St George's Bristol - Spring-Summer 2022 by St George's Bristol

SPRING 2022 — SUMMER 2022

stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 0117 929 4929 | @stgeorgesbris B O O K N OW

M U S I C | E V E NT S | C A FÉ B A R | E XH I B ITI O N S

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Welcome

ere we are, poised and excited to welcome you to spring and summer at St George’s Bristol. While the challenges we have all faced over the last two years are not completely behind us, at St George’s we are headed firmly in the direction of longer days, warmer evenings, outdoor performances and a glorious uplifting celebration of the human voice, in the form of our first Festival of Voice, taking place in June. For this brochure, we delve deeper into some of the perspectives, histories and creative approaches that shape our work at St George’s, from interviews with artists to themes such as the role of music in protest movements or the life-enhancing benefits of breaking into song. Event listings and booking information is also included; providing all the information you need to join us for a season of delightful, eclectic and inspirational music at St George’s. We have a long history of championing emerging talent, and we are delighted that our audiences have shown support for this work by donating to our Rising Stars campaign over the Christmas period. With your support, we reached our target of £10,000, which is match funded by a generous group of donors. You can listen to some of the amazing musicians supported by this campaign throughout 2022. In particular, look out for our Lunchtime Concert series which nurtures the very best talent in classical music today, delivered with partners including BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists, the Royal Over-Seas League and the Young Classical Artists Trust.

Stile Antico

W ELCO M E

You can learn more about this programme, and gain insights into the work of one of its featured artists, Milly Forrest, in an interview with St George’s Head of Programme, Ben Spencer, on page 17. Exultate Singers

‘Like the robin, we sometimes sing to show how strong we are, and sometimes we sing in hope for better times. We sing either way.’

In the pages that follow, you can also read about our specially commissioned children’s opera Brundibár which will take place at St George’s in the summer. Brundibár was first performed by children under the brutal conditions of 1940’s occupied Czechoslovakia. As such it has a terrible real-life tragedy at its origin that engulfed its young performers, but as a story for today, it is a simple folk tale of good and evil to which children of all ages can relate. It has a directness and honesty which almost cannot fail to move. On page 24, Samir Savant, Chief Executive of St George’s, introduces our inaugural Festival of Voice — a month-long celebration of the power, beauty and universality of the human voice, which will bring together internationally renowned artists with grass-roots choirs anchored in their local communities. Many of us know that singing is good for us — from a lullaby to a choral anthem — singing can soothe, inspire and bring joy to us as individuals and as collectives; the Festival of Voice is a celebration of just that. In her recent book, Wintering, Katherine May muses on these innate benefits of singing; ‘Like the robin, we sometimes sing to show how strong we are, and sometimes we sing in hope for better times. We sing either way.’ We hope you enjoy the pages that follow and we very much look forward to welcoming you to St George’s this spring and summer.

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Philosophical Times with Julian Baggini S ATU R DAY 26 M A R CH 10.3 0 – 11.3 0 A M | £ 7

Join the brilliant writer, thinker and St George’s resident philosopher, Julian Baggini, as he explores some of the big ideas that connect with and emerge from this week’s news stories. Sit back and enjoy the live conversation or take part as much as you like — this is always a lively and inspiring discussion!

MiniBeats Super Strings! SU N DAY 2 7 M A R CH | 10.3 0 A M | 12.3 0 P M | £ 7

Join presenter Laura Tanner and the marvellous MiniBeats strings for a super session of music showcasing the string section of the orchestra — that’s violin, viola, cello and double bass! 10.3 0 A M Concert most suitable for ages 3 – 5 12.3 0 P M Concert most suitable for ages 5 – 8 Ages are guidelines only, and both concerts are relaxed performances where everyone is welcome! Group or Family ticket available: 4-for-3

Lunchtime Concert Jordan Bak V I O L A TH U R S DAY 31 M A R CH | 1 P M | £8.5 0 FR EE TO U25 s | > H

Leslie Adams Ecstasy of Love Clark Untitled > Jessica Meyer Excessive Use of Force > Arnold Bax Viola Sonata > Rebecca

Lunchtime concerts season ticket available

Tongue Fu Hot Poets TH U R S DAY 31 M A R CH | 7.3 0 P M | £ 10

Part of R EB EL M US I C

Fusing spoken word, genre-hopping improvised music, film, science and bags of hopeful facts, Hot Poets aims to help change the ‘doom narrative’ around climate change and shine light on the amazing work being done around the world. Presented by Raise The Bar

M A R CH | A PR I L

Sona Jobarteh FR I DAY 1 A PR I L | 8 P M | FR O M £ 15

Africa’s first female kora virtuoso Sona Jobarteh — cousin of Toumani Diabaté — returns to St George’s after her rapturously received concert in 2018. Jobarteh is a graceful and shining ambassador of the griot tradition, her music evocative and infectious and loved the world over.

City of Bristol Choir Handel’s Messiah S AT U R DAY 2 A PR I L | 7.3 0 P M FR O M £ 18 | CO N CE S S I O N S: S EE W EB S ITE

During the long days of lockdown the City of Bristol Choir, conducted by David Ogden, rehearsed Handel’s Messiah for an unspecified future performance. That performance has now arrived.

Noah Gundersen M O N DAY 4 A PR I L | 8 P M | FR O M £ 2 0

As coronavirus hit the US in March 2020, Noah Gundersen found a moss-covered cabin deep in the woods of Washington State to hole up in for 18 months. The result? A period of creative reflection and a brand new album.

Haiku Salut The General W ED N E S DAY 6 A PR I L | 8 P M | £ 15

Cult instrumental dream-pop-post-folk-neoeverything trio Haiku Salut perform an original contemporary live score to Buster Keaton’s 1926 legendary comedy classic, The General, regularly named as one of the greatest films ever made, and a landmark of silent cinema. Accordion, piano, glockenspiel, trumpet, guitar, ukelele, drums, melodica and ‘loopery and laptoppery’.

* A 5% booking fee applies online and over the phone

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Learn With Us 􀈊 Catherine Freda HEAD OF LEARNING & PA R T I C I PAT I O N

ere at St George’s, we strongly believe that engaging with music and the arts can make us happier, healthier people, and we love to share our music and our stage with people of all ages and from all backgrounds. This includes giving children and young people from across the city and region opportunities to be inspired through their own music-making, or through watching a show that’s just right for them.

(The real-life tragedy engulfing the people that brought the opera to life cannot go unnoticed to anyone involved with Brundibár, and we will be approaching this with the utmost sensitivity to help our young cast with their understanding of the wider, brutal setting of the 1940s in occupied Czechoslovakia.)

Our Learning & Participation programme is full of opportunities for joining in, be that as a young performer on the stage, a young listener interacting with the musicians and storytellers, or a participant in one of our projects out in schools and communities. And this year is no different, with concerts by young people and for young people to be found nestling amongst the big names in our brochures, plus lots more happening in our name out in the city! One project we are particularly excited about for the spring/summer season is Brundibár, written by Jewish Czech composer Hans Krasa and made famous by the imprisoned children of the Terezin concentration camp in Nazioccupied Czechoslovakia. It’s a great piece of music theatre for young voices to learn and perform, and our Brundibár cast and crew will be dedicating plenty of time to doing just that in the months leading up to the performances on 13 and 14 July. In the words of the opera’s musical director Mark Lawrence: ‘Brundibár is a simple folk tale of good and evil to which children of all ages can easily relate — it has a directness and honesty which almost cannot fail to move’. With thanks to the generous support from Newby Trust and The Marchus Trust. Cosmos Choir singing at Bristol Zoo

LE A R N W ITH U S

To find out more about our Learning & Participation work, please do visit the Learn With Us pages of our website. And if you’d like to help support the programme — financially or with your time — do drop us a line at hello@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk as we’d love to hear from you!

