gill McLay Joanna MacGregor James Runcie
Thank you for the generous support of: Champion Mrs Shirin Deacon
For more information Visit bathfestivals.org.uk/patrons or call Clare Diacono, Development Manager on 01225 462231
A special offer for Friends Buy any wine on the Great Western Wine website: greatwesternwine.co.uk, including our Festival wines, and qualify for a 10% Bath Festivals discount on your purchase plus free delivery on 12 or more bottles ... even better, Great Western Wine will donate 10% of all sales value back to Bath Festivals! Code: BFWINEDEAL
Principal Benefactors Dr R P Clacey Dr Marianna Clark John & Yvonne Cullum William Peter Gunning Dr C R Lovell Anne Marston Richard & Bea Salter Life Members Margaret Broadhead Andrew & Christina Brownsword Raymond Crouch Lady Digby Tony & Dilys Doughty Cynthia & the late Michael Evanson Jenny Herbert Helena Oldacre Julie Peacock Paul Perry Terry Webber
Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362 35
LEARNING & PARTICIPATION
Learning & Participation Programme Bath Festivals offer children, young people and adults the best opportunities to engage with and explore music as part of everyday life. Our programmes encourage and support participants to develop their musical ability and interests; from first encounters through to professional development, all inspired by the world-class musicians that we bring to Bath.
This year’s opening Schools Commission will feature fun, fizzing songs composed especially for Party in the City, sparklingly performed by hundreds of local children. The songs have been created especially for Bath by our choir of young musicians and talented music leaders. The stage at the Forum will be transformed by sculptures by artists from Action On Hearing Loss Educational Day Services and watch out for the sculptures appearing in the city after the performance. Supported by We are supporting budding composers with our Composers Kitchen project led by Artistic Director, Alasdair Nicolson. The project offers young people the opportunity to compose an original piece of music which will then be performed by a professional ensemble at the Festival on Thursday 22 May, 1pm in St Michael’s Without Church. Julian West, a member of the oboe trio, Pipers 3, will be running workshops for schools exploring composition and improvisation to create original soundtracks to accompany short films. These workshops are kindly hosted by Prior Park College. For information about any of these events or to learn more about the Bath Festivals Learning & Participation Programme please contact the team on education@bathfestivals.org.uk Bath Festivals is proud to be an Arts Award Supporter. If you are completing an Arts Award we can offer tickets for events and volunteering opportunities. To find out more contact education@bathfestivals.org.uk Supported by The Joyce Fletcher Charitable Trust The Michael Tippett Musical Foundation
36 Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362
Badminton nurtures intellectual curiosity and challenges enquiring minds in a supportive community. Our girls’ enthusiasm for the arts, sport and their many activities keeps the School vibrant – come and see for yourself! For more information or to arrange a visit please contact our Admissions Team on: T: 0117 905 5271 E: admissions@badmintonschool.co.uk Twitter: @AcorntoOakBris www.badmintonschool.co.uk
A world-class education in the heart of Bristol
BOOKING
Contact Bath Box Office Bath Visitor Information Centre Abbey Chambers Abbey Churchyard Bath BA1 1LY 01225 463362 boxoffice@bathfestivals.org.uk bathfestivals.org.uk Box Office opening hours Monday to Saturday 9.30am — 5.30pm From 22 April Monday to Saturday 10.30am — 5pm Open Sunday & Bank Holidays during Festivals only 10am – 4pm
How to book In person at Bath Box Office By telephone on 01225 463362 Online at bathfestivals.org.uk By post to Bath Box Office at the above address — cheques made payable to Bath Box Office
When to Book Patrons and Benefactors booking Tuesday 4 March 2014 Friends Booking Tuesday 11 March 2014 General Booking Monday 24 March 2014
Booking details Your tickets will be posted to you for a charge of £1 or free of charge if you include a stamped addressed envelope with your booking. Otherwise your tickets will be held for collection at the Box Office, or at the venue from one hour before the event. Booking by credit card either in person or by telephone incurs a £2 transaction charge. Booking by debit card either in person or by telephone incurs no charge. All online bookings incur a transaction charge of £1.
