St George's Bristol Brochure (Jan-Jul 2014)

WORLD CLASS MUSIC JUST OFF PARK STREET

January — July 2014 Box Office: 0845 40 24 001 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

NEW THIS SEASON Aurora Orchestra residency The World Changed Soul Global

I

t's difficult to pin down exactly what it is that makes St George's so special but this spontaneous remark, opposite, from musician Matthew Barley comes somewhere close. As any audience member can tell you, there's no mistaking the special connection that musicians feel with the hall — you can see it in their expressions as well as hear it in their music — and it's a wondrous thing to take your seat in a space where this alchemy is in play all around you.

Our spring and summer seasons ensure you get to experience this exceptional sound across the widest range of classical, jazz, folk, world music and spoken word events. We meander from the crème de la crème of solo artists through to dazzling duos, quartets and world class bands and orchestras. We present music that quickens the pulse as well as quietly compelling outpourings that soothe the soul — not to mention ambitious series that traverse the globe and reach back through the glories of centuries past (see page 4/5).

We're proud of our passion for promoting exceptional musical talent and our brochure cover features Aurora Orchestra, a young orchestra wowing the critics and sparkling in everything they touch. They’ve already sold out London's South Bank and the BBC Proms, and this season sees a new residency at St George's with a stunning Klezmahler concert. We'll also be welcoming The Royal Academy of Music Ensemble, directed by Trevor Pinnock, and one of the Academy's most celebrated graduates, guitarist Miloš. As ever, our lunchtime and coffee concert series provide wonderful daytime opportunities to sample the classical stars of tomorrow in a relaxing but prestigious environment.

Finally, we're updating our website on a regular basis so do check in for news, updates and sound clips. Call the box office or book your preferred seat online with our new, easy to use system — there’s nothing to stop you playing your own part so come along and enjoy!

Suzanne Rolt DIRECTOR

“ Performing at St George's makes me feel excited to be a musician.

This hall is truly extraordinary – it practically plays itself.’’

MATTHEW BARLEY

Support us and join the Friends of St George’s Bristol YOUR SUPPORT MAKES A GREAT DIFFERENCE St George’s Bristol is one of the country’s top concert halls. Its superb acoustic and unique atmosphere draw the world’s greatest musicians and ensembles to Bristol.

As a charity, St George’s not only promotes a worldclass music programme, we also play an important role in the local community, with our excellent education and learning programme inspiring young people to experience and make music.

Ticket sales and venue hire only cover part of our costs, leaving a shortfall of around £300,000 which we have to raise each year through grants and donations. Our Friends, Benefactors and Patrons play a vital role towards achieving this target. Membership subscriptions enable us to: Attract the world-class artists for which we are renowned Care for our beautiful Georgian home safeguarding a rich piece of Bristol’s architectural heritage Invest in our education and learning programme passing on a love of music to the next generation Become a friend of St George’s today and receive great benefits and privileges — but most importantly — help us secure this special place for the future.

Thank you.

To find out more, pick up a leaflet at St George’s, visit the Development page on the website or email Angharad Redman a.redman@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Tel 0117 929 4929 ext 205

“ Please become a Patron, Benefactor or Friend & support this precious hall.’’

PAUL LEWIS

4 Book now 0845 40 24 001

The Music To trace the impact of the First World War, the ferment which led up to it and the fallout, is to tell the story of the 20th century — and its art and culture. The World Changed focuses on the impact of conflict on the music of this period, exploring the differing reactions of composers and how it shaped their musical styles. For some, it fired already radical imaginations and took their music in new directions, but many others were left deeply scarred, struggling to find answers to the loss of an entire generation and the realization that life would never be the same again. The World Changed picks out some of the major musical works that came to define the period and sets them alongside talks, films and other special events.

The World Changed is a partnership between St George’s Bristol and Bristol Music Trust and forms part of the wider Bristol 2014: The City and Conflict from the First World War to the Present Day.

Our ongoing partnership with Watershed celebrates the soundtracks of the Coen Brothers, whose latest film, ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’ is set in the New York City singersongwriter scene of the 1960s. For ‘O Bro: a Musical Celebration of the Coen Brothers’ on April 25, alt-folk specialists The Local are assembling a multi-act bill including Emily Barker & the Red Clay Halo to present interpretations of music from throughout the Coen canon, with particular attention for O Brother Where Art Thou. The entertainment continues with an after-party in the Crypt bar till late. Check the website for updates on who’s appearing. Other Filmic 2014 attractions are a special concert-commission for Eyes Wide Shut, The Merchant of Venice and Brick Lane composer Jocelyn Pook and her ensemble, and the startling son et lumière mash-up of Powerplant, with Kathy Hinde’s live vision-mix to Joby Burgess’s realisation of a new score by Goldfrapp’s Will Gregory.

R ECORDED AT ST GEORGE’S In the 1980s the hall was used regularly by the BBC for music broadcasts and recordings, its perfectly natural acoustic revealed for (quite literally) the world to hear. Since then it has witnessed recording sessions by the likes of Ludovico Einaudi, Takács Quartet, Trevor Pinnock and Stephen Hough. The hall’s legacy on disc is reflected in concert regularly, with artists returning to present live versions of their efforts under the red light.

This season is no exception with concerts by the Royal Academy of Music and the Trusler Carroll Wass Trio, presenting music they’ve previously laid down at St George’s.

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The Music

SOUL GLOBAL Don Cherry, pictured here in a portrait by Pete Williams from the dazzling exhibition in our Crypt bar, began his career as a jazz trumpeter and ended as a pioneer of what came to be called world music. Cherry’s explorations across different musical cultures — taking AfricanAmerican “soul” worldwide - make him a model for St George’s exciting new series: Soul Global.

It’s a journey that takes us from Bamako to Brooklyn to Birmingham, with a line-up of some of the biggest and best acts you could wish for. Soul Global launches on Tuesday March 18 with Mali’s Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba and continues later that week with the Bristol debut of the superb soul-jazz star Gregory Porter, followed by north of the border’s Salsa Celtica, the spiritual jazz of Manchester’s Matthew Halsall, and the UK’s own Queen of Soul, Ruby Turner. Check the website for late additions or changes.

CLASSICAL MUSIC PROGRAMME

TALKING POINTS

From the ravishing Handel arias with which La Nuova Musica launch the season to the extraordinarily intense experience of four string quartets playing in unison around the hall for Sir John Tavener’s Towards Silence, this is a season that won't easily be forgotten.

There are intimate moments in the company of artists such as Paul Lewis, Imogen Cooper and guitarist Miloš as well as Ian Bostridge in a bitter sweet programme of John Dowland songs with viol consort Fretwork. Our Late Night series of hour long concerts sustains this contemplative atmosphere with new Russian Soul and Baltic Elegies themes before yielding to the joyful and uplifting sounds of Exultate Singers, Lesley Garrett singing Mozart arias and the wonderful Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble raising St George’s roof with sounds both traditional and new.

Throughout the year St George’s hosts engaging and entertaining spoken word events; the intimate nature of the auditorium allowing a truly deep listening experience. 2013 saw Darcey Bussell, Michael Palin, Tony Benn, Ray Davies, Michael Portillo and David Attenborough, while this season finds Alain de Botton, Barry Humphries and a plethora of yet-to-be-announced Bristol Festival of Ideas events. Our continuing partnership with the festival has seen some of the world’s most celebrated and interesting artists and thinkers grace the stage. Look out for a festival brochure, visit our website or go to ideasfestival.org for the latest on this year’s events.

6 Book now 0845 40 24 001

Calendar

January — July 2014 Fri 21 2pm Fri 21 8.30pm

Olivia Chaney

JA N UA RY Fri 3 7.30pm

Paul Lewis (piano)

Thu 16 8pm

Olivia Chaney & Joe Volk

Sat 18 All Day

Sun 23 11.30am

Coffee Concert Brahms & Schumann II

Sun 23 7.30pm

Bristol New Music Christian Wallumrød Ensemble

Thu 27 11am La Nuova Musica / Lawrence Zazzo

Fri 10 7.30pm

Wild Words The Piper Bristol Ensemble / Choir of Royal Holloway Late Night Baltic Elegies

Beyond The Barline Talk VI

Thu 27 1pm

Lunchtime Concert Wye Valley Chamber Music Ensemble

Thu 27 8pm

John Renbourn & Wizz Jones

Fri 28 7.30pm

Imogen Cooper (piano)

Raise The Roof!

Thu 23 11am

Beyond The Barline Talk I

Thu 23 1pm

Lunchtime Concert Ivan Ilic (piano)

Thu 23 8pm

Three Cane Whale

Sat 25 7.30pm

James Vincent McMorrow

Wed 29 7.30pm

Clifton College

Thu 30 11am

Beyond The Barline Talk II

Thu 30 1pm

Lunchtime Concert Eva Miserska (cello) / Emma Abbate (piano)

Fri 31 7.30pm

Elias String Quartet Beethoven String Quartet Cycle V

Aurora Orchestra

M A RCH Sat 1 7.30pm Tue 4 7.30pm Thu 6 1pm

Thu 6 7.30pm

Dhol Foundation

FE B RUA RY Sat 1 7.45pm

MiniBeats Wonderful Woodwinds!

Oysterband

Lunchtime Concert / Piano Duo Festival Piano 4 Hands Piano Duo Festival Jason Rebello & Ivo Neame

Fri 7 7.30pm

Piano Duo Festival Martin Roscoe & Kathryn Stott

Sat 8 7.30pm

Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra

Sun 9 3pm Brandon Hill Chamber Orchestra

Bristol University Music Society

Sun 2 10am / 11.15am

Tue 11 7.30pm

Bristol Suzuki Group Concert Juan Martin Flamenco Dance Ensemble

Sun 2 4pm

Dhol Foundation

Wed 12 7pm

Colston’s Girls’ School

Mon 3 1pm

Lunchtime Concert Young Artists Showcase

Thu 13 11am

Beyond The Barline Talk VII

Wed 5 6.30pm Thu 6 11am Thu 6 1pm

Festival of Ideas Alain de Botton

Thu 13 1pm

Beyond The Barline Talk III

Thu 13 8pm

Lunchtime Concert Mark Bebbington (piano)

Thu 6 7.30pm Fri 7 8pm

Bill Callahan Police Dog Hogan

Aurora Orchestra KlezMahler

Sat 15 7.30pm

Bristol Concert Orchestra

Mon 17 7.30pm Tue 18 8pm

Sun 9 11.30am

Coffee Concert Brahms & Schumann I

Thu 20 11am

Sun 9 7.30pm

Out There Music Winter Concert 2014

Thu 20 1pm

Thu 13 11am Thu 13 1pm

Thu 13 8pm Fri 14 7.30pm Sat 15 7.30pm Sun 16 6pm Thu 20 11am Thu 20 1pm

Beyond The Barline Talk IV Lunchtime Concert Aiki Mori (cello) / Asa Mori (piano) An Intimate Evening with Ruthie Henshall Fretwork / Ian Bostridge Eduardo Niebla

Tord Gustavsen Ensemble

Fri 14 7.30pm

Exultate Singers A Sense of the Divine

Sat 8 7.30pm

Lunchtime Concert Carducci Quartet

Thu 20 8pm

Barry Humphries Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba Beyond The Barline Talk VIII Lunchtime Concert Danny Driver (piano) Gregory Porter

Mon 24 7.30pm

The Vision

Wed 26 7.30pm

Bristol Grammar School

Thu 27 8pm Fri 28 7.30pm

Salsa Celtica Michael Morpurgo War Horse: Only Remembered

Royal Academy of Music / Trevor Pinnock

Sat 29 7.30pm

Exultate Singers Splendours of Venice

Beyond The Barline Talk V

Sun 30 11.30am

Coffee Concert Brahms & Schumann III

Lunchtime Concert AJSW Chamber Music Ensemble

Sun 30 7.30pm

London Swing Orchestra

Mon 31 7pm

QEH / Red Maids’

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Calendar

Lesley Garrett

APRIL Wed 2 7.30pm Thu 3 8pm Fri 4 7.30pm

Tue 8 7.30pm

Miloš

JUNE Bristol Schools Philharmonia Martin Simpson Elias String Quartet Beethoven String Quartet Cycle VI Bristol Music Festival Prizewinners Concert

Sun 1 10am / 11.15am Sun 1 8pm

MiniBeats Super Strings!

Ruby Turner

Thu 5 7.30pm

The Soloists of Oxford Philomusica

Sun 8 11.30am

Coffee Concert Trusler Carroll Wass Trio

Thu 10 7.30pm

EUCO / Lesley Garrett

Wed 11 7.30pm

Miloš (guitar)

Sat 12 7.30pm

Bristol Classical Players

Sat 21 7.30pm

Treorchy Male Choir

Wed 16 7.30pm Thu 17 11am Thu 17 1pm Fri 18 7.30pm Fri 25 8pm

Sat 26 7.30pm

The English Concert An Italian Easter Beyond The Barline Talk IX Lunchtime Concert Hall / Ogden Duo Agnes Obel Filmic O Bro A Musical Celebration of the Coen Bros.

