classical concerts September – December 2011
stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Box Office 0845 40 24 001
Welcome © Mark Simmons
Our autumn season is a spirited and fast-paced affair – barely has September registered than all heads turn in the direction of sensational violinist Nicola Benedetti who launches into a Romantic showpiece, Glazunov’s Violin Concerto, for a concert in aid of St George’s. As the months unfurl, so too does a succession of equally stellar names, each one playing music that comes
from the heart and is for the heart, including Viktoria Mullova, Paul Lewis, Stephen Hough, Christian Blackshaw and Andras Schiff. October sees the return of our Bristol International Piano Duo Festival (13 - 15 October), embracing the pianistic ‘Laurel and Hardy’ antics of Katzenjammer as well as the climax of Charles Hazlewood’s groundbreaking orchestral series, transporting audiences back in time to a lively Viennese salon concert, with Piano 4 Hands adding some glittering transcriptions of Schubert. A swift turn-around of the hall ensues and we shift into theatre mode for an adventurous new partnership with Bristol Old Vic that brings Kneehigh Theatre’s production of The Wild Bride (19 – 22 Oct). A little of the theatrical magic lingers still for Opera North’s Mercy and Grand homage to Tom Waits and our new association with an orchestra already winning award after award and being hailed as the ‘the future of music’, the Aurora Orchestra. Working with iconic horror writer Peter Straub, they’ve devised a spine-tingling Thriller concert – so prepare to be terrified!
tribute to one of its country’s most remarkable composers, Górecki, and BBC Radio 3 then signals its regard for St George’s in a major way, broadcasting live from the venue for a wonderful new festival of music inspired by the natural world, Earth Music Bristol (18 – 27 November). December is always a time of celebration for St George’s and we throw open the doors to a seemingly non-stop run of carols, readings and concerts, including a revelatory performance of Handel’s Messiah by the wonderful young ensemble La Nuova Musica and a Family Christmas Carnival with the Bristol Ensemble. And if you’re still left wanting more, there’s always the spring season to look forward to … Suzanne Rolt Director
St George’s plus This brochure can only ever tell you part of the story. For the latest programme news and production information, plus competitions, video trailers, audioclips, reviews and more, visit stgeorgesbristol.co.uk
In November the Polish Chamber Choir makes a special visit for an evening that pays
St George’s Bristol would like to thank all of our supporters: The Friends of St George’s Bristol
Garfield Weston Foundation
John Ellerman Foundation
The Rayne Foundation
At a glance
Lunchtime Classics Great music bite sized
Presteigne Festival Soloists Thursday 29 September 1pm / see page 5 BSO Chamber Players Thursday 6 October 1pm / see page 9 Philip Moore / Simon Crawford-Phillips piano duo Thursday 13 October 1pm / see page 10 Andre Shlimon piano Thursday 27 October 1pm / see page 13 Galeazzi Ensemble Thursday 3 November 1pm / see page 17 Anglo-Japanese Society of Wessex Thursday 10 November 12.30pm / see page 19
Music’s finest (lunch) hour This autumn, some of the country’s most talented musicians and young artists perform exceptional music in the city’s most beautiful live music venue: from enduring classics to modern classical, St George’s lunchtime classics are 55 minutes of pure pleasure.
Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.
Tickets Unless otherwise stated: £7; £4 Under-18s and students; free for jobseekers
Stephen Preston baroque flute / Edward Cowie piano Tuesday 22 November 1.30pm / see page 24 Chisato Kusunoki piano Thursday 1 December 1pm / see page 29 Promoted by St George’s Bristol
All seats unreserved
© Mark Andreani
An unparalleled series of debuts brings an intriguing and intensive mix of programmes and performers to St George’s – from the Presteigne Festival Soloists, through a showcase of enticing classics by 12 hugely talented young Japanese musicians, to consummate duo pianism and unique flute-piano duo-improvisations.
So, whether you’re hungry for new experiences, fancy time away from the office, or simply want to relax while out shopping, make the most of your lunch-hour: world-class culture in the heart of Bristol, fantastic music on your doorstep.
Victoria Simonsen cello / Sam Armstrong piano Thursday 17 November 1pm / see page 21
Senior Citizen’s Flexi Series Ticket available / see page 37 All concerts start at 1pm and last approximately 55 minutes.
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Earth Music Bristol Festival of music inspired by the natural world In association with
Presented in association with BBC Radio 3 – who will be broadcasting live five concerts from St George’s from Monday 21 to Friday 25 November – this is a chance to hear music inspired by landscapes, natural phenomena and the moving and sounding creatures living on this planet. Some of the world’s leading musicians will be with us; established and emerging, young and mature. They are joined by eminent wild-life artists, writers, film makers and natural scientists – all forming an integral and integrated energy of creative force and imagination. Earth Music Bristol is about our own species’ place on this planet. We make music, paint pictures, write words and scientifically research nature because it offers an infinitude of mental and sensual possibility to our enquiring minds and curious senses.
Welcome to Earth Music Bristol, a new kind of festival devoted to the celebration of centuries of musical responses to the living world and the forces of nature. 02 Box Office 0845 40 24 001
We warmly invite you to listen to some of the most captivating and evocative music ever written; to the studied words of natural scientists; and to see what a naturally curious camera-lens can make of living things and the workings of visual artists’ minds in representing and interpreting the living world. Edward Cowie Founder, Artistic Director Suzanne Rolt Co-Director
At a glance
Earth Music Bristol plus
Bristol Ensemble Friday 18 November 7.30pm / see page 22
St George’s comes alive from 10am each day for a week of events:
BBC National Orchestra of Wales Sunday 20 November 3pm / see page 23
• Free lunchtime readings with BBC Radio 3 and Radio 4;
BBC Concert Orchestra Monday 21 November 7.30pm / see page 24
• BBC Radio 3 Live interval events;
Stephen Preston baroque flute / Edward Cowie piano Tuesday 22 November 1.30pm / see page 25 Elias String Quartet / Allan Clayton tenor / Tom Poster piano Tuesday 22 November 7.30pm / see page 25 Peter Hill piano Wednesday 23 November 7.30pm / see page 26 BBC Singers Thursday 24 November 7.30pm / see page 26 Coull String Quartet Friday 25 November 7.30pm / see page 27 Earth Music Party Saturday 26 November 5pm / see page 28
• Wildlife exhibitions; • Meet the artists and BBC presenters; • Live camera and sound feed from Slimbridge Wetland Centre; plus much, much more! A special Earth Music Bristol leaflet will be published in September but for the latest programme information please see pages 22 – 28 of this brochure. Earth Music Bristol is presented in association with BBC Radio 3 and with the support of BBC Radio 4; BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition; Bristol Natural History Consortium; Bristol Museum and Art Gallery; and the Bristol Music Trust.
Monday 21 – Thursday 24 November 12.30pm
BBC Radio 3 The Essay and BBC Radio 4 Afternoon Story from Earth Music Bristol BBC Radio 3 and Radio 4 present a series of newly commissioned essays and stories for Earth Music Bristol, inspired by and connected to the natural world, and written by the finest writers, poets, scientists and fiction writers. Each event is introduced by Radio 3 broadcaster Petroc Trelawney, read by the authors and recorded for later transmission on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio 4. Come and hear the essays being recorded with a chance to meet the writers. Running time: 50 minutes / no interval. The Essay broadcast Monday to Friday on BBC Radio 3 at 10.45pm each night. Afternoon Story broadcast on 22nd, 23rd and 24th November at 3.30pm on BBC Radio 4. Free admission / advance booking recommended
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September
st george’s bristol fundraiser
at a glance Sat 3
Nicola Benedetti violin / Bristol Classical Players
Tue 6
Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson
Sat 17 The Unthanks / Brighouse and Rastrick Band Mon 19 Dervla Kirwan / Poetry Can Fri 23
Instant Wit Quick-fire Comedy Improvisation Show
Wed 28 Martin Rossiter Thu 29 Presteigne Festival Soloists Thu 29 Ralph McTell Somewhere Down The Road Fri 30
Paul Lewis Schubert Cycle IV
• Classical Concert • Contemporary Gig • Children’s and Family Concert • Comedy / Spoken Word Event
• • • • • • • • • •
Nicola Benedetti plays Glazunov Nicola Benedetti violin Bristol Classical Players Tom Gauterin conductor Mussorgsky Prelude to ‘Khovanshchina’ Glazunov Violin Concerto in A minor Tchaikovsky Symphony No 5 in E minor Superstar violinist Nicola Benedetti joins the Bristol Classical Players for an evening of brilliant music-making steeped in the Russian Romantic tradition: her virtuosic performance of Glazunov’s beautiful Violin Concerto showing to the full her profound understanding and love of the piece, which sparkles alongside Mussorgsky’s sombre Prelude and the majesty of Tchaikovsky’s much-loved 5th Symphony. £25(£23); £21(£19); £19(£17); £13(£11)
‘ Glass-shattering perfection.’ the sunday times
nicolabenedetti.co.uk / bristolclassicalplayers.org.uk Promoted in collaboration with St George’s Bristol. Supported by Barclays Wealth
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© Kevin Westenberg
Wed 21 Dave Swarbrick / Martin Carthy
Saturday 3 September 7.30pm
bristol poetry festival
lunchtime classics
Monday 19 September 7.30pm
Friday 23 September 8pm
Thursday 29 September 1pm
Dervla Kirwan The Music of Poetry
Instant Wit The Quick-fire Comedy Improvisation Show
Presteigne Festival Soloists
Jonathan Davidson special guest
As surreal as they are funny, Instant Wit, Bristol’s ‘fantastic’ (Chortle) improvised comedy wonders, return with their fast-paced, off-the-cuff, laugh-out-loud sketches, songs and general silliness – all of it directed by random prompts from the audience.