Brundibár | 13−14 July 2022, see p34

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Immersive Messiah TH U R S DAY 7 A PR I L | 7.3 0 P M FR O M £ 12

The Fitzhardinge Consort Corelli Orchestra Experience Handel’s Messiah from the inside out. Whether you’re coming to this incredible work performed live for the first time, or you’re returning to it as a muchloved favourite, join us for a fresh take on Handel’s masterpiece. The acclaimed Fitzhardinge Consort and specialist baroque Corelli Orchestra will present Parts II and III which are the most appropriate for Easter, including the iconic Hallelujah! Chorus. The music will be interwoven with projections of the text, creative lighting design and atmospheric images to immerse you in the world of Handel and Georgian London.

Roger McGough Safety in Numbers FR I DAY 8 A PR I L | 7.3 0 P M | £ 17.5 0

Safety in Numbers is a new collection from the nation’s favourite poet. Traversing rocky terrain with the assurance of a poetry Rover on Mars, McGough brings down to earth the strangeness of a time on hold. With the gift of many tongues, playful, surreal and tender, he reveals the telling moments of our lives.

Bristol Ensemble & Choir of Royal Holloway Bach’s St John Passion S AT U R DAY 9 A PR I L | 7.3 0 P M FR O M £ 15

Bristol Ensemble and Choir of Royal Holloway usher in Easter with a performance of Bach’s glorious setting of the St John Passion. Bach’s interpretation of the Passion of Christ is one of the most moving and emotive set to music. 8

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Poetry By Heart Regional Showcase SU N DAY 10 A PR I L | 2 P M FR EE B UT TI CK E TED

Choose a poem, learn it by heart, perform it out loud. Poetry By Heart is a national poetry speaking competition for children and young people aged 7 to 18. Join us for this 2022 regional showcase celebration, as children and young people perform their chosen poems live from the St George’s stage. Part of Lyra Bristol Poetry Festival

Grand Slam Finals SU N DAY 10 A PR I L | 7.3 0 P M | £ 10

An audience favourite at Bristol Poetry Festival, the Lyra Slam Final is back! Come along to see Bristol’s finest wordsmiths battle it out to be crowned the 2022 Lyra Bristol Slam Winner, as well as some fantastic feature performances from world-class poets. Raucous, energetic, passionate! Part of Lyra Bristol Poetry Festival

Lyra Trio Lunchtime Concert TH U R S DAY 14 A PR I L | 1 P M £8.5 0 | FR EE TO U25 s |

Ayla Sahin V I O L I N Jonah Spindel C EL LO William Bracken PI A N O > Robert

Schumann Liebesgarten Op 34 No 1; Er und Sie Op 78 No 2 > Lili Boulanger D’un Soir Triste > Mendelssohn Piano trio No 1 in D minor Lunchtime concerts season ticket available

Bill Laurance TH U R S DAY 14 A PR I L | 8 P M | FR O M £ 15

Grammy award-winning keyboardist / composer Bill Laurance performs an intimate solo piano and electronics set full of his trademark evocative melodies, textured sonic landscapes and beautifully fluent touch.

* A 5% booking fee applies online and over the phone

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Tiswas The Reunion S AT U R DAY 16 A PR I L | 8 P M | FR O M £ 12

For one night only, a unique opportunity to see TV comedy legends Bob Carolgees, John Gorman, Sally James and Chris Tarrant as they re-unite to discuss their much-loved show Tiswas. All four Bucketeers share the stage together to share their Tiswas memories with Bristol Ideas Director Andrew Kelly.

Nick Lowe M O N DAY 18 A PR I L | 7 P M D O O R S £ 29.5 0 | £ 27.5 0

Maestro of British rock Nick Lowe is as fresh today as the first time he stepped on stage, 40 years ago. His musical landscape spans all kinds of sounds, from rock to country to soul to pop — nothing is off limits.

Rebecca Nash presents Redefining Element 78 W ED N E S DAY 2 0 A PR I L | 8 P M | £ 12 GL A S S S T U D I O

Defying categorisation, and established as one of the brightest and boldest jazz talents in the UK, Rebecca has created a distinctive and personal musical voice, full of artistry and heart. Her new suite of music, Redefining Element 78, is in part inspired by the periodic table’s Platinum metal family. ‘Powerful jazz making without a safety net’ T H E GUA R D I A N

Maya Youssef Finding Home W ED N E S DAY 20 A PR I L | 8 P M | £ 18

Queen of the qanun (the 78-stringed zither) Maya Youssef returns to St George’s to play music from her latest album Finding Home. It is a deeply evocative soundworld: infused with a sense of loss for her Syrian homeland, inspired by a more universal sense of home. 10

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Iñigo Mikeleiz-Berrade ACCO R D I O N David Zucchi S A XO PH O N E Lunchtime Concert TH U R S DAY 21 A PR I L | 1 P M | £8.5 0 FR EE TO U25 s | > Sidney

Bechet Egyptian Fantasy Bach Flute Sonata in E flat BWV 1031 > Naoki Sakata Between > Mikolaj Majkusiak Fire from Elements > Astor Piazzolla Histoire du Tango > JS

Royal Over-Seas League prizewinners Lunchtime concerts season ticket available

Manchester Collective The Oracle FR I DAY 22 A PR I L | 7.3 0 P M | FR O M £ 15

The sensational cellist Abel Selaocoe has a way of tapping directly into how we feel. He has already reached millions of listeners with his ongoing collaboration with the Manchester Collective. Tonight he presents his brand new show with his band Chesaba and the string orchestra of the Collective. Kindly supported by Steve Pain

Philosophical Times with Julian Baggini S AT U R DAY 23 A PR I L 10.3 0 – 11.3 0 A M | £ 7

Roberto Fonseca S AT U R DAY 23 A PR I L | 8 P M FR O M £ 2 0

Roberto Fonseca, a scintillating pianist with a questing jazz sensibility and deep roots in the Afro Cuban tradition, makes a welcome return to St George’s.

* A 5% booking fee applies online and over the phone

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Tabea Debus R ECO R D ER Jonathan Rees V I O L A DA Lunchtime Concert

GA M B A

TH U R S DAY 28 A PR I L | 1 P M | £8.5 0 FR EE TO U25 s |

This Lunchtime Concert programme includes pieces by Telemann, Barber, Bach, and Chadbum. Tabea Debus is a YCAT artist Lunchtime concerts season ticket available

Vilk Collective TH U R S DAY 28 A PR I L | 8 P M | £ 10 GL A S S S T U D I O

Vilk Collective is the creative duo Roxana and Peter Vilk, both musicians and awardwinning filmmakers. They grew up listening to music from Iranian folk songs and Persian funk to Czech jazz and punk, and this magpie eclecticism informs their music today, interlacing captivating vocals with complex beats and lush guitar soundscapes.

Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri An Acoustic Journey TH U R S DAY 28 A PR I L | 8 P M FR O M £ 15

For almost two decades, Kiki and Carmelo have been touring their spellbinding acoustic live show across the UK and Europe. Join Kiki and Carmelo for a journey of stories and song including unique covers, and of course, Kiki’s own hits.

The Brodsky Quartet FR I DAY 29 A PR I L | 8 P M | FR O M £ 15 |

The first of two very special Brodsky Quartet concerts celebrating their 50th anniversary and the extraordinary legacy of music-making they have accomplished over those years. Tonight they’ll be playing Haydn Quartet Op 54 No 2, Britten Quartet No 2, and the Ravel Quartet. Don’t miss Paul Cassidy in conversation before the concert. 12

A PR I L | M AY

Bristol Folk Festival S AT U R DAY 3 0 A PR I L / SU N DAY 1 M AY VA R I O US TI M E S & PR I CE S

Bristol Folk Festival brings some of the very best folk, roots and acoustic artists to St George’s and venues across Bristol. Among those confirmed are Jon Boden & The Remnant Strings, Kitty Macfarlane (pictured), Medicine Creek and many more. See bristolfolkfestival.org for the full lineup.

Hermeto Pascoal and National Youth Jazz Orchestra M O N DAY 2 M AY | 8.3 0 P M | FR O M £ 25

In a career spanning six decades, Hermeto Pascoal has solidified himself as one of Brazil’s most prolific, eccentric and treasured musicians. On this tour the National Youth Jazz Orchestra premier new commissions scored for their distinctive instrumentation.