Tue 24 7.30pm

Bristol Schools Chamber Choir

Fri 27 7.30pm

The New England Conservatory Youth Chorale

Sat 28 7.30pm Sun 29 8pm

Bristol Concert Orchestra People of Note Community Choir

Tatiana Pavlova (piano)

Kwesi Edman Matthew Halsall

M AY Fri 2 7.30pm The World Changed

Bristol Ensemble / Leonard Elschenbroich (cello)

J U LY Sat 5 7.30pm

Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra

Sun 6 11.30am

Coffee Concert Trusler Carroll Wass Trio II

Sun 6 7pm

Sat 3 All Day

Bristol Folk Festival Day One

Thu 10 7.30pm

Sun 4 All Day

Bristol Folk Festival Day Two

Fri 11 7pm

Wed 7 7.30pm Thu 8 11am Thu 8 1pm

Thu 8 8.30pm

Backwell School Dido & Aeneas Beyond The Barline Talk X Lunchtime Concert Alice Neary (cello) / Daniel Tong (piano) The Hermitage Ensemble Late Night Russian Soul

Fri 9 8pm Filmic Jocelyn Pook Ensemble Sun 11 12pm Thu 15 11am Thu 15 1pm Fri 16 7.30pm

Family Concert I Flautisti Beyond The Barline Talk XI Lunchtime Concert Navarra Quartet The World Changed Voices in Silence with Ashley Wass piano

Sat 17 7.30pm City of Bristol Choir Mozart Mass in C Minor Thu 22 11am

Beyond The Barline Talk XII

Thu 22 8pm

Filmic Powerplant play Will Gregory

Fri 23 7.30pm Thu 29 8pm

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment Matthew Halsall Spiritual Jazz

Sat 19 8pm

City Voices Bristol Towards Silence Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble Riff Raff Choir

8 Book now 0845 40 24 001

Bitesized

BITESIZED MUSIC St George’s Bristol presents bite-sized hour-long daytime concerts to brighten up your day.

Thu 23 Jan / 1pm / Lunchtime Concert Ivan Ilic piano (p.11) Thu 30 Jan / 1pm / Lunchtime Concert Eva Miserska cello / Emma Abbate piano (p.13) Mon 3 Feb / 1pm / Lunchtime Concert Young Artists Showcase (p.16) Thu 6 Feb / 1pm / Lunchtime Concert Mark Bebbington piano (p.16) Sun 9 Feb / 11.30am / Coffee Concert Brahms & Schumann I (p.19) Thu 13 Feb / 1pm / Lunchtime Concert Aiki Mori cello / Asa Mori piano (p.19) Thu 20 Feb / 1pm / Lunchtime Concert AJSW Chamber Music Ensemble (p.21) Sun 23 Feb / 11.30am / Coffee Concert Brahms & Schumann II (p.24) Thu 27 Feb / 1pm / Lunchtime Concert Wye Valley Chamber Music Ensemble (p.25) Thu 6 Mar / 1pm / Lunchtime Concert Piano Duo Festival Piano 4 Hands (p.28) Thu 13 Mar / 1pm / Lunchtime Concert Carducci Quartet (p.30) Thu 20 Mar / 1pm / Lunchtime Concert Danny Driver piano (p.35) Sun 30 Mar /11.30am / Coffee Concert Brahms & Schumann III (p.39) Thu 17 Apr / 1pm / Lunchtime Concert Hall / Ogden Duo (p.44) Thu 8 May / 1pm / Lunchtime Concert Alice Neary cello / Daniel Tong piano (p.48) Thu 15 May / 1pm / Lunchtime Concert Navarra Quartet (p.50) Sun 8 Jun / 11.30am / Coffee Concert Trusler Carroll Wass Trio (p.55) Sun 6 Jul / 11.30am / Coffee Concert Trusler Carroll Wass Trio II (p.59)

Lunchtime Concerts

Tickets £7 (plus fees), Free Under-21s & Jobseekers Buy 4 lunchtime concerts at the same time and get a 5th for free, saving £1.40 per ticket*

CoΩee Concerts

Tickets £10, Free Under-21s & Jobseekers Series Ticket Offer Two concerts for £18 or three for £27, saving £1 per ticket* *Tickets must be booked in one transaction

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

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BEYOND THE BARLINE TALKS

A HISTORY OF BRITISH CHORAL MUSIC

Thursday morning regulars Jonathan James (JJ) and David Bednall (DB) are joined this season by musicologist Tom Williams (TW) for another engaging exploration of the works of major composers.

The English Choral Tradition is one of the glories of music history, and renowned throughout the world. Despite this status, it’s had a colourful history, and more than once has had to fight for its survival. This series looks at some of the key composers and their works against the changing political and historical background, from its earliest days to the present. The tradition is very much a living one in the British Isles so the series includes a look at the work of Scottish Composer James MacMillan.

Thursday mornings 11am – 12.15pm Tickets £8 (plus fees)

TURN-OF-CENTURY FRENCH MUSIC AND IMPRESSIONISM

Thu 13 Mar Early days and the Eton Choir Book (TW)

Turn-of-the-century French music has a very definite fragrance, and this series will pick through the distinctive ingredients of that unmistakably French sound, tracing it from late Romantic flowerings in Fauré, Roussel and Duparc through to those composers inspired by trends in Symbolism and Impressionism, including Debussy and Ravel and their successors. Over the weeks, we will survey the works that best exemplify the suave melodic lines, fluid textures and harmonic innovations of the French sound, from solo vignettes through to large-canvassed visions for orchestra.

Thu 17 Apr The Restoration and Decline (TW)

Thu 20 Mar Elizabethan Glories (TW)

Thu 8 May James MacMillan (JJ) Thu 15 May The Second Renaissance: Parry, Stanford, Elgar and Wood (DB) Thu 22 May New directions, old traditions: Howells, Leighton, and the present day (DB)

Thu 23 Jan French style at the turn of the century and beginnings of Impressionism (JJ) Thu 30 Jan Fauré and Duparc vocal works (DB) Thu 6 Feb Debussy’s instrumental works (JJ) Thu 13 Feb Ravel and Poulenc (JJ) Thu 20 Feb Debussy, Ravel and Poulenc vocal works (DB) Thu 27 Feb The Legacy of Impressionism (JJ) £1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

10 Book now 0845 40 24 001

“ Lawrence Zazzo’s Ottone, sung with beguiling tonal beauty, was a joy throughout.”

January

“ One of the greatest pianists of our time” THE HERALD

OPERA MAGAZINE

LA NUOVA MUSICA

PAUL LEWIS PIANO

Lawrence Zazzo counter-tenor

Bach (Arr. Busoni) – Chorale Prelude ‘Ich ruf’ zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ’ BWV639 Beethoven – Piano Sonata No 13 in E flat Bach (Arr. Busoni) – Chorale Prelude ‘Nun komm’ der Heiden Heiland’ BWV659 Beethoven – Piano Sonata No 14 in C sharp minor, ‘Moonlight’ Liszt – ‘Schlaflos, Frage und Antwort’ S203; ‘Unstern: sinistre, disastro’ S208 Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition

Join us for this special New Year concert as we welcome back the breathtaking Baroque ensemble La Nuova Musica, joined by worldrenowned countertenor Lawrence Zazzo. They ring in the New Year, and our spring season, with a sparkling performance of some of Handel’s most celebrated arias, including Va Tacito from Giulio Cesare, Tanti Affanni from Ottone and Vivi Tiranno from Rodelinda, as well as arias and scenes from Coriolano and Vespasian by Atillo Ariosti, unheard since the 18th century. This brilliantly vivid concert promises to blow away those post-Christmas blues and provide the perfect start to 2014. lanuovamusica.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol

The outstandingly talented pianist Paul Lewis makes a much-awaited return to St George’s following his greatly acclaimed Schubert Piano Series. He strikes out in a new direction with a richly inventive and atmospheric programme that roams from Busoni’s powerful transcriptions of chorale preludes by J S Bach to Beethoven’s fantasy embued Moonlight Sonata and Mussorgsky’s immense showpiece, Pictures at an Exhibition. paullewispiano.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Friday 3 January 7.30pm

Friday 10 January 7.30pm

Tickets £25, £20, £15, £10 (plus fees)

Tickets £28, £24, £17, £13 (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

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January

LUNCHTIME CONCERT

JOE VOLK / OLIVIA CHANEY Singer-songwriter Olivia Chaney is the rising star of the UK’s new-folk scene. Yet to release an album (there’s an EP on Rough Trade), she has collaborated with Alasdair Roberts, Zero 7 and the Unthanks and been tipped as one to watch by Ray Davies and Jarvis Cocker. Her pure voice casts a powerful spell, whether singing her own songs or versions of Joni Mitchell (‘A Case of You’) and Bert Jansch (‘Running From Home’). The show opens with a rare appearance

by Joe Volk, a Bristol troubadour signed to Geoff Barrow’s Invada label who’s now resident in Switzerland.

Joe is also part of the band Crippled Black Phoenix.

His debut solo album was produced by Portishead’s Adrian Utley.

RAISE THE ROOF!

IVAN ILIC PIANO

Join leader David Ogden, members of City of Bristol Choir and fellow fans of musicals and films for an unashamedly indulgent day of singing blockbusting hits from Stage, Screen and Strictly Come Dancing! Now in its fourth successful year, the day culminates in a grand (but very informal) showcase performed by the day’s cast accompanied by a live band.

J S Bach – Preludes & Fugues from the Well Tempered Clavier Books 1 & 2 (selected) Chopin – Etude in E flat minor Op 10 No 6 Satie Sarabande No 1 Scott Wollschleger Music Without Metaphor premiere Cage In a Landscape

Sessions 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm, including performance at 3.15pm davidogden.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Celebrated international pianist Ivan Ilic returns with a beautifully crafted programme including a selection of Bach’s Preludes and Fugues interspersed with modern works of a contemplative nature. ivancdg.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

“A star in the making.”

THE INDEPENDENT

oliviachaney.net joevolk.co.uk

Special OΩer See page 8 for details

Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Saturday 18 January 11am-4pm Thursday 16 January 8pm Tickets £10 (plus fees)

Tickets Singers: £12, £5 (U18s) Audience: £3, Free (U18s) (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

Thursday 23 January 1pm Tickets £7 (plus fees), Free U-21s & Jobseekers

12 Book now 0845 40 24 001

January

THREE CANE WHALE Instrumental trio Three Cane Whale are Bristol’s best kept secret: a unique, unpretentious super-group who combine their talents and multiple sound-sources to produce quietly compelling music that’s fresh, free and as natural as a daisy on the Downs. The secret is also getting out: they’re the most critically acclaimed band to emerge from the city for years, whose two albums have racked up the kind of superlatives most groups can only dream about. This show is opened by TCW’s special guests Telling the Bees, a cult multiinstrumental group whose “darkly crafted folk” has entranced ‘The Wicker Man’ director Robin Hardy. threecanewhale.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Thursday 23 January 2014 8pm Tickets £12 (plus fees)

“ Think of the way light refracts through a raindrop. Intricate, atmospheric and simply beautiful.”

BBC RADIO 2

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

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SOLD OUT

LUNCHTIME CONCERT

JAMES VINCENT MCMORROW

CLIFTON COLLEGE CHAMBER CONCERT

Post Tropical, the beautiful second album from ‘Higher Love’ singer, James Vincent McMorrow, is brought to life at St Georges for one special night.

This concert features the Music Scholars of Clifton College, including Julia Hwang (violin), Lana Trimmer (violin), Aleksandra Wittchen (soprano) and Alex Palotai (keyboard), amongst others.

Piano accompaniment is provided by Mr James Drinkwater and the programme includes works

by Purcell, Handel, Mozart and Elgar.

jamesvmcmorrow.com Promoted by The Fleece

cliftoncollege.com

EVVA MIZERSKA CELLO AND EMMA ABBATE PIANO Beethoven – 7 Variations on Mozart’s Bei Männern, welche Liebe fuhlen from Die Zauberflote Algernon Ashton – Phantasiestücke Prokofiev – Cello Sonata in C Polish cellist Evva Mizerska and Italian pianist Emma Abbate first came together as a duo in 2003 and since then have performed extensively in this country and abroad.

Their delightful programme includes Beethoven’s variations on a theme from Mozart’s The Magic Flute and a rarely-heard gem by Durham-born Algernon Ashton. evvamizerska-cellist.co.uk emmaabbate.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Special OΩer See page 8 for details

Saturday 25 January 7.30pm

Wednesday 29 January 7.30pm

Tickets Sold out

Tickets £5 (£3) (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

Thursday 30 January 1pm Tickets £7 (plus fees), Free U21s & Jobseekers

14 Book now 0845 40 24 001

ELIAS STRING QUARTET BEETHOVEN STRING QUARTET CYCLE V Beethoven – String Quartet in C minor Op 18 No 4 – String Quartet in E flat Op 74 ‘The Harp’ – String Quartet in B flat Op 130 – String Quartet in B flat Op 133 ‘Grosse Fuge’ This thrilling young quartet continues its journey through Beethoven’s masterful string quartets, with its penultimate concert taking in a further four examples of the composer’s great works. Beethoven’s Tenth Quartet ‘The Harp’, so called for its busy pizzicato sections and his late ‘Grosse Fuge’ are sure to be highlights. The latter piece is notable for being the composer’s original finale to the String Quartet in B flat Op 130, removed due to its complexity and the negative reaction of audiences at the time. Suffice to say the single movement work is now considered one of Beethoven's greatest achievements.

