St George's Bristol Brochure (Sept-Dec 2014)

WORLD CLASS MUSIC JUST OFF PARK STREET

September — December 2014 Box Office: 0845 40 24 001 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

T

here are countless ways to enjoy music: listening to a much loved vinyl recording (yes, I still have my collection), tuned in to the car radio or via a mobile. But, for me, nothing compares to the thrill of hearing musicians playing live in concert, particularly when it’s in the pin drop acoustic and intimate setting of St George’s. That’s why we’re working hard to make this beautiful space for music and ideas as accessible as possible — we want everyone to share the experience. From our ambitious capital plans to smaller scale modifications in pricing and presentation we’re doing all we can to welcome people from all walks of life through our doors. This season we have talks and daytime concerts for people who work locally and have a lunch hour to fill or for those who find getting out in the evenings challenging. For families looking to inspire their youngsters with a love of music our Sunday Series concerts are free to under 25s, making for an affordable hour long treat. We also offer £5 student tickets for many of our evening concerts. Did you know that we’re a charity that relies on the generosity of individuals, companies and grant making organisations to support our work? That’s why we ask you to consider making a donation when you buy your tickets — the money you give goes towards reaching our annual fund raising target of £350,000, and this keeps the doors open and the music playing. I hope when you read through this brochure you’ll feel it’s money well spent, from the launch of new festivals like Brahms Experience with BBC Radio 3, The World Changed, and a dedicated GlassFest, to attracting back international artists of the calibre of Paul Lewis and Philip Glass and providing a well used base for local musicians like Three Cane Whale, Exultate Singers and Bristol Ensemble. Whatever the style of music, our passion is always in evidence so look out for insights into our programme on our online music blogs or follow us on Twitter for regular updates. Suzanne Rolt  DIRECTOR

Join the Friends At St George’s we are fortunate to have a wonderfully supportive network of Friends. Through their generous support the Friends of St George’s help us to deliver our world class artistic programme, provide inspirational music making opportunities for children and young people in and around Bristol, and care for our beautiful grade II* listed building. Our Friends enjoy a close connection with the organisation and benefit from a range of great privileges that enable them to really make the most of the St George’s experience.

“I love going to St George's for concerts. Being a Friend of St George's makes you feel more part of the place as well as allowing you priority booking, which is so useful. Extra events provided for Friends are also very worthwhile. I have got to know so many people through St George's” CHARLES KINSEY

"As a music student I really enjoy coming to St George’s, especially for the lunchtime concerts which are free for students! It is a beautiful venue and there are so many fantastic opportunities to watch world-famous artists perform here. As a Friend it’s great to be kept up to date with additions to the programme and special ticket offers" CHRISTABELL PIDDUCK

Become a Friend of St George’s today and help us secure this special place for the future. Contact Angharad Redman a.redman@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Tel: 0117 929 4929  ext. 205

“We know St George’s relies on the additional support of the Friends to maintain its superbly varied programme, bringing the top artists to Bristol. We’re therefore glad to join with very many other Friends in donating a little extra - and in sharing enjoyment of the finest music at this wonderful venue” MARTIN & MARY BAILEY

4 Book now 0845 40 24 001

Bitesized Music

Bitesized Music We are proud to present high quality, accessible daytime concerts, including lunchtimes and our Sunday Series.

LU N CH T I M E CO N CE RT S

S U N DAY S E R I E S

Thu 2 Oct / 1pm Galliard Ensemble

Sun 21 Sept / 11am Gould Piano Trio I

Thu 16 Oct / 1pm Morgan Szymanski guitar

Sun 26 Oct / 11am Gould Piano Trio II

Thu 23 Oct / 1pm Kate Romano clarinet / Richard Uttley piano

Sun 30 Nov / 11am Gould Piano Trio III

Thu 30 Oct / 1pm Jacqueline Ross violin / Linda Nicholson fortepiano Thu 13 Nov / 1pm Reinis Zarins piano Thu 20 Nov / 1pm Sarah Trickey violin / Daniel Tong piano Thu 27 Nov / 1pm Jane Ng violin / James Baillieu piano Thu 4 Dec / 1pm Cosmos & Friends Free Event Thu 11 Dec / 1pm Duo Dorado

Tickets £7 (plus fees), Free U21s Buy tickets for 4 lunchtime concerts at the same time and get a 5th for free, saving £1.40 per ticket*

Tickets £10 (plus fees), Free 8-25s with CAVATINA Two concerts for £18 or three for £27, saving £1 per ticket*

CAVATINA Free Tickets For 8-25 Year Olds CAVATINA is a charity that subsidises free tickets to young people (8 — 25) for some of these concerts. Children and students are welcome, so please spread the word and help us build passionate classical music audiences for the future — simply quote ‘Cavatina’ when booking tickets.

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

*tickets must be booked in one transaction

5 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Beyond the Barline

Beyond the Barline Talks Do you want to explore the music more deeply? Are you interested in the cultural and historical context of the music you hear at St George’s? Jonathan James (JJ) and David Bednall (DB) return for their engaging talks.

RICHARD STRAUSS (1864 — 1949) Richard Strauss is a fascinating figure in music; arguably the last of the great romantics, and his life saw a level of unparalleled cultural, social, and political change. His early works caused shock amongst his conservative contemporaries, whilst he seemed almost a relic from a by-gone age by the time of his death. Thu 16 Oct Strauss — Early style and ambitions  (JJ) Thu 23 Oct Tone Poems — Don Juan, Death and Transfiguration, Till Eugenspiegel, and Also Sprach Zarathustra  (JJ) Thu 30 Oct ‘Richard the Third’ — Operas of violence and beauty: Salome, Elektra, Der Rosenkavalier (DB) Thu 13 Nov Symphonies of mountains and home; Der Rosenkavalier and after  (DB) Thu 20 Nov Capriccio, Songs, Mahler and Strauss  (DB) Thu 27 Nov The Concerti, Metamorphosen  (JJ)

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

Thu 11 Dec Christmas Special: Yuletide music through the ages (JJ & DB)

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

6 Book now 0845 40 24 001

Summer at St George’s

July & August At a Glance

TOWARDS SILENCE

J U LY Sat 5 7.30pm

Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra

Sun 6 11.30am Coffee Concert  Trusler Carroll Wass Trio II Sun 6  7pm

City Voices Bristol

Thu 10  7pm & 9pm

Towards Silence

Fri 11 7.30pm

Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble

Sat 19 8pm

Riff Raff Choir

Wed 30 8pm

Rosanne Cash

AU G Fri 1  1.30pm

Paul Chamberlain  Classical Accordionist

Wed 20  8pm Sun 31  11.30am

Carolina Chocolate Drops St George’s Musical Picnic Day

SUMMER GARDEN SERIES Join us outside for Friday Night Jazz (5-9pm) and Classical Saturdays* (1-9pm) in our glorious gardens throughout August. Featuring live music, al fresco bar and cocktails,this is just the best way to celebrate summer and enjoy our beautiful grounds. For the latest details about this fantastic new series please check our website. Presented in association with The Rummer Hotel (therummer.net). *Except Saturday 16 August

Cavaleri Quartet, Celan Quartet, Gildas Quartet & Quatuor Hermes Arvo Pärt — Fratres Jonathan Harvey — Mortuos Plango, Vivos Voco 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 of 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. Towards Silence 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 gallery, 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. Tavener’s music is complemented here by the extraordinary creation for multi-track tape by his near contemporary Jonathan Harvey. Two performances. Running time 70mins each approx / no interval. Promoted by St George’s Bristol in partnership with Cheltenham Music Festival with support from Arts Council England.

Thursday 10 July 7pm and 9pm Free admission

Tickets £18 (plus fees)

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

7 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Summer at St George’s

BUSKAID SOWETO STRINGS Soweto String Ensemble Rosemary Nalden  director 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. buskaid.org.za Promoted by St George’s Bristol

ROSANNE CASH The Grammy winning US recording artist comes to Bristol for one very special night, presented jointly by St George’s Bristol and Colston Hall. Performing music from her recent and highly acclaimed album The River & The Thread, Rosanne Cash is joined by her regular collaborator (and husband) John Leventhal. The River & The Thread is sweeping in its breadth, capturing a unique, multi-generational cast of characters — from a Civil War soldier off to fight in Virginia to a New Deal-era farmer in Arkansas to a contemporary Alabama couple. rosannecash.com

Soweto Strings at Watershed Don’t miss a special screening of Mark Kidel’s acclaimed film about Rosemary Nalden’s extraordinary music school at Watershed on 1 July at 6.30pm – visit watershed.co.uk for details

Promoted by St George’s Bristol in collaboration with Colston Hall/Bristol Music Trust

Friday 11 July 7pm

Wednesday 30 July 8pm

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

Tickets £26.50 (plus fees)

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

8 Book now 0845 40 24 001

Summer at St George’s

STRING THEORY

CAROLINA CHOCOLATE DROPS

ST GEORGE’S MUSICAL PICNIC DAY!

Starting off in 2005 playing black American folk music from the Piedmont foothills of the Carolinas and beyond, the Grammy Awardwinning African-American string band Carolina Chocolate Drops have gone on to become one of the world’s leading roots groups, their rousing performances described by Rolling Stone as “dirt-floor dance electricity”. Now a quartet, with founding members Rhiannon Giddens and Hubby Jenkins joined by cellist Malcolm Parsons and multi-instrumentalist Rowan Corbett, their impeccably researched and authentic versions of banjo and fiddle breakdowns come complete with jug-blowing, hog-calling shouts and vocals, rattling-bones percussion, flatfoot dancing and much more. Carolina Chocolate Drops are a genre in their own right and one of the best live music experiences you can witness.

A fun-packed family day of music, storytelling, crafts and picnics inside and out at St George’s — featuring the wonderful musicians, presenters and storytellers of St George’s very own children’s series Mini Beats and Wild Words, music from the Bristol Community Big Band and the chance to eat your picnic in our lovely grounds! Further details to be announced via our website from early July. Promoted by St George’s Bristol

“the most electrifying acoustic group around” THE GUARDIAN

carolinachocolatedrops.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Wednesday 20 August 8pm

Sunday 31 August 11.30am — 3.30pm

Tickets £20 (plus fees)

Tickets £3 adults (plus fees), Free U18s

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

9 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

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

GALLIARD ENSEMBLE THE THREE LITTLE PIGS Join the Galliard Ensemble for an animalthemed family concert as they show us how amazing wind instruments can be! This concert is extra-special, as it sees the first ever performance of a narrated version of Paul Patterson’s popular orchestral classic The Three Little Pigs, with words from Roald Dahl's Revolvting Rhymes. Great for ages 6+ Running time: 1 hour / no interval galliardensemble.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Saturday 4 October 11am

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR SAX! Ensemble from Redland Wind Band & City of Bristol Brass Band Steve Ellis  conductor Laura Tanner  presenter Help celebrate the 200th anniversary of instrument maker Adolphe Sax who invented the Saxophone and Saxhorn families. Come and hear from members of Bristol’s finest local bands and discover just what Mr Sax did to make them sound so good.