Oysterband ‘Meet You There’ Tour W ED N E S DAY 4 M AY | 8 P M | £ 25

Oysterband are back on stage where they belong, with a brand new album and classic live tracks. Uplifting songs for uncertain times.

Bristol New Music TH U R S DAY 5 – SU N DAY 8 M AY VA R I O U S TI M E S & PR I CE S

Bristol New Music returns with another invigorating excursion across sonic frontiers, taking over venues and found spaces in the city and presenting an exhilarating lineup of artists and experimental performance. See bristolnewmusic.org for further announcements. * A 5% booking fee applies online and over the phone

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Benjamin Grosvenor FR I DAY 6 M AY | 7.3 0 P M | FR O M £ 15

Benjamin Grosvenor’s electrifying performances and insightful interpretations continue to astound. Tonight he performs: > Franck

Prelude, Choral and Fugue Kreisleriana Op 16 > Albeniz Iberia Bk 1 > Ravel Jeux d’eau; La Valse > Schumann

Dr Rangan Chatterjee Live Happy Mind, Happy Life M O N DAY 9 M AY | 8 P M £ 2 0 W ITH O U T B O O K | £ 29 I N C B O O K

Join one of the most influential medical doctors in the UK Dr Rangan Chatterjee as he uncovers the truth to discovering true happiness and fulfilment and discusses his new book Happy Mind, Happy Life. Whether you are at a crisis point in your life or simply want to experience more joy, this event will help you to live your life to the full.

PP Arnold TU E S DAY 10 M AY | 7 P M D O O R S FR O M £ 2 0

After an incredible performance on Jools Holland, we are incredibly proud to announce this very special show with PP Arnold. Don’t miss out on a rare chance to see London’s First Lady of Soul — with special guests to be announced!

Ana Silvera TH U R S DAY 12 M AY | 8 P M GL A S S S T U D I O | £ 14 A DVA N CE

Praised and loved for her lyrical and deeply evocative alt-folk, bluegrass-tinged songs saturated with a ‘lavish, vivid imagination’ M E T R O , Silvera has collaborated with the likes of Imogen Heap and Olivia Chaney and tonight sings songs from her new album The Fabulist. ‘Stunning’ GUA R D I A N 14

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The Brodsky Quartet THUR SDAY 12 M AY | 8 PM | FRO M £ 15 |

The second of two very special Brodsky Quartet concerts celebrating their 50th anniversary and the extraordinary legacy of music-making they have accomplished over those years. Tonight they’ll be playing Borodin Scherzo, Beethoven Quartet Op 135, and Shostakovich Quartet No 15.

Exultate Singers Bach Mass in B Minor S ATU R DAY 14 M AY | 7.3 0 P M | FR O M £ 14

With Bristol Ensemble | David Ogden CO N D U C TO R Elizabeth Adams S O PR A N O | Martha McLorinan A LTO Bradley Smith T EN O R | Peter Harvey B A S S Bach’s crowning achievement expresses the full range of human emotions from intense sadness to great joy and zest for life. Exceptional Baroque-specialist soloists join the choir for to perform ‘the greatest work of art of all times and all peoples.’

National Open Youth Orchestra SU N DAY 15 M AY | 4 P M | £8 | £5

The pioneering National Open Youth Orchestra — over twenty young disabled and non-disabled musicians from around the country — take to the stage to play a captivating programme of contemporary classical music, merging the familiar with the unknown.

Steeleye Span T U E S DAY 17 M AY | 7.3 0 P M FR O M £ 2 0.5 0

Steeleye Span are set to mark their incredible half-century with a new album EST’D 1969. Led by the iconic Maddy Prior, the seven-piece line-up will draw on the group’s incredible history to provide a night of favourites and surprises from decades past. * A 5% booking fee applies online and over the phone

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Rising Stars 􀈊 Ben Spencer

H E A D O F PR O G R A M M E

t St George’s we believe strongly in supporting emerging artists and their nascent careers. Now more than ever, at a time when many artists are having to give up their art to make ends meet, young performers need opportunities and endorsement. That’s why, this year, we are launching our Rising Stars series, to showcase some of the most exciting young classical artists from around the world and help them build an audience outside London.

Other highlights include the captivating violist Jordan Bak (31 M A R ) , the dazzling accordion-saxophone duo Iñigo MikeleizBerrade & David Zucchi ( 24 A P R ) , the livewire virtuoso recorder player Tabea Debus ( 28 A P R ) , and the gifted and expressive soprano Milly Forrest ( 2 J U N ), who wowed critics when she stepped in at the last minute to replace another soprano at the Wigmore Hall whilst she was working there as an usher (see interview opposite).

Many of these concerts will be part of our lunchtime series and they will offer an invigorating variety Many of these Anastasia Kobekina of repertoire, instrumentalists artists are not only and singers. We’re working startlingly mature with specialists in the field to ensure we’re musicians but engaging communicators drawing from as wide a pool of artists about what they do. We’re keen to harness as possible, including BBC Radio 3’s New their passion and open-mindedness by Generation Artists scheme, the Young creating further opportunities for them outside Classical Artists Trust, the Royal Over-Seas the concert hall in different settings, such as League, and the Tillett Trust. hospitals and care homes. We’re fostering connections with new partners around Bristol The lunchtime season this spring and and Weston-super-Mare to make this happen. summer is a glorious reflection of this diversity and talent. No less than four BBC Radio 3 Quatuor Van Kuijk New Generation Artists visit this March (and will be recorded live for broadcast), including the string quartet Quatuor Van Kuijk (3 M A R ) , the outstanding cellist Anastasia Kobekina ( 24 M A R ) , Leeds Piano Competition winner Eric Lu ( 1 0 M A R ) — who of course has already beguiled St George’s audiences with his Chopin — and the multiple prize-winning bass William Thomas ( 17 M A R ) .

R I S I N G S TA R S

We wanted to gain a little more insight into the life of a young artist, so we talked to singer Milly Forrest about her career to date and what she’s been up to in lockdown. Q Milly, how did you become a singer? A I started with singing and flute lessons when I was 7 or 8 at my little primary school in west London. From the age of 12 I had music lessons at the Royal Academy of Music, primarily as a flute player. I wasn’t sure for a long time whether I was going to be a singer or a flute player but then I discovered singing took much less practice, and I wasn’t very good at the flute! Q Which musical teachers have had the biggest impact on you? A My first flute teacher in my primary school was a really generous, lovely woman, passionate about the flute. Every time I work on a new piece of music now I think about the things Iain Ledingham, my vocal coach at the Royal Academy of Music, taught me. Alison Wells, my current singing teacher, is fantastic — she is great with text and words and is never satisfied unless you’re pouring your heart and soul into what the words mean. Q Was there ever a point when you weren’t sure whether music was the career for you? A Yes, during Covid. I had to take a long hard look at myself and work out whether I was good enough to do this. Do I try and do something else or ride it out? I decided I should persevere and carry on. That was a big wake up call. Q What have been the highlights of your career so far? A Garsington Opera, a fantastic company. I understudied Barbarini in the ENO’s production of the Marriage of Figaro. That was pretty incredible to be sitting in observing those rehearsals. I performed Semele with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. And performing at Wigmore Hall.

Q Tell us about the time you deputised at the Wigmore Hall. A I’d worked there as an usher when I was an undergraduate. I’d auditioned for John Gilhooley and about a year later the opportunity came up to stand in. I was very humbled that it made so many news outlets. In The Sun it said something like: ‘Toilet attendant steps up!’ Q How have you occupied yourself creatively during lockdown? A I buried my head in the sand for a long time and as soon as every single gig got cancelled I went straight to the hospital to work as a porter. I’d heard that Watford General desperately needed people doing patient transfers and I thought actually I’d really like to help. I ended up walking for about 6 miles a day — lots of jobs to do around the hospital, including moving samples around and taking deceased patients to the mortuary. On my first day the man in charge of the porters said ‘are you sure you’ve applied for the right job?’ I really enjoyed it. It made me think about how lucky I am to be a musician. Three or four times I went to sing to some of the people on the wards, especially the elderly patients. Q What are your creative plans for ‘22 and beyond? A Audition season is now. I’m working with the Royal Opera House in February on a new composition. I’m singing in a performance at the Royal Festival Hall with the LPO. And then I’ve got a few other little things for the summer but no concrete plans. It’s difficult, people still are not planning that far ahead.