Shostakovich Three Waltzes Phibbs Flex for flute, violin, cello and piano Hawkins Palinode (Festival commission) Bružaité Cum Spe (Festival commission) Stravinsky Suite: L’histoire du soldat
Actress Dervla Kirwan brings her beautiful, softly insistent Irish brogue to a selection of contemporary and classic poems, revealing just why reading aloud, and with engagement, is vital to a real experience and enjoyment of poetry. A ‘transfixing’ actress (New York Times) in film and theatre, Dublin-born Dervla became a household name for her television roles in Goodnight Sweetheart, Ballykissangel and the Doctor Who Christmas special The Next Doctor, and, lately, a household voice for her Marks and Spencer ‘not just food’ adverts.
‘This superlative comedy troupe continue to amaze packed houses with extraordinary skills … Instant Wit are a joy to behold, a dream topping of an evening!’ venue magazine
Jonathan Davidson is a poet and playwright. His new collection of poems Early Train is published by Smith-Doorstop, autumn 2011.
A unique, friendly, relaxed and engaging way to learn about improvising. Will you be funnier for it? Absolutely! No experience necessary, just a willingness to participate and have fun.
5.30pm – 7pm
Improv Workshop
£13 Dervla Kirwan appears subject to theatre and TV engagements. If unable to appear, Poetry Can reserves the right to substitute the reader.
£11(£9) show only; £11(£9) workshop only; £19(£17) show and workshop Eats: Pieminister on-site (p38)
poetrycan.co.uk
instantwit.co.uk
Promoted by The Poetry Can in collaboration with St George’s Bristol
Promoted by Instant Wit in collaboration with St George’s Bristol
Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.
The new season’s lunchtime classics series gets off to a superb start as St George’s welcomes a fine touring ensemble of featured soloists from the 2011 Presteigne Festival, for a spirited concert that places sparkling new works commissioned specially for the Festival alongside Stravinsky’s haunting, spiky suite from the music-theatre masterwork ‘The Soldier’s Tale’, based on a Russian folk-tale of the soldier who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for a violin. £7; £4 Under-18s and students; free for jobseekers / all seats unreserved Senior Citizen’s Flexi Series Ticket see page 38
Promoted by St George’s Bristol in association with the Presteigne Festival. Supported by Colwinston Charitable Trust and the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in the United Kingdom
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© Keith Saunders
schubert cycle
Friday 30 September 7.30pm
Paul Lewis piano Schubert Cycle IV Schubert Four Impromptus D935 Moments Musicaux D780 Fantasy in C ‘Wandererfantasie’ D760 Paul Lewis’ compelling musical odyssey continues, immersing audiences afresh in the heart-stopping emotional world of Schubert. At the midway point of this cycle the full range of Schubert’s mature genius begins to emerge, the music darting from the quick silver, intensely distilled miniatures of the Four Impromptus and Moments Musicaux, to the highly charged, groundbreaking Wanderer Fantasy. As ever, Paul Lewis brings emotional intensity and fine shading to his performance of this remarkable music. ‘Exuberant with the sheer joy of physical pianism: buoyant with raw energy, revelatory in its judgment of pulse and pace.’ the times £27(£25); £23(£21); £17(£15); £13(£11) paullewispiano.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol
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October at a glance
• • Tue 4 Polish Comedy Night (see website for details) • Wed 5 Jonathan James Music Talk •• Wed 5 Gould Piano Trio Beethoven Piano Trio Cycle I • Thu 6 BSO Chamber Players • Thu 6 Phronesis • Fri 7 Marc Almond Sin Songs, Torch and Romance • Sat 8 Brandon Hill Chamber Orchestra • Sun 9 Westerly Showband An Evening with George Gershwin • Thu 13 Philip Moore / Simon Crawford-Phillips piano duo • Thu 13 John Law / Gwilym Simcock • Fri 14 Charles Hazlewood / Army of Generals / Piano 4 Hands • Sat 15 Worbey and Farrell Katzenjammer ••• Sun 16 Gathering Voices •• Tue 18 – Sat 22 Kneehigh Theatre The Wild Bride •• Mon 24 Christian Wallumrød Ensemble • Tue 25 Rama and Sita Storytelling Show •• Wed 26 Bristol Ensemble Brandenburg Concertos • Thu 27 Andre Shlimon piano • Thu 27 Mercy and Grand The Tom Waits Project • Fri 28 Christian Blackshaw piano • Sun 30 Aurora Orchestra Thriller • Sat 1
English National Baroque Ensemble
Mon 3 IMS Prussia Cove
• Classical Concert • Contemporary Gig • Children’s and Family Concert • Comedy / Spoken Word Event
Monday 3 October 7.30pm
English National Baroque Ensemble
IMS Prussia Cove
Nicholas Whiting leader
Haydn Piano Trio No 31 in G for Flute, Cello and Piano Ferdinand Ries Quintet in B minor for Flute, Violin, 2 Violas and Cello Mozart String Quintet in D K593 Beethoven Piano Trio in B flat ‘Archduke’
Haydn Violin Concerto in G Vanhall Concerto for bassoon and strings J S Bach Slow Movement from Concerto for Viola and Strings Vivaldi Concerto for 2 violins J S Bach Concerto for violin and viola The renowned English National Baroque Ensemble - with players from BBC NOW, London Philharmonic, BBC Symphony Orchestra and the English Chamber Orchestra – returns to St George’s Bristol for its annual concert of the great concertos of the golden age of Baroque. This engaging ensemble has developed its own distinctive character, style and sound over the past decade, establishing itself as a firm favourite on the UK music circuit, acclaimed for its assertive orchestral playing, crisp detail and ensemble, and obvious enjoyment at music making.
The International Musicians Seminar Prussia Cove is one of the premier short course seminars in the world, a unique and magical cultural oasis in Cornwall directed by Steven Isserlis and offering musicians from all over the world the opportunity to develop their artistic potential in a free, unpressured environment. This autumn IMS Prussia Cove brings some of the world’s finest chamber musicians to the pristine beauty and perfect acoustics of St George’s, including renowned pianist Alasdair Beatson, cellist Guy Johnston and violinist Esther Hoppe, showcasing their talents with Beethoven’s epic ‘Archduke’ Piano Trio.
£13(£11)
£16(£14); £13.50(£11.50); £11(£9); £9(£8)
‘ Lustrous, sensitive artistry.’ the daily telegraph
© Hanya Chlala
Saturday 1 October 7.30pm
i-m-s.org.uk
Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.
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spoken word
beethoven piano trio cycle
Wednesday 5 October 6.15pm
Wednesday 5 October 7.30pm
Connecting Beethoven Piano Trios I A Music Talk by Jonathan James
Gould Piano Trio Beethoven Piano Trios I
Presaging the Gould Piano Trio’s survey of the Beethoven piano trios, music educator Jonathan James examines what was one of Beethoven’s favourite genres, and compares the writing of the Opus 1 works with which he announced himself to the musical world to the more audacious works from his middle period, seventy opus numbers later.
Beethoven Variations in E flat for piano trio Op 44 Piano Trio in G Op 1 No 2 Allegretto in B flat WoO 39 Piano Trio in D Op 70 No 1 ‘Ghost’
With piano excerpts connecting the Trios to Beethoven’s style as a whole, Jonathan James analyses whether the famous ‘Ghost’ Trio is an example of early Impressionism, what are the literary equivalents to this sort of storytelling and why is it so effective?
Over the course of four concerts, the Gould Piano Trio sets out on a new exploration of the complete set of Beethoven’s piano trios. Too often overshadowed by the more dramatic string quartets, this most intimate of forms contains some of Beethoven’s most beguiling music and a rich variety of material that mirrors Beethoven’s own complex personality.
‘Absolutely brilliant.’ audience member Running time: 1 hour / no interval £5 including a complimentary glass of wine voluntary donation does not apply
gouldpianotrio.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol
08 Box Office 0845 40 24 001
Promoted in collaboration with St George’s Bristol
This opening concert sees Beethoven pushing the piano trio form into new territory and making it his own, journeying as it does from the youthful and cheery G major Trio to the altogether more mysterious and haunting ‘Ghost’ Piano Trio. Recorded live for release on SOMM records. ‘Trio playing at its best.’ the strad Coming soon: Concert II (Wed 7 Dec 2011), Concert III (Wed 29 Feb 2012) and Concert IV (Wed 23 May 2012) £17(£15); £15(£13); £13(£11); £7(£5) Series ticket: 4 concerts for the price of 3
lunchtime classics
Thursday 6 October 1pm
Saturday 8 October 7.45pm
Sunday 9 October 7.30pm
BSO Chamber Players
Brandon Hill Chamber Orchestra
Westerly Showband An Evening with George Gershwin
Mozart Flute Quartet No 1 in D K285 Brahms String Sextet No 1 in B flat Op 18
Ben Palmer conductor The Del Mar Piano Trio
An outstanding group of players, from the world-class Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, led by inspiring young violinist Ruth Rogers, offers matchless accounts of two ‘firsts’ – Mozart’s endearing First Quartet for flute and strings, and Brahms’ lush, ardently emotional, First String Sextet. Glorious music, gloriously played.
Mendelssohn Ruy Blas Overture Beethoven Triple Concerto in C Brahms Symphony No 3 in F
Chris Harris conductor Will Drakett piano Alexandra Dinman vocals Swing Tet Jazz Band
‘A delight to listen to.’ the irish times £7; £4 Under-18s and students; free for jobseekers / all seats unreserved Senior Citizen’s Flexi Series Ticket see page 38
Under the assured direction of guest conductor Ben Palmer, the intimate relationship between the orchestra and award-winning Del Mar Trio brings Beethoven’s rarely performed Triple Concerto alive. Bringing real freshness to Mendelssohn’s ever-popular ‘Ruy Blas’ overture, a tribute to Victor Hugo’s dramatic tragedy, and Brahms’s autumnal Third Symphony, this is high calibre live music-making.
