Directors picks 2011

DIRECTORS’ PICKS Winter 2011 Jazz / Science / Music

Members’ priority booking dates

Jazz 21 – 27 February

Science 21 – 27 March

Music 4 – 10 April

Welcome

Welcome to Directors’ Picks and another wonderful year of four amazing Cheltenham Festivals.

2011 is another year of development for the Festivals and as a Member you’ll see some of the most exciting changes of all, as we launch our new box office in Cheltenham’s Regent Arcade and new website with Members’ online booking.

But of course, it’s the Festivals themselves that we’re most excited about, and as our Directors’ Picks reveal, it’s set to be another feast of culture: the extra bank holiday for the Royal Wedding will add even more swing to our Jazz on the Square and in June it’s the tenth anniversary of the Science Festival. We have another breathtaking programme planned at the Music Festival and will be staging more events than ever before at Literature, with first details released in your summer edition of Directors’ Picks.

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As a charity, and particularly in these straitened times, we really do rely on the generous support of our sponsors and Members to continue to bring such outstanding events and free activities to Cheltenham.

Being a Member truly is one of the best ways to enjoy all that Cheltenham Festivals has to offer, and I thank you for all of your support and wonderful feedback.

I do hope that you enjoy your preview of the forthcoming events, and I look forward to seeing you at the Festivals.

Donna PS: For the first time this year, there’s the chance to discover more about the programmes and to find the perfect events for you with our Directors’ Picks LIVE events ... exclusively for Members. See the back cover for details!

Donna Renney, Chief Executive

DISCOVER MORE …

Festivals Preview Exclusively For Members

Jazz Jamie’s Back! p.6 With new guests and a one-off live show

A Right Royal Event p.7 Jazz celebrates the Royal Wedding

Science Cheltenham’s Got The X-Factor p.9 Ten years of the Science Festival

Why We’re All Scientists p.10 According to Robert Winston

Music Music + Maths = ? p.14 A very special relationship

Shaken Not Stirred p.15 Percussionist Evelyn Glennie comes to town

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11: NEW FOR 2S0’ PICKS DIRECTOR

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‘The Best Four Days Of My Life’ p.16 Education in profile

Four World-class Festivals: One Amazing Charity p.17 Your support makes it happen

Membership New Benefits For 2011 p.19 And more places to save around Cheltenham

New! Find Your Perfect Event p.20 With Directors’ Picks LIVE

Photography Credits Sussie Ahlburg, Felix Broede, Conor Cahill, Charlie Chan, Pete Riley, Toby Summerskill, Todorovic and Karwinska © 2011 Cheltenham Festivals Ltd. Details correct at time to going to print. E&OE.

Discover more at cheltenhamfestivals.com

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Jazz 27 April – 2 May 2011 Members’ Priority Booking 21 – 27 February

Jamie Cullum

Jazz on the Square Food, drink and great free music in one of Cheltenham’s most beautiful parks.

Headline acts True jazz legends in unbelievably intimate settings.

Dave Holland

New music Our pick of new and exciting talent from all over the world.

Andreya Triana

Great nights out Enjoy a night to remember and carry on the party at Cheltenham’s Hotel du Vin.

Discover more at cheltenhamfestivals.com

‘Energy and edge you won’t get anywhere else: it’s fun, it’s exhausting, and it’s the best jazz festival in the UK’

FESTIVAL AT A GLANCE…

Members’ event A night to remember This year, why not make the Jazz Festival extra-special with the chance to share an unforgettable evening of fine food and dining ... with a very special guest.

One of our headline acts will be taking to the stage at a top Cheltenham eatery to play an one-off performance in an incredibly intimate atmosphere. You’ll have the chance to enjoy a stylish dinner in a stunning setting, before enjoying an unforgettable night of A-list entertainment.

Full details will be released with the programme in February, and tickets to this one-off event will be exclusively available to Cheltenham Festivals Members and their guests.

‘WONDERFULLY ECLECTIC PROGRAMMING. A REAL DISCOVERY.’ AUDIENCE MEMBER 2010 5

Jamie Cullum returns We’re thrilled to welcome back Jazz superstar Jamie Cullum as Guest Director.