See page 39 for details of the Elias’ final series concert. thebeethovenproject.com eliasstringquartet.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

January / February

BRANDON HILL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA ‘QUINTESSENTIALLY ENGLISH’ Ewa Strusińska conductor Thomas Bowes violin Walton – Crown Imperial Britten – Violin Concerto Vaughan Williams – A London Symphony Ewa Strusińska returns to conduct a programme which starts with Walton’s rousing Crown Imperial march. Britten’s Violin Concerto is performed by Thomas Bowes whose musical talents include leading the orchestra for the recent James Bond movie Skyfall, and a Bach pilgrimage which saw him perform solo Bach in 50 churches over 2 months. A London Symphony was, by his own admission, Vaughan Williams’ favourite and portrays the sounds and senses of London, including the Westminster chimes.

“What is so impressive about Bowes as a soloist is not just his technical assurance, his flawless intonation over the widest range, tonal and dynamic, but his natural feeling for warmly romantic expressiveness…”

GRAMOPHONE MAGAZINE

Pre concert talk at 7pm by Thomas Bowes

Special OΩer A top price ticket for the two Elias concerts for £35, saving £2.50 per ticket.

Friday 31 January 7.30pm

bhco.co.uk

Earlybird OΩer 10% off if you book before 31 December

Tickets £20, £13 (plus fees)

Saturday 1st February 7.45pm

Tickets £15 (£14), £13 (£12), £1 (U18s/Students) (plus fees)

Free Tickets For 8-25 yr olds — Quote Cavatina

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

15 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk February

“ Led by effervescent showman (and member of the Afro-Celts) Johnny Kalsi, this collective have become a staple diet for audiences around the world.”

THE INDEPENDENT

DHOL FOUNDATION After storming performances at just about every festival stage in the country as well as the London 2012 Closing Ceremony last August and The Royal Variety Performance, the massed Punjabi drums of the UK’s finest rhythm machine return to shake the glass out of St George’s windows!

A mighty Bhangra-style rhythm explosion of drum and bass, tabla and hip-hop (with a Celtic twist), Johnny Kalsi’s Dhol Foundation release a powerful drumming and dancing spectacular: jumping beats fused with super cool style. dholfoundation.com Promoted by Asian Arts Agency in association with St George’s Bristol

Sunday 2 February 4pm Tickets £18, £14, £10 (U18s) (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

16 Book now 0845 40 24 001

LUNCHTIME CONCERT

YOUNG ARTIST SHOWCASE Featuring young musicians from Bristol Cathedral Choir School and Churchill Academy We are delighted to welcome top young performers from these two outstandingly musical schools. This annual showcase event includes prize-winners of the annual Churchill Young Musician of the Year competition, supported by Churchill Music!

Come and support the musicians of the future.

Promoted by St George’s Bristol Education

February

FESTIVAL OF IDEAS

ALAIN DE BOTTON THE NEWS: A USER’S MANUAL What is it we are looking for when we watch and read the news and is it doing us any good? Over the last 10 years the information available to us has exploded.

Bombarded with stories, updates, and media of all sorts we continue to seek out the ‘news’. We invest it with an authority and importance in our lives which used to be the preserve of religion and yet, de Botton claims, it leaves us feeling stupid, confused and powerless. In his new book The News: a User’s Manual and this talk, de Botton looks at the place the news occupies in our lives. Mixing current affairs with philosophical reflections, this is an essential session for those interested in traditional news media and the impact of false reporting on social media: you’ll never look at reports of a celebrity story or political scandal in the same way again. ideasfestival.org

Monday 3 February 1pm Tickets Free Admission. Retiring collection for St George’s Education Programme

Promoted by Bristol Festival of Ideas in association with St George’s Bristol

Wednesday 5 February 6.30pm Tickets £8 (£7) (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

LUNCHTIME CONCERT

MARK BEBBINGTON PIANO Haydn – Sonata in G Hob XVI:40 Beethoven – Piano Sonata No 23 in F minor ‘’Appassionata’’ Chopin – Nocturne in F Op 15 No 2 Chopin – Scherzo No 2 in B flat minor Op 31 British pianist Mark Bebbington has recorded extensively for SOMM ‘New Horizons’ label to unanimous critical acclaim. Today he performs a traditional programme featuring one of the most compelling and significant of Beethoven’s piano sonatas, the ‘Appassionata’, alongside two of Chopin’s most popular works for the instrument. markbebbington.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Special OΩer See page 8 for details

Thursday 6 February 1pm Tickets £7 (plus fees), Free U-21s & Jobseekers

17 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk February

“Wonderful.”

SUNDAY TIMES

SOLD OUT

BILL CALLAHAN Ol’ man Eagle is back, floatin’ apocalyptically on a Whaleheart down the Dream River. Eight gentle percolations fire the pressure-cooker of life, dialling us into the Callahanian mind-and soul-set. Deep like aqua, soulful like man and animal alike. This hotly anticipated UK tour sees Callahan, who recorded and performed with the band ‘Smog’, present tunes from his latest and highly acclaimed album. dragcity.com/billcallahan Promoted by DHP Concerts

POLICE DOG HOGAN Festival favourites Police Dog Hogan are a seven-piece Americana and country harmony band from London whose witty songs combine classic tales of lonesome travelling with fateful meditations on failed backyard barbecues and, as one of their numbers goes, ‘Shitty White Wine’. Perhaps best known through numerous mordant references in the Weekend Guardian columns of their banjo player and co-vocalist Tim Dowling, Police Dog Hogan are both very funny and very good, with fine bluegrass picking and authentically grizzled vocals serving the purpose of serious yee-haw fun. Their album, ‘From the Land of Miracles’, was produced by Eliot James (Kaiser Chiefs, Bloc Party, Noah and the Whale), and their merchandise includes very collectable tea-towels. policedoghogan.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Thursday 6 February 7.30pm

Friday 7 February 8pm

Tickets Sold out

Tickets £15 (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

18 Book now 0845 40 24 001

A SENSE OF THE DIVINE — MUSIC OF THE SPHERES

February

“ Exultate produced a purity of sound worthy of King’s College, Cambridge.”

THE GUARDIAN

Exultate Singers David Ogden conductor Catherine Black violin Hildegard of Bingen – O viridissima virga Josquin des Pres – Qui habitat in adjutorio altissimi a 24 Robert Ramsey – Sleep fleshly birth Ligeti – Lux aeterna Vaughan Williams – Serenade to Music Steve Martland – Skywalk Herbert Howells – King David David Ogden – An Astronaut’s Prayer Lauridsen – Sure on this shining night This year’s Sense of the Divine concert is out of this world! Singing music spanning 1000 years, Exultate Singers perform choral works inspired by the universe, the moon, planets and stars.

The centrepiece is the Bristol premiere of Lux aeterna by Ligeti written for Stanley Kubrick’s iconic film 2001: A Space Odyssey and Vaughan Williams’ wonderful setting of Shakespeare’s words in Serenade to Music, marking the 450th anniversary of the playwright’s birth.

To accompany the wonderfully atmospheric and mesmerizing music, the travelling Planetarium from the Explorer Dome projects breathtaking images of the night sky onto the ceiling and balconies of St George’s. Don’t miss this truly cosmic experience. exultatesingers.org Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Saturday 8 February 7.30pm Tickets £22, £19, £13 (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

Image: Courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech

19 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

February

COFFEE CONCERT

BRAHMS AND SCHUMANN I Robert Plane clarinet Alice Neary cello Daniel Tong piano Schumann – Fünf Stücke (cello & piano) Schumann – Fantasiestücke (clarinet & piano) Brahms – Clarinet Trio In this series of three spring coffee concerts, each featuring introductions to the music and its historical context, Daniel Tong is joined by fellow leading chamber musicians to explore the Brahms-Schumann connection through a selection of some of their greatest chamber works.

LUNCHTIME CONCERT

OUT THERE MUSIC WINTER CONCERT 2014

AIKI MORI CELLO & ASA MORI PIANO

Out There Choir & Orchestra Tom Jones director

Chopin – Introduction and Polonaise brillante in C Beethoven – 12 variations on the theme “Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen” from Mozart’s opera “The Magic Flute” Franck – Sonata for Cello and Piano in A

Out There Music’s winter concert is a celebration of this popular community music organisation’s year, including performances from their chamber choir, community choir, orchestra, trumpets and children’s choir, culminating in a joyful massed performance by all the groups. In aid of ‘Changing Tunes’. outtheremusic.net changingtunes.org.uk

The young and talented Japanese ‘sister duo’ Aiki and Asa Mori present a thrilling programme featuring one of Franck’s best-known works, the radiant A major Cello Sonata. ajsw.org.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol in association with the Anglo-Japanese Society of Wessex

danieltong.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

This concert is being recorded for transmission

Special OΩer See page 8 for details

Special OΩer See page 8 for details

Sunday 9 February 11.30am Tickets £10 (plus fees) Free Coffee with every ticket

Free Tickets For 8-25 yr olds — Quote Cavatina

Sunday 9th February 7.30pm Tickets £8 (£5) (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

Thursday 13 February 1pm Tickets £7 (plus fees), Free U-21s & Jobseekers

20 Book now 0845 40 24 001

“ A dazzling burst of star power” THE TIMES

AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH RUTHIE HENSHALL The divine Miss Henshall — one of the greatest stars of modern musical theatre - takes you on a musical journey through the stages of her extraordinary career, from Lionel Bart to ‘Les Mis’, and from ‘Chicago’ on Broadway to an Olivier Award in London. It’s a very personal show, with Ruthie telling her story through her own words and the music that means the most to her, singing favourite numbers from musicals and the Great American Songbook alongside the contemporary pop songs that continue to move her. In the intimate, bare-bones setting of St George’s, with Ruthie accompanied only by her expert piano trio, this is going to be very special. ruthiehenshall.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Thursday 13 February 8pm Tickets £25, £20, £15 (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

February

21 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk February

EDUARDO NIEBLA FLAMENCO JAZZ VIRTUOSO Eduardo Niebla guitar / composer Matthew Robinson guitar accompaniment

SONGS & MUSIC OF JOHN DOWNLAND Fretwork with Ian Bostridge tenor Elizabeth Kenny lute Prepare for tears to flow as this dream team of viol ensemble Fretwork, tenor Ian Bostridge and lutenist Elizabeth Kenny explore the sweet agonies and dark passions of songs and instrumental works by John Dowland — music recently brought to the attention of a wider public through Sting’s luteaccompanied recordings and hailing of him as a ‘musician for our times’. Ian Bostridge makes the simplicity and emotional directness of these songs his own, matching their plaintive, melancholic nature with an unerringly expressive and intimate vocal quality. Ravishing.

Hailed by the Guardian for his 'exquisite guitar' playing, Eduardo Niebla appears with his internationally acclaimed guitar duo to present an amazing repertoire of 'stunning flamenco jazz' (The Sound) from his latest albums. Continually seeking out new musical terrain, Niebla has traversed the worlds of classical, jazz, pop & world music, collaborating with such diverse partners as sitar maestro Nishat Khan, George Michael, Lol Coxhill and the Dante String Quartet.

A spellbinding evening of passion, verve and fleet fingered virtuosity from one of the most potent forces in flamenco jazz fusion.

“Poignantly poetic... and truly breathtaking.”

SCOTSMAN

eduardoniebla.com

Please check our website for a full programme listing for this concert. fretwork.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Friday 14 February 7.30pm Tickets £25, £20, £15 (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

Saturday 15 February 7.30pm Tickets £16, £10 (Students and U18s) (plus fees)

22 Book now 0845 40 24 001

February

LUNCHTIME CONCERT

ROYAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC SOLOISTS ENSEMBLE

AJSW CHAMBER MUSIC ENSEMBLE

Trevor Pinnock conductor Katie Bray mezzo-soprano

Mozart – Eine Kleine Nachtmusik Vivaldi – Allegro from ‘Spring’, The Four Seasons JS Bach – Arioso (arr. Sayaka Yanagida) GP Telemann – Concerto No 1 in G for 4 violins Shimanuki – World Première for string ensemble Borodin – Notturno Tchaikovsky – Waltz from ‘Serenade for Strings’

Wagner – Siegfried Idyll Mahler arr. Schoenberg – Lieder eines fahrenden gesellen Zemlinksy arr. Austin – 6 Gesänge Op 13 Busoni arr. Stein – Berceuse élégiaque The Royal Academy of Music has become a household name, training the musicians who go on to become the stars of tomorrow.

Trevor Pinnock is a regular collaborator with The Royal Academy of Music Soloists Ensemble and tonight he conducts them in a series of revealing chamber arrangements of well known pieces. The programme includes Wagner’s lovely, meandering Siegfied Idyll and Schoenberg’s wonderfully atmospheric reductions of Mahler’s ‘Wayfarer Songs’, elegies of lost innocence. This concert precedes a 3 day recording of these works at St George’s for Linn Records and runs for 70 minutes without interval.