The Westerly Showband brings winning performances and no shortage of energy to a delightful evening devoted to the music of George Gershwin, from his big piano work Rhapsody in Blue, through his great jazzinfluenced Broadway songs and fresh and innovative film music. £8; £6
‘Staggering playing.’ bristol evening post £16(£15); £14(£13)
benpalmer.net / bhco.co.uk / delmarpianotrio.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol in collaboration with Churchill Music!
Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.
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Bristol International Piano Duo Festival 2011 Two pairs of hands are better than one. Some of the leading piano duos of our generation converge on Bristol for the 2011 International Piano Duo Festival, for a wideranging, mesmerisingly vital programme of music for four hands: pianists and pianos in perfect harmony. Promoted by St George’s Bristol in collaboration with Joseph Tong and Waka Hasegawa (Piano 4 Hands).
piano duo festival lunchtime classics
piano duo festival
Thursday 13 October 1pm
Thursday 13 October 8pm
Phillip Moore and Simon Crawford-Phillips
John Law / Gwilym Simcock
Debussy Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune Lutoslawski Variations on a Theme of Paganini Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances Op 45
Two giants of British modern jazz, John Law and Gwilym Simcock are both critically acclaimed band leaders, jaw-droppingly exciting and adventurous solo pianists and formidable improvisers. Here, they break new ground with a rare jazz piano duo set, a mesmeric performance of dazzling energy and incredible technique, awash with gorgeous sound.
Whilst both enjoy flourishing independent international careers, Moore and CrawfordPhillips are high calibre advocates of duo pianism, the most exacting of disciplines, with extraordinary musical empathy. Today they delight with one of Debussy’s most famous and enchanting works, Lutoslawski’s high-spirited Paganini Variations in its original 2-piano format, and Rachmaninov’s nostalgically Russian Symphonic Dances.
‘Law is an original, developing, living and breathing music.’ the wire £14
£7; £4 Under-18s and students; free for jobseekers / all seats unreserved Senior Citizen’s Flexi Series Ticket see page 38 2.15pm – 3.30pm MasterClass MasterClass only £5; admission free to lunchtime concert ticket-holders
pianoduofest.org.uk
10 Box Office 0845 40 24 001
pianoduet.com
johnlaw.org.uk / gwilymsimcock.com
‘ Charles Hazlewood’s energy and enthusiasm are infectious.’ the guardian
piano duo festival
Friday 14 October 7.30pm
Charles Hazlewood and The Army of Generals Refractions and Abstractions III Charles Hazlewood conductor Piano 4 Hands Robin Tritchler tenor Works by Schoenberg, Strauss, Schubert and Mahler
© Paul Roylance
Step back in time to Vienna, 1917, where Charles Hazlewood and his orchestra invite you to join them at one of the legendary private performance evenings organized by Schoenberg and the glitterati of musical society. Set aside your prejudice of Schoenberg as being a composer of only VERY serious music and witness what happens as the great Austrian lets his hair down, leaving his serial-tonality at home and arranging a series of pieces by some of the greatest composers of all time!
Be swept away by exquisite arrangements of dance-king Strauss’s Emperor and Treasure waltzes and pleasure seeking Wine, Women & Song, enraptured by Mahler’s almost unbearably sad Songs of a Wayfarer, and enthralled by the thrilling four-hands piano arrangements of some of Schubert’s most accomplished orchestral music, for the play Rosamunde. The arrangements are sparkling, witty and hugely resourceful, the performances given by some of the country’s finest musicians – a fitting climax to Charles Hazlewood’s adventures through the theme of Refractions & Abstractions. Piano 4 Hands: ‘Precision-tooled piano duettists.’ the times £26(£24); £24(£22); £17(£15); £13(£11)
charleshazlewood.com / armyofgenerals.co.uk / piano4hands.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol. Supported by Wessex Water
Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.
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piano duo festival
Saturday 15 October 7.30pm
Sunday 16 October 10.30am – 10.30pm
Worbey and Farrell Katzenjammer
Gathering Voices Festival of Song Bristol, City of Song
Don’t miss out on the hugely impressive spectacle of a flurry of four hands simultaneously playing The Simpsons Theme on a single black Steinway piano.
Following a highly successful launch last year the Gathering Voices Festival of Song returns with a rich and eclectic celebration of the many outstanding voices (singers, ensembles and choirs) of the UK’s premier ‘City of Song’.
Proving that comedy and virtuosic ivorytinkling can go hand-in-hand, the ‘superb piano playing comedy duo’ (ITV’s This Morning) of Steven Worbey and Kevin Farrell bring exquisite musicianship to a breathtaking cabaret revue of stylish, witty banter, barbed comic song, gymnastic piano playing and blatant musical showboating.
Like Tom & Jerry meets Brahms & Liszt they debunk classical music’s most famous pieces and players with a vigorous glee, and whether it’s the can-can being belted out as energetically as if they were dancing it themselves, or a rousing Last Night Of The Proms-style flag-waving finale, the passionate playing proves infectious. ‘Vastly entertaining ... astonishing … magic.’ the scotsman £17; £15; £13; £5 Under-18s; Family Ticket available
Within the wonderful acoustic and inspiring surroundings of St George’s – the intimacy of which makes it the perfect setting for song – this 12-hour singing marathon traverses the whole spectrum of the city’s choirs, the compelling culmination to the second ten day city-wide Festival of Song. Sessions: 10.30am; 2pm; 6.30pm For full line-up and running times: festivalofsong.org.uk Session Tickets: £5; Free Under-18s Day Pass: £10; Free Under-18s
worbeyandfarrell.com Promoted by Gathering Voices in collaboration with St George’s Bristol
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Tuesday 18 – Saturday 22 October 7.30pm Thursday 20 and Saturday 22 October 2.30pm
Wednesday 26 October 7.30pm
Thursday 27 October 1pm
Kneehigh Theatre The Wild Bride
Bristol Ensemble Brandenburg Concertos
Andre Shlimon piano
With instinctive storytelling, devilish humour and heady live music, one of the country’s most exciting and innovative theatre companies takes a sideways look at an epic and poetic wonder tale: the story of what happens when your father accidentally sells you to the devil.
Roger Huckle violin, director
Haydn Piano Sonata No 62 in Eb Shlimon Bagatelles Beethoven Piano Sonata in C minor ‘Pathétique’
Charting a life from broken-hearted girlhood to, perhaps, happy-ever-after womanhood, Kneehigh brings its distinctive ramshackle magic to this grown up romance for brave children and adults alike.
But extraordinarily, they are rarely performed together in one concert. This is therefore a wonderful opportunity to fully enjoy their powerful originality and expressive variety, as the Bristol Ensemble brings its virtuosity and joyful music-making to these outstanding and uplifting masterpieces. In the candlelit intimacy of St George’s, with its perfect acoustic, there is no better introduction to the baroque style.
‘A blend of brilliantly simple visual richness and a kaleidoscope of ideas ... this is intensely charismatic theatre.’ the guardian Performed at St George’s Bristol. Booked at Bristol Old Vic: 0117 987 7877 / bristololdvic.org.uk £26(£24); £16(£14); £7(£5) voluntary donation does not apply
lunchtime classics
Bach Brandenburg Concertos No 1 - 6 Perhaps the most revered and loved of all baroque concerti, Bach’s Brandenburgs are absolutely unbeatable, peerless highlights of baroque music.
Equally at home in the classical and contemporary repertoires, amazing young Bristol-based pianist and composer Andre Shlimon brings both passions to the fore in his St George’s solo debut, an exciting and accessible programme featuring his own set of piano bagatelles – modern in style but rooted in classical and jazz traditions – alongside the more traditional sonatas of Haydn and Beethoven. £7; £4 Under-18s and students; free for jobseekers / all seats unreserved Senior Citizen’s Flexi Series Ticket see page 38
‘A top class ensemble, exquisite performance.’ bristol evening post £21(£19); £19(£17); £15(£13); £9(£7)
Eats: Thali Café on-site (p38) kneehigh.co.uk Promoted by Bristol Old Vic in collaboration with St George’s Bristol
Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.
bristolensemble.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol
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Thursday 27 October 7.30pm
Opera North Mercy and Grand: The Tom Waits Project A concert at the musical crossroads, bringing together ten songs by Tom Waits, some Kurt Weill, a sea shanty, a hymn, a couple of instrumental gypsy tangos and a classic Fellini film score. Played by an extraordinarily versatile ‘circus band’ including musical saw, harmonium, clarinets and a trumpetviolin, and with mezzo-soprano Jess Walker at the centre, these songs of love, heartbreak and intoxication are revealed in all their strange beauty. The songs have been arranged by leading British composer Gavin Bryars, musical director Jim Holmes, and maverick violinist Joe Townsend. This concert marks the launch of a CD recording of the material made at the end of 2010 with the blessing of Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan themselves. £20; £17; £13 Eats: Clifton Sausage on-site (p38) operanorth.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol. Produced by
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‘ I‘m honored to have an artist of Gavin Bryars’ stature dress these songs up and take them out to an elegant night on the town.’ tom waits
Friday 28 October 7.30pm
Christian Blackshaw piano
Christian Blackshaw is an artist of impeccable international credentials who draws praise from fellow musicians as much as from his audiences around the world. A personal invitation from Valery Gergiev to perform with him in St Petersburg at the White Knights Festival was swiftly followed by one from Sir Simon Rattle to play at the Philharmonie this coming November, and we’re delighted that he has chosen to unveil his programme to St George’s audience before leaving for Berlin. As ever, you can be sure that he will bring his sure touch and musical sensitivity to bear on this programme of intense and passionate music, from the lyrical and beautifully painted landscapes of Liszt to the ardent tenderness of Schumann’s Fantasie.
© Herbie Knott
Mozart Sonata in C minor K457 Liszt Vallée d’Obermann (Années de Pèlerinage Book 1 ‘Suisse’) Brahms Klavierstücke Op 119 Schumann Fantasie in C
‘One rarely hears every note struck cleanly and with fresh wonder.’ the financial times ‘Back in Bristol, one of the finest Mozart recitals I’ve heard in years – by Christian Blackshaw.’ bbc music magazine £25(£23); £22(£20); £18(£16); £13(£11) Eats: Clifton Sausage on-site (p38)
christianblackshaw.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol
Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.