Family Events

WILD WORDS IT’S GRIMM! Michael Loader  storyteller / trumpet Martin Solomon  fiddle / accordion James Watts  clarinet / oboe Wild Words weave spooky and uplifting tales by the Grimm brothers with Jewish folklore (think Fiddler on the Roof) in a colourful concoction of storytelling and dramatically haunting music for Halloween. Children’s challenge: come dressed as a ghoul, or as a donkey, dog, cat or rooster to help with the story ‘The Musicians of Bremen’… Great for ages 6+. Running time: 1 hour / no interval Promoted by St George’s Bristol in association with Somerset StoryFest

Friday 31 October 11.15am & 1pm

MINIBEATS KRAZY KEYBOARDS! Christopher Northam & Stephen Kings pianos Laura Tanner  presenter Come and join our two fabulous pianists and presenter Laura Tanner as they set off some amazing musical fireworks, using just twenty nimble fingers and four fast feet tomake a really big bang! 10am  Great for kids aged 3 — 5 11.15am  Great for kids aged 5 — 8 Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Sunday 9 November 10am & 11.15am

Great for ages 6+ Running time: 1 hour / no interval Supported by St George’s Bristol

Sunday 12 October 2pm

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

10 Book now 0845 40 24 001

September

BRODSKY QUARTET SHOSTAKOVICH QUARTET CYCLE This is a journey like no other in music. Dmitri Shostakovich remains one of the towering figures of 20th century music. His fifteen string quartets are an intensely personal series of musical utterances, as intimate as those penned by Beethoven in his own immortal cycle. The Brodsky Quartet performs the complete quartet cycle across a series of five special concerts at St George’s and special locations in the City as part of our series exploring music and conflict in the 20th century, The World Changed. You can choose to follow the entire cycle or just individual concerts. The cycle culminates in a dramatic performance in near darkness of the Fifteenth Quartet at St George’s Bristol on Saturday 18 October.

CYCLE I AT THE RWA Shostakovich – String Quartet No 1 in C – String Quartet No 2 in A – String Quartet No 3 in F This concert takes place at the RWA and coincides with Back from the Front - Art, Memory and the Aftermath of War, a programme of exhibitions and events commemorating the start of The Great War, and the 75th anniversary of the start of the Second World War. Ticket includes entry to the exhibition on this evening. brodskyquartet.co.uk / theworldchanged.org.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol

See pages 26 — 27 for details about the remaining concerts in the cycle.

Monday 1 September 7pm / at the RWA Tickets £20 (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

Buy three or more concerts and get a 20% discount

11 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

September

CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS MEETS A MODERN MENAGERIE Bristol Ensemble Saint-Saëns — Carnival of the Animals Various (inc. John Pickard, Anna Meredith, Geoff Poole & Others) – A Modern Menagerie This unique performance features a contemporary response to each one of Saint-Saëns’ 14 marvellous animal depictions, collectively known as ‘A Modern Menagerie’ and performed alongside each of the ‘Carnival of the Animals’ movements. Commissioned by New Music in the South West, the 14 composers of the new movements are an exciting mix of competition-winning composition students and some of the most established composers working in the UK today. After the hour-long show, audience members are welcome to stay on for an informal ‘meet the composers’ session in the bar, and a further contemporary music performance. This evening is sure to inspire anyone interested in composition, as well as all fans of Carnival of the Animals! bristolensemble.com / nmsw.org.uk Promoted by NMSW in collaboration with St George’s Bristol

Sunday 7 September 6.30pm Tickets £12, £6 U18s (plus fees), Family Ticket available

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

12 Book now 0845 40 24 001

JAMES RHODES PIANO Schubert — Sonata in A D664 Chopin — Ballade No 3; Fantasie in F minor; Scherzo No 2 Blumenfeld — Étude pour la main gauche James Rhodes is not your average pianist. His unquestionable talent and intense passion for music makes an audience with him both invigorating and entertaining, as he brushes aside the traditional concept of the piano recital, preferring to communicate directly with his audience. Delivered in his unique trademark standup style, which sees him sharing composer anecdotes and personal experiences,

September

James creates an immersive concert experience that has won him and classical music a dedicated new following. This and many notable television appearances have contributed to his current popularity, making him one of classical music’s most interesting and engaging artists. This concert runs without interval. 80 mins approx. jamesrhodes.tv Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Friday 12 September 8pm Tickets £20, £15, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

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

13 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

THE SMALL IS... FESTIVAL The Small is... Festival is coming to St George’s! Based on Small Is Beautiful, the seminal work by E.F Schumacher, this interactive two day festival brings together inspiring speakers, thoughtprovoking debate, hands-on workshops, and a full programme of world music and conscious visual art.

September

BRISTOL CLASSICAL PLAYERS SIBELIUS CYCLE I Tom Gauterin  conductor Sibelius — Symphony No 1 in E minor — Symphony No 6 in D minor — Symphony No 7 in C

Incorporating the Schumacher Lectures, and in partnership with Engineers Without Borders UK and Bristol University, this year’s theme “Ideas from 2 million villages” explores ideas and technology for sustainable living from around the world.

In celebration of Sibelius’ 150th anniversary in 2015, Bristol Classical Players present the first concert in a complete cycle of the Finnish master’s epic symphonies. The romantic 1st is followed by the icy refinement of the 6th, and the heroic 7 th .

Confirmed acts include the Jaipur Kawa Brass band.

The Sibelius Cycle Continues... Saturday 24 January 2015 Symphony Nos 2 and 3, with Jennifer Pike (Sibelius Violin Concerto)

smallisfestival.org

Sunday 15 March 2015  Symphony Nos 4 and 5, with Stephen Hough (Beethoven Piano Concerto No 1) bristolclassicalplayers.co.uk

Special OΩer Buy tickets for all three concerts in the cycle and save 20% Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 September 11am Tickets From £12.50 (plus fees) Contact Box Office or check website for details

Saturday 20 September 7.30pm Tickets £16 (£14), £14 (£10), £1 U16s (plus fees)

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

14 Book now 0845 40 24 001

September

STRING THEORY

GOULD PIANO TRIO I

ROGER MCGUINN

with David Adams  viola

As the founder of The Byrds — one of the two or three greatest groups in the history of pop — and an elder statesman of Americana music who as both band member and solo artist helped bring folk, country and bluegrass into the mainstream, Roger McGuinn is a true living legend. He is also a fantastically compelling live performer whose voice, songs and expert guitar playing create real magic in the room. This solo performance will cover the whole half-century of his glittering career.

Schumann — Trio No 2 in F Op 80 Brahms — Piano Quartet No 3 in C minor Op 60 The first in a new series of three Sunday Series Concerts focusing on the chamber music of Schumann and Brahms, presented by the Gould Piano Trio with guest violist David Adams. The series continues on Sun 26 Oct & Sun 30 Nov gouldpianotrio.com

Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Special OΩer See page 4 for details

Sunday 21 September 11am Tickets £10 (plus fees), Free 8-25s (Quote CAVATINA)

Thursday 25 September 8pm Tickets £26.50, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

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

15 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

September / October

STRING THEORY

IMS PRUSSIA COVE CHAMBER MUSIC TOUR 2014

KATHRYN TICKELL & THE SIDE

Pekka Kuusisto  violin Hannah Dawson  violin David McCarroll  violin Yura Lee  violin/viola Rachel Roberts  viola Caroline Henbest  viola David Waterman  cello Amy Norrington  cello

Northumbrian piper, fiddler and inspirational communicator and bandleader Kathryn Tickell is the reigning queen of English folk (Northern Division) and a powerful embodiment of its great tradition. Tonight she unveils her brand new band, a supergroup of strings and things featuring Amy Thatcher on accordion and clog dancing, Ruth Wall on harp and Louisa Tuck on cello.

Beethoven — String Quintet in C Op 29 Martinu° — String Quartet No 5 Mendelssohn — String Quintet in B flat Op 87 With Sir Simon Rattle at the helm as its new Patron, and musicians hand picked by Artistic Director Steven Isserlis, we’re pleased to welcome back IMS Prussia Cove for its Annual Autumn Tour – one of last year’s truly stand out classical music concerts. This year their Annual Autumn Tour includes two wonderful string quintets by Beethoven and Mendelssohn with a contrasting and not often heard Martinu° String Quartet.

“To say that Kathryn Tickell plays pipes is like saying Shakespeare was a bit of a writer” LIVING TRADITION

kathryntickell.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

i-m-s.org.uk Promoted in association with St George’s Bristol

Monday 29 September 7.30pm Tickets £15, £10, £5 Students (plus fees)

Wednesday 1 October 8pm Tickets £20, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

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

16 Book now 0845 40 24 001

GALLIARD ENSEMBLE Mozart — Quintet in C minor (after String Quintet K406) Nimrod Borenstein — Breeze (World première) Mendelssohn — Quintet in Eb (after String Quartet Op 12) Eugene Bozza — Scherzo for Winds Op 48 As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, the Galliard Ensemble presents an delightful programme of chamber works for wind ensemble, including an arrangement of Mendelssohn’s masterful Quartet Op 12 and the world premiere of Breeze written especially for the ensemble by exciting young composer Nimrod Borenstein in celebration of its anniversary. galliardensemble.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

October

AN EVENING WITH PAM AYRES Following the recent publication of her new book of poetry — YOU MADE ME LATE AGAIN! — Pam Ayres brings her latest show to St George’s on National Poetry Day. Pam Ayres’ work is funny and approachable. It sounds simple, as though dashed off, but this is deceptive. Her hair-trigger timing, her eye for the detail of everyday life, and for the absurdity therein, makes for an art that hides art. “Pam Ayres has an incredible way with an audience. She was really one of the funniest comics I’ve seen, and it’s because of her rapport. She just treats the audience like a huge roomful of friends” THE YORK PRESS

pamayres.com

Special OΩer See page 4 for details

Thursday 2 October 1pm

Thursday 2 October 7.30pm

Tickets £7 (plus fees), Free U21s

Tickets £25 (plus fees)

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

17 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

October INTERNATIONAL JAZZ SERIES

BILL LAURANCE & STRINGS

BRANDON HILL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Bill Laurance is the pianist with Grammywinning band of the moment Snarky Puppy, the Brooklyn (via Texas) collective that has taken the international scene by storm. Joining Laurance (who studied at the University of Leeds, and once played with Morcheeba) on stage are fellow Snarky Puppy main-men Michael League (bass) and Robert ‘Sput’ Searight (drums), with the trio augmented by a string quartet drawn from the ranks of the fabulous Heritage Orchestra. This rare date in a very short tour supports the release of Laurance’s debut solo album ‘Flint’ on GroundUp Records.