It’s been a big year for Jamie, with a huge worldwide tour on the back of award winning album The Pursuit, the launch of his radio show on BBC Radio 2, and to round off the year, his standout appearance at the Royal Variety Performance.

As well as playing his own headline set, Jamie will also be bringing some of his favourite acts to Cheltenham including Mercury Prize nominated Kit Downes and his sextet, soul singer-songwriter Andreya Triana and beautiful pop covers from Susanna.

Find details of all of Jamie’s bands online at cheltenhamfestivals.com and in the Jazz Festival programme.

Jamie Cullum

Q&A Tony Dudley-Evans, Artistic Director, Cheltenham Jazz Festival

Cheltenham Jazz Festival is … big names and what’s new in jazz, all happening side by side in intimate, beautiful venues. There’s a special energy and edge you won’t get anywhere else: it’s fun, it’s exhausting and it’s the best jazz festival in the UK.

The artists I’m most looking forward to bringing to Cheltenham in 2011 are … the Overtone Quartet – an American jazz super group with Dave Holland, Jason Moran, Chris Potter and Eric Harland. This is an event not to be missed!

This year, the Festival’s all about … celebration! From our unique jazz take on Friday’s Royal Wedding to celebrating the best in homegrown and international jazz, like Brit Tom Cawley and his trio Curios, Denys Baptiste and Martin France’s Spin Marvel featuring Nils Petter Molvaer, it’s going to be a very special year indeed.

First time festival-goers are often surprised by … the range of music they find.

Music that can present such a range of experiences, from infectious danceable rhythms to serious, thought provoking music. People who thought a Jazz Festival wasn’t for them are amazed by what’s on offer.

This year, I’m really excited about … our specially commissioned project with a true UK treasure, the ever unpredictable composer Django Bates and BBC Radio 3.

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The special thing about Cheltenham is … the one off shows and the risk taking.

We love to bring pop names into a jazz context: like Paloma Faith’s amazing finale concert last year.

The results are amazing, and very exciting both for me and our audiences.

People keep coming up to me and talking about …

Jamie Cullum’s incredible concert last year, so it’s great I can tell them he’s back in 2011! Plus all their own ideas for bands they’d like to see of course; it’s always good to hear people’s suggestions.

For the perfect Festival day, I’d recommend … starting with a Pillar Room gig from one of our rising stars followed by a spot of lunch in the beautiful gardens of Jazz on the Square … washed down with a pint of Budweiser Budvar of course! In the afternoon, head to the Arena for some Klezmer-infused world music or some funky blues. After dinner in one of Cheltenham’s fabulous restaurants, the evening’s the perfect time to witness a true jazz-great take to the stage at Cheltenham Town Hall, before heading

over to carry on the party at the Hotel du Vin with an informal jam session - and a cocktail or two!

Portico Quartet

Director’s Picks Festival Director Tony Dudley-Evans shares his pick of this year’s events.

For a great night out …

Join Guy Barker and the BBC Concert Orchestra for a special Jazz Royalty edition of Friday Night is Music Night featuring an array of excellent guest singers, live from Cheltenham, celebrating the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington and more. This truly royal celebration will be the jewel in our crown as we celebrate the momentous occasion of the Royal Wedding with a party at Jazz on the Square.

If you’re coming for the first time …

Described by Van Morrison as “one of the best voices, and best kept secrets, in British R&B and soul”, James Hunter is a modern singer who unapologetically embraces the R&B sounds of the 50s and early 60s. The Grammy nominated guitarist and singer brings his brand of authentic rhythm and blues and soul in the style of Ray Charles and James Brown to Cheltenham.

If you go to just one thing …

To see something new …

Following Jamie Cullum’s knockout performance with his band in 2010, Jamie returns to the Cheltenham stage for a unique set of previously unheard music in a one-off solo show.

The master entertainer will doubtless be at his energetic best for this special performance with just him and his piano for company.