Jung Yoon Cho director

This young 9-piece international ensemble, brought together under the auspices of the Anglo Japanese Society of Wessex, performs a delightful selection of classic works for strings, with a world première in the mix! ajsw.org.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol in association with the AngloJapanese Society of Wessex

ram.ac.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol Supported by The Carr-Gregory Trust

Special OΩer See page 8 for details

Sunday 16 February 6pm

Thursday 20 February 1pm

Tickets £15, £10 (Students / U18s) (plus fees)

Tickets £7 (plus fees), Free U-21s & Jobseekers

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

23 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

February

HALF TERM

WILD WORDS THE PIPER

LATE NIGHT BALTIC ELEGIES

Michael Loader storyteller James Watts reeds, pipes & flutes Xeena Cooper artist

Bristol Ensemble Choir of Royal Holloway Rupert Gough choir director Roger Huckle leader

The Mayor of Hamelin has a problem, a BIG PROBLEM! So who’s he gonna call...

Ratbusters!?

A stranger appears with a coat “half of yellow and half of red” and quotes a thousand to rid the town of rats. Jump on board the rat-mobile to meet German folk, a “tribe of alien people” in Transylvania, as well as the Cham of Tartary and the Nizam of Asia.

A vivid re-telling of the Pied Piper with storytelling and music, song and drama, participation and words from Robert Browning’s famous poem.

Perfect for 6-10 year olds (60 minutes) Promoted by St George’s Bristol Education

Peteris Vasks – Dona nobis pacem Arvo Pärt – Magnificat; Silouans Song; The Deer’s Cry; Spiegel im Spiegel Tõnu Kõrvits – The Night is Darkening; Elegie of Thule Enter the stillness and contemplative atmosphere of St George’s for a series of elegies that capture the intoxicating and spiritual soundscapes of Baltic composers Arvo Pärt, Peteris Vasks and Tonu Korvits. From the opening Give us Peace chants of Vasks, music he thought of as food for the soul, through to the mesmeric tranquility of Arvo Pärts Spiegel im Spiegel (Mirrors in the mirror), this is music that lulls and lingers in the memory.

This concert runs without interval. The bar is open from 7pm to 11pm. bristolensemble.com / chapelchoir.co.uk

1pm Pre-concert Playshop Make your own rat mask to wear in the show and learn a song (45 minutes)

Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Earlybird Offer £10 tickets available before Tuesday 31 December

Friday 21 February 2pm

Friday 21 February 8.30pm

Tickets £6 (plus fees), Family Ticket available

Tickets £12 (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

24 Book now 0845 40 24 001

February

After Hours in The Crypt COFFEE CONCERT

BRAHMS AND SCHUMANN II

Nick Malcolm & Corey Mwamba.

10.30pm, Entry £3, Free to Christian Wallumrød ticket holders

Esther Hoppe violin Daniel Tong piano Schumann – Sonata in A minor Brahms – Sonata in G major Brahms was introduced to Schumann whilst still a young man and they were destined to play a major role in each other’s lives. In this second of three spring coffee concerts, each featuring spoken introductions to the music and its historical context, Daniel Tong is joined by violinist Esther Hoppe to explore the Brahms-Schumann connection through two of their masterpieces for violin and piano. danieltong.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Special OΩer See page 8 for details

SCENE NORWAY PLUS

CHRISTIAN WALLUMRØD ENSEMBLE Norwegian composer and pianist Christian Wallumrød presents his latest ensemble in a UK première performance including music from his acclaimed new ECM album, 'Outstairs'. Now recognised as one of the leading figures in new European music, Wallumrød draws from renaissance composers, church and folk music, free jazz and John Cage to create intricately textured, often daringly quiet pieces where the interplay between what is written and what is improvised is paramount. This all-acoustic show will also respond to St George's particular sonic character, 'playing' the building. Part of Bristol New Music 2014.

At 6.15pm, there will be a pre-concert talk (free to ticket holders), with Christian in conversation with Late Junction’s Fiona Talkington, presented as part of our new ‘Scene Norway Plus’ programme. christianwallumrod.com

Sunday 23 February 11.30am Tickets £10 (plus fees), Free U-21s & Jobseekers, Free Coffee with every ticket

Free Tickets For 8-25 yr olds — Quote Cavatina

Promoted by St George’s Bristol in association with Bristol New Music

Sunday 23 February 7.30pm Tickets £16 (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

25 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

February

LUNCHTIME CONCERT

WYE VALLEY CHAMBER MUSIC ENSEMBLE

JOHN RENBOURN & WIZZ JONES

Florence Cooke violin Tom Hankey viola Alice Neary cello Daniel Tong piano

From Beatnik busking on the road to St Ives to genre-busting mix-ups with skiffle, jazz and the ancestors of freaky folk, guitarists John Renbourn and Wizz Jones have helped to define the sound of British acoustic music for half a century. With Pentangle and Ship of Fools, in duo with Bert Jansch, and in a long solo career of continuous invention, Renbourn has become perhaps the most distinctive fingerstyle player of them all. Wizz Jones is slightly less famous, but can count Bruce Springsteen among his fans. We know we had them last year but it was so good we can’t resist presenting them again. Wizz opens the show, and they play both separately and together.

Mozart – 3 Adagios and Fugues after Bach for string trio K404a – Fantasy in C minor for piano K475 – Piano Quartet in G minor K478 A stellar line-up of artists, all regular performance guests at the Wye Valley Chamber Music Festival, presents a lunchtime Mozart treat culminating in one of the first true masterpieces for the piano quartet genre.

Promoted by St George’s Bristol in association with the Wye Valley Chamber Music Festival

john-renbourn.com / wizzjones.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Special OΩer See page 8 for details

Thursday 27 February 1pm

Thursday 27 February 8pm

Tickets £7 (plus fees)

Tickets £16 (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

26 Book now 0845 40 24 001

“ She is an outstanding artist, one of the finest pianists now playing.”

DAILY TELEGRAPH

February

IMOGEN COOPER PIANO Schumann – Romance in F sharp Op 28/2 Clara Wieck – Romance in B minor No 3; Scène fantastique: Le Ballet de revenants No 4 (both from Quatre Pièces caractéristiques) Schumann – Humoresque Op 20 Brahms – Variations from String sextet Op 18 Schubert – Sonata in B flat D960 Imogen Cooper is a pianist of great virtuosity and poetic poise who dazzles audiences with her remarkable performances and is renowned for her interpretations of, and close affinity with, the music of Schumann and Schubert.

This programme provides ample opportunity to encounter both, not least Schubert’s final great sonata, as well as shining a light on the emotional bonds between Robert Schumann, Brahms and Clara Wieck who was to become the future wife of Robert Schumann. imogen-cooper.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Friday 28 February 7.30pm Tickets £28, £21, £15 (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

27 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk March

BRISTOL UNIVERSITY MUSIC SOCIETY CHAMBER CHOIR & CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Ben Westerman chamber choir conductor Adam Berman chamber orchestra conductor Mendelssohn – Verleih Uns Frieden Mendelssohn – Christe, du Lamm Gottes Fauré – Requiem The Chamber Choir and Chamber Orchestra of the Bristol University Music Society return to St George’s for their annual concert, which promises to be a memorable display of the University’s brightest musical talent. bumsonline.org.uk

MINIBEATS WONDERFUL WOODWINDS! Bristol Ensemble Winds Laura Tanner presenter 1. T ake a handful of human beings 2. Add some hollow sticks of tropical wood 3. Stir in a pinch of the Giant Cane ‘Arundo Donax’ …and what do you get?

Why the recipe for some of the most amazing musical instruments ever invented of course!

Join the Principal Winds of the Bristol Ensemble and presenter Laura Tanner as they explore the amazing world of the Wonderful Woodwinds!

10am Great for kids aged 3-5 11.15am Great for kids aged 5-8 Promoted by St George’s Bristol Education

OYSTERBAND Oysterband emerge from their hugely successful collaboration with June Tabor and take to the road with their multi-award winning Ragged Kingdom; a brand new album of original songs full of big, open melodies and uplifting, insightful lyrics and take to the road. Their new momentum is driven by core members John Jones, Alan Prosser, Ian Telfer and Dil Davies, with the chemistry at the heart of the band as vital as ever, and augmented by the bass playing of Al Scott, their producer, the cello of Adrian Oxaal and the emotional singing of Rowan Gödel. Ever close to the tradition, Oysterband have rediscovered their song-writing roots and, following a superb run of festivals in 2013, their passion for live performances.

Consistently creative, Oysterband continue to re-define their particular brand of Folk-rock. One of the great live UK bands returns to St George's returns with a classic mix of old and new songs. oysterband.co.uk Promoted by The Fleece

Saturday 1 March 7.30pm

Sunday 2 March 10am & 11.15am

Tickets £13 (£11), £11 (£9), £9 (£7), £7 (£5) (plus fees)

Tickets £6 (plus fees), Family Ticket available

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

Tuesday 4 March 7.30pm Tickets £20 (plus fees)

28 Book now 0845 40 24 001

2014 BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL PIANO DUO FESTIVAL St George’s is pleased to be hosting the return of the Bristol International Piano Duo Festival, a two day celebration of mesmerising music for four hands, curated

by Joseph Tong & Waka Hasegawa (aka Piano 4 Hands).

This is all about pianists and pianos in perfect harmony.

Promoted by St George’s Bristol

March

Special OΩer Festival Passes available at £18, £28 and £34

LUNCHTIME CONCERT PIANO DUO FESTIVAL

PIANO 4 HANDS Joseph Tong & Waka Hasagawa pianos Debussy – Two Nocturnes (arr Ravel) Debussy – En blanc et noir Britten – Introduction and Rondo alla Burlesca Dai Fujikura – Three Miniatures for 2 Pianos Chopin – Rondo in C major Joseph Tong and Waka Hasagawa join our lunchtime series as part of the 2014 Bristol International Piano Duo Festival. Their programme includes Dai Fujikura’s newly and delicately penned ‘Miniatures’, and Debussy’s brilliantly vibrant ‘En blanc et noir’.

Festival Introduction: 11am Join Joseph Tong and Waka Hasagawa ahead of their lunchtime concert for an hour of musical demonstrations and excerpts for duet and two pianos, comparing the two genres and exploring what makes the repertoire (traditional and modern) so rewarding and enriching. Tickets £5 (plus fees) piano4hands.com

Piano Duo Festival Lunchtime Concert II: Bobby Chen & Douglas Finch, at the Victoria Rooms (University of Bristol), Fri 7 Mar, 1pm.

See website for details.

Ticket Offer Talk and Concert for £12 Thursday 6 March 1pm Tickets £7 (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

29 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk March

PIANO DUO FESTIVAL

PIANO DUO FESTIVAL

JASON REBELLO & IVO NEAME

MARTIN ROSCOE & KATHRYN STOTT

For this first evening concert in the festival we turn to two of the finest jazz pianists currently doing the rounds. The award-winning Jason Rebello continues to excite jazz fans around the world with his solo work, not to mention collaborations with the likes of Jeff Beck and Sting, while Ivo Neame, no stranger to St George’s audiences, continues to form a large following thanks to his appearances with Phronesis, Kairos 4Tet and Dave Stapleton.

Martin Roscoe piano Kathryn Stott piano

jasonrebello.co.uk ivoneame.co.uk

Mozart – Sonata K448 Brahms – St Anthony Chorale Variations Debussy – Prelude à l’Aprés-midi d’un Faune Rachmaninoff – Suite No 2 Op 17 The climax of this year’s Piano Duo Festival brings together two of the country’s most versatile and in-demand pianists, Martin Roscoe and Kathryn Stott, who present a selection of gorgeous classics written for piano duo. From Rachmaninoff to Mozart, via Debussy and Brahms, this promises to be an enchanting evening of popular piano works. kathrynstott.com martinroscoe.co.uk

Friday 7 March 7.30pm Thursday 6 March 7.30pm

Tickets £20, £13 (plus fees)

Tickets £15 (plus fees)

Free Tickets For 8-25 yr olds — Quote Cavatina

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

30 Book now 0845 40 24 001

BRISTOL METROPOLITAN ORCHESTRA William Goodchild conductor Charles Mutter violin Tchaikovsky – Overture Fantasy Romeo and Juliet Korngold – Violin Concerto in D Dvořák – Symphony No 8 in G Charles Mutter, Associate Leader of the BBC Concert Orchestra, performs Korngold’s delightfully romantic violin concerto, full of enchanting beauty and exciting virtuosity. The composer’s 1930s Hollywood film music provides many of the expressive melodies.

Tchaikovsky’s musical tale of “Romeo and Juliet” and Dvořák’s cheerfully lyrical Eighth Symphony, inspired

by Bohemian folk music, complete this wonderful programme.

March

BRISTOL SUZUKI GROUP CONCERT Children learning music with the Suzuki Method perform solos and in groups on piano, violin, flute and cello.