Jamie Phillips  conductor Alexandra Dariescu  piano

Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Beethoven — Symphony No 10 (1st movement) Grieg — Piano Concerto No 1 in A minor Dvořák — Noon Day Witch Bridge — Dance Rhapsody Grieg’s Piano Concerto forms the centrepiece of this varied programme conducted by the Hallé Orchestra’s assistant conductor, Jamie Phillips, with the young Romanian pianist Alexandra Dariescu. This concert provides a rare opportunity to hear the first movement of Beethoven’s 10th Symphony in a reconstruction by Professor Barry Cooper. Jamie’s interpretation of Dvořák has been highly praised so it is fitting that the BHCO should play Noon Day Witch — a beautiful tone-poem inspired by Czech Folk. 7pm — Pre-Concert Talk with Barry Cooper Learn more about what Beethoven’s 10th Symphony might have been like. Free to ticket holders. bhco.co.uk

Friday 3 October 8pm

Saturday 4 October 7.45pm

Tickets £15 £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

Tickets £15 (£14), £13 (£12), £1 U16s (plus fees)

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

18 Book now 0845 40 24 001

October

BBC Radio 3’s Brahms Experience

P

oor old Brahms… It’s weird to feel sorry for a composer as celebrated and performed as any of the greats, whose works  — and whose preternaturally effulgent beard — are as familiar as anything in classical music. But I do. That familiarity is precisely the problem. What do we hear when we hear Brahms’s music? The acme of solid — even rather stolid — 19th century classicism? The comforting, perfected endpoint of a German tradition that goes back to Bach and Schütz? Or a 'leviathan maunderer' (George Bernard Shaw's phrase) whose earnestness and selfconscious historicism mean that his music is essentially limited in what it's trying to say? This week’s performances and broadcasts will, I hope, reveal another Brahms: a visionary pusher of expressive boundaries in his chamber music, a symbolist dreamer in his late piano music and choral works, a multidimensional virtuoso of time and space in his orchestral works. And above all: we’re going behind the beard to the seething passions of the man it so expertly disguised. That intensity of feeling, that pain and joy is all there in the music — we just have to hear it. TOM SERVICE, BBC RADIO 3 Brahms Experience is presented by St George's Bristol in association with BBC Radio 3.

All concerts are being broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.

The Essay  Brahms A chance to hear about Brahms’ life and the wider world in which he lived. Part of a series of pre-concert talks showing how Brahms’ career intersected with German society, European art and with the politics, personalities and ideas of his age. Afterwards each speaker will hold a Q&A session in the crypt bar. The Essay is broadcast on BBC Radio 3 at 10.45pm weekdays. Check our website for full details. Meet Radio 3 Meet presenter, Tom Service and Editor, Jessica Isaacs to find out more about the planning of the Brahms Experience and an opportunity to ask any questions about Radio 3. Introduced by Suzanne Rolt, Director.

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

19 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk October

“ No Other Quartet can play the music quite like the Skampas” THE GUARDIAN

BRAHMS EXPERIENCE

RADIO 3 LIVE IN CONCERT —  SKAMPA QUARTET WITH ROBERT PLANE CLARINET Brahms — String Quartet No 2 in A minor Op 51 No2 Dvořák — String Quartet Op 96 ‘American’ Brahms — Clarinet Quintet in B minor Op 115 Friendship, gypsy-tinged elegy, and a high spirited ‘letter from America’ weave seductively through our opening concert uniting Bristol alumnus Robert Plane with a Czech foursome as distinguished as its sometime mentor: the legendary Smetana Quartet. Brahms’ A minor String Quartet enshrines the motto of his friend Joachim, whilst the autumnal Quintet was inspired by a creative friendship in old age; Dvořák, meanwhile, fashions Bohemian rhapsodies from a brave New World. This concert is being broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. skampaquartet.cz Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Monday 6 October 7.30pm Tickets £20, £15, £10, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

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

20 Book now 0845 40 24 001

October

BRAHMS EXPERIENCE

RADIO 3 LIVE IN CONCERT — DANIEL HOPE VIOLIN & SEBASTIAN KNAUER PIANO Brahms — Scherzo in C minor from the FAE Sonata Schumann — Romanze Brahms — Sonata for Violin and Piano No 3 in D minor Op 108 Mendelssohn — Two Lieder: Auf Flugeln des Gesanges; Hexenlied Joachim — Romanze in C Brahms — Sonata for Violin & Piano No 1 in G Op 78 For Schumann, the young Brahms might have sprung ‘fully armed from the head of Zeus’, but it was virtuoso violinist Joseph Joachim who brought them together. A 21st century Joachim, five-times winner of the much-coveted ECHO Klassik Prize, Daniel Hope salutes Brahms’ violinist muse Joachim with sonatas spacious and dramatic, a rollicking interlude and two exquisite miniatures that keep things touchingly ‘in the family’. This concert is being broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. danielhope.com / sebastianknauer.de

RADIO 3 LIVE IN CONCERT — BBC NOW AT COLSTON HALL Tadaaki Otaka  conductor Veronika Eberle  violin Andreas Brantelid  cello Brahms  — Academic Festival Overture  — Double Concerto in A minor  — Symphony No 1 in C minor Awash with student drinking songs served up by BBC NOW’s Conductor Laureate Tadaaki Otaka, the exuberant Academic Festival Overture raises the curtain on the orchestral leg of our ‘Brahms Experience’, a concert rich in arresting contrast and long-limbed melody. At its heart is a concerto swansong exuding nobility and ripe songfulness — the perfect foil to a symphony 15 years in the making and instantly dubbed ‘Beethoven’s 10th’. This concert is being broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. bbc.co.uk/bbcnow Promoted by St George’s Bristol in association with Bristol Music Trust

Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Tuesday 7 October 7.30pm

Wednesday 8 October 7.30pm

Tickets £20, £15, £10, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

Tickets Box Office 0844 887 1500 colstonhall.org

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

21 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

October

“A master to be admired; faithful to the spirit of the music yet always individual” INTERNATIONAL PIANO

BRAHMS EXPERIENCE

RADIO 3 LIVE IN CONCERT — BBC SINGERS Charles Owen and Katya Apekisheva pianos Brahms  — Geistliches Lied Op 30  — Haydn Variations Op 56  —  A German Requiem Op 45 (four hands/two — piano accompaniment) Consoling, abidingly human, and even more intimate in the accompaniment for piano four hands Brahms made shortly after its completion, the ‘German Requiem’ is a deeply felt response to the death of his mother, and perhaps, at a distance, that of Schumann too. Preceding it is the two-piano original of the Variations that put Brahms on the orchestral map, effortlessly inventive, and included in Brahms’ last public appearance as a pianist. This concert is being broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. bbc.co.uk/singers Promoted by St George’s Bristol

RADIO 3 LIVE IN CONCERT — STEPHEN KOVACEVICH PIANO Bach — Partita No 4 Brahms — Ballade Op 10 No 4 Brahms — Intermezzo in B minor Op 119 Brahms — Rhapsody in E flat Op 119 No 4 Brahms — Intermezzo in A Op 76 No 6; Intermezzo in A minor Op 76 No 7; Capriccio in D minor Op 116 No 7 Beethoven — Piano Sonata No 31 Op 110 A flat The piano was Brahms’ own instrument; crucible to the boldly experimental ideas of his youth, yet also a precious confidant, lending an ear to the confessional, sometimes nostalgic works of his pianistic Indian summer — distilled, reconciled, achingly immediate. Unassailable Brahmsian Stephen Kovacevich brings a lifetime of experience to signature works at both ends of Brahms’ output, bookended by dance-driven Bach and transcendental late Beethoven. This concert is being broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Thursday 9 October 7.30pm

Friday 10 October 7.30pm

Tickets £20, £15, £10, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

Tickets £20, £15, £10, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

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

22 Book now 0845 40 24 001

October

STRING THEORY

GATHERING VOICES BRISTOL FESTIVAL OF SONG 2014 Join us to celebrate the beauty, power, range and inspiration of the human voice at the 5th annual Bristol Festival of Song. Traversing a splendid variety of styles from contemporary to traditional from across the globe including improv, jazz, world, classical, shanties, male voice, ladies harmony, vocal percussion, barbershop… the list goes on. The festival takes place right across the city and into the old Avon area with live performances, interactive workshops, vocal Masterclasses and walkabout acts around the Harbourside and much more.

MR SAX COMES OF AGE

NIC JONES WITH JOE JONES

Redland Wind Band & City of Bristol Brass Band

Singer/songwriter and guitarist Nic Jones was one of the most critically acclaimed, quietly influential members of the English contemporary folk scene until a near-fatal road accident in 1982 left him unable to perform. One of only a handful of dates organised by his family, this concert features Nic singing many of his most enduring songs, sharing the stage with his son Joe Jones, a noted guitarist and singer himself. A very special gig for folk afficionados.