Exploring styles including Scandinavian folk music, gospel and cool jazz, pianist Tord Gustavsen leads an ensemble, featuring some of Norway’s most in-demand players. His ability to converse jazz history with reflective Nordic moods and lyrical beauty makes him an intriguing voice on today’s music scene. As part of this set, Tord will also be performing a world premier commissioned piece of music for Cheltenham.

To witness a legend …

The Overtone Quartet is quite simply a jazz super group. Four of the world’s finest jazz musicians perform together in this all star American quartet featuring bassist Dave Holland (who co-led last year’s flamenco performance), saxophonist Chris Potter, pianist Jason Moran and drummer Eric Harland. Don’t miss these four acknowledged masters.

For the finest contemporary British jazz …

Leading UK saxophonist Andy Sheppard returns to the Festival with his new trio, Trio Libero, which features drummer Seb Rochford and bass player Michel Benita. Releasing their ECM label debut in the spring, Sheppard’s glowing tone works in tandem with the colourful ideas of Benita and Rochford’s dynamic drum attack.

Discover more with Membership at Cheltenham Jazz Festival

DON’T MISS Some highlights for priority booking:

Show Stopping Vocalists Friday Night is Music Night Jazz royalty special Andreya Triana Soulful jazz grooves

Jazz Legends Overtone Quartet Four legends, one band Andy Sheppard Sax led Anglo-French trio

Blues & World James Hunter British R&B guitarist

Norwegian Jazz Tord Gustavsen Melancholic folk melodies Susanna Beautiful original songs and inventive covers Stian Westerhus Experimental solo guitar

Best of British Django Bates New 50th birthday commission Julian Arguelles & John Taylor Sophisticated sax and piano duo Kit Downes New acoustic sextet from leading UK jazz pianist

Cutting Edge Portico Quartet World music from the future Outhouse Quartet with Hilmar Jensen Innovative quartet with rock influenced guitar

Spoken Word Jamie Cullum In conversation Lab-Oratory project A unique collaboration between Science and Jazz Hear sound samples at cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz

• Save with ticket discounts • Book first 21 – 27 February • Enjoy a night to remember with exclusive Members’ event

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Science 7 – 12 June 2011 Members’ Priority Booking 21 – 27 March

Andrea Sella

Ten years of The Times Cheltenham Science Festival: Cheltenham gets the X-factor!

What does the letter X conjure up for you? X-rays, X-Men, algebra, Roman numerals, X-rated? We have chosen ‘X’ as our eXtra special festival theme to mark the momentous tenth Cheltenham Science Festival. For siX days in June, join us to celebrate and eXplore all things X-related!

Q&A Science Festival Directors Mark Lythgoe and Kathy Sykes The thing I love most about the Festival is … the buzz and delight of it all. You get to meet so many different kinds of amazing people, and they’re all conjuring different kinds of magic.

This year, I’m most looking forward to … the event on cannabis, from the same amazing team who did the event on chocolate last year.

Apparently they’ve been to see a huge field of cannabis being grown for official reasons … but they can’t tell anyone where it is!

People who come to the Festival are often surprised by … the fact that it’s like Glastonbury meets The Royal Society! They can’t believe the fun and variety, or the blend between comedy, the arts, food, the absurd, the serious and the personal, not to mention sitting next to celebrities in events.

My favourite time at Cheltenham Science Festival was … when I saw David Cameron, Richard Branson and Robert Winston all chatting together and I thought, “this is my best night ever …!” It was just unbelievable, how can you get all these people in one room on a Thursday night just having a chat?

I’ll always remember … the first time I heard proper, genuine applause. It was at an event on bacteria and it shouldn’t have been anything special, but the audience were blown away and the applause went on and on, just like a rock concert.

People saw themselves differently as a result of what they’d heard; I can’t tell you how good it was.

People keep coming up and asking … how we manage to be edgy and risk taking and risqué whilst being so respected. And speakers keep asking if they can come back – they all love appearing here.