Concessions Concession prices are available to under–18s, full–time students, unemployment benefit claimants, visitors with a disability and those whose sole source of income is a DSS state retirement pension. Concessions are only available where stated. Concession rate tickets cannot be purchased online. Only one concession may apply per ticket. Under 25s, over 60s and other concessions may purchase unsold tickets half price, 30 minutes before the event. This does not apply to Festival On Tour events. Seat allocation is subject to availability and at the Box Office’s discretion. Group bookings We offer one free seat for every ten purchased to the same event when booked at the same time. Jazz Pass This year’s jazz pass buys you access to any of the Guildhall jazz events on 24, 25 and 26 of May for just £60. Hurry! Availability is limited. This unmissable package includes Brass Jaw, Stacey Kent, Hutchinson Andrew Trio, Iiro Rantala and Simon Thoumire and David Milligan. Please note this does not include Jan Garbarek and The Hilliard Ensemble. Late Night Series ticket offer Buy a ticket to any of our sensational late night events in the atmospheric Old Theatre Royal and get a 50% discount on a further late night event, on a different evening. Let our dynamic performers lead you into a nocturnal world of dreams in this mysterious and historic venue. Use code DREAM when booking. Family ticket offer A limited number of £5 tickets are available for children (Under 16s) for our On Tour Events (see pages 28, 29, 30 & 31). Book by 31 March. Use code FAMILY when booking. Bath Festivals welcomes visitors with disabilities Please advise the Box Office of your requirements when making a booking. Visitors with a disability who need to bring a personal assistant are offered one free ticket. If you require a BSL interpreter, please enquire at the Box Office and we will do our best to accommodate this. Other booking information Please quote the event code when booking. Event times are approximate and doors open 15 minutes before each event. Please check your tickets as soon as you receive them. Tickets are non-refundable, but if an event sells out we are happy to offer returned tickets for resale. A £2 per ticket handling charge will apply on all resold tickets. Please note we cannot refund card transaction or online booking fees. Programmes and performers may be subject to change. All information in this programme was correct at the time of going to press. Filming Some events or shows may be filmed or photographed. Buying a ticket affirms your consent to the filming, sound recording or photographing of yourself as a member of the audience.
38 Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362
WHERE TO STAY
OFFICIAL HOTEL PARTNER
The Abbey Hotel Our Official Hotel Partner is located in the heart of the city, meaning this 60-bedroomed hotel is brilliantly located for the Roman Baths, Thermae Spa, Abbey, main shopping areas and our Festival venues. The much-acclaimed Allium Brasserie serves a varied and seasonal menu from 12 until 9pm including light dishes and salads, and the contemporary lounge, with its exhibition of modern art, is perfect for coffee, cocktails and afternoon teas. Terrace dining when the weather is warm. 1–3 North Parade Bath BA1 1LF 01225 461603 abbeyhotelbath.co.uk
Brooks Guesthouse Brooks Guesthouse is a stylish boutique townhouse, 350 meters below the Royal Crescent and a mere seven minute walk to the city centre. All bedrooms have designer wallpapers, comfy beds and goose down bedding. All bathrooms have Hansgrohe power showers. We offer a delicious breakfast, an honesty bar and free, superfast WiFi.
about accommodation in Bath, visit visitbath.co.uk or call Bath Tourist Information Centre on 0906 711 2000 (50p/min).
11 Henrietta Street Bath BA2 6LL 01225 310472 kennard.co.uk
Premier Inn Bath City Centre Our 108 bedroom Premier Inn Bath City Centre Hotel is right near the heart of Bath. It is close to both the shops and local attractions and just a few minutes walk away from the train station, making it the ideal choice for your Great Night’s Sleep away from home. James Street West Bath, BA1 2BX 0871 527 9454 premierinn.com
1 Upper Bristol Road Bath BA1 2NA 01225 425543 brooksguesthouse.com Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel The five star Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel is the perfect accommodation venue for Bath’s five star Festivals.