Steve Ellis & Kevin Robbins conductors A celebration of the 200th anniversary of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the Saxhorn and Saxophone families. Hear modern and traditional band classics with a bit of swing thrown in and a range of soloists on Sax’s instruments. The evening will conclude with a mass band of 70 musicians guaranteed to bring the house down! redlandwindband.co.uk cobbb.co.uk

propergandaonline.com/ depth-cult-nic-jones/ Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Sessions begin: 10am, 2pm & 6pm festivalofsong.org.uk Supported by St George’s Bristol

Saturday 11 October All Day

Sunday 12 October 7.30pm

Tickets £5 (£3) (plus fees), Free U18s

Tickets £10, £1 U18s (plus fees)

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

Monday 13 October 8pm Tickets £18, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

23 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

October

“Eddi’s voice is nothing short of miraculous” GLASGOW HERALD

EDDI READER PLUS SUPPORT A star since Fairground Attraction and the chart-topping single Perfect, Scottish vocalist and songwriter Eddi Reader possesses a passionate voice and a fierce musical integrity that connects every new guise she takes on, from the folk tradition to Tin Pan Alley to the poetry of Robert Burns, one of her most memorable projects. Her latest album, Vagabond, is her tenth studio recording and Eddi and her band will be playing songs from it tonight, together with new versions of old favourites. eddireader.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol

STRING THEORY

Tuesday 14 October 8pm Tickets £20, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

24 Book now 0845 40 24 001

October STRING THEORY

CATRIN FINCH & SECKOU KEITA The big hit of last year’s WOMEX fair, this remarkable cross-cultural meeting pairs Welsh harpist Catrin Finch — a virtuoso able to move with ease from Bach’s Goldberg Variations to traditional folk or Colombian cattle-country music - with the Senegalese griot and master of the ancient kora, Seckou Keita, a magnetic performer who last appeared here with Cuban jazz star Roberto Fonseca. Their album together, Clychau Dibon, won fRoots magazine’s prestigious Critics Award and captivated the Guardian’s Robin Denselow, who called it: “An elegant, gently exquisite set”. A Theatr Mwldan/Astar Artes co-production with support from the Arts Council of Wales. catrinfinch.com / seckoukeita.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Wednesday 15 October 8pm Tickets £16, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

25 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

October

MORGAN SZYMANSKI GUITAR

THE SYD LAWRENCE ORCHESTRA

Julio César Oliva — Sketches of Mexico Manuel M. Ponce — (arr. Szymanski) Estrellita; Scherzino Mexicano Agustín Barrios Mangoré  — Three Paraguayan Pieces Simone Iannarelli — from 'Italian Coffee': L'Ultimo Caffe' Insieme; Tarde de Lluvia con Café; American Coffee Paulo Bellinati — Jongo

Chris Dean leads the Orchestra, showcasing their finely blended sound and conjuring memories of the glittering and glamorous days of the Big Band era; its zesty new show fizzing and sparkling its way through a performance that is sure to be brimming with surprises.

Born in Mexico City in 1979, international prize-winning guitarist Morgan Szymanski has been selected as ‘One to Watch’ by both Gramophone and BBC Music Magazines. His programme relishes the fiery flavours of Mexico, Paraguay and Brazil, all washed down with a daring dose of Italian Coffee. morganszymanski.co.uk

The atmosphere is exciting, the music dynamic and vibrant and Chris’ spontaneous, wry humour is a highpoint, adding a little spice to the occasion. Don’t miss this spectacular show full of pulsating energy. Musical fireworks from the best band in the land. sydlawrenceorchestra.com Promoted by Prestige Promotions

Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Special OΩer See page 4 for details

Thursday 16 October 1pm

Thursday 16 October 7.30pm

Tickets £7 (plus fees), Free U21s

Tickets £20, £15 (plus fees)

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

[THE WORLD CHANGED]

The World Changed is promoted by St George's Bristol in association with Bristol Music Trust. Supported by Arts Council England and Bristol Festival of Ideas.

BRODSKY QUARTET SHOSTAKOVICH QUARTET CYCLE II

BRODSKY QUARTET SHOSTAKOVICH QUARTET CYCLE III

AT THE LORD MAYOR'S CHAPEL

AT ST GEORGE'S

Shostakovich  — String Quartet No 4 in D  — String Quartet No 5 in B flat

Shostakovich  — String Quartet No 6 in G  — String Quartet No 8 in C minor  — String Quartet No 7 in F sharp minor  — String Quartet No 9 in E flat

Our Shostakovich Cycle, presented as part of The World Changed, continues across four venues over two consecutive days. The composer's Fourth Quartet abounds with the intonations of Jewish folk music, while the Fifth is widely considered to be one of his finest - borrowing directly from his Tenth Symphony. This concert takes place at The Lord Mayor's Chapel. brodskyquartet.co.uk / theworldchanged.org.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol

The Brodsky Quartet return to St George's for the third date in the Shostakovich Cycle and the first of his post Stalinist quartets. Destined for performance at a commemorative concert for his fiftieth birthday, the Sixth appears brighter in spirit than its predecessors, The Eighth is the best known and most autobiographical of the quartets and is dedicated to ‘the memory of the victims of fascism and war’, while the Seventh and Ninth are both very personal having been dedicated to two of his wives. This concert takes place at St George's Bristol. brodskyquartet.co.uk / theworldchanged.org.uk

Friday 17 October 1pm / The Lord Mayor's Chapel

Friday 17 October 7pm / St George's Bristol

Tickets £20

Tickets £20

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

27 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

October

Buy three or more concerts and get a 20% discount

BRODSKY QUARTET SHOSTAKOVICH QUARTET CYCLE IV

BRODSKY QUARTET SHOSTAKOVICH QUARTET CYCLE V

AT ARNOS VALE CEMETERY CHAPEL

AT ST GEORGE'S

Shostakovich  — String Quartet No 10 in A flat  — String Quartet No 11 in F minor  — String Quartet No 12 in D flat

Shostakovich  — String Quartet No 13 in B flat minor  — String Quartet No 14 in F sharp  — String Quartet No 15 in E flat minor

The Brodskys continue their exploration at the Arnos Vale Cemetery Chapel with a sequence of quartets composed when the atrocities of the Stalin years were well behind Shostakovich, and he had finally been elevated to the status of one of Soviet Russia’s greatest classical composers.

The Brodsky Quartet finds itself face to face with two of the most personal and reclusive pieces Shostakovich ever wrote as they return to St George's for the fifth and final concert in this cycle. The Thirteenth Quartet is a dark sonic landscape full of tension and doubt, embracing the serene sadness of a life coming to an end, and the Fourteenth Quartet is similarly menacing and melancholy in mood.

The Tenth Quartet is dedicated to Mieczyslaw Vainberg, a prolific yet still relatively-unknown composer, , while The Eleventh Quartet was composed in memory of his dear friend Vasily Shirinsky. This concert takes place at Arnos Vale Cemetery Chapel.

The series ends with what will undoubtedly be a breathtaking account of the Fifteenth Quartet, performed in semi-darkness. This concert takes place at St George's Bristol.

brodskyquartet.co.uk theworldchanged.org.uk

brodskyquartet.co.uk / theworldchanged.org.uk

Saturday 18 October 1pm / Arnos Vale Cemetery Chapel.

Saturday 18 October 7pm / St George's Bristol

Tickets £20

Tickets £20

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

28 Book now 0845 40 24 001

WESTERLY SHOWBAND MOVIE MUSIC SPECTACULAR! The local band with the big sounds presents a colourful programme of iconic hits chosen from a selection of their all-time favourite movies, produced from the 1920s to the present day. This concert is performed by a specially augmented ensemble to create the ‘movie sound’. Featuring two invited guest singers who perform a range of well-loved songs. westerlyshowband.com

October

A BARBERSHOP HARMONIOUS AFFAIR Tony DeRosa  director Gershwin — ‘A Foggy Day (in London Town)’ Boublil & Schoenberg —  ‘Do You Hear The People Sing?’ Bringing the magic of Barbershop Music to life for an evening of fun for the heart and soul, expect familiar classics and original works from small ensembles to full mixed choir. There’s something for everyone as the singers celebrate people and groups from Bristol and the USA. All proceeds go to The British Heart Foundation.

PRESTEIGNE FESTIVAL CITY TOUR 2014 Kate Romano  clarinet Richard Uttley  piano Lutoslawski — Dance Preludes Daniel Kidane — New work John McCabe —  January Sonatina Matthew Taylor  — Humoreskes Op 5 Brahms — Clarinet Sonata No 1 in F minor Op 120 This year’s Presteigne Festival City Tour concert has its trademark eclectic mix of pieces old and new, this time including Brahms’ masterpiece of the clarinet repertoire, the Sonata in F minor as well as works by three high-profile British composers, all at important stages in their careers. presteignefestival.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol in association with Presteigne Festival

Special OΩer See page 4 for details Sunday 19 October 7pm

Tuesday 21 October 7.30pm

Thursday 23 October 1pm

Tickets £10 (£8), £1 U18s (plus fees)

Tickets £5 (plus fees)

Tickets £7 (plus fees), Free U21s

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

29 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

October

INTERNATIONAL JAZZ SERIES

GILAD WITH STRINGS Israeli alto sax star Gilad Atzmon and his band join forces with the Sigamos String Quartet to pay tribute to ‘Charlie Parker with Strings’, one of the greatest jazz albums ever made. To hear Atzmon soar like the Bird on Just Friends, Everything Happens to Me, April in Paris and the rest, cushioned by Ros Stephen’s respectful yet thrillingly incisive re-arrangements represents a real aesthetic peak whose limpid beauty packs an almost unbearably poignant punch. New arrangements from Atzmon’s Songs of the Metropolis complete the programme. And in case you didn’t know already, Gilad Atzmon is the wittiest front-man ever to cradle a sax. The concert is performed acoustically, without a PA. “ A delightful evening of artfully crafted music rich with emotional complexity” FINANCIAL TIMES

gilad.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol

CHRISTIAN BLACKSHAW PIANO THE LAST WORD Schubert — Sonata for Piano No 19 in C minor D958 — Sonata for Piano No 20 in A D959 — Sonata for Piano No 21 in B flat D960 St George’s launches The Last Word, a new piano series that explores the last musical works of classical music’s greatest composers, performed by some of the country’s very finest artists. Christian Blackshaw, a pianist renowned for the tremendous emotional depth and incomparable musicality of his performances, opens the series with Schubert’s final three sonatas – haunting works composed in an extraordinary outpouring of masterpieces just months before his death in 1828. Please note the earlier start time. There will be a 10 minute break after the Sonata No 19 in C minor and a 25 interval after the Sonata No 20 in A. The series continues on Friday 27 February with Paul Lewis performing the final three Beethoven Piano Sonatas. “The luminous tone he draws from the keys is a wonder in itself” FINANCIAL TIMES

christianblackshaw.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Thursday 23 October 8pm