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Sunday 30 October 7.30pm
Aurora Orchestra Thriller Peter Straub author Nicholas Collon conductor Tim Hopkins director Kats-Chernin Clocks Bach (arr. Webern) Ricercar à 6 Dukas ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ (new arrangement) “When Peter Straub turns on all his jets”, writes Stephen King, “no-one in the scream factory can equal him.” Celebrated American horror writer Peter Straub has been terrifying his legions of readers throughout the world for more than thirty years with works including Ghost Story, The Talisman and Shadowland. For this unique dramatic collaboration, Straub has worked with director Tim Hopkins and Aurora to create a spine-tingling tapestry of narrative and music, quite unlike any concert you’ve ever seen.
auroraorchestra.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol. Supported by
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A young orchestra with a great future, this striking concert launches a new association with St George’s. With the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society Ensemble Award under its belt, an award that sees it joining the ranks of past winners such as the Hallé and RLPO, this is an orchestra that fuses art forms and musical styles in unique programmes that inspire, challenge and astonish. Expect invention, virtuosity and unfettered passion. Unmissable. ‘High points that will make you mad with joy.’ the times £26(£24); £20(£18); £15(£13); £5 Under-18s Eats: Clifton Sausage on-site (p38)
‘ Edgy, adventurous, elite … the future of music.’ evening standard
November at a glance
• • Thu 3 Galeazzi Ensemble • Fri 4 Tubular Bells • Sun 6 Autumn Winds Children’s Concert ••• Mon 7 Polish Radio Choir Górecki Polish Spirituals • Tue 8 Janis Ian • Thu 10 Anglo-Japanese Society of Wessex • Thu 10 Hot Club of Cowtown • Fri 11 Viktoria Mullova The Peasant Girl •• Sat 12 City of Bristol Choir • Sun 13 Zakir Hussain •• Mon 14 Abdullah Ibrahim Solo • Wed 16 Claudia Caolin Y Compania Fuego Flamenco • Thu 17 Victoria Simonsen / Sam Armstrong • Thu 17 Jonathan James Music Talk •• Thu 17 Gretchen Parlato • Fri 18 Bristol Ensemble The Four Seasons • Sat 19 Stephen Hough / Bristol Classical Players • Sun 20 BBC National Orchestra of Wales Colston Hall • Mon 21 BBC Concert Orchestra Orchestral Naturally! • Tue 22 Stephen Preston / Edward Cowie Pan-Syrinx • Tue 22 Elias String Quartet The Tenor of Nature • Wed 23 Peter Hill piano Birds on 88 keys • Thu 24 BBC Singers EnCHANTing Birds • Fri 25 Coull String Quartet Highly Strung Birds • Sat 26 Earth Music Party •• Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary Wed 30 Steeleye • donation of £1 toSpan help secure our future. Tue 1
Oysterband / June Tabor
Wed 2 Toumani Diabate
lunchtime classic
Thursday 3 November 1pm
‘ The playing of the Galeazzi Ensemble is utterly persuasive.’ early music news
Galeazzi Ensemble Pappa Haydn Haydn Divertimento in A Mozart Andante for Flute and Strings Hyacinthe Jadin Andante from String Trio in F Haydn Flute Quartet in G minor The spellbinding period instrument Galeazzi Ensemble continues its innovative exploration of the classical and early romantic chamber music repertoire with a superb performance of works by Haydn, Mozart and (the neglected) Hyacinthe Jadin. With impeccable ensemble
and ravishing playing by all, this rich mosaic of music, especially the exquisite chamber arrangements of Mozart’s Andante for Flute and Orchestra K315 and Haydn’s String Quartet Op 20 No 5, shines with compelling vitality, making old music very fresh. £7; £4 Under-18s and students; free for jobseekers / all seats unreserved Senior Citizen’s Flexi Series Ticket see page 38
galeazziensemble.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 17
Friday 4 November 8pm
Monday 7 November 7.30pm
Charles Hazlewood / Adrian Utley Tubular Bells
Górecki Polish Spirituals Polish Radio Choir Artur Se˛dzielarz conductor Programme includes: Totus Tuus; Three Lullabies; Broad Waters; Song of the Katyn Families; Come Holy Spirit; Amen.
Mike Oldfield’s prog-rock classic from 1973 sold over 2 and a half million copies in the UK alone and stayed in the charts for 279 weeks. It also represented the entry of minimalism or systems music into popular culture, with the opening theme used in the film of The Exorcist (and in many films thereafter). Tonight, Charles Hazlewood and Adrian Utley present a new version of this much-loved piece in a wide-ranging programme that touches on a number of key minimalist texts.
The players are: Will Gregory on piano, organ and synth-oboe; Charles Hazlewood, organ; Denny Ilett, guitar; Alex Vann, guitar, mandolin, bass; Adrian Utley, guitar and synth bass; Ross Hughes, organ, synth bass and flute, and Alan Elmsley on percussion and tubular bells, with the possibility of additional surprise guests on the night. £16 Eats: Clifton Sausage on-site (p38)
Górecki gained international acclaim with his haunting Symphony of Sorrowful Songs, its recording selling more than a million copies and staying at the top of the US Classical Charts for 38 weeks. His choral music is filled with the same distinctively spiritual lyricism and spontaneous human warmth, celebrating his Polish roots and Catholic faith. This landmark tour by one of Poland’s leading choirs, with whom he worked closely over many years, is a tribute to one of the late twentieth century’s great composers, a year after Górecki’s death in November 2010. £21(£19); £19(£17); £16(£14); £13(£11)
charleshazlewood.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol
18 Box Office 0845 40 24 001
Promoted by St George’s Bristol. Supported by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute
lunchtime classics
Thursday 10 November 12.30pm – 2pm
Anglo-Japanese Society of Wessex 15th Anniversary Concert
6.15pm Pre-concert Talk With Adrian Thomas, leading international authority on Polish music.
The Anglo-Japanese Society of Wessex is dedicated to developing cultural understanding between Japan and the UK. Since 2001 they have organised over 300 classical music concerts showcasing the incredible talents of Japanese musicians, both student and professional. For this Anniversary Concert, an impressive selection of no fewer than 12 of these young musicians, under the direction of pianist Akiko Murakami and violinist Kazue Yanagida, come together to share their individual and combined talents through a programme of enticing classics, opening with Mozart’s brilliantly inventive Divertimento in D and including Borodin’s Nocturne (for string quartet) and Massanet’s Meditation (violin / piano). £7; £4 Under-18s and students; free for jobseekers / all seats unreserved Senior Citizen’s Flexi Series Ticket see page 38
ajsw.org.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol in collaboration with the Anglo-Japanese Society of Wessex
Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 19
Friday 11 November 7.30pm
Saturday 12 November 7.30pm
Viktoria Mullova The Peasant Girl
City of Bristol Choir Eternal Light
Hot on the heels of two BBC Proms appearances this summer one of the world’s greatest violin virtuosos, Viktoria Mullova, takes centre stage for a colourful and intoxicating concert of gypsy inspired music. The choice of music looks to Viktoria Mullova’s peasant roots in the Ukraine, reflecting the side of her that loves and revels in simplicity, emotional honesty and a virtuosity that comes from the heart and is for the heart. It sweeps across the Hungarian terrains of Bartók and Kodaly to the more contemporary gypsy-jazz landscapes of the French group Bratsch. This is music blissfully free from the misleading shackles of genre, urging you to embrace the very simple notion that ‘music is music’ – an evening of stellar performance by a quintet of world class musicians (with Matthew Barley on cello, Julian Joseph on piano, Paul Clarvis on drums and Sam Walton on percussion).
City of Bristol Choir Lochrian Ensemble David Ogden conductor
£25; £21; £15 viktoriamullova.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol
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Cecilia McDowall Ave maris stella Morten Lauridsen Lux aeterna Howard Goodall Eternal Light Sumptuous harmonies, beautiful melodies and heartfelt feelings of wonder and compassion characterise all three works in this exciting programme of choral music for choir, soloists, harp and string orchestra on the theme of light. Soothing and soaring in equal measure is award-winning composer Howard Goodall’s requiem for our time, Eternal Light, a Bristol premiere for this beautiful, moving work which has touched millions through performances on radio and in the concert hall. £19(£17); £17(£15); £13(£11); £9(£7)
cityofbristolchoir.org.uk
lunchtime classics
Thursday 17 November 1pm
Zakir Hussain Masters of Percussion
Victoria Simonsen cello / Sam Armstrong piano
An awe-inspiring night of jaw-dropping percussion from the world’s greatest living tabla player, joined here by the internationally acclaimed sitar virtuoso Niladri Kumar, and by the cream of Indian percussionists. Son of the legendary Ustad Alla Rakha (Ravi Shankar’s tabla player), Zakir, confederate to George Harrison, John McLaughlin and the Grateful Dead amongst many others, continues the fascinatingly beautiful conversation between jazz and Indian classical music first established in the 1960s.
Beethoven 12 Variations on Mozart’s ‘Ein Madchen oder Weibchen’ Op 66 Dvorˇák Waldesruhe ‘Silent Woods’ Strauss Cello Sonata in F Op 6
‘An ensemble triumph that includes virtuoso displays sometimes difficult to credit to mortal beings.’ the guardian £29(£27); £25(£23); £19(£17); £15(£13)
‘A musician of rare quality’ (The Strad), New Zealand-born cellist Victoria Simonsen is fast making a name for herself on the international stage. She is joined by acclaimed young pianist Sam Armstrong, Richard Goode’s sole student at Mannes College New York, to evoke the charm of Dvorak’s Silent Woods and the passion of Strauss’ Cello Sonata, in an utterly compelling recital opening with Beethoven’s noteworthy homage to Mozart. ‘Beautifully sensitive and composed cello playing.’ the times £7; £4 Under-18s and students; free for jobseekers / all seats unreserved Senior Citizen’s Flexi Series Ticket see page 38
zakirhussain.com Promoted by Asian Arts Agency and Serious
Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.