Milly Forest

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Liv-Marie Kodurand Jan Rautio PI A N O Lunchtime Concert

V I O LI N

TH U R S DAY 19 M AY | 1 P M | £8.5 0 FR EE TO U25 s | > Corelli

La Folia Schumann Three Romances Op 22 > Prokofiev Sonata No 2 > Clara

Lunchtime concerts season ticket available

Tord Gustavsen Trio TH U R S DAY 19 M AY | 8 P M FR O M £ 15

Imaginary Landscapes Poetry and harp with Chris Tutton and Anne Denholm

Norwegian pianist and composer Tord Gustavsen’s music continues to evolve, teasing out beautiful melodies and subtle rhythmic movements from a gentle and profound sonic space. He returns to St George’s with his classic piano trio, with new material from their 2022 ECM album.

TH U R S DAY 19 M AY | 8 P M £ 10 | GL A S S S T U D I O

A special event featuring words and improvised music with the critically acclaimed and award-winning poet, author and raconteur, Chris Tutton, and leading UK Harpist, Anne Denholm, founding member of award-winning contemporary quartet The Hermes Experiment and former Official Harpist to HRH The Prince of Wales.

Part of N ATU R E R ECO N N EC T

Chineke! with Evelyn Glennie FR I DAY 20 M AY | 7 P M | FR O M £ 15

Chineke! Orchestra, led by the exceptional double-bassist Chi-chi Nwanoku, team up with world renowned percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie and irrepressible Cubanborn conductor Odaline de la Martinez in this scintillating concert including Dvořák’s Serenade for Strings and Fela Sowande’s African Suite. 18

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Philosophical Times with Julian Baggini S AT U R DAY 21 M AY | 10.3 0 – 11.3 0 A M | £ 7

James Lisney plays Chopin S ATU R DAY 21 M AY | 7.3 0 P M FR O M £ 12 | CO N CE S S I O N S: S EE W EB S ITE

James Lisney celebrates his sixtieth anniversary recital tour with a programme devoted to Frederyk Chopin that features two celebrated piano sonatas — No 2 and No 3. For many years regarded as a miniaturist, Chopin’s radical solutions to large scale form now take their place in the centre ground of the piano repertoire.

MiniBeats Brilliant Brass! SU N DAY 22 M AY | 10.3 0 A M & 12.3 0 P M £ 7; 4 FO R 3 GR O U P / FA M I LY TI CK E T

Join presenter Laura Tanner and some of her brilliant brass friends from the Bristol Ensemble as we explore and are dazzled by the amazing sounds and sights of — the brass family! 10.3 0 A M Concert most suitable for ages 3 – 5 12.3 0 P M Concert most suitable for ages 5 – 8 Ages are guidelines only, and both concerts are relaxed performances where everyone is welcome!

Talisk SU N DAY 22 M AY | 8 P M | FR O M £ 16

In their five years, Scottish firebrands Talisk have stacked up several major awards for their explosively energetic yet artfully woven sound, including 2017’s Folk Band of the Year at the BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards, and a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award. * A 5% booking fee applies online and over the phone

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An evening with Simon and Oscar from Ocean Colour Scene TU E S DAY 24 M AY | 7.3 0 P M | £ 27.5 0

Simon and Oscar’s stripped-back acoustic shows are the latest chapter in a remarkable career that’s seen OCS rise from Breton shirt-wearing Stone Roses disciples to one of Britpop’s biggest bands. In their 30 years together, they’ve enjoyed five Top 10 albums, six Top 10 singles and a mantelpiece full of awards.

Jamie Lawson, Gemma Hayes, Richard Walters & Laura Zocca An Acoustic Round W ED N E S DAY 25 M AY | 8 P M | £ 25

An Acoustic Round is a brand new show featuring the musical talents of Ivor Novello award winning Jamie Lawson and Mercury Prize nominee Gemma Hayes. The show also features the critically acclaimed Richard Walters and the multi mullion streamed London singer songwriter Laura Zocca.

Daniel Tong PI A N O Lunchtime Concert TH U R S DAY 26 M AY | 1 P M | £8.5 0 FR EE TO U25 s > >

Brahms Sonata in F Minor Op 5 Brahms Drei Klavierstücke Op 117

Lunchtime concerts season ticket available

Catrin Finch and Seckou Keita TH U R S DAY 26 M AY | 8 P M | FR O M £ 15

Wales meets Senegal as multi-awardwinning duo Catrin Finch and Seckou Keita continue their inspiring cross-cultural collaboration combining classical harp and kora, celebrating their tenth anniversary with the release of their third album in May 2022. 20

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Miloš FR I DAY 27 M AY | 7.3 0 P M | FR O M £ 15 > Mozart

Variations on a Theme Op 9 Chaconne > Albeniz A selection from Suite Española : > Villa-Lobos Five Preludes > Duplessy New Commission > Bach

Star guitarist Milos makes his hotly anticipated return to St George's. His far-reaching programme journeys from the heart of the Baroque through to the present day, including Albinez's iconic Asturias.

Youthful Spirit Gospel Choir 23rd Year Anniversary Concert SUN DAY 29 M AY | 2.3 0 PM | £ 10 | £5 U18 s

The uplifting Youthful Spirit Gospel Choir, based at Churchill Academy, perform a wide range of songs including Stormzy, Aretha Franklin and Edwin Hawkins. Supported by a 3-part horn section and rhythm section, this will be a big, heartfelt, massed choir sound to stir the soul.

Wild Words Dance of the Violin W ED N E S DAY 1 J U N E | 10.3 0 A M | £ 7; 4 FO R 3 | AGE 5 + | GL A S S S T U D I O

Michael Loader Martin Solomon

S TO R Y T EL L I N G A N D T R U M PE T V I O L I N , ACCO R D I O N A N D H A R P

Join Michael and Martin for this wonderful, child-centred reworking of a true story, based on the life of Joshua Bell — from noise-maker to internationally acclaimed violin virtuoso! The event runs in two parts — first a Playshop to create your own ‘Theatre Shop Orchestra’, then the show itself. Event ends approx. 12.15pm.

An Evening with Elvis Costello W ED N E S DAY 1 J U N E | 8 P M

Spend intimate time with Elvis, full of stories, questions, and special surprises. This unique event celebrates Elvis Costello and The Imposters release, The Boy Named If, the new album released in January 2022. All tickets for this are being sold by Dice. * A 5% booking fee applies online and over the phone

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Milly Forrest S O PR A N O Hamish Brown PI A N O Lunchtime Concert TH U R S DAY 2 J U N E | 1 P M | £8.5 0 FR EE TO U25 s

One of the UK’s finest young sopranos, Milly Forrest, brings her dazzlingly expressive voice to a broad programme of music including Strauss, Mahler, Dvorak and popular operatic exceprts such as Wo bin ich, wach ich? (Hansel and Gretel) and Mein Herr Marquis (Die Fledermaus). Part of FE S TIVA L O F VO I CE Royal Over-Seas League prizewinners Lunchtime concerts season ticket available

Glenn Tilbrook TH U R S DAY 2 J U N E | 7.3 0 P M | £ 2 7

Glenn Tilbrook has more than earned his place at pop’s top table as one of our most cherished singers, guitarists and songwriters, not to mention as an in-demand and endlessly endearing live performer.

Arun Ghosh Canticle of the Sun FR I DAY 3 J U N E | 8 P M | FR O M £ 15

Clarinettist and composer Arun Ghosh presents a Spiritual Jazz reimagining of St Francis of Assisi’s mystical prayer, The Canticle of the Sun. Performed by a contemporary eight-piece ensemble, this is life-affirming new music in praise of nature and the Universe.