The Halcyon The Halcyon is a contemporary boutique townhouse hotel, centrally located within two minutes’ walk of major attractions, train station and parking. From £99. 2–3 South Parade Bath BA2 4AA 01225 461189 thehalcyon.com
For more information
Kennard Hotel A Georgian townhouse with its own special charm and character quietly situated within minutes of the city centre.
Hilton Bath City Hilton Bath City is centrally located in the historic city of Bath, close to shops, local attractions and train station. The hotel has been fully refurbished offering 173 air conditioned bedrooms, lobby bar serving Costa Coffee and a brand new French style restaurant Atelier. Walcot Street Bath BA1 5BJ 01225 463 411 hilton.co.uk/bathcity
Sydney Road Bath BA2 6NS 0844 8799106 macdonaldhotels.co.uk/ our-hotels/macdonaldbath-spa-hotel/
Pratt’s Hotel Built in 1743 by John Wood, Pratt’s Hotel is in a great location to explore the city’s many historic attractions. Full of character rooms, a classic Georgian restaurant and lounges with open fireplaces. South Parade Bath BA2 4AB 01225 460441 forestdale.com
Royal Crescent Hotel This stunning hotel overlooks the city of Bath and offers elegant Georgian grandeur, luxurious accommodation and unrivalled customer care. This five star Relais & Chateaux property also boasts an award winning restaurant, secluded gardens as well as the relaxing & intimate spa. 16 Royal Crescent Bath BA1 2LS 01225 823333 royalcrescent.co.uk
Tasburgh House Set in seven acres of beautiful gardens Tasburgh House is a three minute taxi ride or 20 minute canal walk from the city centre. Twelve stylish rooms with extraordinarily comfy beds and breathtaking views all set in a relaxing atmosphere. Helpful, knowledgeable staff will happily recommend and reserve restaurants, tours, taxis etc. Licensed, great breakfasts and free parking. Warminster Road Bath BA2 6SH 01225 425096 tasburghhouse.co.uk
Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362 39
The Official Bath App • Discount vouchers • Find out what’s on • Available for iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets • Download it for free by searching on the App Store or Play Store for ‘Visit Bath’ or scan here: Funded and developed by the Bath Business Improvement District & Bath Tourism Plus Festivals brochure.indd 1
21/02/2014 09:09
our online audience is growing fast. over
320,000 monthly unique visitors
Source: Omniture - Monthly Unique Visitors Report Jan 2014 - bathchronicle.co.uk
Proud Sponsors of Bath Music Festival 2014
Celebrating the magic of music at Kingswood For an appointment to visit please contact 01225 734210 or email: enquiries@kingswood.bath.sch.uk
www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk
T: 0203 6380308 M: 07907 844 157 E: splitters@dyctouring.com
WHAT ELSE IS ON
There’s so much to enjoy in Bath this May. To find out more about what’s on, see the events listings we provide on bathboxoffice.org.uk Here are a few of our favourites from other exciting organisations and museums across the city.
Julian Opie: Collected Works Wednesday 21 May — Sunday 14 September 2014 holburne.org
FaB Festival Friday 23 May — Sunday 8 June 2014 fringeartsbath.co.uk
Julian Opie: Collected Works continues a series of exhibitions at the Holburne Museum exploring artists and their collections. Julian Opie is one of this country’s most important and successful contemporary artists and this show will uniquely bring together his own works with pieces from his private art collection and explore the resonances between the two.
FaB Festival (Fringe Arts Bath) is back in 2014 with a seventeen day visual arts extravaganza animating interesting and alternative spaces across the city. Showcasing talented up-and-coming artists from the city of Bath and far beyond there will be exhibitions, film nights, performances, installations and a whole array of great things to see and take part in.