Promoted by St George’s Bristol
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© Dirk Rietveld
Sunday 13 November 8pm
Earth Music Bristol starts here spoken word
earth music bristol
Thursday 17 November 6.15pm
Friday 18 November 7.30pm
Connecting Jazz Voice A Music Talk by Jonathan James
Bristol Ensemble The Four Seasons
Music educator Jonathan James indulges in some of the most wondrous voices in jazz history – from ‘The Divine One’, Sarah Vaughan, and ‘Lady Ella’ Fitzgerald, through to two stars of today’s jazz-vocals galaxy, the whisper-voiced Gretchen Parlato (live at St George’s, Thu 17 Nov) and the triumphantly powerful Clare Teal (live at St George’s, Wed 14 Dec) – uncovers a host of classic performances and asks what is it that makes them special and what do they reveal about the main building blocks of a great jazz vocal technique?
Roger Huckle director Stephen Preston flute
Running time: 1 hour / no interval £5 including a complimentary glass of wine
Vivaldi Four Seasons Vivaldi Il Gardellini Richard Barnard Bird Pieces Vivaldi Tempesta di Mare Earth Music Bristol opens with Vivaldi’s captivating showpiece, The Four Seasons. Dazzling in its depiction of the natural world, from the birdsong of springtime to the frost and ice of winter, its musical scene-painting is enhanced by stunning film footage from the BBC Motion Gallery – a chance to
voluntary donation does not apply
bristolensemble.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol
22 Box Office 0845 40 24 001
Promoted in collaboration with St George’s Bristol
see, hear and very nearly feel the gradual transformations and richness of the changing seasons. Interwoven with virtuosic concerti for baroque flute, and a re-invented dawn chorus, this is a perfect appetizer for the musical and multi-sensual feast that follows in the rest of the festival. £16; £9; £5 Under-18s; Family Ticket available
st george’s bristol fundraiser
Saturday 19 November 7.30pm
earth music bristol
Sunday 20 November 3pm Colston Hall
Stephen Hough plays Rachmaninov’s 3rd
BBC National Orchestra of Wales Symphonies of Sea and Ice
Stephen Hough piano Bristol Classical Players Tom Gauterin conductor
Adrian Partington conductor Hilary Summers soprano Elizabeth Atherton soprano Women’s Voices of the Bristol Choral Society
Debussy Prelude à l’après-midi d’un faune Stravinsky The Firebird (1919 suite) Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No 3 in D minor Op 30 Stephen Hough, ‘Britain’s finest pianist’ (The Sunday Times), returns to St George’s for one of the most spectacular and technically challenging concertos in the classical piano repertoire, Rachmaninov’s 3rd. Following praise the world over for his outstanding, multi-award winning recording of ‘Rach 3’, this concert is a rare opportunity to see this dazzling musician, on magnificent form, in a work he has made his own. With committed advocacy and technical bravura, Hough’s interpretation demands to be heard.
Britten Four Sea Interludes Elgar Sea Pictures Vaughan Williams Sinfonia Antartica
Introduced by Nicola Heywood Thomas and recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 3 (Friday 25 November). Performed and booked at Colston Hall: 0117 922 3686 / colstonhall.org £16; £13; £9; £8 Under-26s; £1 Under-18s voluntary donation does not apply
The sea is a force that awes and inspires and here it is channelled through the magnificent sound lens of a symphony orchestra, one of the most exciting phenomena in the world of the arts. Britten’s Four Sea Interludes transport us from calm and mist to the roar and overwhelming frenzy of the sea in tempest and turmoil, while Elgar’s soundpictures depict it as he saw and loved it. Finally, Vaughan Williams evokes the snowy wastes of Antarctica, an environment hostile yet always majestic.
£25(£23); £21(£19); £19(£17); £13(£11) Eats: Real Olive Co. on-site (p38) stephenhough.com / bristolclassicalplayers.org.uk Promoted in collaboration with St George’s Bristol
Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.
Promoted in collaboration with Bristol Music Trust
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 23
RADIO 3 LIVE IN CONCERT
earth music bristol
Monday 21 November 7.30pm
BBC Concert Orchestra Orchestral Naturally! Barry Wordsworth conductor Cynthia Fleming violin Vaughan Williams The Wasps Milford Fishing by Moonlight Delius On hearing the first cuckoo in spring Ravel Prelude and Dance from Ma Mère l’Oye Milhaud La Création du Monde Honegger Pastoral d’Eté Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending Bartók Music for Strings, Percussion and Celeste
All of life is contained within this wonderful orchestral concert (all things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small!), from the eerie clicks of night insects emerging from the inky darkness, to the evocation of a perfect spring morning and the seismic events that shaped the creation of the world. Famous for its versatility, the BBC Concert Orchestra delights in this chance to illuminate the glories of the natural world, no more so than in Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending, recently voted the nation’s favourite Desert Island Disc. Introduced by Petroc Trelawney and broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. £16; £9; £5 Under-18s; Family Ticket available Eats: Real Olive Co. on-site (p38)
Promoted by St George’s Bristol
24 Box Office 0845 40 24 001
12.30pm Richard Mabey Radio 3 The Essay Helen Dunmore Radio 4 Afternoon Story Recorded for broadcast on BBC Radios 3 and 4. Free admission / advance booking recommended
RADIO 3 LIVE IN CONCERT
earth music bristol lunchtime classics
earth music bristol
Tuesday 22 November 1.30pm
Tuesday 22 November 7.30pm
Pan-Syrinx
Elias String Quartet / Allan Clayton tenor / Tom Poster piano The Tenor of Nature
Stephen Preston baroque flute Edward Cowie piano
Gurney Ludlow & Teme Janácˇek On the Overgrown Path Book 1: ‘Our evenings’; ‘Leaf blow away’; ‘Little Owl’ Vaughan Williams On Wenlock Edge Warlock 3 Songs: ‘Autumn Twilight’; ‘Late Summer’; ‘Frostbound Wood’ Elgar Piano Quintet
The baroque flute is a perfect partner to birdsong! Stephen Preston is joined by composer-pianist-natural scientist Edward Cowie in an improvised concert of music inspired by birdsong and the habitats in which they live. New sounds, new insights into the ‘music’ of birds has driven Stephen Preston to reinvent the flute; to push into new sonorities that will surely surprise and delight you! £7; £4 Under-18s and students; free for jobseekers / all seats unreserved Senior Citizen’s Flexi Series Ticket see page 38 12.30pm Tim Birkhead Radio 3 The Essay Tessa Hadley Radio 4 Afternoon Story Recorded for broadcast on BBC Radios 3 and 4.
From the rapturous and tender settings by Vaughan Williams and Ivor Gurney of poems from A E Housman’s A Shropshire Lad to Elgar’s almost unbearably poignant Piano Quintet, this is a concert inspired by the natural beauty of the English countryside and expressed through the rich palette of sounds created by the fusion of string quartet, piano and voice. A stirring reminder of just how deeply memorable and moving a sense of place, and a place for the senses, can be. £16; £9; £5 Under-18s; Family Ticket available Eats: Real Olive Co. on-site (p38)
Free admission / advance booking recommended
Performed by some of the brightest talents of BBC Radio 3’s New Generation Artists scheme, current and past, introduced by Petroc Trelawney and broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.
edward-cowie.com
eliasstringquartet.com / allanclayton.com / tomposter.co.uk
Promoted by St George’s Bristol
Promoted by St George’s Bristol
Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 25
earth music bristol
Wednesday 23 November 7.30pm
RADIO 3 LIVE IN CONCERT
Peter Hill piano Birds on 88 Keys Pale silver moonlit pools, the interlacing branches of trees, a tapestry of stars and haunting bird calls from the tide-edge of an estuary – just some of the magical sights and sounds that inspire this intimate evening of solo piano music by Messiaen, Takemitsu, Ravel and others. Messiaen birdscapes unfold alongside a succession of other pieces, some as delicate as a beautiful watercolour, all conveying these composers’ profound love of the natural world. The pianist is Peter Hill, widely acknowledged as one of the truly great interpreters of Messiaen, whose recording of The Catalogue of Birds was made under the composer’s personal supervision. Presented by Petroc Trelawney and broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.