Friday 24 October 7pm

Tickets £16, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

Tickets £25, £20, £15, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

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

30 Book now 0845 40 24 001

THE ENGLISH NATIONAL BAROQUE ENSEMBLE Sarah Poole  soprano Imogen Triner  oboe Nicholas Whiting  leader Handel — Concerto Grosso Op 6 Boyce — Concerto for Orchestra Vivaldi — Concerto Zelenka — Concerto for Oboe & Violin Handel — Arias Vivaldi — Double Concerto J S Bach — Concerto for Oboe & Violin The English National Baroque Ensemble features players from BBC NOW, The London Philharmonic, BBC Symphony and English Chamber Orchestra. It returns to St George’s for its annual concert of the great concertos of the golden age of Baroque. This engaging ensemble has developed its own distinct character, style and sound over the past decade, establishing itself as a firm favourite on the UK music circuit. Saturday 25 October 7.30pm Tickets £15 (£12) (plus fees)

October

GOULD PIANO TRIO II with David Adams  viola Schumann — Piano Trio No 3 in G minor Op 110 Brahms — Piano Quartet No 2 in A Op 26 The second in a series of three Coffee Concerts, presented by the Gould Piano Trio with guest violist David Adams. Brahms’ second Piano Quartet is a striking testament to his love of Schubert’s music and of Vienna. This recital is being recorded for future transmission by BBC Radio 3. gouldpianotrio.com

JACQUELINE ROSS VIOLIN & LINDA NICHOLSON FORTEPIANO Schubert — Sonata in G minor Mozart — Sonata in B flat K454 Beethoven — Sonata in E flat No 3 Op 12 No 3 Leading violinist Jacqueline Ross is joined by one of the country’s foremost keyboard players Linda Nicholson for a delightfully crafted programme highlighting Vienna’s musical dominance in the late 18th century. jacquelineross.co.uk lindanicholson.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Special OΩer See page 4 for details Sunday 26 October 11am Tickets £10 (plus fees), Free 8-25s (Quote CAVATINA)

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

Special OΩer See page 4 for details

Thursday 30 October 1pm Tickets £7 (plus fees), Free U21s

31 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

FESTIVAL OF IDEAS SHEILA HANCOCK MISS CARTER’S WAR Bristol Festival of Ideas returns to St George’s for an evening with one of the country’s best-loved actors. Sheila Hancock will discuss her debut novel Miss Carter’s War, a powerful, panoramicportrait of postwar Britain through the life of one very singular woman. ideasfestival.co.uk

October / November

HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN Friday night Americana hoedown! Jools Hollandfavourites Hot Club of Cowtown are an Austin, Texas (via New York City) string trio who blend Western Swing, country and rockabilly with a nod to Grappelli and Reinhardt’s Hot Club de France. The results are rollicking, freighttrain friendly, fiendishly-fast instrumentals punctuated by yee-haw vocals and the odd baleful cowboy lament or Aerosmith cover. hotclubofcowtown.com

BRISTOL FESTIVAL OF IDEAS

Promoted by St George’s Bristol

CLAUDIA CAOLIN Y COMPANIA ‘LLAMAS FLAMENCAS’ with special guest La Fabia International flamenco dance show with the dancers La Fabia from Marseille, Claudia Caolin and superb musicians Javier Macias, Pablo Dominguez, Kevin Byrne and Demi Garcia. This is Flamenco as it should be: emotional dancing, fabulous costumes and stunning flamenco music all come together in a celebration of life. Let yourself be seduced by the dramatic and passionate world of Flamenco; a passionate evening awaits!

in association with

Thursday 30 October 6.30pm Tickets £8 (£7) (plus fees)

Friday 31 October 8pm

Sunday 2 November 8pm

Tickets £18, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

Tickets £15 (£13), £13 (£11) (plus fees)

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

32 Book now 0845 40 24 001

November

Bristol Glassfest “ The most powerful composer of our time... what Glass is doing is changing the face of music for our time and all time” THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

Following his unforgettable appearances at last year's Filmic, Philip Glass is coming back to Bristol for a unique mini-festival, Glassfest.

“Sexually charged, memory-drenched and riding high on a sense of mortality” CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

Over three Glass-filled nights from November 6 — 8, we present three very special musical events.

GLASSFEST

Watershed will also screen a complementary short season of films, ‘Glass, Beats & Buddhism’, reflecting the composer’s interests in beat culture and Tibetan Buddhism. For up to date information visit watershed.co.uk.

TARA HUGO SINGS PHILIP GLASS

A St George's Bristol Production curated by Phil Johnson by kind arrangement with Pomegranate Arts.

As performed last year at Philip Glass’s ‘Days and Nights’ festival in Big Sur, singer and actress Tara Hugo presents her programme of ‘Glass Songs’, which she recorded in 2012 with Philip Glass as executive producer. The songs include four original Glass songs with lyrics by Hugo herself, and eight songs from Glass’s collaborations with Leonard Cohen, Allen Ginsberg, Natalie Merchant and Mick Jagger. Tara Hugo was nominated for an Olivier Award for her role as Jenny Diver in Donmar Warehouse’s production of ‘The Threepenny Opera’ directed by Phyllida Lloyd, and appeared in the Philip Glass/Leonard Cohen song-cycle ‘Book of Longing’, in 2007 — 9, conducted by Michael Riesman.

with Michael Riesman  piano

Michael Riesman, an internationally renowned composer, conductor, keyboardist and record producer, has been the Musical Director of Philip Glass Ensemble since 1976. tarahugo.com

Thursday 6 November 8pm Tickets £16 (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

33 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

November

AN EVENING WITH PHILIP GLASS SOLO PIANO AND CONVERSATIONS with Charles Hazlewood As well as composing and performing his music, Philip Glass likes to talk about it, and to connect with an audience in a way the conventional concert setting of a recital does not always easily allow. For this unique event, Philip Glass combines talking about his life and work in conversation with the eminent conductor and BBC music presenter Charles Hazlewood, with solo piano performances of pieces from throughout his career. In short, this is an intimate audience with perhaps the greatest composer of our time. “Delicate and grandiose, sultry and melancholy, ghostly and hard-edged” THE NEW YORK TIMES

philipglass.com

PHILIP GLASS ENSEMBLE A RETROSPECTIVE AT COLSTON HALL

Nearly 40 years since it first visited Bristol to perform Music In 12 Parts as part of Arnolfini’s opening at Bush House in 1975, Philip Glass Ensemble returns to the city to present the UK premiere of its Retrospective programme: a kind of partial ‘Greatest Hits’ that revisits some of Philip Glass’s most important, popular and epoch-defining works. With the ensemble fresh from performing around the world in productions of Einstein On The Beach, this is a fabulous, unrepeatable opportunity to see one of the true masters of contemporary music perform in what has become his most enduring and historically important musical setting. “The aural equivalent of standing at the top of a giant waterfall” THE GUARDIAN ON ‘MUSIC IN 12 PARTS’ IN 1975.

Special OΩer Joint ticket for Friday and Saturday events £50 (plus fees)

Friday 7 November 7.30pm Tickets £30, £27, £24 (plus fees)

Saturday 8 November 7.30pm Tickets £30, £8.50 U18s & Students (including fees) Box Office 0844 887 1500 / colstonhall.org

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

34 Book now 0845 40 24 001

November

ZUM GYPSY TANGO PASSION

EXULATATE SINGERS 1914

REINIS ZARINS PIANO

Toe-tapping virtuosity, intoxicating harmonies, explosive rhythm, ZUM creates an acoustic groove where the world’s music collides.

Exultate Singers The Lochrian Ensemble David Ogden conductor Catherine Black leader

Shostakovich — March (from Three Fantastic Dances) Stravinsky — Russian Dance (from Petrushka) Smetana — Polka in G minor Tchaikovsky-Pletnev — Trepak (from Nutracker Suite) Stravinsky — Tango Ginastera — Three Argentinian dances Op 2 Piazzolla — Milonga del Angel Copland — Piano Blues No 1 Fitkin — “Old style” Stravinsky — Rag music Ravel — La Valse

Inspired by the hot-blooded Argentinian tango and the brilliance of gypsy fiddle music, ZUM have delved deep into their own roots to create a passionate fusion of folk music traditions from around the world. zum.org.uk

Brian Knowles — In Flanders Fields Harold Darke —  As the Leaves Fall Herbert Howells — Requiem Sydney Nicholson — 1914 Herbert Howells — Take him Earth for Cherishing Gerald Finzi — Requiem da Camera Bristol’s chamber choir Exultate Singers is joined by The Lochrian Ensemble to perform a concert marking the 100th anniversary of the beginning of WWI. exultatesingers.org davidogden.co.uk

Special Offer 25% off for Friends of Exultate Singers

Acclaimed Latvian pianist Reinis Zarins, recently awarded his home country’s ‘Great Music Award for Outstanding Performances’, has put together a fresh and exciting collection of piano dances of the finest variety. From Slavic, South American and jazz to Ravel’s grand La Valse. reiniszarins.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Special OΩer Sunday 9 November 7.30pm Saturday 8 November 7.30pm Tickets £24, £21 (plus fees)

Tickets £21 (£19), £19 (£17), £16 (£14), £12 (£10), £6 Students, £4 U18s (plus fees)

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

See page 4 for details

Thursday 13 November 1pm Tickets £7 (plus fees), Free U21s

35 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

AURORA ORCHESTRA HOUSE Manu Delago  hang / percussion Nicholas Collon  conductor Toru Takemitsu — Rocking Mirror Daybreak Manu Delago — Music for Two Acoustic Toothbrushes Bohuslav Martin — La Revue de Cuisine Manu Delago — New Work for Hang, Electronics and String Quartet Thomas Adès — Court Studies Mendelssohn — Octet in E flat The exuberant Aurora Orchestra continues its St George’s residency with a distinctly unusual and thoroughly entertaining programme which features the versatile performer and composer Manu Delago. The orchestra looks to the humble home for inspiration, presenting works ranging from the sublime (Mendelssohn’s ‘living room sized’ Octet in E flat) to the seemingly ridiculous (see Delago’s own Music for Two Acoustic Toothbrushes). This promises to be an evening both mesmerising and extraordinary, pulled off with all the musical dexterity and boundless imagination for which this brilliant orchestra has become so famous, and indeed the very reason we have given them a home from home right here at St George’s. auroraorchestra.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Thursday 13 November 7.30pm Tickets £20, £15, £10, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

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

November

36 Book now 0845 40 24 001

November

WILL TODD ‘MASS IN BLUE’

GIOVANNI SOLLIMA CELLO & KATHRYN STOTT PIANO

Bath Spa University Choir and Jazz Ensemble

Monteverdi — Lament Beethoven — Sonata No 4 in C Piatti — Sonata No 2 Schumann — Stücke im Volkston Giovanni Sollima — Il bell’Antonio Chopin — Sonata No 2

Will Todd’s Mass in Blue is an upbeat setting of the traditional Latin mass for choir, soprano solo and jazz ensemble. It is a brilliant blend of driving jazz grooves and choral writing, against which the solo piano and solo soprano voice weave and blend in an aural tapestry. Awarded four stars by The Telegraph for their Bath International Music Festival concert in 2012, these talented musicians are fast building a reputation for their beautiful performances and exciting programmes.