About Bath Box Office Bath Box Office is run by Bath Festivals, an arts charity which believes the arts is essential in people's lives: enriching communities, enlivening spaces and empowering individuals. Bath Festivals programmes the Bath Literature Festival, Bath International Music Festival, Bath Children's Literature Festival, and runs a yearround learning and participation programme for young people across the region. Every penny spent on ticket purchases through Bath Box Office supports arts activity in the area. Buy local, and support the arts.
Bath Fringe Festival Friday 23 May — Sunday 8 June 2014 bathfringe.co.uk The Bath Fringe complements Bath International Music Festival by squeezing all the art forms they can into seventeen days of music, comedy, theatre, street events, kids’ events, and an extensive visual arts programme. The Spiegeltent is back in style and there’s a cracking street theatre weekend 30 May — 1 June.
Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362 43
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Welcome back to the Festival Club. This year our venue is the Library on the top floor of The Porter, a stylish Georgian Townhouse in the heart of Bath on George Street. The Festival Club is open from Saturday 17 to Monday 26 May, 6pm to midnight weekdays and until 1.30am weekends. Friends of the Festival: present your membership cards for 10% off drinks in the Club. All Club attenders preconcert dining offer: quote Code PORTERFESTIVAL to enjoy 10% discount on food at Clayton's Kitchen on bookings between 5 and 7.30pm. Pre-booking is advised. Make the Festival Club your home from home, only better.
St York
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Festival Club
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O ld Theatre Royal at Bath Masonic Hall 12 Old Orchard Street Bath BA1 1JU
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ssembly A Rooms Bennett Street Bath BA1 5LJ
The Porter (Festival Club) 15A George St, Bath, Somerset BA1 2EN
Pulteney
Bath Abbey
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12 Kingston Buildings Bath BA1 1LT
St Michael’s Without Broad Street Bath BA1 5LJ
Bath Box Office Bath Visitor Information Centre Abbey Chambers Abbey Churchyard Bath BA1 1NL
de North Para
the egg
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Theatre Royal Bath Sawclose Bath BA1 1ET
The Forum 1A Forum Buildings St. James’ Parade Bath BA1 1UG
Guildhall High Street Bath BA1 5AW
Key
Wheelchair accessible
Disabled toilet
Amplified events/hearing induction loop
Assistance dogs
Baby changing facilities
Little Theatre Cinema St Michael's Place Bath BA1 1SF
Festival on Tour Conygre Hall North Road Timsbury Bath BA2 0JQ
Michael Tippett Centre Newton Park Newton St Loe Bath BA2 9BN
St John the Baptist Church Church Square, Midsomer Norton BA3 2HX
Victoria Hall Church Street Radstock BA3 3QG
Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362 45
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Bath Festivals
Artistic Director Alasdair Nicolson Music Producer Bethany Alexander With thanks to the Festival volunteers, event managers, freelance production team and the managers and staff of all the Festival venues.
Board of Trustees Jane Drabble OBE Chair Carol Baines, Councillor Cherry Beath, John Cullum, Margaret Heffernan, Celia Mead, Louise Mitchell, Ian Stockley, Richard Turner CMG OBE, Anna Williams Chief Executive Belinda Kidd Finance Director Lynne Gregory Development & Marketing Director Owen McNeir Development Clare Diacono, Rosie Fearon, Becky Whitmore