12.30pm Natalie Seddon Radio 3 The Essay Horatio Clare Radio 4 Afternoon Story Reading Recorded for broadcast on BBC Radios 3 and 4. Free admission / advance booking recommended
earth music bristol
Thursday 24 November 7.30pm
BBC Singers Enchanting Birds David Hill conductor Peter Hill piano Hailed as one of the greatest choirs in the world, the BBC Singers are famous for their vivid, dynamic and vital performances of music both new and old. This concert sees choral music interspersed with piano works played by Peter Hill, in a birdsong-inspired musical adventure. The concert begins with the world premiere of Edward Cowie’s ‘dawn-piece’, Bell Bird Motet, and ends with with an earlier ‘dusk-piece’, his sumptuous Lyre Bird Motet. Along the way there is a procession of
£10; £5 Under-18s; Family Ticket available Eats: Real Olive Co. on-site (p38)
Promoted by St George’s Bristol
26 Box Office 0845 40 24 001
Promoted by St George’s Bristol
RADIO 3 LIVE IN CONCERT
earth music bristol
Friday 25 November 7.30pm
RADIO 3 LIVE IN CONCERT
Coull String Quartet Highly Strung Birds pieces that respond to the sounds and habitats of birds, from Stanford’s The Blue Bird to Elgar’s Owls and Vaughan Williams’ The Turtle Dove. All in all, a tremendous chorus of gorgeous harmonies and rich embroideries of sound from nature. Presented by Petroc Trelawney and broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. £16; £9; £5 Under-18s; Family Ticket available Eats: Real Olive Co. on-site (p38) 12.30pm Paul Farley Radio 3 The Essay Recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 3. Free admission / advance booking recommended
Haydn String Quartet in C Op 33 No 3 ‘The Bird’ Cowie Birdsong Bagatelles; Quartet No 5 Dvorˇák String Quartet in F Op 96 ‘American’ Two ‘classics’ and a classic quartet for the future from a truly great string quartet, the Coull. The Haydn thrills and trills; Dvorˇák throbs with wild energy and the tremulous song of the American scarlet tanager; and Cowie’s Birdsong Bagatelles offer ‘soundportraits’ of 24 common European Birds. Melodic, mellifluous, mysterious and mesmerising music! Presented by Petroc Trelawney and broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. ‘The magnificent, seasoned ensemble of the Coull.’ the strad £10; £5 Under-18s; Family Ticket available Eats: Real Olive Co. on-site (p38)
coullquartet.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 27
earth music bristol
Saturday 26 November 5pm
Earth Music Party As a joyous end to the Earth Music festival, composer / conductor Edward Cowie leads the young singers of the St George’s ‘Cosmos Choir’, instrumentalists of the Bristol Ensemble Youth Orchestra, and children and adults of the audience, in a family-friendly creative workshop culminating in a grand musical finale celebrating the natural world and one of Britain’s truly spectacular natural phenomena, the great surge wave known as the ‘Severn Bore’. TAKE PART Bring pencils and sketch paper, get creative, practice your listening and draw the sounds you hear. Great for kids aged 6+ and their families Running time: 70 minutes / no interval Free admission / no advance ticket required Eats: Real Olive Co. on-site (p38)
Promoted by St George’s Bristol
28 Box Office 0845 40 24 001
December at a glance
• ••• Sat 3 Bristol Concert Orchestra • Sun 4 Chartwell Dutiro / Spirit Talk Mbira •• Tue 6 Badminton School Musicians • Wed 7 Jonathan James Music Talk •• Wed 7 Gould Piano Trio Beethoven Piano Trio Cycle II • Thu 8 András Schiff piano / Oxford Philomusica • Sat 10 Bristol Schools Chamber Choir Christmas Concert •• Sun 11 Gasworks Choir •• Wed 14 Clare Teal Festive Fiesta • Thu 15 Terry Seabrook’s Milestones Kind of Blue • Fri 16 Bristol Bach Choir • Sat 17 Bristol Bach Choir • Sun 18 La Nuova Musica Handel’s The Messiah • Wed 21 Bristol Ensemble Christmas Spectacular • Thu 22 Bristol Ensemble Christmas Spectacular • Fri 23 Bristol Ensemble Family Christmas Carnival ••
Thu 1
Chisato Kusunoki piano
Fri 2
St George’s Bristol Fundraiser
• Classical Concert • Contemporary Gig • Children’s and Family Concert • Comedy / Spoken Word Event
lunchtime classics
st george’s bristol fundraiser
Thursday 1 December 1pm
Friday 2 December 7pm
Chisato Kusunoki piano
A Musical Suprise Gala evening in Aid of St George’s Bristol
Lyadov Variations on a Polish Song Rachmaninov Morceaux de fantasie Op 3 Liszt Sposalizio, Les cloches de Genève, Vallée d’Obermann from ‘Années de pèlerinage’
St George’s undergoes a dramatic transformation for a rather special evening of music – the hall itself is as elegant as ever, but set with tables so that you can enjoy supper while being serenaded by a succession of musicians. Expect some warmly familiar faces and the occasional surprise!
A welcome return by this talented young pianist, highly regarded for both her lyrical intensity and subtle virtuosity. Here, she revels in a programme featuring Lyadov’s little known but exquisitely vivacious Variations, Rachmaninov’s dramatic set of ‘Morceaux de fantasie’ (including the famous Prelude in C sharp minor), and a selection from Liszt’s Romantic epic, Years of Pilgrimage.
For further details / information pack, please contact Caroline Green on 0117 929 49 29 / c.green@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk. £75 including supper and musical entertainment voluntary donation does not apply
‘Wonderfully fleet and supple fingers, quick to locate the music’s inner voices, able to dapple and perfume… she’ll be heard from; she’s got it.’ the times © Mark Andreani
£7; £4 Under-18s and students; free for jobseekers / all seats unreserved Senior Citizen’s Flexi Series Ticket see page 38 chisatokusunoki.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol
Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.
Promoted by St George’s Bristol
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spoken word
Saturday 3 December 7.30pm
Tuesday 6 December 7.30pm
Wednesday 7 December 6.15pm
Bristol Concert Orchestra / You-Chiung Lin piano
Badminton School Musicians
Connecting Beethoven Piano Trios II A Music Talk by Jonathan James
Stefan Hofkes conductor
Matthew Bale, Heather Potter, David Ransom conductors Christine Chung violin
Jonathan James forays once more into Beethoven’s unique style, reveling in the drama of his first C minor Trio and drawing the later E flat Trio out from the shadow of the ‘Ghost’ which precedes it, giving it the full attention it deserves.
Prokofiev Cinderella (selection from the suites) Shostakovich Piano Concerto No 2 in F Tchaikovsky Symphony No 4 in F minor From a turbulent opening reflective of his private emotional turmoil - “This is Fate”, Tchaikovsky wrote – through to an unequivocal yet celebratory climax, Tchaikovsky’s extroverted and wild 4th Symphony sweeps you away. The thrilling pianist You-Chiung Lin returns to Bristol to enrapture with Shostakovich’s Second Piano Concerto, one of his lighter energetic works but with a soulful, Rachmaninov-style middle movement. And for a seasonal touch, the evening opens with a delightful selection from Prokofiev’s unashamedly sumptuous, richly lyrical ballet score for Cinderella. £13(£11); £11(£9); £9(£7); £8(£6); £1 Under-18s
Glinka Overture ‘Ruslan anad Ludmila’ Bruch Violin Concerto No 1 in G minor Schubert Motets Mozart Requiem The talented musicians of Badminton School return with a varied programme of orchestral and choral works, ranging from the virtuosic Glinka overture to the dramatic and dark sonorities of Mozart’s final choral masterpiece. Bruch’s popular Violin Concerto and motets by Schubert complete an enjoyable and memorable musical evening.
With lots of wonderful audio excerpts, Jonathan sets out the bigger picture of the piano trio as a genre and attends to Beethoven’s influence on those to come, including Schubert and Brahms. Running time: 1 hour / no interval £5 including a complimentary glass of wine voluntary donation does not apply
‘The choirs gave a moving rendition of Faure’s ‘Cantique’ where the balance and clarity were perfect.’ bristol evening post £7
bristolconcertorchestra.org.uk / you-chiunglin.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol
30 Box Office 0845 40 24 001
beethoven piano trio cycle
‘ Schiff stands with perhaps only a handful of pianists in his total achievement of the most severe beauty.’ the philadelphia inquirer
Wednesday 7 December 7.30pm
Thursday 8 December 7.30pm
Gould Piano Trio Beethoven Piano Trios II
András Schiff piano / Oxford Philomusica
Beethoven Piano Trio in E flat WoO 38 Piano Trio in C minor Op 1 No 3 Piano Trio in E flat Op 70 No 2
András Schiff piano, conductor
Recorded live for release on SOMM records. Coming soon: Concert III (Wed 29 Feb 2012) and Concert IV (Wed 23 May 2012) £17(£15); £15(£13); £13(£11); £7(£5) Series ticket: 4 concerts for the price of 3
© Roberto Masotti
The Gould Piano Trio continues its exploration of the complete set of Beethoven piano trios (see also Wed 5 Oct). Beethoven’s piano trios encompass a broad range of expression and musical material that reveal much about the different facets of his own complex character: in this case the extraordinary tempestuous energy of the C minor Trio gives way to the infinitely more relaxed and even-keeled Op 70 Trio where we witness Beethoven at his sunniest!
Haydn Fantasy in C Hob XVII:4 Sonata in G minor Hob XVI:44 Piano Concerto in D Variations in F minor Hob XVII:6 Symphony No 104 in D ‘London’ A mesmerizingly virtuosic, universally admired pianist, András Schiff here makes a rare appearance as soloist / conductor in this ‘best of Haydn’ programme. Directing Oxford’s critically acclaimed professional symphony orchestra in one of Haydn’s unaccountably undervalued Piano Concertos and the last and greatest of the London Symphonies, Schiff proves masterly, whilst Schiff the pianist is on outstanding form in a selection of well-loved Haydn solo piano works. ‘Oxford Philomusica contains glorious individual players.’ the times £26(£24); £23(£21); £19(£17)
gouldpianotrio.com
oxfordphil.com
Promoted in collaboration with St George’s Bristol
Promoted in collaboration with St George’s Bristol
Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 31
Friday 16 December 7.30pm and Saturday 17 December 7.30pm
Saturday 10 December 6.30pm
Sunday 11 December 2.30pm matinee / 8pm
Bristol Schools Chamber Choir Christmas Concert
The Gasworks Choir
Bristol Bach Choir Carols and Readings
David Ogden conductor, presenter
Ali Orbaum and Sarah Pennington directors
A musical treat for all the family to kick-start Christmas, as the Bristol Schools Chamber Choir showcases the incredible vocal abilities of its young performers with a selection of festive favourites traditional and modern. Out-of-the box exhilarating sing-alongs and rousing dance tunes weave with a beautiful performance of award-winning composer Howard Goodall’s stunning Enchanted Carols, given ethereal and angelic voice by the Seniors Girls Choir (Bristol’s very own ‘Enchanted Voices’), with irresistibly good humoured introductions by choir director and host, David Ogden.