Two of classical music’s foremost instrumentalists come together for a programme of engrossing cello and piano music, including Beethoven’s short sharp Sonata No 4 in C and Chopin’s Sonata No 2, complete with its recognisably funereal third movement. Sollima is without question one of Italy’s finest cello players and can name the world’s greatest, Yo Yo Ma, among his fans, while Kathryn Stott remains one of the UK’s most versatile and indemand concert pianists. “He makes me look like a pussycat” YO YO MA (ON GIOVANNI SOLLIMA)

giovannisollima.it / kathrynstott.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

“Music that will not only stand the test of time but will grow with repeated listening” MUSICOMH.COM

Friday 14 November 7.30pm

Sunday 16 November 7.30pm

Tickets £10 (£8), £8 (£6) (plus fees)

Tickets £15, £10, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

37 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

November

INTERNATIONAL JAZZ SERIES

SARA TRICKEY VIOLIN & DANIEL TONG PIANO

TOMMY SMITH & BRIAN KELLOCK

Schubert — Sonatina in D Bartok — Hungarian Folk Dances arr. Szigeti Beethoven — Sonata in G No 96 Op 10

World-class duo-jazz from Scotland’s premier saxophonist and pianist: the perfect partnership for an evening of classic jazz standards and interpretations of the Great American Songbook. On either tenor or soprano saxes, Tommy Smith displays an absolute command of his instrument, creating improvisations of startling beauty and invention, while Brian Kellock has a reputation as perhaps the most swinging pianist at work today. Their latest (and third) album together, Whispering of the Stars, is a marvel whose to-die-for repertoire takes in Duke Ellington, Michel Legrand, Hoagy Carmichael and more. They perform ‘unplugged’, without a PA.

Making Music Artists 2014, Sarah Trickey and Daniel Tong contrast graceful, lyrical works by Schubert and Beethoven with passionate Hungarian folk dances, exemplifying Bartok’s deep affection for his native land. saratrickey.com / danieltong.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

“This scintillating partnership” THE GUARDIAN

tommy-smith.co.uk / myspace.com/ briankellock Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Special OΩer See page 4 for details

Thursday 20 November 1pm Tickets £7 (plus fees), Free U21s

Thursday 20 November 8pm Tickets £12, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

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

38 Book now 0845 40 24 001

November

SCENE NORWAY PLUS

LA SERENISSIMA THE RED PRIEST Vivaldi  — Concerto Madrigalesco RV129  — Motet In turbato mare RV627  — Concerto per la Solennità di S. Lorenzo RV286  — Concerto in D RV123  — Motet Sum in medio tempestatum RV632  — Concerto in G RV307 For all Vivaldi claimed that he was unable to say Mass due to a chest ailment, he composed a prodigious amount of instrumental and vocal music to be used during church services. This programme celebrates this side of the composer: concertos with and without soloist stand alongside the two most virtuosic of Vivaldi’s motets both inspired by tempestuous seas. This glittering ensemble is a firm favourite and, led by their virtuoso leader, La Serenissima always create Baroque magic.

KETIL BJORNSTAD As part of our continuing Scene Norway Plus series, we’ve pushed the boat out for a special all-day celebration of Norwegian music and culture presented by Late Junction’s Fiona Talkington. For planned events earlier in the day please check our website for details as they appear, but the star of our evening programme of music is already sorted, and on sale now. Ketil Bjornstad is one of Norway’s pre-eminent cultural figures: a pianist and composer, novelist and author (on the painter Edvard Munch, among other subjects) whose many albums for the ECM label have won him worldwide renown. In a one-off presentation especially for Scene Norway Plus, Ketil combines solo performance with conversations about his life and work with Fiona Talkington. ketilbjornstad.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol with support from the Norwegian Embassy

laserenissima.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Friday 21 November 7.30pm

Saturday 22 November 7.30pm

Tickets £25, £20, £15, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

Tickets £12, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

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

39 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

November

THE BIG MUSIC PROJECT COMPETITION

JANE NG VIOLIN & JAMES BAILLIEU PIANO

Powered by The Next Brit Thing

Schubert — Sonata in A D574 Sibelius — Two Humoresques Op 87 Jane Ng — The Pagoda of Dreams — Fantasia for Violin and Orchestra (arr. violin and piano) Ravel — Tzigane

The Big Music Competition is on the look out for talented musicians and performer right across the UK who believe they have what it takes to be crowned The Next BRIT Thing. If you are a composer, singer-songwriter, rapper, instrumentalist, radio presenter or member of a band and are aged between 14 and 24 then this could be the thing for you. To enter the competition just go to the Bit Music Project website and register your entry. If we think that you could be The Next BRIT Thing then you could be performing at the St Georges Bristol on 25th November.

Malaysian-born Jane Ng has performed extensively as violinist, pianist and composer, and makes a welcome return to St George’s with this virtuosic programme, concluding with Ravel’s fiery Tzigane. janengviolin.wordpress.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

thenextbritthing.com thebigmusicproject.co.uk

Special OΩer See page 4 for details

Tuesday 25 November 4pm

Thursday 27 November 1pm

Tickets Free Admission check website for details

Tickets £7 (plus fees), Free U21s

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

40 Book now 0845 40 24 001

November

THE TALLIS SCHOLARS TAVENER TO TAVERNER Peter Phillips  director Tavener — Song for Athene — The Lamb —  As one who has slept —  Lord’s prayer (1982) — Funeral Ikos —  Lord’s Prayer (1999)

Taverner — Leroy Kyrie — Dum transisset — Mater Christi — Quemadmodum — Gaude plurimum

The Tallis Scholars enjoyed a long creative association with composer John Tavener, who was so sadly taken from us at the end of 2013, just before what would have been his seventieth birthday. In celebration of that notable connection, the choir presents an evening dedicated to his music. The programme features some of his most beautiful choral writing, alongside great works from another master from an earlier age, John Taverner. thetallisscholars.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Friday 28 November 7.30pm Tickets £30, £25, £20, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

41 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

November / December

RENEWAL CHOIR ‘BORN IS THE KING’

GOULD PIANO TRIO III

Renewal Choir and guests re-tell the ancient story of the birth of a King with a Gospel feel bound to bless and impress! By blending the old and new, listeners will be treated to a re-mix of traditional Christmas themes alongside joyous, exuberant praise.

with David Adams viola

renewalchoir.org

Schumann — Trio No 1 in D minor Op 63 Brahms — Piano Quartet No 1 in G minor Op 25 The finale to this series of three Coffee Concerts presented by the Gould Piano Trio with guest violist David Adams, today featuring Brahms’ first Piano Quartet, a heady mix of vigour and symphonic mastery and regarded by many contemporaries as ‘pure genius’.

COSMOS & FRIENDS St George’s is extremely proud of its association with the South Bristol Children’s Community Choir Cosmos, a project (now in its fifth year) helping to inspire children through group singing. Cosmos is joined as always by singing friends from across the city to make this a truly uplifting start to the festive season. Admission is free, with a retiring collection. Promoted by St George’s Bristol

gouldpianotrio.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Special OΩer See page 4 for details

Saturday 29 November 7pm Tickets £13 (£10) (plus fees)

Sunday 30 November 11am Tickets £10 (plus fees), Free 8-25s (Quote CAVATINA)

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

Special OΩer See page 4 for details

Thursday 4 December 1pm Tickets Free Admission

42 Book now 0845 40 24 001

VEIN FEATURING DAVE LIEBMAN Vein are an acclaimed Swiss piano trio (Michael Arbenz, piano; Thomas Lahns, bass; Florian Arbenz, drums) famed for their collaborations with leading American musicians. Tonight’s guest star is the nonpareil saxophonist Dave Liebman, one of the true greats of contemporary jazz renowned for his work with Elvin Jones, Chick Corea, John McLaughlin and — most of all — Miles Davis, with whom he toured and recorded (On the Corner, Dark Magus and Get Up With It) from 1970-74. Since then, Liebman has become one of the pre-eminent educators in jazz and saxophone technique. Basically, this is an audience with the guvnor. The concert will be performed acoustically. vein.ch /daveliebman.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Thursday 4 December 8pm Tickets £16, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

December

ALAAP Every music generation has its originators and pioneers, groups or artists who through fate or purpose are destined to become the ones chosen to create new music trends through their originality and stage presence — Alaap did just that for Bhangra music. Fondly referred to as the ‘Godfathers of Bhangra’, Alaap have successfully continued their reign as the ‘hottest and most successful Bhangra band in the history of the universe’. Channi Singh OBE is also the first British Asian to compose and direct music for Bollywood films such as Feroz Khan’s ‘Yalgaar’, ‘Janasheen’ and K.C. Bokadia’s ‘Shaktiman’ to name a few. “Pioneers of Modern Punjabi Music” THE OBSERVER Promoted by Asian Arts Agency in association with St George’s Bristol

Friday 5 December 7.30pm Tickets £18, £14, £10 (plus fees)

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

43 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

December

BRISTOL CONCERT ORCHESTRA WITH ELOISAFLEUR THOM

BEETHOVEN – THE SONATAS FOR PIANO & VIOLONCELLO

BRISTOL SCHOOLS CHAMBER CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Stefan Hofkes  conductor Eloisa-Fleur Thom  violin

Joy Lisney violoncello James Lisney piano

David Ogden & Martin Le Poidevin  conductors

Beethoven — Romances Nos 1 and 2 Mahler — Symphony No 9

Beethoven — Sonata in F Opus 5/1 — Sonata in G Opus 5/2 — Sonata in C Opus 102/1 — Sonata in D Opus 102/2

The talented singers of Bristol Schools Chamber Choir perform a musical treat for all the family to kick-start Christmas, showcasing the wonderful vocal abilities of its young performers with a selection of festive favourites traditional and modern.