The programme includes a wide range of music and ends with the traditional rendition of the variations on Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

The concert shows off the remarkable achievements of children brought up with this approach to learning music. bristolsuzukigroup.org.uk

JUAN MARTÍN FLAMENCO DANCE ENSEMBLE A truly awe-inspiring guitarist, composer and musician, Juan Martin returns to St Georges with a programme including artists direct from Spain. This show brings together the cream of Spain’s dancers (The Times) with the intensity and emotion of one of the world’s finest guitarists. “ Juan Martin reminded us of the power and beauty of flamenco pure and simple.”

THE INDEPENDENT

flamencovision.com

bristolmetropolitan orchestra.com

Saturday 8 March 7.30pm Tickets £14 (£12), £10 (£8), £8 (£6) (plus fees)

Sunday 9 March 3pm

Tuesday 11 March 7.30pm

Tickets £7.50 (£5) (plus fees)

Tickets £20 (£18), £16 (£15) (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

31 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk March

LUNCHTIME CONCERT

COLSTON’S GIRLS’ SCHOOL SPRING CONCERT A wonderful variety of music from school choirs, ensembles, bands and soloists, including works by Pergolesi, Holst, Gershwin and more. Conducted by Ben England, Nicky Barnes, Ross Cordrey, Christine Johnstone and Lynne McCabe.

CARDUCCI QUARTET Mozart – String Quartet in E flat K428 Ravel – String Quartet in F The highly celebrated Carducci Quartet makes a welcome return to St George’s for a programme featuring Ravel’s beautifully crafted string quartet. “ …playing of constant variety, a masterclass in unanimity of musical purpose.”

THE STRAD

carducciquartet.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

colstonsgirls.bristol.sch.uk

Special OΩer See page 8 for details

Wednesday 12 March 7pm

Thursday 13 March 1pm

Tickets £5 (£3) (plus fees)

Tickets £7 (plus fees), Free U-21s & Jobseekers

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

32 Book now 0845 40 24 001

March

TORD GUSTAVSEN ENSEMBLE The meditative yet gently lilting music of Tord Gustavsen — first with his trio, and then with the ensemble’s quartet — continues to touch people in a very profound way, achieving depths of meaning that are the preserve of only a very few artists in any genre. Played quietly, without amplification, it has also found a perfect home at St George’s, whose fifth Gustavsen performance this will be.

Tonight, the material comes mainly from the composer and pianist’s latest ECM album, which he sees as the completion of two trilogies (the three recordings of the trio followed by three with the ensemble), and in which he returns, he says, to “the almost minimalistic simplicity and striking NordicCaribbean-Gospel-Impressionist-Bluesy touch that so many people came to love in the debut album.” Tore Brunborg plays saxophones, Mats Eilertsen, double bass, and Jarle Vespestad, drums. tordgustavsen.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Thursday 13 March 8pm Tickets £20 (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

SCENE NORWAY PLUS

33 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

“ Edgy, adventurous, elite… the future of music.”

EVENING STANDARD

AURORA ORCHESTRA KLEZMAHLER Nicholas Collon conductor Aurora Orchestra She’Koyokh guest band Including Mahler – Symphony No 1 (arr. Iain Farrington) + Klezmer and other folk repertoire What happens when you combine the UK’s most dynamic and innovative chamber orchestra with a group hailed by Songlines as Britain’s best Klezmer and Balkan music band? Come and find out as Aurora Orchestra meets She’Koyokh for a unique collaboration. Mahler’s monumental Symphony No 1 (in a new arrangement for chamber orchestra by Iain Farrington) is paired with klezmer and eastern European folk music in new orchestral versions, for a project inspired by Mahler’s own love of folk music and its prominence in his First Symphony.

This is great music, brilliantly performed – the perfect way to launch St George’s new residency with a young orchestra whose potential knows no bounds. auroraorchestra.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol Supported by Orchestras Live

Friday 14 March 7.30pm Tickets £20, £15 (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

March

Earlybird OΩer 10% oΩ if you book before 31 December

34 Book now 0845 40 24 001

BRISTOL CONCERT ORCHESTRA WITH JULIA HWANG VIOLIN Stefan Hofkes conductor Julia Hwang violin R Strauss – Don Juan Bruch – Violin Concerto No 1 in G minor Schubert – Symphony No 8 in B minor “Unfinished” J Strauss – Frühlingsstimmen (Voices of Spring) Richard Strauss’ Don Juan dramatically exposes the famed lover's journey of flirtations and affairs that ultimately end in a death duel!

Bruch's Violin Concerto No 1 is loved worldwide and the incredibly talented Julia Hwang is set to enchant us with its beautiful melodies. The “Unfinished” Symphony by Schubert comprises two sublime movements and the mystery of why Schubert didn’t complete this wonderful work has never been solved. The concert concludes with some Viennese spring joy in the shape of Johann Strauss’ delightful Voices of Spring.

March

BARRY HUMPHRIES COMEDY LEGEND Global star and legendary entertainer Barry Humphries will be in conversation with actor, comedian and satirist Marcus Brigstocke, picking memorable stories from a comedy career that has spanned over five decades and created many of comedy’s most famous characters including Dame Edna Everage and cultural attaché Sir Les Patterson. Their chat is illustrated with excerpts from Barry’s extensive, film and TV career and Barry will be presented onstage with the second Comedy Legend Award© given annually by Slapstick Festival and Aardman Animations.

A Slapstick Festival special production in collaboration with Aardman Animations slapstick.org.uk

bco.myby.co.uk Saturday 15 March 7.30pm Tickets £15 (£13), £13 (£11), £10 (£8), £8 (£6), £1 (U18s) (plus fees)

Monday 17 March 7.30pm Tickets £22, £15

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

35 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

March

LUNCHTIME CONCERT

DANNY DRIVER PIANO W F Bach – Polonaise in F minor J S Bach – Prélude and Fugue No 14 in F sharp minor (Well-tempered Clavier, Book 2) C P E Bach – Sonata in F sharp minor H37 Ligeti – Étude No 11 En Suspens Beethoven – Sonata in A Op 101

SOUL GLOBAL

BASSEKOU KOUYATE & NGONI BA

Internationally renowned pianist Danny Driver features music by JS Bach and two of his sons Wilhelm Friedemann and Carl Philipp Emanuel, Gyorgy Ligeti’s ‘Etudes’ have become one of the most significant sets of piano studies of the 20th century and they prepare the ground for one of Beethoven's best loved sonatas. dannydriver.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

If you can imagine the Ike and Tina Turner Soul Revue as a familyband from Mali, with calabash percussion supplying a backbeat to the multiple axe-attack of several ngoni — the traditional west African lute that, though amplification and effects, Kouyate and his sons make into a powerful ancestor to the electric guitar — you’re halfway to understanding the appeal of this fabulous group.

A former collaborator with Toumani Diabate, Ali Farka Toure and Taj Mahal, who also played alongside Sir Paul McCartney and Damon Albarn on last year’s Africa Express tour, Kouyate is a kind of Paganini-genius from whose fingers music flows like water.

The funky wailing vocals of Amy Sacko, Bassekou’s wife, are more than a match for Tina, too. The band’s latest album was produced

by Howard Bilerman, famed for his work with Arcade Fire. bassekoukouyate.com

Special OΩer See page 8 for details

Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Tuesday 18 March 8pm Tickets £18 (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

Thursday 20 March 1pm Tickets £7 (plus fees), Free U-21s & Jobseekers

36 Book now 0845 40 24 001

March

After Hours in The Crypt…

The George Cooper Trio. 10.30pm, Entry £3, Free to Gregory Porter ticket holders

SOUL GLOBAL

GREGORY PORTER

THE VISION

The deep, honeyed tones and passionate delivery of soul-jazz vocalist and songwriter Gregory Porter have made him the biggest new name on the international scene. Already a UK star through sell-out performances at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, and appearances with Jamie Cullum and Jools Holland, California-born Porter combines a peerless vocal technique with sharp, socially conscious lyrics and a sure sense of swing to create thrilling, and often intensely moving, music that satisfies head, heart and furiously tapping feet. Now signed to Blue Note for his latest (and third) album, ‘Liquid Spirit’, Gregory Porter makes his long-awaited Bristol debut with his full US band: Chip Crawford plays piano; Emanuel Harrold, drums; Aaron James, bass, and Yosuke Sato and Tivon Pennicott, saxes.

Andy Rouse host Alex Mustard, Bertie Gregory & Peter Cairns speakers

gregoryporter.com

An evening of spellbinding imagery, music and personal anecdotes from 2020VISION, the UK’s most ambitious conservation photography project… ever! Some of the UK’s top nature photographers present a fascinating insight into the ethos behind 2020VISION and showcase some of the very best wildlife and landscapes the UK has to offer.

“2020VISION not only allows us to celebrate the UK’s natural riches but also gives us an insight into emerging perspectives, fresh ambitions and real hope for the future.”

CHRIS PACKHAM

2020v.org

Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Thursday 20 March 8pm

Monday 24 March 7.30pm

Tickets £24 (plus fees)

Tickets £10 (£8) (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

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March

“ Scene stealers!”

THE OBSERVER

SOUL GLOBAL

BRISTOL GRAMMAR SCHOOL END OF TERM CONCERT The end of term concert from Bristol Grammar School is much anticipated by performers and audience alike. Featuring the best of the school’s musical talent in an array of ensembles, it promises as always to be a superb evening. bristolgrammarschool.co.uk

SALSA CELTICA Scotland’s Salsa Celtica are a great party band who’ve entertained 40,000 revellers at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and toured Cuba and the Latin barrios of New York and L.A, where they stunned listeners with the power and authenticity of their sound. First formed in 1995 to give Afro-Cuban grooves the feel and instrumentation (including bagpipes and banjo) of a newly resurgent Scottish folk, Salsa Celtica are now a ferociously funky little big band. No pale, jokey imitation of frilly-shirted exotica, they truly rock the joint. salsaceltica.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Wednesday 26 March 7.30pm

Thursday 27 March 8pm

Tickets £7 (£5) (plus fees)

Tickets £16 (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

38 Book now 0845 40 24 001

MICHAEL MORPURGO WAR HORSE: ONLY REMEMBERED With Barry Coope & John Tams musicians Author Michael Morpurgo tells the powerful and deeply-moving story of young Albert and his beloved horse Joey. Seen through the eyes of Joey, who witnesses the pity of war on both sides of the trenches as he moves from life on a farm in peaceful Devon to the devastation of the Western Front in the First World War. Michael is joined by acclaimed musicians John Tams and Barry Coope, who accompany him with the rousing yet haunting songs specially composed by John Tams for the National Theatre’s award-winning production of War Horse.

Running Time 75 mins approx. michaelmorpurgo.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

March

SPLENDOURS OF VENICE Exultate Singers His Majesty’s Sagbutts & Cornetts David Ogden conductor Giovanni Gabrieli – O magnum mysterium; Deus, Deus meus a 12; Magnificat a 33; Buccinate Andrea Gabrieli – Vieni, vieni Claudio Monteverdi – Beatus Vir; Gloria Gioseffo Guami – Motets (UK premiere) Hans Hassler – Duo seraphim; Cantate Domino Bristol’s accomplished chamber choir Exultate Singers is joined by one of the world’s leading period instrument ensembles for this concert of music originally written for St Mark’s Venice, including newly-edited motets by the 17th century composer Gioseffo Guami, whose music has never been heard before in the UK. Experience the grandeur, opulence and drama of the wonderful multi-choir motets of Gabrieli, Monteverdi, and Hassler as the sound reverberates around the hall and balconies of St George’s. exulatatesingers.org / hmsc.co.uk

Friday 28 March 7.30pm Tickets £16, £10 (Under-16s) (plus fees)

Saturday 29 March 7.30pm Tickets £21 (£19), £19 (£17), £16 (£14), £10 (£8) £6 (Students), £4 (U18s) (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

39 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

March

COFFEE CONCERT

BRAHMS AND SCHUMANN III London Bridge Ensemble Brahms – Piano Trio in C minor Schumann – Piano Trio in D minor Brahms was introduced to Schumann whilst still a young man, and they were destined to play a major role in each other’s lives. In this final concert in the Sunday morning Brahms and Schumann series, Daniel Tong’s London Bridge Ensemble explores the composers’ connection through two of their most powerful chamber works. lbe.org.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Special OΩer See page 8 for details

LONDON SWING ORCHESTRA TRUSSELL TRUST CHARITY CONCERT A fundraising concert in aid of St George’s and the Trussell Trust, which runs four food Banks around the city, presented by the London Swing Orchestra and their director Graham Dalby.

From early Ragtime through the Roaring Twenties of New York and Chicago, the first half includes music by Irving Berlin, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway and Benny Goodman. The second half charts the Big Bands of Glenn Miller and Artie Shaw and the rise of the superstar crooners. Bobby Darin, Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong and of course Sinatra all feature in this fabulous programme of jazz and swing.

We will accept donations of non-perishable food on the night.

Sunday 30 March 11.30am Tickets £10 (plus fees); Free Coffee with every ticket

Free Tickets For 8-25 yr olds — Quote Cavatina

londonswingorchestra.co.uk / trusselltrust.org Promoted in association with St George’s Bristol

Sunday 30 March 7.30pm Tickets £22, £17, £12 (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

40 Book now 0845 40 24 001

QEH & RED MAIDS’ Joint Orchestra wind band, choir & string ensemble QEH School for boys and Red Maids’ School for girls have a long standing tradition of combining forces for major concerts, musicals and tours.