Photo and Illustration Credits Cover Illustration by Ellie Curtis p.5 Mechanical Bird © Emergency Exit Arts p.6 Harlem Quartet © Paul Wiancko p.9 Jonathan Hyde © William King Malcolm Martineau © Alessandro Moggi p.10 Sir Peter Maxwell Davies © Martin Lengemann p.11 Make Music Happen © Julian Foxon Photography p.12 Gould Piano Trio © Chris Stock p.14 Rowan Hellier © Eric Richmond Photography p.15 Shakespeare's Globe © Manuel Harlan p.16 Gabriella Dall’Olio © Julien Elbisser p.17 Brass Jaw © Calum Morrell p.22 Martynas Levickis © Gediminas Zelinskas p.25 The Hilliard Ensemble © Marco Borggreve p.26 Still from Spellbound p.27 Bath Masonic Hall© Bath In Time p.29 Brass Jaw © Stuart Dreghorn p.36 Party in the City Commission 2013 : Julian Foxon Photography p.44 Map Illustration by Ricardo Bessa p.45 Map Illustration by Ricardo Bessa
Finance Rebecca Wheeler Festival Officer Kate Hall Learning & Participation Louise Betts, Hazel Plowman Marketing and PR Liz Eyles, Tamsin Treverton Jones, Beth Cutter Box Office Alison Sully, Chloe Merritt, June Price, Melodie Robson, Isabel Snowden Jean Saint, Pam Twohig Brand and Festival Design Smith and Milton Bristol
The Independent Bath Literature Festival Artistic Director Viv Groskop Literature Producer Judith Robinson
Bath Festivals Third Floor, Abbey Chambers Kingston Buildings Bath BA1 1NT Registered Charity No. 801617
The Telegraph Bath Children’s Literature Festival Guest Artistic Director David Almond
46 Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362
DIARY CODE
ARTIST
TIME
VENUE
P
FRIDAY 16 MAY Free
Party in the City
From 5.30 pm
Various venues in Bath City Centre
5
Free
Party in the City Schools Commision
6 — 6.30pm
The Forum
5
SATURDAY 17 MAY A1
On Tour Chamber Choir: Bath Spa University
1 — 2pm
Victoria Hall, Radstock
31
A2
Harlem Quartet
7.30 — 9.30pm
Guildhall
6
SUNDAY 18 MAY Free
Festival Evensong
3.30 — 4.30pm
Bath Abbey
7
B1
Bath Philharmonia
7.30 — 9.30pm
Guildhall
8
7.30 — 9.30pm
Guildhall
9
Shopping Songs
1 — 1.45pm
St Michael’s Without
10
D1
Home Grown
7 — 8pm
the egg theatre
11
D2
Gould Piano Trio
7.30 — 9.30pm (pre concert talk at 6.45pm)
Guildhall
12
7.30 — 9.30pm (pre concert talk at 6.30pm)
Michael Tippett Centre
31
9.30 — 10.30 pm
Old Theatre Royal
13
14
MONDAY 19 MAY C1
In Flanders Fields
TUESDAY 20 MAY Free
WEDNESDAY 21 MAY E1
On Tour East Meets West: Bath Spa University
THURSDAY 22 MAY F1
Sounds and Sweet Airs: Pipers 3
FRIDAY 23 MAY G1
A Charm of Lullabies: Rowan Hellier & James Baillieu
11am — 1pm
Assembly Rooms
G2
Death by Custard: Musicians of the Globe
7 — 9pm
Assembly Rooms
15
G3
On Tour Pipers 3
7 — 9pm
St John the Baptist, Midsomer Norton
28
G4
Asleep, Dreaming, Remembering: Gabriella Dall’Olio
9.30 — 10.30pm
Old Theatre Royal
16
17
SATURDAY 24 MAY H1
Brass Jaw
1 — 2pm
Guildhall
H2
Stacey Kent
7 — 9pm
Guildhall
18
H3
Shapes of Sleep: James Boyd
9.30 — 10.30 pm
Old Theatre Royal
19
SUNDAY 25 MAY J1
Hutchinson Andrew Trio
1 — 2pm
Guildhall
20
J2
On Tour Brass Jaw
4 — 5pm
Conygre Hall, Timsbury
29
J3
Iiro Rantala
7 — 9pm
Guildhall
21
J4
Fragilissimo: Martynas Levickis
9.30 — 10.30pm
Old Theatre Royal
22
MONDAY 26 MAY K1
Simon Thoumire & David Milligan
1 — 2pm
Guildhall
23
K2
Spellbound
2.45pm
The Little Theatre Cinema
26
K3
Jan Garbarek and The Hilliard Ensemble
8 — 9.15pm
Bath Abbey
24
Book online at bathfestivals.org.uk or call 01225 463362 47
Friday 16 – Monday 26 May 2014 bathfestivals.org.uk