Part of FE S TIVA L O F VO I CE

Stile Antico In a Strange Land S ATU R DAY 4 J U N E | 7.3 0 P M | FR O M £ 15

Stile Antico, one of the most original of the new generation of vocal ensembles, explore music of astonishing intensity and profound emotional impact by Catholic composers on the wrong side of the religious divide during Elizabethan times, including Philips, Dering, Dowland, Byrd, White and Tallis. Kindly supported by Colin and Suzanne Doak

Part of FE S TIVA L O F VO I CE

JUNE

Lucis sing Mass in Blue SU N DAY 5 J U N E | 7.3 0 P M | FR O M £ 15 CO N CE S S I O N S: S EE W EB S ITE

Lucis are joined by their patron and composer Will Todd for his Mass in Blue, a fantastic fusion of choral, jazz and blues. Also including music by Sarah Quartel, Eric Whitacre and Kerensa Briggs. Part of FE S TIVA L O F VO I CE

An Evening with Jimmy Webb T U E S DAY 7 J U N E | 7.4 5 P M | FR O M £3 0

An evening of music and storytelling with America’s greatest songwriter. Audiences will hear songs from this multi-Grammy Award winner’s back catalogue and experience his insightful and often humorous stories about his work.

Steve Harley Acoustic Band W ED N E S DAY 8 J U N E | 7.3 0 P M | £ 28.5 0

For Steve Harley, life on the road is more than just a job: it's his life's blood. He's been playing live shows around the world for over 45 years now and the thrill has never dimmed.

Bristol University Singers Lunchtime Concert TH U R S DAY 9 J U N E | 1 P M | £8.5 0 FR EE TO U25 s

Bristol University’s top vocal ensemble return to St George’s with a programme of music inspired by landscapes and the people within them, including music by Vaughan Williams, Gerald Finzi and Kerry Andrew. Part of FE S TIVA L O F VO I CE Lunchtime concerts season ticket available

* A 5% booking fee applies online and over the phone

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Festival of Voice 􀈊 Samir Savant

C H I EF E X EC U T I V E

inging is a universal activity, which exists in all cultures and genres across the world. Bristol is a cosmopolitan city, bursting with cultural activity and the hum of 91 languages, with so many different types of choirs and singing groups. What better way to bring us all together than through song? St George’s presents its inaugural Festival of Voice in June 2022 — a month-long celebration of the power, beauty and universality of the human voice, which will bring together internationally renowned artists with grass-roots choirs anchored in their local communities. It’s an inclusive exploration of what the voice can do and a celebration of what singing can help us all be and achieve, creating something together to enjoy, particularly after the difficult past two years we have all endured. Everyone is welcome to come along and take part, no matter your level of ability. Alongside a thrilling programme of live music events from across all different genres, there will be a series of special insights with experts exploring different aspects of song, from well-being and the positive impact of singing on our health to virtual choirs and singing in a digital age. Please keep an eye on our website nearer the time for more details, or sign up to our e-newsletter list so that you are sure to receive updates on the Festival as our plans develop.

Exultate Singers in the St George's gardens, in 2020

‘Singing is like a celebration of oxygen.’ B J O R K

FE S TIVA L O F VO I CE

There are three key dates to anchor the packed programme of activity. We begin the Festival with a ‘flashmob’ Hallelujah! Chorus event on Sunday 5 June which will take place across central Bristol, culminating in a performance on College Green as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The Hallelujah! Chorus is of course an iconic movement from Messiah by George Frideric Handel, and the first performance of his choral masterpiece in an English cathedral was right here in Bristol in 1758. We encourage all singers to take part in our engaging ‘flashmob’ event — perhaps you’ve never sung any Handel before and want to give it a go. We will be running free online sessions to help singers learn the music. If you or your singing group are interested to take part, please e-mail festivalofvoice@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk for more information, or keep an eye on our website nearer the time. On Saturday 11 June, popular choral director, David Ogden, who conducts a number of choirs across the city, will lead a ‘come and sing’ workshop: Raise the Roof. This unashamedly indulgent day of blockbuster hits from stage & screen will culminate in an informal performance in the beautiful main hall at St George’s with live band. Then on Saturday 25 June, we are inviting choirs of all genres and styles to each present 15 minutes of their favourite music from the stage of St George’s hall in a day-long celebration of song, entitled Singing City. The musical programme will be interspersed with fascinating interactive sessions with leading experts, ranging from learning a Gospel song in just quarter of an hour, to hearing about the latest research around the impact of singing on our well-being and positive mental health. We are also delighted to be working with our partners Bristol Beacon on a series of free foyer performances in June, showcasing the work of local choirs in their wonderful spaces. Please keep an eye on our website nearer the time for more details. If your choir would like to take part in any of our community-facing activities, please e-mail festivalofvoice @stgeorgesbristol.co.uk. 25

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Throughout the Festival there will also be a series of performances from internationally recognised artists for everyone to enjoy. We are delighted to announce the debut of the superb London Adventist Chorale at St George’s, led by their charismatic director, Ken Burton on Friday 17 June. Other dates to note include Stile Antico, one of the world’s finest early music vocal ensembles, on Saturday 4 June, acclaimed tenor Mark Padmore and pianist Paul Lewis on Friday 10 June in a programme to include Schubert’s famous Winterreise song cycle, and the ground-breaking Manchester Collective with prize-winning soprano Ruby Hughes on Friday 24 June. Also, look out for two amazing contemporary and jazz performances — Arun Ghosh’s Canticle of the Sun on Friday 3 June, a spiritual jazz reimagining of St Francis of Assisi’s mystical prayer and a performance of Will Todd’s iconic Mass in Blue with Lucis, a wonderful fusion of choral, jazz and blues. Our lunchtime recitals in June will also have a focus on voice, including Milly Forrest (soprano) on Thursday 2 June (see also p. 17 for her interview), Bristol University Singers on Thursday 9 June, and Chineke! Voices on Thursday 16 June with their exploration of Vicente Lusitano, the first black composer to be published in Europe. We are keen to expand our work with younger participants through the Festival of Voice as part of our overall Learning and Participation programme. Events will include a showcase featuring Cosmos Children’s Community Choir, our long-term singing project for children in South Bristol schools, and the development of our project around the children’s opera Brundibár.

Ruby Hughes

Arun Ghosh

FE S TIVA L O F VO I CE

We are also working with Bristol City Council to reach singing groups in our twinned cities (Beira, Bordeaux, Guangzhou, Hanover, Porto, Tbilisi and Puerto Morazán) to produce prerecorded digital musical content, showcasing their national singing traditions, and special goodwill greetings.

London Adventist Chorale

‘The only thing better than singing is more singing.’ ELL A FIT ZGER A LD

Our Festival of Voice runs throughout June, but look out for more singing events in July and beyond. We have Sing Out for Bristol Pride on Wednesday 6 July followed on Friday 8 July by a celebration of 60 years of Jamaican independence. Mid-July sees the performances of Brundibár, and going into early September we are pleased to announce the début of If Opera with Puccini’s well-loved La Rondine (see p35). More details about our inaugural Festival of Voice will available on our website in the coming months — stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/ festival-of-voice Sing Out for Bristol Pride

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Mark Padmore and Paul Lewis Winterreise FR I DAY 10 J U N E | 7.3 0 P M | FR O M £ 15

Mark Padmore (tenor) and Paul Lewis (piano) journey through the frozen, bitter landscape of Schubert’s Winterreise with characteristic subtlety and unity of vision: a dark night of the soul but with the full contrast of human emotion. A special, very un-summery concert! Part of FE S TIVA L O F VO I CE

Raise the Roof with David Ogden S ATU R DAY 11 J U N E | 11 A M – 4 P M PER FO R M A N CE 3.15 P M S I N GER S: £ 12, £5 U18 s AU D I EN CE FO R 3.15 P M : £5, FR EE U18 s

Raise the Roof is back! An unbridled day of singing blockbuster songs you know and love including show tunes and pop hits. Suitable for all levels of ability, ending with an informal performance. Part of FE S TIVA L O F VO I CE

Brandon Hill Chamber Orchestra English Summer Celebration SU N DAY 12 J U N E | 7.4 5 P M FR O M £ 18 | CO N CE S S I O N S: S EE W EB S ITE

Catherine Larsen-Maguire Andrew McDade T U B A > Vaughan

CO N D U C TO R

Williams Overture The Wasps; Tuba Concerto > Elgar Symphony No 1

JUNE

Chris Smither T U E S DAY 14 J U N E | 8 P M | FR O M £ 15

With support from Zak Trojano Chris Smither’s profound songwriting, singular guitar sound and world-weary vocals — lying somewhere between Leonard Cohen and Leon Redbone — mark him out as a true original. Tonight he’ll be performing music from his vast song catalogue.