This evening’s concert is the latest collaboration which sees the pupils performing together in a joint orchestra, wind band, choir and string ensemble.

The concert also includes a selection in solo and chamber ensemble items from each school. qehbristol.co.uk redmaidsbristol.sch.uk

March / April

BRISTOL SCHOOLS’ PHILHARMONIA Ian Holmes conductor The Bristol Schools’ Philharmonia is the city’s senior Youth Orchestra, comprising more than 70 members drawn from almost every secondary school in Bristol. The players rehearse and perform some of the great works in the orchestral repertoire in a friendly and supportive atmosphere, under the professional guidance of conductor Ian Holmes and an expert team of section tutors.

Programme to be announced — keep an eye on our website for details. bristolplaysmusic.co.uk Promoted in association with St George’s Education

MARTIN SIMPSON As a guitarist’s guitarist reckoned to be one of the best players in the world by fans and admirers such as Richard Hawley, Martin Simpson is the real deal.

He’s been recording since 1976, moving between styles, cultures and continents in a restless pursuit of perfection, both as an instrumentalist and an acute interpreter of songs ancient and modern, as epitomised by his landmark 2007 album, ‘Prodigal Son’.

Nominated for the BBC Folk Awards 23 times, and a winner in several categories, Martin is equally at home in the folk vernaculars of the UK or USA. His collaborations include work with June Tabor (over a period of 30 years), Jackson Browne, and David Hidalgo of Los Lobos. martinsimpson.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Monday 31 March 7pm

Wednesday 2 April 7.30pm

Thursday 3 April 8pm

Tickets £5 (£3) (plus fees)

Tickets £8 (£5) (plus fees)

Tickets £16 (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

41 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

ELIAS QUARTET STRING QUARTET BEETHOVEN STRING QUARTET CYCLE VI Beethoven – String Quartet in B flat Op 18 No 6 – String Quartet in E minor Op 59 No 2 ‘Rasumovsky’ – String Quartet in F Op 135 The Elias String Quartet brings to a close this scintillating six-part exploration of Beethoven’s great string quartets, and in doing so proves, if ever there was any doubt, that it truly is one of the outstanding quartets of its generation. In this grand finale Beethoven’s middle ‘Rasumovsky’ Quartet, with its hymn-like second movement, and the early String Quartet in B flat prepare the way for the final word: Beethoven’s Op 135 String Quartet, written a few months before his death and bearing the enigmatic inscription ‘Must it be? — It must be, it must be!’. thebeethovenproject.com eliasstringquartet.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

April

BRISTOL MUSIC FESTIVAL GRAND CELEBRATION CONCERT A variety of vocal, instrumental and speech/ drama items with invited participants of the Bristol Festival of Music Speech & Drama (Bristol Eisteddfod) which takes place in March.

The Bristol Eisteddfod, founded in 1903 by William Fowler, has run without break for 112 years — this is, however, its first visit to St George’s! bristolfestival.co.uk Promoted in association with St George’s Education

Special OΩer See page 14 for details

Friday 4 April 7.30pm Tickets £20, £13 (plus fees)

Free Tickets For 8-25 yr olds — Quote Cavatina

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

Tuesday 8 April 7.30pm Tickets £5, £3 (Under-16s) (plus fees)

42 Book now 0845 40 24 001

April

EUROPEAN UNION CHAMBER ORCHESTRA WITH LESLEY GARRETT Hans-Peter Hoffmann director Lesley Garrett soprano Crispian Steele-Perkins trumpet Handel – Suite from ‘Water Music’ Bach – Chorale ‘Sei Lob und Preis mit Ehren’ and Alleluja from cantata “Jauchzett Gott” Mozart – Exultate Jubilate (excerpt) Mozart – ‘Deh vieni non tardar’ from Marriage of Figaro Handel – ‘Let the bright seraphim’ from Samson; ‘Lascia chio pianga’ from Rinaldo Haydn – Symphony No 44 “Trauer” Soprano Lesley Garrett remains one of the world’s most hardworking and likeable musical talents, as at home on the opera stage as she is on the television screen.

For this special night she brings her easy charm and that stunning voice to a first half selection of arias by Handel, Bach and Mozart, while in the second half the EUCO presents Haydn’s captivating yet mournful ‘Trauer’ Symphony. This is set to be one of the highlights of 2014, so be sure to claim your seat for an audience with one of the nation’s favourites. euco.org.uk lesleygarrett.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Thursday 10 April 7.30pm Tickets £30, £22, £18, £12 (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

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BRISTOL CLASSICAL PLAYERS (FIRST WORLD WAR COMMEMORATION) Tom Gauterin conductor Amy Jolly cello Butterworth – The Banks of Green Willow Bridge – Oration: Concerto Elegiaco Gurney – War Elegy Vaughan Williams – Symphony No 5 in D Bristol Classical Players present a centenary commemoration of World War I: an evening of heartfelt, personal music by composers who served and suffered due to combat on the Western Front. This concert is in aid of Help For Heroes, which raises money for wounded service personnel.

“Relentless enthusiasm and energy.”

BACHTRACK.COM

April

AN ITALIAN EASTER WITH THE ENGLISH CONCERT Bernard Labadie director Roberta Invernizzi soprano Sonia Prina soprano Vivaldi – Sinfonia al Santo Sepolcro RV169; Stabat Mater RV621 Pergolesi – Stabat Mater This leading Baroque orchestra brings its characteristically passionate approach to bear on a special Italian Easter concert. Few Baroque sacred works can lay claim to greater emotional poignancy and beauty than Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, whose sublime opening bars were described by Rousseau as “the most perfect and most touching to have come from the pen of any musician.” It is paired with Vivaldi’s own Stabat Mater, his most celebrated and heartfelt sacred work for solo voice.

bristolclassicalplayers.org.uk helpforheroes.org.uk

englishconcert.co.uk

Saturday 12 April 7.30pm

Wednesday 16 April 7.30pm

Tickets £16 (£14), £12 (£10), £10 (£8), £8 (£6), (plus fees)

Tickets £24, £18, £14 (plus fees)

Promoted by St George’s Bristol

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

44 Book now 0845 40 24 001

LUNCHTIME CONCERT

HALL OGDEN DUO Judith Hall flute Craig Ogden guitar Ibert – Entr’acte Molino – Nocturne and Rondo Rodrigo – Serenata al Alba del Día Villa-Lobos – Bachianas Brasileiras No 4 Milhaud – Corcovado Villa-Lobos/ Walker – Flute Flight Philip Houghton – Cave Painting Robert Beaser – Mountain Songs

April

AGNES OBEL The enigmatic Danish chanteuse and pianist Agnes Obel returns to Bristol for the opening night of her tour (for one of only three UK shows) in support of her critically acclaimed album Aventine. Recorded in her new home of Berlin, the album has been described as “utterly simple and incredibly resonant...stunning” by the Sunday Times and, “a wonderful autumn album” by The Guardian. Live, her shows are atmospheric and exquisite, Agnes playing piano with cello and violin accompaniment. agnesobel.com Promoted by Metropolis Music

Acclaimed duo Judith Hall and Craig Ogden present a truly international programme of music for the wonderful combination of flute and guitar. judithhall.co.uk/guitarduo Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Special OΩer See page 8 for details

Thursday 17 April 1pm

Friday 18 April 7.30pm

Tickets £7 (plus fees)

Tickets £17.50 (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

45 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

April

FILMIC 2014

THE LOCAL PRESENTS O BRO: A MUSICAL CELEBRATION OF THE COEN BROTHERS

TATIANA PAVLOVA PIANO

with Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo plus other guests

Tatiana Pavlova – Suite “Transitions” Rachmaninov – Morceaux de Fantaisie Op 3; Sonata No 2 Op 36 in B flat minor

From inspired selections of catchy pop songs and faithful recreations of old-time country, blues and folk, to striking original scores by Carter Burwell, the movie soundtracks of Joel and Ethan Coen are as pleasurable as the films themselves. To celebrate this by now considerable catalogue we’ve commissioned alternativefolk specialists The Local to create and cast a special evening of musical tributes from a wealth of performers, with the main concert in the hall followed by an aftershow party (The Church of the Latter Day Dude) in the Crypt. Emily Barker is a fabulous Australian singer/songwriter famed for ‘Nostalgia’, a song from her album ‘Despite the Snow’ that became the title music for BBC TV’s ‘Wallander’ series starring Kenneth Branagh. Check the website nearer to the time for updates on who’s playing. emily-barker.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Special OΩer Two FILMIC concerts for £28 or a three concert Series Ticket for £42 (saving £2 per ticket)

Acclaimed Russian pianist Tatiana Pavlova performs glorious music by her fellow countryman Sergei Rachmaninov, alongside her own piano compositions.

Rachmaninov has always been a great influence on Tatiana’s playing and composing, and this promises to be an evening to remember.

This recital is in support of the work of Fountain Housing Association in Gloucestershire. tatianapavlova.com

Friday 25 April 7.30pm

Saturday 26 April 7.30pm

Tickets £16 (plus fees)

Tickets £15 (£10) (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

46 Book now 0845 40 24 001

BRISTOL ENSEMBLE WITH LEONARD ELSCHENBROICH CELLO Vaughan Williams – Wasps Overture Elgar – Cello Concerto Bridge – Oration: Concerto Elegiaco ‘The World Changed’ series continues with two pinnacles of 20th century British music, each one a response to the First World War in the form of a concerto for cello. Elgar’s Cello Concerto is permeated by a sense of regret and disillusionment at the destruction wreaked by the War and the realisation that life would never be the same again. Bridge was emotionally scarred by the carnage of the War and his expressionistic concerto alternates between ghostly funeral marches and anguished outbursts of terror. These elegies for the fallen of the First World War are performed by the Bristol Ensemble with Leonard Elschenbroich, a musician exciting interest as one of the most charismatic cellists of his generation. bristolensemble.com leonard-elschenbroich.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Friday 2 May 7.30pm Tickets £25, £21, £19, £11 (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

May

47 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

May

BRISTOL FOLK FESTIVAL THE FESTIVAL FOR INDOOR FOLK...

Confirming its place on the UK festival calendar, BFF returns to the City on the May Bank Holiday announcing a move to two new venues — St Georges Bristol and Bristol Folk House — both well known and respected neighbours. Renowned as a guaranteed “rain free” event the festival once again features Morris dancers, mummers and maypoles, Ceilidhs and market stalls.

Already Announced: Multi BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winners Spiers and Boden, Fairport Convention, Jim Moray, Tim Edey & Brendon Power. Joined by Martha Tilston, Sam Sweeney & Hannah James, Josienne Clark & Ben Walker, The Hut People, Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin Winter Mountain, Beth Porter, The Bookshop Band, Fabian Holland, Folk Law, The Willows, Paper Aeroplanes, Matthew & Me, The Black Feathers and many more...

Featuring the famous Isambard Folk Award, the even more famous Songs From The Shed stage and introducing The Kidnap Stage.

Patron: Seth Lakeman bristolfolkfestival.com

Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 May 12noon to 11pm Tickets £65 (Full Weekend Ticket), Early Bird ticket £55 subject to availability (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

48 Book now 0845 40 24 001

May

LUNCHTIME CONCERT

BACKWELL SCHOOL DIDO AND AENEAS

ALICE NEARY CELLO & DANIEL TONG PIANO

with The Lochrian Ensemble Purcell – Dido & Aeneas

Beethoven – Sonata No 4 in C Op 102 No 1 Dohnányi – Cello Sonata in B flat minor Op 8

The talented musicians from this outstanding secondary school perform Purcell’s timeless masterpiece 325 years after its premiere at a school in Chelsea. The first half showcases some of the extraordinary diverse range of music-making that is a regular feature of life for the teenagers who sing and play with boundless energy, passion and skill.

Avid chamber musicians of the very highest quality, Alice Neary and Daniel Tong join together for a delightful programme of music for cello and piano, contrasting one of Beethoven’s intimate chamber works with Hungarian composer Dohnanyi’s energetic cello sonata, written in 1899.

backwellschool.net

danieltong.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Special OΩer See page 8 for details Wednesday 7 May 7.30pm Tickets £8, £5 (U 18s) (plus fees), Family Ticket available

Thursday 8 May 1pm Tickets £7 (plus fees), Free U-21s & Jobseekers

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

49 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

May

FILMIC 2014

LATE NIGHT RUSSIAN SOUL

JOCELYN POOK ENSEMBLE

Hermitage Ensemble

Picked by Stanley Kubrick to write her own debut score for what became his final film, ‘Eyes Wide Shut’, Jocelyn Pook’s subsequent composer-credits include ‘The Merchant of Venice’, ‘Brick Lane’, Julio Medem’s ‘Room in Rome’ and ‘Chaotic Ana’ among a varied filmography that includes a contribution to Scorsese’s ‘Gangs of New York’. Jocelyn also composes for television, dance, opera, the concert platform and the theatre, receiving an Olivier Award for her music and sound design for the National Theatre production of St Joan starring Anne Marie-Duff. A noted cellist, string-arranger and Real World recording artist, she has written orchestrations for Peter Gabriel and Natacha Atlas, as well as producing her own distinctive albums. For tonight’s special Filmic commission, Jocelyn presents music from throughout her career, arranged for a new version of her international ensemble.