Discover more at cheltenhamfestivals.com

Discover more with Membership at The Times Cheltenham Science Festival

• Save with ticket discounts • Book first 21 – 27 March • Exclusive Members’ event

(see programme for full details)

The strangest thing we’ve ever done at Cheltenham is … so many things, but the Science of Love event in 2005 stands out. I saw two hundred people running round the room, wanting to find love and all trying to find their “perfect match” through science. Panic in Cheltenham…

People should come to the Cheltenham Science Festival because … you’ll walk out of the Festival and look at yourself and the world around you differently. It’s a rare thing that can make you do that, but a lot of our events do.

My rising star in 2011 … has to be one of our FameLabbers!

Steve Mould is brilliant: he’s just phenomenal and I really rate him.

Lots of people from FameLab (our science communication competition) are doing amazing things – check out this year’s FameLab event to discover the stars of the future!

Alice Roberts

Family events Exciting experiments, spectacular science, and free Family Fun Days and Discover Zone (not just for kids!)

Cutting edge debate Join policy makers, journalists and top decision makers as they debate the biggest issues of the day.

Real life Mind, body and the environment: discover more about the things that matter to you and your family.

Brian Cox

Familiar faces Meet the top science authors, TV and radio presenters and find out why they are passionate about science.

Alternative science Cabaret, quizzes and comedy – science as you’ve never known it before.

Mark Miodownik 10

‘That’s the unique thing about the Science Festival … the idea that half the time we should be listening to the audience.’

FESTIVAL AT A GLANCE…

The next ten years?

Robert Winston There’s a growing recognition that we’re all scientists in a way, and what’s really changed in the last ten years is the idea that scientists and non-scientists talk to each other in a questioning manner. That’s the unique thing about the Science Festival and what makes it stand out from all the other events around the world: the idea that half the time we should be listening to the audience.

There’s a wonderful paradox that the more science we do, almost the less we understand. So it’s a wonderful time to come to the Festival, to ask questions, to talk to the speakers and consider the world around us. None of us truly knows what we’ll be talking about in ten years’ time, but we’ll have great fun along the way.

‘WHAT A FANTASTIC EVENT! MYSELF AND MY DAUGHTERS NOT ONLY HAD A GREAT TIME, WE LEARNT LOTS TOO ESPECIALLY ME!’ AUDIENCE MEMBER 2010

Directors’ Picks There have been thousands of events in the ten years … but which were the best? Our favourite Festival regulars tell all…

Quentin Cooper writes and presents the UK’s most listened to science programme, The Material World on BBC Radio 4. He hosts science events and conferences round the world and works regularly with organisations such as The Royal Society and the British Council.

Dr Mark Lythgoe is a neuroscientist and Director of the Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging at UCL. He is passionate about science communication and is Director of The Times Cheltenham Science Festival.

Vivienne Parry OBE is a science writer and broadcaster. Best known for her programmes on Radio 4, she is also a regular contributor to The Times, Guardian and Good Housekeeping. In the past she has presented Tomorrow’s World and reported for Panorama.

Professor Kathy Sykes is devoted to science engagement and is Professor of Sciences and Society at the University of Bristol. She has sat and sits on numerous panels advising government, learned bodies and funders on science policy. She is Director of The Times Cheltenham Science Festival.

Professor Lord Winston is a well known TV presenter and author, holds numerous awards, sixteen honorary doctorates and is currently the Professor of Science and Society and Emeritus Professor of Fertility Studies at Imperial College.

Breaking taboos – Kathy Sykes

Confounding expectations – Quentin Cooper

Magical family moments – Mark Lythgoe

We did an event on evolution and religion, with three scientists of different faiths and an atheist. The event itself was great, but then the discussion carried on in the Talking Point for about an hour and a half! A group of Rastafarians wandered in, saying it just looked like the coolest thing. It was amazing; people said it gave space and permission to talk about things we’re not normally allowed to.

My favourite was a really impassioned guy from Papau New Guinea talking about the rainforest. People thought they knew the subject and what the talk would be about, but here was a guy saying “here is the situation, here’s what we can do, here’s the difference we’ve made” and you could see the audience totally change their thinking over the course of the event.