Chineke! Voices Lunchtime Concert TH U R S DAY 16 J U N E | 1 P M £8.5 0 | FR EE TO U25 s

The new vocal ensemble Chineke! Voices present the astonishingly rich and imaginative music of Portuguese composer Vicente Lusitano (c.1520 — c.1561) alongside fellow composers from the period. Lusitano was the first black composer to be published in Europe and a key musical figure of the times. Part of FE S TIVA L O F VO I CE Lunchtime concerts season ticket available

London Adventist Chorale FR I DAY 17 J U N E | 7.3 0 P M | FR O M £ 15

For their debut performance at St George’s, the award-winning and enormously influential London Adventist Chorale, conducted by Ken Burton, will bring their trademark virtuosity and passion to a selection of sacred repertoire. Experienced by tens of millions world-wide on stage, screen and radio the choir have sung for the Queen and collaborated with the likes of Bryn Terfel and Wynton Marsalis. Part of FE S TIVA L O F VO I CE

Philosophical Times with Julian Baggini SATU R DAY 18 J U N E | 10.3 0 – 11.3 0 A M | £ 7

Join the brilliant writer, thinker and St George’s resident philosopher, Julian Baggini, as he explores some of the big ideas that connect with and emerge from this week’s news stories. As part of our focus on activism today, we are particularly open to issues around activism and protest. * A 5% booking fee applies online and over the phone

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The Art of Activism Ways to Shift Hearts and Minds S ATU R DAY 18 J U N E | 1 P M | £ 7

Well known Bristol-based musician and activist Anneka Sutcliffe talks to Daze Aghaji and other leading young voices in the environmental movement about the aims and possibilities of civil resistance, and the way music and art can help raise awareness of the issues. Keep an eye on our website for full lineup. Part of FE S TIVA L O F VO I CE

Bristol Concert Orchestra’s Summer Concert SU N DAY 19 J U N E | 7 P M | FR O M £ 12 CO N CE S S I O N S: S EE W EB S ITE

Bristol Concert Orchestra perform Elgar’s Enigma Variations, Berlioz’s Le Carnaval Romain and Mendelssohn’s Incidental music for A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the storyline narrated by the actor David Barrell in his own inimitable way.

Jake Shimabukuro M O N DAY 20 J U N E | 8 P M | £ 28

With only four strings, Jake Shimabukuro is a humble master of the ukulele whose mission is to connect and inspire people. Whether one on one or in front of an audience of thousands, Jake shares a deep emotional connection with the listener that is open, magical and transcendent.

Manchester Collective This Savage Parade FR I DAY 24 J U N E | 7.3 0 P M | FR O M £ 15

This show is lighter than air — ethereal music for voice and strings that will transport listeners to a world of incredible fragility and exquisite beauty. Joined by soprano Ruby Hughes Manchester Collective will be playing Strozzi’s Che si può fare, a new work by Edmund Finnis, Olli Mustonen’s Nonet No 2, and Britten’s Les Illuminations. Part of FE S TIVA L O F VO I CE Kindly supported by Steve Pain

J U N E | J U LY

Singing City S AT U R DAY 25 J U N E 12−3 P M ; 4−7 P M £5 FO R H A LF DAY S E S S I O N £ 7.5 0 FO R FU LL DAY S E S S I O N

Come and enjoy a day of engaging choral music of different genres and styles. Choirs and singing groups from across Bristol will take to the stage at St George’s for 15 minutes each to showcase their talent. The musical programme will be interspersed with fascinating interactive sessions with leading experts, ranging from learning a Gospel song in just quarter of an hour, to hearing about the latest research around the impact of singing on our well-being and positive mental health. Part of FE S TIVA L O F VO I CE

City Voices Bristol 10 Year Anniversary! SU N DAY 26 J U N E | 7 P M | £ 15

Celebrate City Voices Bristol’s first ten years with a mixed programme that will include their trademark variety of songs, some new and some from their back catalogue. Part of FE S TIVA L O F VO I CE Supporting the Freewheelers EVS Charity

Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra S AT U R DAY 2 J U LY | 7.3 0 P M TI CK E T S TB C

For their summer concert, the much loved Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra announce a new composition by local composer and producer Jacob Bright, which they will play alongside Shostakovich’s 5th Symphony, a dark and dramatic expression of revolutionary courage, fitting for the times of crisis we are living through.

* A 5% booking fee applies online and over the phone

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Rebel Music 􀈊 Ben Spencer

H E A D O F PR O G R A M M E

usic is what feelings sound like — so said Aldous Huxley — but it is also what thoughts sound like, not least political thoughts. Rebel Music, our wide-ranging series of concerts and talks that kicked off in 2021, explores the ways politics and music interact, and how music — despite its popular classification as ‘entertainment’ — has throughout history been used as a vehicle for anti-establishment ideas.

The standard take on how politics and music mix goes something like this: most of the time they don’t. According to this view, the ‘60s and ‘70s were a rare aberration of politically charged music — think of Bob Dylan’s Masters of War, or Nina Simone’s Mississippi Goddamn, or the Sex Pistols’ God Save the Queen — but before and after then, so the story goes, music generally kept its politics to itself, and, some would say, was all the better for it. This version of musical history leaves a lot out. The raucous carnivals that happened on feast days across seventeenth century Europe were not only a chance to make merry but an opportunity for those on the bottom rung to beat drums, sing songs and vent their political frustrations with those in charge: revelry and rebellion were never too far apart. A century or two later and the drums were being beaten by slaves across southern US states and the Caribbean as an incitement to revolution. A century after that and the musical revolution in the Congo called Rumba Lingala mobilised a new national consciousness that would contribute, albeit indirectly, to the end of colonial rule — one of many examples of how political values implicitly bleed into 32

music. Woodie Guthrie wasn’t joking when he painted ‘This Machine Kills Fascists’ on his guitar in 1943. Rebel Music will focus on the various ways music can rally, resist and challenge the status quo. One obvious way it does this is to draw attention to an issue. Tongue Fu’s Hot Poets project (31 M A R ) is a great example of this. Tongue Fu are a dazzlingly original collective of musicians. They’re teaming up with twelve of the UK’s and Africa’s finest spoken word artists to create work inspired by less obvious artistic themes: for instance, using beach data to leverage change in plastic manufacturing, improving weather warning systems, and putting Forest School education on the National Curriculum. This is music and spoken word with a twist: specific climate-related topics transfigured into art that encourages agency and action. We’re working on other issuesdriven music projects this year involving Vanessa Kisuule, Bellatrix and other Bristolbased poets, musicians and activists — keep an eye on the website for updates. Music is also a tool for solidarity and survival in the face of extreme oppression, a vital outlet that keeps the fires of inner rebellion burning when other actions aren’t possible. This summer Horfield Primary School pupils will perform the children’s opera Brundibár ( 13 | 14 J U L) . Composed in 1938 and premiered in Germanoccupied Prague, it was later performed over fifty times at the Terezin concentration camp where many of the young cast had been transported. The opera’s story has a poignant symbolism: two children trying to defeat the evil organ-grinder to raise enough money to buy milk for their sick mother.