Immerse yourself in the spell binding soundworld of a Russian Orthodox Male Voice Ensemble that draws its singers from amongst the finest soloists in St Petersburg, including members of the Kirov Opera. The extraordinary resonance produced by the Hermitage Ensemble's blend of voices, all underpinned by a spine tingling Basso Profundo, roams across the rich tradition of austere, sombre chants and more full-blooded and joyous folk songs — conjuring up the beauty and strength of the great Russian soul!

This concert runs without interval. The bar is open from 7pm to 11pm. hermitage.seenworks.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

jocelynpook.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Earlybird OΩer £12 tickets available before Friday 31 January 2014

Special OΩer Two FILMIC concerts for £28 or a three concert Series Ticket for £42 (saving £2 per ticket)

Thursday 8 May 8.30pm

Friday 9 May 8pm

Tickets £15 (plus fees)

Tickets £16 (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

50 Book now 0845 40 24 001

May

“ This young ensemble is one to watch!”

BBC RADIO 3

FAMILY CONCERT I FLAUTISTI A chance to hear the whole family of recorders in an hour-long programme of music from baroque to modern day, including brand new commissions from I Flautisti’s debut album ’Sound Clouds’.

Suitable for ages 6 and above Recorder Workshop 10-11am A unique opportunity for young players to bring along their recorders to participate in the creation of a brand new composition! Free to ticket holders.

Suitable for children age 7-11 that have been playing the recorder for at least a year (N.B. parents need to stay in the hall for the duration of the workshop)

LUNCHTIME CONCERT

NAVARRA QUARTET Beethoven – String Quartet No 5 in A Op 18 Borodin – String Quartet No 2 in D With a growing reputation as one of the most dynamic and poetic string quartets of today, the Navarra Quartet performs Beethoven’s charming Quartet No 5 from his Opus 18 set and Borodin’s blissfully romantic and much-loved second string quartet. navarra.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Special OΩer See page 8 for details

Promoted by St George’s Bristol Education

Sunday 11 May 12pm

Thursday 15 May 1pm

Tickets £8(£6) (plus fees), Family Ticket available

Tickets £7 (plus fees), Free U-21s & Jobseekers

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

51 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

VOICES IN SILENCE WITH ASHLEY WASS PIANO Chopin – Ballade No 1 in G minor Op 23; Nocturne in C sharp minor Op Posth Gershwin – Pieces from ‘Strike up the Band’ Bridge – Piano Sonata Szpilman – Suite for Piano: ‘The Life of Machines’ Prokofiev – Piano Sonata No 7 in B flat ‘Stalingrad’ Sally Beamish – Voices in Silence Marking the outbreak of both World Wars, this programme captures perfectly the Extreme Times, Extraordinary Music aspect of The World Changed series. It pays homage to to Wladyslav Szpilman, the Polish pianist/composer whose experiences were captured in the film, The Pianist: in September 1939 Szpilman, ‘house pianist’ for Polish Radio in Warsaw, was midway through a performance of Chopin’s C sharp minor Nocturne when German fire forced the broadcast to close. This was to be the last live music heard on radio until the war’s end and the first to be heard in Peacetime when he played the same piece on his return to the studio in 1945.

Powerful piano sonatas by Prokofiev and Bridge are mainstays of the programme, Bridge's sonata dedicated to a young friend killed in action in 1918. The concert ends with Sally Beamish’s Voices in Silence, evoking the eerie, bleak atmosphere of a battlefield after the guns have fallen silent.

May

CITY OF BRISTOL CHOIR MOZART MASS IN C MINOR City of Bristol Choir The Lochrian Ensemble David Ogden conductor Hummel – Te Deum Bach – Magnificat Mozart – Mass in C minor The 100-strong City of Bristol Choir and professional orchestra the Lochrian Ensemble present a feast of virtuoso choral works.

With stunningly beautiful operatic soprano duets, rousing dramatic choruses, flamboyant trumpets and orchestral fireworks, this is a concert to lift the spirits and inspire the soul. cityofbristolchoir.org.uk

ashleywass.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Friday 16 May 7.30pm Tickets £20, £15 (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

Saturday 17 May 7.30pm Tickets £25 (£23), £22 (£19), £19 (£17), £10 (£8) (plus fees)

52 Book now 0845 40 24 001

May

“ Inspiring Powerplant give electronic music a multimedia makeover” THE SCOTSMAN

FILMIC 2014

POWERPLANT PLAY WILL GREGORY

ORCHESTRA OF THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT

Percussionist Joby Burgess, sound designer Matthew Fairclough and film-maker Kathy Hinde premiere a new commission from Goldfrapp’s Will Gregory (for multi-tracked percussion and electronics), alongside works

by Conlon Nancarrow, Prokofiev, Max de Wardener and Steve Reich’s ‘My Name Is’.

Famed for their visually innovative, multimedia performances, Powerplant operate at the meeting-point between new music and installation art. Expect startling 360 degree sound, live sampling and immersive visuals.

Juliet Stevenson narrator Matthew Truscott director / violin

jobyburgess.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Special OΩer Two FILMIC concerts for £28 or a three concert Series Ticket for £42 (saving £2 per ticket)

Corelli – Concerto Grosso in D Op 6 No 1 Vivaldi – Sinfonia in B minor (Al santo sopolcro) Sally Beamish – Spinal Chords Bach – Violin Concerto in A minor Handel – Concerto Grosso in A Op 6 No 11 Some of the most famous music from the Baroque era rubs shoulders with a very modern classic, Sally Beamish’s Spinal Chords, narrated by acclaimed actress Juliet Stevenson.

Premiered in 2012, it proved an instant success with audiences and critics alike, setting Sally Beamish’s slowly shifting, constantly evolving music to a powerful text by Times journalist Melanie Reid which tells the story of her struggle to overcome disability. Tonight it sits alongside music of an earlier era, including Bach’s bright and fresh Violin Concerto, with leader Matthew Truscott as soloist. oae.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Thursday 22 May 8pm

Friday 23 May 7.30pm

Tickets £16 (plus fees)

Tickets £28, £22, £18 (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

53 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

May / June

HALF TERM

SOUL GLOBAL

MATTHEW HALSALL SPIRITUAL JAZZ

MINI BEATS SUPER STRINGS!

As the main man behind a happening Manchester scene suffused with the spiritual and soulful jazz sounds of the Sixties, trumpeter Matthew Halsall has been tipped as an important new voice by Gilles Peterson and Jamie Cullum, with Time Out describing his compositions as “Kind of Blue meets the Cinematic Orchestra’”. Halsall’s last album, ‘Fletcher Moss Park’, made reference to Japanese temple music and Robert Kirby’s orchestrations for Nick Drake, and tonight we’re being treated to its successor, which goes deeper into the spiritual vibe. Taz Modi (of the Sub-Motion Orchestra) plays piano; Gavin Barras, bass; Luke Flowers (of the Cinematic Orchestra), drums, and Rachael Gladwin, harp. The concert is performed “unplugged”, without PA.

Bristol Ensemble Strings Laura Tanner presenter

“Grooving through time on the spiritual sunship.”

MOJO

matthewhalsall.com

What do you get if you cross Robin Hood’s bow with a horse’s tail, a sheep’s guts (YUCK!!!) and some carefully carved bits of wood?

Why it’s Simply Strings of course!

Come and join some of the fantastic fiddlers of the Bristol Ensemble and presenter Laura Tanner as they explore the amazing world of the orchestra’s biggest section... the String Family!

Featuring Violins, Violas, Celli and last but by no means least... the giant of the Symphony Orchestra... the lowest of the low... the one, the only... Double Bass!

10am Great for kids aged 3-5 11.15am Great for kids aged 5-8 Promoted by St George’s Bristol Education

Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Thursday 29 May 8pm

Sunday 1 June 10am & 11.15am

Tickets £15 (plus fees)

Tickets £6 (plus fees), Family Ticket available

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

54 Book now 0845 40 24 001

June

“ Ruby Turner is truly the genuine article.”

THE SOLOISTS OF OXFORD PHILOMUSICA

THE GUARDIAN

Mozart – String Quartet No 14 in G K387 Mendelssohn – Octet in E flat Op 20 Opening with the first of Mozart’s landmark ‘Haydn’ string quartets the extraordinarily talented Soloists of Oxford Philomusica — a tight-knit group of the Orchestra’s principal players — also performs one of Mendelssohn’s finest early works: the dazzling and at times almost symphonic Octet for Strings.

SOUL GLOBAL

RUBY TURNER Ruby Turner is the UK’s foremost soul diva. From work with Culture Club, Jools Holland, Bryan Ferry, UB40, Mick Jagger and Stevie Winwood to the 14 albums of her own glittering solo career plus dramatic roles in musicals, the theatre and television, she has become an all-round star performer, and one of the very few British soul acts to make an impact in the USA. Accompanied by her excellent backing band, tonight Ruby presents a whistle-stop tour of her favourite songs, moving from Tamla to gospel to deep soul ballads, and more.

“The artistic standards of the musicians were exceptionally high.”

BACHTRACK

oxfordphil.com

rubyturner.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Sunday 1 June 7.30pm Tickets £20 (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

Thursday 5 June 7.30pm Tickets £20, £13 (£5 Students) (plus fees)

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COFFEE CONCERT

TRUSLER CARROLL WASS TRIO

June

“ . ..the guitar has found its ideal champion...”

THE INDEPENDENT

Ireland – Piano Trio No 2 in E Beethoven – Symphony No 2 in D (trans.)

International soloists Matthew Trusler (violin), Thomas Carroll (cello) and Ashley Wass (piano) have recently formed an exciting new piano trio, and we are delighted to be bringing them to St George’s for two summer coffee concerts.

This first one features John Ireland’s second piano trio, written in 1917, and Beethoven’s own chamber transcription of his second symphony. (see also Sunday 6 July). tcwtrio.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Special OΩer See page 8 for details

MILOŠ GUITAR Miloš Karadaglić has quickly emerged as one of the hottest properties in classical music, becoming a champion for a new generation of classical virtuosi. Catapulted from the war-torn Montenegro of his youth to the Royal Academy of Music and, ultimately, the world’s leading concert halls, Miloš is now hailed by fans and critics for his brilliant technique and transcendent musicality. His debut album 'The Guitar' topped classical charts around the world and, signed as an exclusive Deutsche Grammophon recording artist, his second album 'Latino' went on to receive a Classic Brit award. For his St George’s concert he performs music by Bach, Rodrigo and De Falla, shining a new light and emotion on this humble instrument.

“Innate poise and elegance that makes you sit up and listen...”

THE TIMES

Sunday 8 June 11.30am Tickets £10 (plus fees), Free Coffee with every ticket

Free Tickets For 8-25 yr olds — Quote Cavatina

milosguitar.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Wednesday 11 June 7.30pm Tickets £30, £25, £20 (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

56 Book now 0845 40 24 001

TREORCHY MALE CHOIR The world famous Treorchy Male Choir has sung to packed concert halls the world over, sharing the stage with a host of international stars, from Sir Tom Jones and Dame Shirley Bassey to Julie Andrews. The unique Treorchy sound has gained them the accolade of being ‘The master choir of them all’ (Sir Anthony Hopkins) and the choir remains bound together and united in the common purpose of the enjoyment of music making and giving pleasure to others. Their return visit to St George’s promises an unforgettable concert of varied music to suit all tastes. treorchymalechoir.org Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Saturday 21 June 7.30pm Tickets £25, £20, £15 (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

June

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BRISTOL SCHOOLS CHAMBER CHOIR Bristol Schools Senior Chamber Choir The Dorian Chamber Orchestra David Ogden conductor Martin Le Poidevin conductor The talented singers of Bristol Schools Chamber Choir present a selection of choral pieces from classical and folksongs to jazz. bristolschoolschamberchoir. org.uk Promoted in association with St George’s Bristol Education

June

NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORY YOUTH CHORALE Jonathan Richter conductor William Byrd – Haec dies Handel – Zadok The Priest Vaughan Williams – Five Mystical Songs Ives – Psalm 100 Whitacre – Water Night Veljo Tormis – The Peace Pipe In the UK on a tour from New England, this Youth Chorale is a mixed chorus of young singers aged between 14 and 18 years. As well as showcasing folk songs from both sides of the Atlantic, their choice of music for this concert also ranges across centuries of classical music, from a Latin motet by Renaissance master William Byrd through Handel’s glittering coronation anthem ‘Zadok the Priest’ to ‘The Peace Pipe’ by Estonian composer Veljo Tormis, widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest living choral composers. A rich repertoire performed with profound and infectious joy by 60 young voices!

All proceeds from this concert go to the British Heart Foundation.