I had a lovely moment watching Mark Miodownik and Richard Hammond in a children’s event, Blast Lab. They’d had the children making paper aeroplanes, and there was a moment when the kids nearly rushed the stage, and you saw Mark and Richard both think, “oh my God!” The kids all ran forward and threw their planes together. It was magical, really great.

Challenging times – Robert Winston

Making a difference – Kathy Sykes

Festival madness – Kathy Sykes and Vivienne Parry

I was chairing the wonderful talk given by the mathematician Roger Penrose, who must be one of the brightest people on the planet, when he was challenged by an eleven year old boy on quantum physics. I had butterflies about it, but Roger handled it amazingly and even met up afterwards to continue the discussion. I thought it reflected incredibly well on both the child and Roger.

We always programme events on personal issues and I especially remember the one we held on Anorexia.

There was a group of teenage boys at the event, and when we spoke afterwards they told us they’d come because they had friends with anorexia and they wanted to know how to help.

People stayed behind for ages to ask questions, discuss issues and get advice.

Heston Blumenthal’s Mood Food event was totally surreal and bonkers. The audience were supposed to change moods according to which course they ate …and they did! Then there was the time that Alice Roberts painted a man’s naked torso with his body parts, and we sent him off into Cheltenham (pictured, p9). Or when Robert Winston pulled a sword from a sword swallower’s mouth and someone in the audience fainted, hit their head and Robert rushed over to administer first aid! And who could forget the event on vibrators? It was brilliant, featured so much comedy, and was very, very errr… educational.

Robert Winston and Kathy Sykes

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Music 29 June – 10 July 2011 Members’ Priority Booking 4 – 10 April

Milos Karadaglic

FESTIVAL AT A GLANCE…

DON’T MISS

Cheltenham Town Hall Standout performers, symphonic sounds and big blockbuster favourites.

Parabola Arts Centre Intimate, versatile and classy: everything from cabaret to opera, and family events to rushhour recitals.

Cathedrals, abbeys and churches Gloucester, Tewkesbury, Cirencester and Cotswold villages: unique experiences for all the senses in each beautiful building.

Discover more at cheltenhamfestivals.com

‘Journey from the comfort zone of something you know and love to somewhere adventurous and unfamiliar.’

Pittville Pump Room Every morning at eleven, the world’s finest pianists, singers and string quartets.

Some highlights for priority booking: Austrian baritone Florian Boesch Schubert and Mahler USA’s Escher Quartet Beethoven and Shostakovich Norwegian trumpeter Tine-Thing Helseth Bach and Handel Jerusalem Quartet/ Alexander Melnikov Brahms and Schumann James Rhodes & the Festival Academy Bach, Bliss and Arvo Pärt Tenor Toby Spence Janacek and Mahler French pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet Haydn, Ravel and Liszt Cabaret queens Fascinating Aida Combined choristers of Gloucester Cathedral & Tewkesbury Abbey

‘A TRULY WONDERFUL FESTIVAL. AN EXCELLENT PROGRAMME AND THE BEST FESTIVAL SO FAR.’ AUDIENCE MEMBER 2010 13

Dvorák double-bill with Natalie Clein Since winning BBC Young Musician of the Year in 1994, cellist Natalie Clein has travelled well the bumpy road of prodigy-hood and emerged the other side as a musician of great depth and charm.

We welcome her in a top-notch chamber music line-up that also includes the equally compelling Russian pair, pianist Polina Leschenko and violist Maxim Rysanov.

Natalie performs at the Pittville Pump Room; one of the world’s finest acoustic and architectural spaces for chamber music.

London may have the Wigmore, and New York the Carnegie Hall – but the view’s better at Pittville, and the parking’s free...

Q&A Meurig Bowen, HSBC Cheltenham Music Festival Director This year, the Festival’s delving into … the links between Maths & Music. Even the most mathematicallychallenged musicians can’t deny the basic arithmetical characteristics of sound – counting up the notes of the scale, counting the beats in a bar – and from Pythagoras to the avant-garde, there’s a lot of fascinating connections for us to investigate. A sideshoot of this, on the first weekend of the Music Festival, is a focus on percussion – because, I suppose, there’s no musician who needs to count their threes, fours (and fives) better than a percussionist.