The BCO welcomes exciting young violinist EloisaFleur Thom as soloist for Beethoven’s lyrical Romances. These elegant works allow much tender dialogue between soloist and orchestra. Mahler’s ninth symphony was described by Leonard Bernstein as “the ultimate farewell” — to passion and human love; to country life and urban society; and to life itself. Yet this extraordinary and immense work remains a defiant affirmation of life.

Joy Lisney has been hailed as `the next Jacqueline du Pre' (Richard Baker OBE); she is joining her distinguished father on a European `grand tour` to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Edinburgh festival recital by Rostropovich and Richter. A three act drama that exhilarates and satisfies in equal measure.

bristolschoolschamberchoir.org

This performance has two intervals and will finish at 6.30pm approx.

bristolconcertorchestra.org.uk eloisafleurthom.wordpress.com

joylisney.com jameslisney.com

Saturday 6 December 7.30pm

Sunday 7 December 4pm

Tickets £15 (£13), £13 (£11), £10 (£8), £8 (£6), £1 U18s (plus fees)

Tickets £15 (£12), £14 (£11), £13 (£10), £12 (£9) (plus fees)

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

Monday 8 December 7.30pm Tickets £9, £5 U18s

44 Book now 0845 40 24 001

DUO DORADO Hazel Brooks  violin David Pollock  harpsichord Daniel Purcell — Toccata and Chaconne Gottfried — Finger Sonata in E J S Bach — Sonata No 6 in G BWV 1019 Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber — Rosary Sonata No 3 ‘The Nativity’ Friedrich Wilhelm Zachau — Chorale Prelude on ‘In dulci jubilo’ Arcangelo Corelli — Concerto Op 6 No 8 ‘Fatto per la notte di Natale’ Vivaldi — Pastorale L’Inverno, from Le Quattro Stagioni RV297 With a shared passion for Baroque repertoire, Duo Dorado partners Hazel Brooks and David Pollock present a delightful programme of music for violin and harpsichord with a seasonal theme… duodorado.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol

December

THE RAT PACK SWINGING CHRISTMAS SHOW Swing into the Christmas season with The Rat Pack and their famous Christmas Concert. David Alacey (Lovejoy), Des Coleman (Eastenders & The One Show) and Paul Drakeley (Inside Out) star as Frank, Sammy and Dean in the original Rat Pack show, now celebrating its 15th record breaking year. Including all the great hits — My Way, Mr Bojangles, New York New York, Amore, Fly Me To The Moon and seasonal classics such as Winter Wonderland, Let It Snow and of course White Christmas. The Rat Pack are joined by special guests including a star studded Big Band and the stunning Siverbell Showgirls, to add even more glamour to this yuletide treat for all the family. “We may never see such greats as Frank, Dean and Sammy again in our lifetime but the good news is that as long as such talented impersonators as these continue to exist, we may not need to” CHRIS LONGHURST — UXBRIDGE GAZETTE

Special OΩer

ratpacktribute.net

See page 4 for details

Promoted by Prestige Promotions

Thursday 11 December 1pm

Thursday 11 December 7.30pm

Tickets £7 (plus fees), Free U21s

Tickets £20, £15 (plus fees)

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

45 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

THREE CANE WHALE’S WINTER SPECIAL Bristol’s quietly compelling supergroup return to their favourite venue to present a seasonal feast of music devised by themselves (Paul Bradley, Pete Judge and Alex Vann). Expect a stage full of instruments, very special guests and a few surprises. After the concert there’s more entertainment till late at the Three Cane Whale after-party in our crypt bar. threecanewhale.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Friday 12 December 8pm Tickets £14, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

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

December STRING THEORY

46 Book now 0845 40 24 001

CITY VOICES BRISTOL WINTER WONDERLAND Simon Curtis  conductor City Voices Bristol presents its annual festive feast of Christmas cheer featuring seasonal music old and new conducted by their Music Director, Simon Curtis. Come and join them and start your festive celebrations off in style. Sleigh bells ring, are you listening... Raising money for our nominated charity ALIVE! (Registered Charity No. 1132708).

December

GASWORKS CHOIR Alison Orbaum & Julia Turner  conductors Bristol’s richly talented and hugely popular community choir returns to St George’s for an exhilarating hour of entertainment. Gasworks’ carefully crafted repertoire ranges from funky pop, laidback jazz and lyrical folk to driving gospel, uplifting world music and popular Broadway classics — all performed with the choir’s trademark sparkle and enthusiasm. gasworkschoir.co.uk

cityvoicesbristol.com

MADDY PRIOR & THE CARNIVAL BAND CAROLS & CAPERS 2014 A unique celebratory show of Christmas music on renaissance and modern instruments. Maddy and the Carnival Band put their inimitable stamp on familiar and not-so familiar festive fare with refreshing cavalier attitude and plenty of humour. parkrecords.com

“ Maddy’s voice is clear as a bell. It actually sounds as if there’s a celebration going on” THE GUARDIAN

Saturday 13 December 7pm Tickets £11 (£9), £9 (£7), £7 (£6) (plus fees)

Sunday 14 December 2.30pm & 8pm Tickets Matinee: £7 (£5) (plus fees), Free U12s Evening: £9 (£7)

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

Monday 15 December 8pm Tickets £21.50, £16.50 (plus fees)

47 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

December

PAUL LEWIS & FRIENDS THE TROUT QUINTET Paul Lewis  piano Lisa Batiashvili  violin Lawrence Power  viola Bjørg Lewis  cello Alois Posch  double bass Beethoven — String Trio in C minor Op 9 No 3 Beethoven — Sonata for Cello & Piano in C Op 102 No 1 Schubert — Piano Quintet in A ‘Trout’ There can be few more beguiling and irresistibly good-natured pieces in classical music than Schubert’s rippling Trout Quintet and it’s the highlight of this programme which also includes two chamber works of striking originality by Beethoven. The ever brilliant Paul Lewis takes to the St George’s stage in the company of a stellar line up of musicians, not least Lisa Batiashvili, one of the world’s most sought after violinists, for an evening of joyous and spontaneous chamber music playing. paullewispiano.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Tuesday 16 December 7.30pm Tickets £28, £25, £20, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

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

48 Book now 0845 40 24 001

CLARE TEAL’S FESTIVE FIESTA With the holiday season rapidly approaching, why not enjoy an evening out and take a relaxing, retro journey into the intriguing and uplifting world of Clare Teal’s Festive Fiesta  — a unique blend of seasonal swing, cheeky retro grooves and a smattering of cozy fireside ballads to add a little romance. clareteal.co.uk

December

BRISTOL BACH CHOIR SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS Christopher Finch  music director Nigel Nash  accompanist St George’s overflows with the Spirit of Christmas in this heart-warming and enthralling concert: a feast of sublime choral music, witty and entertaining readings, and the exhilarating power of brass ensemble to celebrate the festive season. Join the Bristol Bach Choir, and be inspired by the charm, wonder and magic of Christmas. Supporting St Peter’s Hospice

bristolbach.org.uk

Wednesday 17 December 7.30pm

Friday 19 & Saturday 20 December 7.30pm

Tickets £20 (plus fees)

Tickets £18, £8 (plus fees)

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

49 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

December

BRISTOL ENSEMBLE CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL

A BAROQUE CHRISTMAS WITH MHAIRI LAWSON

BRISTOL ENSEMBLE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

Mhairi Lawson  soprano

Howard Blake  The Snowman

Special OΩer

An exquisite evening of Christmas music from the golden era of the Baroque including works by J S Bach and Antonio Vivaldi sung by soprano Mhairi Lawson, one of the UK’s leading early music specialists. Her crystal clear tone and flawless technique is perfectly suited to the virtuosic and expressive demands of Bach’s joyful cantata Jauchzet Gott, full of intricate and flamboyant vocal writing. The programme also includes some of the bestloved chamber music of the period — Bach’s Double Violin Concerto and the festive Christmas Concerto by Corelli.

City of Bristol Choir mon 22 Exultate Singers tue 23 David Ogden  conductor

*One free child’s ticket with every adult ticket purchased

bristolensemble mhairilawson.com

Get Christmas off to a brilliant start with Howard Blake’s much loved music from The Snowman, an enchanting musical tale that captures the hearts of children and adults alike. With plenty of audience participation in festive favourites such as Sleigh Ride and Jingle Bells, this is a seasonal delight for all the family. bristolensemble.com

Sunday 21 December 2pm & 4pm Tickets £12*, £5 Additional U18s (plus fees)

A Christmas extravaganza performed by professional orchestra The Bristol Ensemble and the accomplished City of Bristol Choir (Fri) and Exultate Singers (Sat). A brilliantly entertaining evening of festive music including sparkling orchestral pieces, beautiful choral Christmas carols and the opportunity for audience members to join in with the singing too. bristolensemble.com cityofbristolchoir.org.uk exultatesingers.org

Sunday 21 December 8pm

Monday 22 & Tuesday 23 December 7.45pm

Tickets £22 (£20, £8 U26s), £18 (£16, £8 U26s), £15 (£13, £5 U26s), £10 (£8, £5 U26s)

Tickets £24 (£22), £22 (£20), £18 (£16), £12 (£10), £5 U18s (plus fees)

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

50 Book now 0845 40 24 001

January 2015

CELLOPHONY Wagner – Tristan Prelude Schubert – Three Songs from Schwanengesang Sollima – Violoncelles, vibrez! Dvořák – Silent Woods Wieniawski – Legende What better way to kick start 2015 than with a late night concert by this exuberant cello octet, that’s right eight cello players. Cellophony have very quickly established themselves as the UK’s leading cello ensemble, carving a reputation as accomplished exponents of both the standard repertoire and a diverse array of specially commissioned arrangements and adaptations. This unique repertoire base and its exhilarating delivery on stage has won the group a following across the globe, with acclaimed performances on the festival scene across Europe and as far afield as South Korea. This concert runs without an interval. 60 minutes approx. cellophony.net Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Friday 9 January 2015 8.30pm

“A bold and brilliant bunch” THE TIMES

Tickets £12 (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transation plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

51 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

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. Visit the website for more images and information (stgeorgesbristol.co.uk). 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 or email events@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk.