The richly talented, hugely popular 150-strong Gasworks community choir returns to St George’s with an exciting new repertoire of songs: from inventive arrangements of pop, soul and jazz classics to fresh interpretations of world, classical and contemporary folk. Special guest conductor Sarah Pennington joins co-director Ali Orbaum for an uplifting hour of fabulous music, a rousing demonstration of what massed social singing is all about.
Nigel Nash conductor Claire Alsop piano
Running time: 60 minutes / no interval £7(£6) family matinee; £8.50(£7) evening / all seats unreserved
£8; £5 Under-18s; Family Ticket available
A long-standing Bristol institution, this sparkling miscellany of carols and Christmas music, old and new, inspirational and entertaining, illuminates both the spiritual and the lighthearted aspects of the festive season. Intermixed with highly acclaimed readings by members of the Choir, ranging from the deeply devotional to the frankly hilarious, this eagerly anticipated programme encapsulates Christmas with the Choir’s customary musical excellence, and a good deal of fun. ‘Exhilarating performances with a difference – dynamic programming in atmospheric settings.’ bristol evening post £21; £18; £15; £11; £5 Students and Under-18s
gasworkschoir.co.uk / singyoursocksoff.co.uk Promoted in collaboration with St George’s Bristol
32 Box Office 0845 40 24 001
bristolbach.org.uk
‘This new group of young performers brings a sense of freshness and joy to even the most familiar music. Quite captivating!’ john rutter
Sunday 18 December 6pm
La Nuova Musica Handel’s Messiah David Bates director, harpisichord Anna Dennis soprano Marie Eliott contralto Simon Wall tenor Timothy Dickinson bass The music of our greatest adopted musical genius, Georg Frideric Handel, is woven into the very fabric of British life. Taken to people’s hearts during his own lifetime, he continues to captivate audiences today, and his inspired oratorio, The Messiah, is surely
his most popular work. Combining Handel’s love of the church with his love of opera, it’s a masterpiece that binds together dramatic texts with beautiful arias and thrilling choruses, from I Know that My Redeemer Liveth and Thine be The Glory to its magnificent centrepiece, the spine tingling Hallelujah Chorus.
debut performance at St George’s, the chorus is formed by this evening’s soloists; each part clear and poignant, conveying the full extent of the work’s emotional range in a refreshingly intimate and revelatory performance. £24(£22); £21(£19); £19(£17); £13(£11)
With a reputation for spirited and sharply characterized performances, La Nuova Musica is one of today’s brightest and most distinctive Baroque specialist groups. For this very special
lanuovamusica.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol
Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 33
Wednesday 21 December and Thursday 22 December 7.45pm
Friday 23 December 2pm / 4.30pm
Bristol Ensemble Christmas Spectacular
Bristol Ensemble Family Christmas Carnival
City of Bristol Choir (Wed 21 Dec) Exultate Singers (Thu 22 Dec)
Roger Huckle director, violin
With the always accessible and inspired works of Rutter, Bach, Handel, Corelli and Vivaldi, audience carols and seasonal readings, this glorious mixture of revelry and reverence exudes sparkle. Always massively popular concerts, this is the music that makes Christmas.
A grumpy grandfather, a deep dark Russian forest, a fat and evil cat, a high-spirited duck, a squawky bird, a lonely boy and a sleek and sly WOLF!. Get Christmas off to a brilliant start with Sergei Prokofiev’s much loved Peter and the Wolf, an enchanting musical tale that has captured the hearts of children all over the world, and is the perfect introduction to the instruments of the orchestra. And with a wonderfully exciting selection of Disney themes and Pirates of the Caribbean skullduggery songs, and plenty of audience participation, this is a seasonal delight for all the family.
‘The perfect Christmas concert.’ bristol evening post
‘Top class ensemble, exquisite performance.’ evening post
£24(£22); £21(£19); £18(£16); £10(£8)
£13(£8 Under-18s); £9(£5 Under-18s); Family ticket £37 (2 Adults / 2 Children); £32 (1 Adult / 3 Children)
cityofbristolchoir.org.uk / exultatesingers.org
bristolensemble.com
David Ogden conductor The stunning Bristol Ensemble is joined by two exceptional Bristol choirs conducted by David Ogden for a special festive evening of warmth, passion and bonhomie.
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Learn With Us Children’s and Family Concerts Live at St George’s A top-quality live concert experience can be a revelation at any age, but for children it can ignite a passion for music that stays with them for life.
Tuesday 25 October 3pm
Sunday 4 December 3pm
Michael Loader / Saikat Ahamed / Stefan Cartwright Rama and Sita
Chartwell Dutiro and Spirit Talk Mbira Family Mbira Spirit
With a unique mix of creativity and interactivity, St George’s Bristol puts children at the heart of its magical, kid-friendly family shows.
Thrilling storytelling and inspirational live music from the Indian subcontinent, including Rama and Sita, one of the most famous Hindu epics of all time.
World-class mbira player Chartwell Dutiro and his remarkable dance band Spirit Talk Mbira give a vibrant and inspiring introduction to the Shona sounds of Zimbabwe.
£5 Children and Adults; Family Ticket available
£5 Under-18s; £7 Adults; Family Ticket available
Celebrating the playfulness and the pleasure of music, storytelling and taking part, St George’s Children’s and Family Concerts are colourful, engaging and imagination-tickling, full of quirky pleasures and energetic fun, and an utter delight (no matter what your age). For further information on children’s and family concerts this autumn please phone the Box Office 0845 40 24 001 and request a Children’s and Family Concerts leaflet, or visit us online.
Sunday 6 November 10am (3 – 5 yrs) / 11.15am (5 – 8 yrs)
Bristol Ensemble Wind Quintet / Laura Tanner Autumn Winds A fascinating insight into the world of the wind instrument with lively, informal and informative introductions and fantastic music by some of classical music’s most celebrated composers. £5 Children and Adults; Family Ticket available
Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.
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Contemporary Gigs A leader in contemporary music, St George’s Bristol promotes ambitious, critically acclaimed, truly international music from some of the finest musicians in the world. The folk programme boasts landmark performances: Ian Anderson’s stripped-down acoustic set of timeless Jethro Tull classics (Tue 6 Sep); the Unthanks original and magnificent new project with the Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band (Sat 17 Sep); a 70th birthday celebration for arguably the greatest duo in English folk, Dave Swarbrick and Martin Carthy (Wed 21 Sep); the welcome return of the truly wonderful troubadour Ralph McTell (Thu 29 Sep); June Tabor’s compelling reunion with rousing acoustic folk-rockers Oysterband (Tue 1 Nov); and Steeleye Span’s revitalizing ‘Now We Are Six’ full-album performance (Wed 30 Nov).
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The electrifying jazz series includes: the precocious improv virtuosity of Phronesis (Thu 6 Oct); ECM star Christian Wallumrød’s startlingly beautiful soundscapes (Mon 24 Oct); the heart-breaking jazz pianism of Abdullah Ibrahim (Mon 14 Nov); the vibrant vocal jazz of new US queen of jazz, Gretchen Parlato (Thu 17 Nov) and UK queen of swing, Clare Teal (Wed 14 Dec); and a complete performance of Miles Davis’ seminal ‘Kind of Blue’ (Thu 15 Dec). And with the peerless, theatrical pop and chanson of the great Marc Almond (Fri 7 Oct); an enthralling tribute to the legendary Tom Waits (Thu 27 Oct); the entrancing kora of the great African master Toumani Diabate (Wed 2 Nov); Charles Hazlewood and Adrian Utley’s must-see performance of Mike Oldfield’s minimalist prog-classic Tubular Bells (Fri 4 Nov); eight times Grammy-nominated singer-
songwriter Janis Ian (Tue 8 Nov); the cowboy ballads and country swing of Hot Club of Cowtown (Thu 10 Nov); and the exquisite Zimbabwean Shona sounds of Spirit Talk Mbira (Sun 4 Dec), St George’s is the home to all that’s best in contemporary music. Suzanne Rolt Director For further information on contemporary gigs this autumn please phone the Box Office 0845 40 24 001 and request a Contemporary Gigs brochure, or visit us online.
© Dirk Rietveld Coull String Quartet © Danielle King
Save money!
Cavatina free tickets
Young Friends
Lunchtime Classics Senior Citizen’s Flexi Ticket Buy a ticket for any 4 of the 9 priced Lunchtime Classics concerts and pay just £24 (including the £1 donation) – with no need to decide in advance which concerts you would like to attend.
Cavatina ‘Bringing chamber music to young people, and young people to chamber music.’
Join our club!
Under-21 Standby Ticket The best available seats for any St George’s promotion for just £5. Standby tickets are only available from the Box Office from one hour before the concert start time. Family Ticket Buy four tickets to specially selected family-friendly events at the same time, and get the lowest priced ticket free (see individual concerts for details). Group Bookings / Discount Terms and Conditions See website for details or contact the Box Office.
Aged 8-25? In full time education? Then you can enjoy selected concerts absolutely free! St George’s wants to introduce as many young people as it can to the experience of seeing and hearing live chamber music and to this end continues its long running collaboration with the CAVATINA Chamber Music Trust, with tickets for specially selected events available free of charge to anyone between the ages of 8 and 25 who are in full time education.
Do you want to know more about things going on for young people here at St George’s Bristol? Then why not join our Young Friends group! You’ll be kept up to date with information about our family events, discounted ticket offers and various activities you can get involved in here at St George’s. The group is open to anyone between the ages of 8 and 18 so get yourself on the list now by emailing your name, age and address to m.beek@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk.
To take advantage of this ticket offer, look out for the logo at the bottom of the event and simply quote ‘CAVATINA’ when making a ticket booking. Visit cavatina.net for further information.
Please contact the Box Office for further information and to book: 0845 40 24 001.
Every adult ticket price includes a suggested voluntary donation of £1 to help secure our future.
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The Crypt Gallery
Crypt Café Bar
The Crypt Gallery offers tranquil surroundings in which to enjoy exhibitions by new artists each season. Most works are for sale. Please contact the Box Office for details. Works may be viewed before and after lunchtime and evening concerts.