BRISTOL CONCERT ORCHESTRA Stefan Hofkes conductor / piano Verdi – Force of Destiny: Overture Gershwin – Rhapsody In Blue Britten – Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra Dvořák – Slavonic Dances: Selection Barry – Out of Africa: Main Theme Wagner – Ride of the Valkyries Williams – Raiders March Gershwin’s sizzling Rhapsody in Blue, which expertly combines elements of classical and jazz music, is the centrepiece of this concert and sees conductor Stefan Hofkes himself performing the solo piano part, directing from the keyboard. The colours of the symphony orchestra are vividly brought to life in Britten’s Young Person’s Guide, brilliantly written around a theme by Henry Purcell. This family-friendly concert also features a wide variety of other music including familiar themes from the silver screen. bco.myby.co.uk

necmusic.edu / bhf.org.uk

Tuesday 24 June 7.30pm Tickets £10 (£9), £8 (£7), £6 (£5), £5 (£4)(plus fees)

Friday 27 June 7.30pm Tickets £5 (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

Saturday 28 June 7.30pm Tickets £15 (£13), £13 (£11), £10 (£8), £8 (£6), £1 (U-18s) (plus fees)

58 Book now 0845 40 24 001

June / July

PEOPLE OF NOTE COMMUNITY CHOIR BIG SUMMER CONCERT

BRISTOL METROPOLITAN ORCHESTRA

Bristol’s very own open-access community choir, ‘People of Note’ has a long -standing reputation for excellence despite being open to all without audition, and all the songs are learned by ear. A highly entertaining evening of acapella harmony from a panoply of genres is guaranteed.

William Goodchild conductor Kwesi Edman cello

peopleofnote.org.uk

Mendelssohn – Overture, “Athalie” Saint Saëns – Cello Concerto No 1 in A minor William Goodchild – New Work for Cello and Orchestra Brahms – Symphony No 3 in F Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra welcomes Kwesi Edman back to St George’s for the performance of two exciting works for cello.

The first is Saint Saens’ virtuosic concerto which is spellbinding as it soars between the instrument’s registers; the second is the world première of a new concerto by awardwinning Bristol composer, orchestrator and conductor William Goodchild, written specially for Kwesi and this orchestra. bristolmetropolitanorchestra.com

Sunday 29 June 8pm

Saturday 5 July 7.30pm

Tickets £7 (£6) (plus fees)

Tickets £14 (£12), £10 (£8), £8 (£6) (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

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July

COFFEE CONCERT

TRUSLER CARROLL WASS TRIO II Debussy – La Mer (trans. Beamish) Shostakovich – Piano Trio No 2 in E minor Op 67 The second of two Sunday morning recitals featuring this exciting new chamber ensemble, comprising of international artists Matthew Trusler, Thomas Carroll and Ashley Wass. The trio recently commissioned composer Sally Beamish to write this arrangement of Debussy’s La Mer for piano trio, and the new piece is followed

by Schostakovich’s second piano trio, a remarkable work of lamentation, premiered in Leningrad in 1944. (see also Sunday 8 June)

CITY VOICES BRISTOL RAISE YOUR VOICE Simon Curtis conductor David Doidge piano Come and join City Voices Bristol under their Musical Director and founder Simon Curtis in a programme that puts the spotlight on the lighter end of the music spectrum, with music by The Beatles, Elbow and Coldplay alongside hits from stage and screen. A perfect summers evening of entertainment. cityvoicesbristol.com

tcwtrio.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Special OΩer See page 8 for details

Free Tickets For 8-25 yr olds — Quote Cavatina

Sir John Tavener – Towards Silence for four string quartets and large Tibetan bowl The late Sir John Tavener composed some of the most distinctive music in our time and, to mark what would have been his 70th year, we are delighted to present Towards Silence, a work for four string quartets and large Tibetan bowl. It explores the nature of consciousness and the sense of being at the very edge of life itself. The music takes the listener through the four mystical Hindu states of Atma: the waking state, the dream state, the condition of deep sleep, and that which is beyond. With the four quartets placed around the hall, this is a performance that allows you to immerse yourself in the energy and rich sonorities of the strings and the hypnotic ringing of a Tibetan temple bowl.

Full details to be announced in January, please check our website.

Sunday 6 July 11.30am Tickets £10 (plus fees), Free Coffee with every ticket

TOWARDS SILENCE

Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Sunday 6 July 7pm Tickets £11 (£9), £9 (£7), £7 (£6) (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

Thursday 10 July 7.30pm Tickets TBC

60 Book now 0845 40 24 001

July

BUSKAID SOWETO STRING ENSEMBLE

RIFF RAFF CHOIR’S BIG SUMMER GIG

Voted one of the world’s most inspirational groups, the Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble has sprung from a remarkable initiative which for over 15 years has given hundreds of township youngsters the chance to learn a classical instrument and to combat hardship. The ensemble has played in the presence of numerous dignitaries, not least Nelson Mandela and Michelle Obama. As part of a UK tour marking the 20th anniversary of democracy in South Africa, this extraordinary ensemble of some 30 young musicians demonstrates its talents in a programme that ranges from classical music by Baroque composer Rameau through to classic pop songs such as At Last and African Kwela and Gospel music. A guaranteed feel-good event.

Elaine Wilson, Carrie Freeman & Oli Poole conductors

Sowetostringquartet.co.za

Come and hear one of Bristol’s newest and most exciting choirs as Riff Raff rocks St George’s with a vibrant mix of popular songs from across the decades.

All songs are performed a cappella and delivered with a huge amount of energy and enthusiasm.

Promoted by St George’s Bristol

bristolchoir.co.uk

Friday 11 July 7pm

Saturday 19 July 8pm

Tickets £20, £15 (£10 U18s) (plus fees)

Tickets £10 (£8), £6 (£4) (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

Your beautiful venue Our magnificent listed building in the centre of Bristol was built in 1823 as a grand church within its own gardens. Today it plays host to world class concerts, conferences, awards dinners and wedding receptions.

The crypt bar is a unique space to enjoy a drink before, during and after our concerts.

It boasts an excellent wine list and a delicious selection of local beers, ales and ciders.

To hire St George’s please contact the events team on 0117 929 4929, email events@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

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THE GRAND PIANO APPEAL 2013 — 2018

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t George’s Bristol needs to replace its grand piano. Visiting musicians must have a piano of the highest quality to make the most of the wonderful acoustic in the hall and create memorable performances for you the audience.

To buy a new Steinway concert grand on a like-for-like basis would cost more than we can possibly afford, and a new piano would have an expected life of only 10-12 years.

However, Steinway has offered St George’s a concert grand on a 10 year lease at 25% cheaper than the purchase price.

The offer includes all costs and maintenance and it allows the cost to be spread over the entire period To take advantage of this offer we need to raise gifts and pledges totalling £82,250 — the cost of the lease.

We need to do this as soon as possible as the need for a new piano truly is urgent.

With the Grand Piano Appeal we are asking everyone who loves the piano, or St George’s — or both — to become a sponsor for a minimum of the first five year lease period, by donating a regular gift towards our target.

Piano Appeal

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Piano Appeal There are three sponsorship levels to the scheme and to thank you for your contribution we will offer you the following benefits and acknowledgements: Piano Key Sponsors — £100 per year

Priority Booking (at the same time as Friends)

Invitation to a drinks reception at a selected piano concert each year

Named acknowledgement in all Piano Recital programmes and Grand Piano Appeal displays Arpeggio Sponsors — £400 per year

Priority Booking (at the same time as Gala Friends)

Invitation to a drinks reception at two selected piano concerts each year

Named acknowledgement in all Piano Recital programmes and Grand Piano Appeal displays

Signed concert programmes for specially selected recitals Octave Sponsor — £800 per year

Priority Booking (at the same time as Benefactors)

Invitation to a drinks reception at three piano concerts each year

Named acknowledgement in all Piano Recital programmes and Grand Piano Appeal displays

To find out more, pick up a leaflet at St George’s, visit the Development page on the website or email Angharad Redman a.redman@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Tel 0117 929 4929 ext 205

Invitation to join us at Steinway Hall in London for an exclusive tour, drinks reception and to help select the actual Concert Grand that will be coming to St George’s.

The opportunity to play the Steinway for an afternoon (terms and conditions apply)

64 Book now 0845 40 24 001

Information OPENING HOURS Mon & Tue 12pm-6pm Weds Closed (Phone booking 12pm-6pm) Thurs & Fri 12pm-6pm Sat Closed (Online booking only) Sun Closed (Online booking only) The Box Office will remain open until the end of the interval on concert days and will open one and a half hours before the concert start time for weekend and daytime shows.

HOW TO BOOK In person — Please note that on the first day of Friends priority booking (Thurs 5 Dec) and the first two days of General booking the Box Office will be open from 10am.

By telephone — 0845 40 24 001.

All major credit cards (except American Express), Maestro and Delta cards are accepted.

Online — book online 24 hours a day at stgeorgesbristol.co.uk.

WHEN TO BOOK

Patrons priority booking opens Monday 2 December

Benefactors priority booking opens Tuesday 3 December

Gala Friends priority booking opens Wednesday 4 December

Friends priority booking opens Thursday 5 December

General booking opens Monday 9 December Please note that on the first day of Friends priority booking (Thurs 5 Dec) and the first two days of General booking the Box Office will be open from 10am.

Booking Information

Fees We changed our fee structure in August 2013 to comply with new legislation and standardise fees fairly across the booking channels. Our fees are clearly stated at the start and end of the transaction process. Booking fees contribute towards the cost of processing card payments, posting out tickets and providing up-to-date, reliable and convenient ticketing services to our customers.

Credit/debit card transaction fee £1 — charged to all customers per transaction using a credit or debit card online, over the phone or in person.

Administration fee £1 — charged per transaction to all bookers and standardised across all booking methods (online, in person and by telephone).

Postage fee 70p — tickets can be posted if requested at a charge of 70p covering postage and materials.

Further information about booking fees can be found at stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/booking

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Booking Information Concessions Concession prices are indicated in brackets after the full price. These apply to those in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance or benefits, registered disabled, senior citizens, young people under-18 and full time students. Please note only one type of concession can be claimed per ticket and proof of eligibility must be presented in order to qualify, where appropriate.

Carers Free carer tickets are available for each full paying ticket holder who requires someone to assist them with their visit.

See above for concession details.

CAVATINA Free tickets for 8-25 year olds for certain chamber concerts. Look out for the and be sure to quote CAVATINA when booking tickets. Visit cavatina.net for more details.

Group Offer One ticket free in every group of 10.

Family ticket One child goes free in a family party of four.

Refunds Tickets are non-transferable and refunds can only be offered on events which are sold out and there is demand.

Latecomers and readmission Admission will be offered at the first suitable break but admission and readmission cannot be guaranteed.

The management reserves the right to refuse admission to any person.

Data protection When you book a ticket your details are stored on the St George’s computer database. This information will only be used to send you details of events at St George’s and at other arts venues with your permission — Data Protection Act registration number: PZ5013390

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General Information

General Information Amplification Due to the nature of our artistic programme, some events are amplified. If this causes any concern, please check with the Box Office when booking.

Facilities for those with additional needs St George’s welcomes concert-goers with additional needs. The venue is fully accessible from Charlotte Street.

Please mention your particular needs to the Box Office when you book and all assistance will be given. Limited parking is available for Blue Badge holders, but must be reserved in advance. Toilet facilities are located in the bar and accessible by lift.

Sound reinforcement St George’s Bristol is equipped with a T-Loop hearing system.

Guide dogs Guide dogs are admitted to all parts of St George’s Bristol.

Family friendly St George’s welcomes children and we programme a variety of family friendly concerts. Parents are asked to remember that some concerts may not be suitable.

Our acoustic is extremely sensitive and sound carries so babes in arms and young children cannot be admitted to the auditorium for ticketed events unless otherwise stated.

If you are thinking of coming to a concert with a child and are unsure if it would be appropriate call our Box Office and discuss it with one of our team who will be happy to advise you and arrange appropriate seating. All children must be issued with a ticket.

The information given in this brochure was correct at the time of going to print. Programme subject to change.

Design: Smith & Milton Bristol Cover & p.33 Illustration: Robert Ball / robertmball.com Registered Office: Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5RR Administration: 0117 929 4929 Email: administration@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Director: Suzanne Rolt St George’s Bristol No 2053843 Registered Charity No 295178 VAT No 82196811

Our Supporters St George’s Bristol would like to thank all of our supporters:

John Ellerman Foundation The Society of Merchant Venturers

Paragon Concert Society Pixiella Trust

The Friends of St George’s Bristol Gibbs Charitable Trust

The Radcliffe Trust Spielman Charitable Trust

Garfield Weston Foundation Ansty Charitable Fund

J. PAUL GETTY JNR CHARITABLE TRUST Tesco Charity Trust

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Seating Plan

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Book now 0845 40 24 001

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By bike: Bike racks can be found at the Great George Street entrance, so why not cycle to St George’s!

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By taxi: There are numerous taxi’s in the area with ranks located on Park Street and Queen’s Road (outside Sainsbury’s).

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By bus: Frequent bus services 1, 8, 9 from Temple Meads railway station (visit firstgroup. com for details of the best bus for your journey).

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On foot: St George’s Bristol is located two minutes walk off Park Street.

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Customers are reminded that on-street parking is strictly controlled with the nearest car park located ten minutes away on Trenchard Street (travelbristol.org/drive).

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How to find us

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