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

Venue Hire

52 Book now 0845 40 24 001

Appeals Update

THE HARRY EDWARDS CIRCLE

ST GEORGE’S GRAND PIANO APPEAL

The Harry Edwards Circle is our way ofsaying thank you to those who have pledged a gift to St George’s Bristol in their Will.

In September 2013 we launched our Grand Piano Appeal to raise the necessary funds to secure a new Steinway Concert Grand Piano. This is much needed to meet the high standards expected by the world class musicians who regularly perform and record at St George’s.

Harry Edwards’ passion for St George’s wonderful acoustic saw the birth of the St George’s Music Trust. Through gifts he bequeathed to St George’s Bristol in his estate, his enthusiasm for the venue and love of music lives on. Such bequests are hugely valuable, enriching our programme and upkeeping our beautiful building. Please consider making a gift to St George’s in your own will. By leaving a specific gift or a share of your estate to us, your legacy will help St George’s to continue programming artists of the highest quality and to bring the joy of music to people of all ages throughout the South West and beyond. Give the gift of music for generations to come. If you are already considering making a bequest to St George’s and would like to talk to us in confidence and with no obligation, please contact Angharad Redman: a.redman@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk / 0117 929 4929 ext. 216.

Thanks to the generous support already committed to the appeal, we are confident of being able to purchase (rather than lease) the new piano. We are now in the final push to raise the remaining £35,000 of the total purchase price. Please help us secure this vital resource and ensure St George’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading concert venues. A donation of a regular or one-off gift now will guarantee we have the new piano in place for the launch of our autumn 2014 season. For more information pick up a leaflet at St George’s, visit the ‘Support Us’ page of our website, or contact Angharad Redman: a.redman@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk / 0117 929 4929 ext. 216

53 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Information

Booking Information OPENING HOURS Our Box Office opening hours are Monday to Friday 12pm — 6pm, with the Box Office remaining open until the end of the interval on concert days and opening one and a half hours before the concert start time for weekend and daytime shows.

WHEN TO BOOK   Patrons priority booking opens Monday 2 June   Benefactors priority booking opens Tuesday 3 June   Gala Friends priority booking opens Wednesday 4 June   Friends priority booking opens Thursday 5 June   General booking opens Monday 9 June Please note that on the first day of Friends priority booking (Thu 5 June) and the first two days of general booking the Box Office will be open from 10am.

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 on the previous page). Please note the Box Office no longer opens during the day on Saturday. 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.

BOOKING FEES   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. 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 [logo] 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 4 or more Refunds Tickets are non-transferable and refunds can only be offered on events which are sold out (and where there is demand) up to 48 hours before an event. Physical tickets must be returned. 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

54 Book now 0845 40 24 001

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. Essential carers go free. Design: Smith & Milton Bristol Cover: Dawn Cooper Photo of Suzanne Rolt (p2): Courtesy of Shipshape Magazine 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 821968115

Information

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.

55 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Information

Seating Plan CC

BB AA

AA BB CC

S TAG E

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

K

K

L

L

M

M

C E N T R A L S TA L L S

C E N T R A L G A L L E RY

Central Gallery   Top price   Second price

Third price   Fourth price

Concerts with three price bands   Top price   Third price   Second price Concerts with two price bands   Top price   Second price

SIDE GALLERY RIGHT

S I D E G A L L E RY L E F T

A

56 Book now 0845 40 24 001

A38 AD A H EN

C

LEW

AD

BALDW IN S T M A RSH ST

College Green

Y RD

A4 RD ANCHOR

Watershed @ Bristol

Bristol Old Vic

KING S T

Queens Square

P RINCE ST

NER

NA RROW Q U AY

DEA

ST

AU

GU

Brandon Hill

STI

ST

Hippodrome

G

NES

E

PA R

ST

TR

G

ST

RK

E

PA

TT

G

R

E B4 0

RD

51

ST

Bristol Guild

EO

IS M E

1

COL ST ON ST

05 PA R K R O W B 4

O

By bike: Bike racks can be found at the Great George Street entrance.

RD

RL

By taxi: There are numerous taxi’s in the area and there are taxi ranks located on Park Street and Queen’s Road near Sainsbury’s.

Bristol City Museum NS

A

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

EE

H

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

U

C

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).

Q

T

How to find us

Information

THE G RO VE Arnolfini

Follow us! Keep up to date by signing up to our e-news bulletins at stgeorgesbristol.co.uk or find us on Facebook or Twitter.   St George’s Bristol  @stgeorgesbris

57 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Information

BUILDING A SOUND FUTURE Since launching our new development plans last May, we’ve been busy refining the design of our project, preparing funding bids to Arts Council England (ACE)and Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and building our network of supporters. We are now well into the consultation and application phase with both ACE and HLF, and working closely with them to achieve our overall fundraising target of £5M. For further information visit the 'Support Us' page on our website.

Our Supporters Thank you to all of our supporters.

Sept — Dec 2014 At a glance SEPTEMBER Mon 1 7pm

N OV E M B E R Brodsky Quartet Shostakovich Cycle I

Sun 7 6.30pm

Carnival of the Animals

Fri 12 7.30pm

James Rhodes piano

Sat 13 — Sun 14 11am

Small Is... Festival

Sat 20 7.30pm

Bristol Classical Players

Sun 21 11am

Sunday Series  Gould Piano Trio I

Thu 25 8pm

Roger McGuinn

Mon 29 7.30pm

IMS Prussia Cove

O C TO B E R Kathryn Tickell Lunchtime Concert  Galliard Ensemble

Thu 2 7.30pm

Pam Ayres

Fri 3 8pm Sat 4 11am Sat 4 7.45pm Mon 6 7.30pm

Bill Laurance with Strings Galliard Ensemble Family Concert Brandon Hill Chamber Orchestra Brahms Experience  Skampa Quartet

Tue 7 7.30pm

Brahms Experience  Daniel Hope violin

Thu 9 7.30pm

Brahms Experience  BBC Singers

Fri 10 7.30pm

Brahms Experience Stephen Kovacevich piano

Sat 11 10am

Gathering Voices Festival of Song

Sun 12 2pm

Happy Birthday Mr Sax!

Sun 12 7.30pm

Mr Sax Comes of Age

Mon 13 8pm

Nic and Joe Jones

Tue 14 8pm

Eddi Reader

Wed 15 8pm Thu 16 1pm

Seckou Keita / Catrin Finch Lunchtime Concert Morgan Szymanski guitar

Thu 16 7.30pm

Syd Lawrence Orchestra

Fri 17   1pm

Brodsky Quartet  Shostakovich Cycle II

Fri 17 7pm

Brodsky Quartet  Shostakovich Cycle III

Sat 18 1pm

Brodsky Quartet  Shostakovich Cycle IV

Sat 18 7pm

Brodsky Quartet  Shostakovich Cycle V

Sun 19 7pm

Westerly Showband

Tue 21  7.30pm

A Barbershop Harmonious Affair

Thu 23 1pm

Lunchtime Concert Presteigne City Tour 2014

Thu 23 8pm

Gilad with Strings

Fri 24 7.30pm

Christian Blackshaw  piano

Sat 25 7.30pm

English National Baroque Ensemble

Sun 26 11am Thu 30  1pm Thu 30 6.30pm

Pasion Flamenca

Tue 4-Weds 5 8pm

European Outdoor Film Tour 2014

Thu 6  8pm

GlassFest Tara Hugo sings Philip Glass

Fri 7 7.30pm

GlassFest An Evening with Philip Glass

Sat 8 7.30pm

Zum Gypsy Tango

Sun 9 10am/11.15am Sun 9 7.30pm

Sunday Series Gould Piano Trio II Lunchtime Concert Jacqueline Ross / Linda Nicholson Festival of Ideas Sheila Hancock

Fri 31 11.15am/1pm Fri 31 8pm

St George’s Bristol

MiniBeats Krazy Keyboards Exultate Singers 1914

Thu 13 1pm

Lunchtime Concert Reinis Zarins piano

Thu 13 7.30pm

Aurora Orchestra House

Fri 14 7.30pm

Wed 1  8pm Thu 2  1pm

Sun 2 8pm

Will Todd ‘Mass in Blue’

Sun 16 7pm

Giovanni Sollima  cello / Kathryn Stott  piano

Thu 20 1pm

Lunchtime Concert  Sarah Trickey / Daniel Tong

Thu 20 8pm

Tommy Smith / Brian Kellock

Fri 21  7.30pm

La Serenissima Red Priest

Sat 22 7.30pm

Ketil Bjornstad

Tue 25 4pm

Next Brit Thing

Thu 27 1pm

Lunchtime Concert Jane Ng violin / James Baillieu piano

Fri 28 7.30pm

The Tallis Scholars  Tavener & Taverner

Sat 29  7pm Sun 30 11am

Renewal Choir Sunday Series Gould Piano Trio III

D ECE M B E R Thu 4  1pm Thu 4 8pm

Lunchtime Concert  Cosmos & Friends Vein feat. Dave Liebman

Fri 5 7.30pm Sat 6 7.30pm Sun 7 4pm Mon 8 7.30pm Thu 11 1pm Thu 11 7.30pm

Alaap Bristol Concert Orchestra James & Joy Lisney Beethoven Sonatas Bristol Schools Chamber Choir Lunchtime Concert  Duo Dorado The Rat Pack Swinging Christmas Show

Fri 12 8pm

Three Cane Whale Christmas Show

Sat 13 7pm

City Voices Bristol

Sun 14 2.30pm/8pm Mon 15 8pm Tue 16 7.30pm Wed 17 7.30pm

Gasworks Choir Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band Paul Lewis & Friends Clare Teal’s Festive Fiesta

Fri 19 7.30pm

Bristol Bach Choir

Sat 20 7.30pm

Bristol Bach Choir

Sun 21 2pm/4pm Bristol Ensemble Children's Christmas Carnival Sun 21  8pm

Bristol Ensemble A Baroque Christmas with Mhairi Lawson

Mon 22 7.45pm

Bristol Ensemble Christmas Spectacular I

Tue 23 7.45pm

Bristol Ensemble Christmas Spectacular II

Wild Words It's Grimm! Hot Club Of Cowtown

@stgeorgesbris

Book now 0845 40 24 001 Visit us stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Great George Street (off Park Street), Bristol BS1 5RR