R EB EL M US I C Stile Antico

Stile Antico’s concert In A Strange Land (4 J U N ) explores similar themes of persecution but in a different historical context. They’re performing the music of those Catholic composers such as Robert White and William Byrd who found themselves treated increasingly harshly under Elizabeth I’s regime. Some of them left this country and some stayed, but they all poured their feelings of spiritual isolation into their music — with intense and profound results. Music, most obviously, is a potent political connector, a powerful means to bind people together around a common cause. When the effervescent Jazz Jamaica brings its Lively Up show to St George’s (8 J U L) , it will be celebrating not only 60 years of Jamaican independence with its vibrant combination of roots reggae, jazz and ska, but a musical lineage shot through with politicised consciousness. Bob Marley, for instance, was not only the purveyor of One Love, but of an Afrocentric attitude that had enormous influence shaping the mindset of his global listeners. I spoke to Gary Crosby, bassist and founder of Jazz Jamaica, about how music and politics intertwined in his early playing days. He told me: ‘I believed the artists of that period in the 60s and '70s, around the start of Jamaica’s independence, were integral. I always felt they were like us — Bob Marley, Curtis Mayfield, Femi Kuti, Hugh Masakela. That feeling inspired us to express ourselves. Cedric Brooks, the sax player of the Skatalites, once said to me ‘the gift of music is not to make money, it’s a gift to change the world’. Back then, music was the key that connected us to the rest of the world. We listened to artists that aligned our political and musical lives. Musicians were like modern day griots. We’d find out through music what had been happening in Johannesburg, or Mozambique. That inspired us to investigate more.’ Rebel Music continues throughout 2022. We’ll be adding events throughout the year which you can discover on the series’ landing page on our website. Vanessa Kissule

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Sing Out for Bristol Pride W ED N E S DAY 6 J U LY | 7 P M | £ 13

The award-winning Sing Out Bristol celebrate Pride helped by the Bristol Gay Men’s Chorus and other friends from Bristol’s LGBTQ+ and Ally communities. An evening of top-class entertainment whose profits will be donated directly to Bristol Pride.

Lively Up Jazz Jamaica celebrate 60 years of Jamaican Independence FR I DAY 8 J U LY | 7.3 0 P M | FR O M £ 15

Celebrate 60 years of Jamaican independence with a dazzling night of big vibes and rhythms that have shaped the island’s unique musical and cultural identity including Catch A Fire and more from the Bob Marley catalogue, plus some ska classics which bring that trademark bounce to every Jazz Jamaica performance!

Show Choir Summer Spectacular! S AT U R DAY 9 J U LY 2 P M & 7.3 0 P M | £ 10

Singing songs from smash hit West End shows, as well as lesser known off-Broadway gems, all in amazing a cappella, Show Choir see in the summer with a spectacular summer concert.

Brundibár A children’s opera by Hans Krása W ED N E S DAY 13 J U LY & TH U R S DAY 14 J U LY 6.3 0 P M | £8 A D U LT S, £5 CH I LD R EN / S T U D ENT S

Mark Lawrence M U S I C D I R EC TO R Maisie Newman D R A M A D I R EC TO R Composed in 1938, Brundibár was premiered in secret in German-occupied Prague by children at a Jewish Orphanage. The opera tells the innocent tale of two children, Aninka and Pepíček, who have to defeat the ‘evil organ-grinder’ to raise money to buy milk for their sick mother. Runs approx. 1 hour with no interval Recommended for ages 8+ Kindly supported by Newby Trust and The Marchus Trust

J U LY O N WA R D S

Rob Bell Everything is Spiritual FR I DAY 15 J U LY | 6.3 0 P M Q & A 8.3 0 P M M A I N E V ENT £ 4 5 (Q & A + M A I N E V ENT ) £ 17.5 0 ( M A I N E V ENT O N LY )

Everything is Spiritual: A new guide to science, art, sex and death from the New York Times bestselling author of Love Wins.

Vocal Works Gospel Choir SU N DAY 17 J U LY | 7.3 0 P M | FR O M £ 16

The powerful and dynamic vocalists from the Vocal Works Gospel Choir perform a set bursting with soulful, inspiring and uplifting songs, giving classics the full on ‘gospel choir’ treatment together with their band, the VW Soul Collective.

If Opera La Rondine SU N DAY 4 S EP TEM B ER | 7 P M | FR O M £ 10

With Bristol Ensemble and If Opera chorus CO N D U C T ED BY Oliver Gooch S O LO I S T S TO B E A N N O U N C ED

If Opera is the new company that emerged from the much loved and acclaimed Iford Arts. If Opera has a powerful ethos of putting its ensemble of singers to the fore, producing opera in exciting ways and exciting places. The company come to St George’s straight from their inaugural season in Bradford On Avon with a cast of some of the most exciting emergent talent in the UK. Puccini’s orchestral palette scarcely shone as brightly and inventively as it does in La Rondine, and his music, which at times forces you into total submission, is as beautiful as anything in his canon. The whole opera is bathed in warm, glitteringly sumptuous melody as Puccini’s tragic romance unfolds. One of the most satisfying and memorable nights that you can experience. Sung in Italian with English surtitles A costumed concert performance * A 5% booking fee applies online and over the phone

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Venue Hire Hire our beautiful venue for your event or celebration Our hall, gardens and contemporary spaces combine classic elegance with modern architecture. Our flexible and characterful venue, combined with our long-standing experience of hosting private events, makes St George’s a great choice for bespoke, high quality event experiences, whatever your requirements. We love hosting wedding receptions, parties, conferences and dinners, so if you’re looking for a reason to celebrate a special occasion or connect with your clients, please contact our events team via stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/ venue-hire As a registered charity, income generated through events like these directly supports our celebrated artistic programme and education work.

V EN U E H I R E | TH A N K YO U

Thank you to all our Supporters St George’s Bristol is a charity that creates inspirational experiences for music lovers and makers — we believe music can be life changing. Our wider artistic and learning programmes simply would not be possible without those who continue to support our organisation throughout these challenging times including:

Austin & Hope Pilkington Trust, The Bristol Arts Society, Cavatina Chamber Music Trust, The D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, Gibbs Trust, The Marchus Trust, Newby Trust, Paragon Music Trust, Scops Arts Trust, Stewart Wines, The Thistle Trust. Thanks to the Government's Cultural Recovery Fund, we have been able to overcome many of the challenges created by the pandemic during 2020 and 2021. It is with this support that we are able to reopen again to be #HereForCulture We would also like to thank our Individual Donors; Members of the Star Circle, Patrons, Benefactors, Members and Friends for their invaluable support, as well as all those who contributed towards our Christmas Campaign. And last, but certainly not least, we extend warm thanks to our wonderful team of Volunteers.

For more information on our work and ways you can support us, please visit our website to: > > > > >

Donate today! Join as a supporter from £40 Leave a gift in your will Buy gift vouchers Volunteer at St George’s

stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/support-us

'St George’s Bristol offers fantastic music to enthusiastic audiences in a space that performers love. It’s a pleasure to attend and to support it in whatever way we can.' I A I N B OY D S TA R C I R C L E

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Café Bar Join us for lunch or pre-event food and drink! Our Café is open during the week serving delicious soups, toasties and savouries. We have a wide selection of cakes ranging from brownies to raspberry bakewells and specialist coffees & teas from Extract Roastery. Sample our fantastic range of wines, beers and soft drinks from great local suppliers, Bristol Beer Factory, Lost and Grounded, Lovely Drinks, Six O’Clock Gin, and Stewart Wines. The Bar is usually open an hour prior to event start time. And when booking tickets, why not treat yourself to a pre-event Food & Drink package as well? Choose from a selection of house drinks accompanied by a board of bread, olives, dips and veggie treats. You can book along with your tickets via the event page on our website or with the Box Office (subject to availability).

For further Café Bar information including daytime service, and details of seasonal food offerings, please visit our website.

C A FÉ B A R | I N FO R M ATI O N

Information

Terms & Conditions are not transferable only offered on sold-out events, where our Box Office is able to re-sell tickets | AG E R E S T R I C T I O N S may apply, please check before purchase S T G EO R G E ’ S reserves the right to refuse admission | L AT ECO M E R S admission at the first suitable break (steward’s discretion) FO R F U L L T & C S please visit our website. TICKETS

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See stgeorgesbristol.co.uk for latest details of events All information correct at the time of going to print.

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Monday to Friday — 11am to 4.30pm an hour before the start of an event.

Getting Here

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St George’s Bristol, Great George Street (Off Park St), Bristol, BS1 5RR

stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 0117 929 4929 Monday to Friday — 11am to 6pm

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during Box Office opening hours (as above).

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P R I O R I T Y B O O K I N G available to our supporters across all events, before general sale and as events are announced throughout the year | 5% B O O K I N G F E E added to the listed price of a ticket when booked online or by telephone only.