St George’s Café Bar offers a uniquely atmospheric and informal setting to relax with friends before and after concerts, with the finest hospitality and an enticing selection of specially chosen wines, locally-produced beers and soft drinks, teas, coffees, cake and bar snacks. To enjoy a fantastic hot meal before a performance, St George’s has teamed up with the ‘seriously stylish’ (Venue Magazine) Goldbrick House – situated two minutes’ walk from St George’s on the corner of Park Street and Charlotte Street – to provide a special, varied and exciting ‘Early Evening’ menu.
Monica Connell Flying High
Nik Pollard / Greg Poole
Stunning circus photography chronicling the leading performances and performers of the internationally renowned Bristol new circus scene.
Bristol-based international artist-illustrators Nik Pollard and Greg Poole channel the richness of the natural world, via prolonged direct observation, into glorious artwork, from raw field sketches to highly deliberated studio works.
Exhibiting from Friday 16 September 2011.
Tom Berry Kaleidoscopic, highly detailed, pen and ink drawings strongly influenced by the bookish illustrations of a pre-digital era and depicting well-known fantastical folklore and unwritten yarns. Exhibiting from Friday 16 September 2011. 38 Box Office 0845 40 24 001
Exhibiting from Tuesday 15 November 2011 as part of Earth Music Bristol.
goldbrickhouse.co.uk
Eats On-Site This autumn St George’s is joined at selected concerts by some of the great names of the Bristol restaurant scene, providing exciting food at reasonable prices with fast, friendly service: Thali Café (inspired Asian street food), Pieminister (connoisseur pie, mash and gravy), Clifton Sausage (classic British dishes with imagination) and the Real Olive Company (Mediterranean-infused tapas / pasta).
Support Us Hire Us Become a Friend St George’s Bristol is one of the country’s leading concert halls, its superb acoustic, unique atmosphere and full and vibrant programme, with over 200 events each year by the world’s best artists, making it an incredibly popular and important venue for all kinds of music. As a registered charity, without support from our Friends we simply could not put on the breadth and quality of music that our audiences enjoy, nor run our award-winning Education and Community Programmes. And we would struggle to maintain the wonderful Grade II* listed building that is home to such incredible talent. Become a Friend today from just £30 a year, enjoy great benefits and help keep St George’s alive. Please join us by contacting Caroline Green, Head of Development, on 0117 929 4929 or c.green@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk.
‘ One of the most beautiful spaces in the universe.’ abdullah ibrahim pianist live at st george’s monday 14 november 2011
St George’s Bristol is not only a world class music venue with a heritage of legendary performances, but also plays host to a wide variety of events, from AOL CompuServe Conferences to celebrity business lectures with Levi Roots (Reggae Reggae Sauce). This magnificent listed building in the centre of Bristol, built in 1821 as a grand church within its own gardens, presents a unique venue for both corporate and private events – wedding receptions, professional recordings, product launches, parties, awards ceremonies, book talks and performances – and as a registered charity, all the income generated goes directly towards supporting St George’s innovative artistic and education programmes. Flexible and inspiring, it’s an iconic space to create the ultimate event. To hire St George’s, please contact Jennifer Hutchinson, Head of Events, on 0117 929 4929 or j.hutchinson@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk.
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Booking information Box Office opening hours Monday to Friday: 12 noon – 6pm Plus: on any concert day the Box Office opens one and a half hours before the concert start time. On most concert days the Box Office remains open until the end of the interval. When to book Patrons’ / Benefactors’ Priority Booking opens Monday 25 July 2011 Gala Friends’ Priority Booking opens Wednesday 27 July 2011 Friends’ Priority Booking opens Friday 29 July 2011 General Booking / Online Booking opens Monday 1 August 2011 Please note that on the first day of Friends’ Priority Booking and the first two days of General Booking the Box Office will be open from 10am – 6pm. How to book In person – the Box Office entrance is located on the right hand side of the building, accessible from Great George Street (see opening times above). By telephone 0845 40 24 001 – all major credit cards (except American Express), Maestro and Delta cards are accepted. There is a £1 charge for each transaction where the total spend is over £15. Online – book online 24 hours a day at stgeorgesbristol.co.uk. Booking fee: £2.50 for each transaction (irrespective of the number of tickets being booked).
General information If you would like your tickets posted to you, add 50p to your remittance. Otherwise your tickets will be held at the Box Office for collection. Concessions Concession prices are stated 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. Concessions cannot be used in conjunction with any special offer. Refunds Tickets are not transferable and refunds can only be offered on events which are sold out. 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. Children St George’s welcomes children but parents are asked to remember that some concerts, such as BBC broadcasts, may not be suitable for younger children. Babes in arms and young toddlers cannot be admitted to the auditorium for ticketed events unless otherwise stated. All children must be issued with a ticket. Data protection When you book a ticket your details are stored on the St George’s computer database. However, 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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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 disabled patrons St George’s welcomes all disabled concert-goers and 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 space is available for disabled ‘Blue Badge’ holders in the adjacent car park but must be reserved in advance – call the Box Office to check availability. Accessible toilet facilities are located within the bar, accessible by lift. Guide dogs Guide dogs are admitted to all parts of St George’s Bristol. Facilities for cyclists There are a number of bicycle racks at the Great George Street entrance to the venue. The information given in this brochure was correct at the time of going to press. Programme subject to change.
Design: pelotondesign.co.uk Print: mdp-uk.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 821 9681 15
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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.
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St George’s Bristol is located two minutes walk off Park Street and is served by frequent bus services from Temple Meads rail station: 1, 8, 9 (visit the First Bus information website: firstgroup.com for details of the best bus for your journey). Taxis are numerous in the area and there are taxi ranks located on Park Street and Queen’s Road near Sainsbury’s. www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 41
Classical Concerts / Contemporary Gigs / Children’s and Family Concerts At a Glance September Sat 3 Nicola Benedetti / Bristol Classical Players Tue 6 Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson Sat 17 The Unthanks / Brighouse and Rastrick Band Mon 19 Dervla Kirwan / Poetry Can Wed 21 Dave Swarbrick / Martin Carthy Fri 23 Instant Wit Comedy Improv Wed 28 Martin Rossiter Thu 29 Presteigne Festival Soloists Thu 29 Ralph McTell Somewhere Down The Road Fri 30 Paul Lewis Schubert Cycle IV October Sat 1 Mon 3 Tue 4 Wed 5 Wed 5 Thu 6 Thu 6 Fri 7 Sat 8 Sun 9 Thu 13 Thu 13 Fri 14 Sat 15 Sun 16 Tue 18 – Sat 22 Mon 24 Tue 25 Wed 26 Thu 27 Thu 27 Fri 28 Sun 30
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English National Baroque Ensemble IMS Prussia Cove Polish Comedy Night (see web) Jonathan James Music Talk Gould Piano Trio Beethoven Piano Trio Cycle I BSO Chamber Players Phronesis Marc Almond Brandon Hill Chamber Orchestra Westerly Showband Philip Moore / Simon Crawford-Phillips piano duo John Law / Gwilym Simcock Charles Hazlewood / Army Of Generals / Piano 4 Hands Worbey And Farrell Katzenjammer Gathering Voices Kneehigh Theatre The Wild Bride Christian Wallumrød Ensemble Rama And Sita Storytelling Show Bristol Ensemble Andre Shlimon piano Mercy And Grand The Tom Waits Project Christian Blackshaw piano Aurora Orchestra Thriller
November Tue 1 Oysterband / June Tabor Wed 2 Toumani Diabate Thu 3 Galeazzi Ensemble Fri 4 Charles Hazlewood / Adrian Utley Tubular Bells Sun 6 Autumn Winds Children’s Show Mon 7 Polish Radio Choir Górecki Polish Spirituals Tue 8 Janis Ian Thu 10 Anglo-Japanese Society of Wessex Thu 10 Hot Club of Cowtown
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Fri 11 Sat 12 Sun 13 Mon 14 Wed 16 Thu 17 Thu 17 Thu 17 Fri 18 Sat 19 Sun 20 Mon 21 Tue 22 Tue 22 Wed 23 Thu 24 Fri 25 Sat 26 Wed 30
Viktoria Mullova The Peasant Girl City of Bristol Choir Zakir Hussain Abdullah Ibrahim solo Claudia Caolin Y Compania Victoria Simonsen / Sam Armstrong Jonathan James Music Talk Gretchen Parlato Bristol Ensemble The Four Seasons Stephen Hough / Bristol Classical Players BBC National Orchestra of Wales Colston Hall BBC Concert Orchestra Stephen Preston / Edward Cowie Elias String Quartet / Allan Clayton / Tom Poster Peter Hill piano BBC Singers Coull String Quartet Earth Music Party Steeleye Span
December Thu 1 Fri 2 Sat 3 Sun 4 Tue 6 Wed 7 Wed 7 Thu 8 Sat 10 Sun 11 Wed 14 Thu 15 Fri 16 Sat 17 Sun 18 Wed 21 / Thu 22 Fri 23
Chisato Kusunoki piano St Georges Bristol Fundraiser Bristol Concert Orchestra Chartwell Dutiro / Spirit Talk Mbira Badminton School Musicians Jonathan James Music Talk Gould Piano Trio Beethoven Piano Trio Cycle II Andras Schiff / Oxford Philomusica Bristol Schools Chamber Choir Christmas Concert Gasworks Choir Clare Teal Terry Seabrook’s Milestones Kind of Blue Bristol Bach Choir Bristol Bach Choir La Nuova Musica Handel’s Messiah Bristol Ensemble Christmas Spectacular Bristol Ensemble Family Christmas Carnival
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• Classical Concert • Contemporary Gig • Children’s and Family Concert • Comedy / Spoken Word Event
Box Office 0845 40 24 001 Visit us stgeorgesbristol.co.uk General Booking / Online Booking opens Monday 1 August 2011
Great George Street (off Park Street), Bristol BS1 5RR