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People who have never been to the Festival before are often surprised by … the massive range of music on offer. Too many people, I fear, have this idea that the Music Festival in Cheltenham is all about slightly gritty, challenging, new music experiences. Yes – sometimes – but it’s a lot more than that, and it always has been.

What I relish most about my job is … matching the right music with the right building.

We’re thoroughly spoilt with the venues at our disposal, in and around Cheltenham, but you have to get it right in marrying up the repertoire with each building’s unique acoustic and architectural

Natalie Clein

character. It’s just like with food and wine: I’m a kind of sommelier I suppose.

For the perfect Festival day … I’d recommend total immersion. Go to everything, including the talks, discussions and filmscreenings ‘in between’.

Journey from the comfort zone of something you know and love to somewhere adventurous and unfamiliar. Talk to strangers in the audience.

Talk to the performers afterwards, as they pack up their instruments or sign CDs. Eat and drink well in the gastropolis that is Cheltenham. Shop, too, if you have time.

My favourite dead composer … is JS Bach, and my favourite living one is Steve Reich (see over). Each had/has a fascination with numbers and systems, so they’re very welcome in this year’s Maths and Music strand.

My rising star in 2011 … is Montenegro-born guitarist Milos Karadaglic.

His heartthrob charm, intelligence and mastery of the instrument make him the complete package. I suspect the marketing ‘noise’ around his debut album on Universal will be big, so you might find it hard to miss.

Director’s Picks Festival Director Meurig Bowen shares his pick of this year’s events.

For a big night out …

It’s got to be one of the two superb symphony orchestras who are coming to Cheltenham this year. Taking a night off from their summertime Glyndebourne residency, the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Vladimir Jurowski perform Wagner’s Meistersingers overture and Brahms’ 4th Symphony alongside Richard Strauss’ sublime Four Last Songs. And it’s a pleasure to welcome back the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Kirill Karabits for another all-Russian programme. Boris Giltburg is the soloist in Rachmaninov’s 2nd Piano Concerto.

Hankies at the ready…

The ‘Risk Takers’ pick …

Mark Anthony Turnage’s latest opera, about Anna Nicole Smith, premieres soon at Covent Garden. In 1988, his equally controversial debut opera, Greek, sealed his reputation as a daring, original voice. We present this startling, yuppyera re-telling of the Oedipus story (c/o Steven Berkoff ) in a new production by Music Theatre Wales.

The ‘Take Me Somewhere Sublime’ pick …

Two picks again; one in Gloucester Cathedral, the other in Tewkesbury Abbey. The first, with award-winning Stile Antico, takes us back to renaissance Spain for music by Victoria, Morales, Guerrero and Palestrina.

There’ll be projections of contemporary religious art by El Greco et al. The second is an all-Bach programme from The Magdalena Consort, whose UK debut for us in 2010 with Monteverdi’s Vespers was such a triumph.

Artist-in-Residence, and with A-list concerto appearances this season in Chicago, Amsterdam and Dresden, Andsnes’ recital of Beethoven and Brahms will be a right-royal event.

Discover something new …

Top percussionist Evelyn Glennie gives the world premiere of a new percussion concerto by Joseph Phibbs on Friday 1 July. Joe’s piece celebrates cocktails from around the world, so one of the instruments Evelyn will be shaking is, naturally, a Cocktail Shaker. This concert, featuring our crack-squad of instrumentalists, the Festival Academy, also includes the unusually-titled Popcorn Superhet Receiver by Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood.

Discover more at cheltenhamfestivals.com

American composer Steve Reich is 75 years old in 2011. Actually, that should be 75 years young, because his music still bursts with the freshness and invention that set up a cult following decades ago. Crucially, that following isn’t just the hardcore contemporary classical crowd.

I can’t think of any other living composer whose music maintains the admiration of the broadsheet music critics and university lecturers, alongside a concert-attending enthusiasm amongst the clubbers, the art students and all others who can be called genuinely hip.