Offers & Concessions specified on an event-by-event basis | F R E E CO M PA N I O N T I C K E T S available where a full-paying ticket holder requires assistance throughout their visit please see our website for details | S T U D E N T S & U 25 S discounted or free tickets available for selected concerts and with the C AVAT I N A scheme / Please see our website or ask at the Box Office | G R O U P S O F 1 0 + please contact the Box Office. CO N C E S S I O N S & FA M I LY T I C K E T S

Image credits Cover Evelyn Glennine p2−3 Evan Dawson p6 Cosmos Choir p7 Brundibár illustation courtesy of Halifax Theatre for Young People p24−25 Evan Dawson p36 Hotwells Wedding Photography, Evoke Pictures, Jun Tuan Weddings, CBI Conference P37 Nicola Benedetti by Evan Dawson P38 Evan Dawson, Esme Jones

* A 5% booking fee applies online and over the phone

via Great George St and Charlotte St racking available on Great George St and Charlotte St | B U S The nearest bus stops are Park Street Top and College Green, please see firstgroup.com for routes | N E A R E S T C A R PA R K S Trenchard St, College St, and Millennium Square. O N FO OT B I C YC L E

Accessibility PA R K I N G some spaces for Blue Badge holders are bookable via Box Office on a first-come-first-served basis S T E P- F R E E ACC E S S via Charlotte St entrance | W H E E LC H A I R S PAC E S please ask our Box Office team when booking or see our website for details | M O B I L E CO N N EC T H E A R I N G please ask our Box Office team ahead of the event | G U I D E D O G S are admitted throughout St George’s AG E G U I D E L I N E S & R E L A X E D P E R FO R M A N C E S

states where applicable across selected and family events. Regrettably, infants can’t be admitted to events unless otherwise stated | A M P L I F I C AT I O N & L I G H T I N G please ask our Box Office team about specific events.

Credits Charles Watkins Zenith Media R EG I S T E R E D O F F I C E Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR | St George’s Bristol No 2053843; Registered Charity No 295178; VAT No 821968115 DESIGN PRINT

At a Glance SUN 22 MAY | 8 PM

MARCH SAT 26 MAR | 10.30 AM

Philosophical Times

SUN 27 MAR | 10.30 AM , 12.30 PM MiniBeats! Super Strings THU 31 MAR | 1 PM THU 31 MAR | 7.30 PM

Jordan Bak Lunchtime Concert Tongue Fu Hot Poets

APR IL FRI 1 APR | 8 PM

Sona Jobarteh

SAT 2 APR | 7.30 PM City of Bristol Choir

Handel’s Messiah MON 4 APR | 8 PM Noah Gundersen WED 6 APR | 8 PM Haiku Salut The General THU 7 APR | 7.30 PM Immersive Messiah FRI 8 APR | 7.30 PM Roger McGough Safety in Numbers SAT 9 APR | 7.30 PM Bristol Ensemble & Choir of Royal Holloway Bach’s St John’s Passion SUN 10 APR | 2 PM Poetry By Heart Regional Showcase SUN 10 APR | 7.30 PM Grand Slam Finals THU 14 APR | 1 PM Lyra Trio Lunchtime Concert THU 14 APR | 8 PM Bill Laurance SAT 16 APR | 8 PM Tiswas The Reunion MON 18 APR | 7 PM Nick Lowe WED 20 APR | 8 PM Rebecca Nash Redefining Element 78 WED 20 APR | 8 PM Maya Youssef Finding Home THU 21 APR | 1 PM Iñigo Mikeleiz-Berrade & David Zucchi Lunchtime Concert FRI 22 APR | 7.30 PM Manchester Collective The Oracle SAT 23 APR | 10.30 AM Philosophical Times SAT 23 APR | 8 PM Roberto Fonseca THU 28 APR | 1 PM Tabea Debus & Jonathan Rees Lunchtime Concert THU 28 APR | 8 PM Vilk Collective THU 28 APR | 8 PM Kiki Dee & Carmelo Luggeri An Acoustic Journey FRI 29 APR | 8 PM The Brodsky Quartet SAT 30 APR & SUN 1 MAY Bristol Folk Festival

MAY

from Ocean Colour Scene An Acoustic Round Daniel Tong Lunchtime Concert Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita Miloš Youthful Spirit Gospel Choir

JUNE WED 1 JUN | 10.30 AM Wild Words Dance of the Violin An Evening with Elvis Costello WED 1 JUN | 8 PM PM THU 2 JUN | 1 Milly Forrest & Hamish Brown Lunchtime Concert THU 2 JUN | 7.30 PM Glenn Tilbrook FRI 3 JUN | 8 PM Arun Ghosh Canticle of the Sun SAT 4 JUN | 7.30 PM Stile Antico In a Strange Land SUN 5 JUN | 7.30 PM Lucis sing Mass In Blue TUE 7 JUN | 7.45 PM An Evening with Jimmy Webb PM WED 8 JUN | 7.30 Steve Harley Acoustic Band PM THU 9 JUN | 1 Bristol University Singers Lunchtime Concert FRI 10 JUN | 7.30 PM Mark Padmore & Paul Lewis Winterreise SAT 11 JUN | VARIOUS Raise the Roof with David Ogden SUN 12 JUN | 7.45 PM Brandon Hill Chamber Orchestra TUE 14 JUN | 8 PM Chris Smither THU 16 JUN | 1 PM Chineke! Voices Lunchtime Concert FRI 17 JUN | 7.30 PM London Adventist Chorale SAT 18 JUN | 10.30 AM Philosophical Times SAT 18 JUN | 1 PM The Art of Activism SUN 19 JUN | 7 PM Bristol Concert Orchestra Summer Concert MON 20 JUN | 8 PM Jake Shimabukuro FRI 24 JUN | 7.30 PM Manchester Collective This Savage Parade SAT 25 JUN | VARIOUS Singing City PM SUN 26 JUN | 7 City Voices Bristol 10 Year Anniversary

MON 2 MAY | 8.30 PM Hermeto Pascoal &

JULY

WED 4 MAY | 8 PM

SAT 2 JUL | 7.30 PM

National Youth Jazz Orchestra Oysterband Meet You There Tour THU 5 MAY−SUN 8 MAY Bristol New Music PM FRI 6 MAY | 7.30 Benjamin Grosvenor MON 9 MAY | 8 PM Dr Rangan Chatterjee Live Happy Mind, Happy Life TUE 10 MAY | 7 PM PP Arnold PM THU 12 MAY | 8 Ana Silvera THU 12 MAY | 8 PM The Brodsky Quartet AM SAT 14 MAY | 10.30 Philosophical Times PM SAT 14 MAY | 7.30 Exultate Singers Bach Mass in B Minor SUN 15 MAY | 4 PM National Open Youth Orchestra PM TUE 17 MAY | 7.30 Steeleye Span THU 19 MAY | 1 PM Liv-Marie Kodurand & Jan Rautio Lunchtime Concert Tord Gustavsen Trio THU 19 MAY | 8 PM THU 19 MAY | 8 PM Imaginary Landscapes Chris Tutton & Anne Denholm FRI 20 MAY | 7 PM Chineke! With Evelyn Glennie James Lisney plays Chopin SAT 21 MAY | 7.30 PM Sun 22 MAY | 10.30 AM & 12.30 PM MiniBeats! Brilliant Brass

Talisk

TUE 24 MAY | 7.30 PM An Evening with Simon & Oscar

Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra Sing Out for Bristol Pride FRI 8 JUL | 7.30 Lively Up Jazz Jamaica PM PM SAT 9 JUL | 2 & 7.30 Show Choir Summer Spectacular! WED 14 & THU 15 JUL | 6.30 PM Brundibár FRI 15 JUL | 6.30 PM Rob Bell Everything is Spiritual SUN 17 JUL | 7.30 PM Vocal Works Gospel Choir WED 6 JUL | 7 PM

SEPTEMB ER SUN 4 SEP | 7 PM

If Opera Puccini’s La Rondine

B O O K N OW

stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 0117 929 4929