The Colin Currie Ensemble performs Reich’s 1971 minimalist masterpiece Drumming on Sunday 3 July.

And if you’re trying the Music Festival for the first time …

If you’re not sure that classical music is strictly your thing, then why not try The Swingle Singers? With incredible virtuosity and elan, this eight-voice a cappella group breaks down all the barriers, performing anything from jazzed-up Bach to stylish revamps of Annie Lennox, Björk and Beatles numbers. Their beat-boxy vocal percussion has to be seen and heard to be believed...

Steve Reich

Discover more with Membership at HSBC Cheltenham Music Festival

• Save with ticket discounts • Book first 4 – 10 April • Exclusive Members’ event

The ‘Piano Royalty Comes To Town’ pick …

Every year, we present a range of amazing pianists; they love our venues and our pianos, and are always keen to return. A very welcome debut in 2011 is made by Norway’s prince of the keyboard, Leif Ove Andsnes.

As the Berlin Philharmonic’s current

THE DRUMMING MAJOR STEVE REICH

(see programme for full details) Leif Ove Andsnes 15

Support Us

The Bandwagon

As a charity, Cheltenham Festivals is committed to running education projects in all kinds of areas, from schools to community centres and prisons to hospitals; we touch the lives of thousands.

Q&A Philippa Claridge, Education Manager, Cheltenham Festivals The thing I love most about our education projects is …. working with amazing people, both internal and external. We are fortunate to be able to attract incredibly dedicated and inspirational practitioners from a range of disciplines in the arts and sciences.

They make our projects the best they can possibly be.

My favourite moment from last year was … the first Bandwagon flashmob!

Watching the children’s faces as the Bandwagoners walked into their school assembly, carrying and playing their instruments – even the cello – and knowing absolutely at that moment that the project was going to be a huge success.

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People are most surprised by … the sheer scope of the education programme; the variety of year-round activities that take place across the county as well as at the Festivals, and the number of participants – over 16,000 this year!

One thing I’m really proud of is … being in a position to show that ‘young people today’ are actually pretty fantastic.

The thing the kids love is … new experiences, discovering that they CAN. The biggest difference our education projects make is … raising aspirations and self-esteem amongst participants through the opportunity to develop new skills and learn new things about themselves.

We couldn’t do our education projects without … the amazing people who give their time to work on our projects, and all the financial support we receive from our Members and donors.

‘IT WAS REALLY GOOD TO HAVE A TRY AT SOMETHING NEW. SO LATER ON IN LIFE, I WOULD LIKE TO DO SOME MORE DIFFERENT THINGS.’ SCHOOL CHILDREN, 2010

SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE EDUCATION PROJECTS FROM 2010...

Bandwagon The Bandwagon is a bus carrying a ‘pop-up’ ensemble of young, talented musicians from Gloucestershire secondary schools, led by professional conductor William Carslake and composer Hannah Kendall.

The bus arrives unexpectedly at a local primary school, where, to the delight of the children, a vibrant, exciting experience of classical music ensues.

Jazz it Up!

for each school, in 2010 on the theme of Heaven and Hell, and works with the students before their live performance at Jazz on the Square.

Young Scientists’ Day Our second Young Scientists’ Day was another fantastic opportunity for local primary school pupils to get stuck into some hands-on experiments in a real laboratory, led by science specialists at Cheltenham College Junior School.

You’re a part of something amazing Ticket sales alone only bring in a fraction of what it takes to run four world-class Festivals and an inspiring year round education programme. As a charity, Cheltenham Festivals is indebted to the generous support of people like you who give their time, ideas and money.

We appreciate your Membership subscription, and if you would like to know more about supporting Cheltenham Festivals through a private donation, sponsorship or legacy, please contact Kathryn Honeywill; kathryn.honeywill@ cheltenhamfestivals.com

Jazz It Up! is a musical collaboration between jazz musician Sid Peacock, ten Gloucestershire school jazz bands and Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Sid writes a bespoke arrangement

‘THESE FOUR DAYS WERE THE BEST SCHOOL DAYS OF MY LIFE.’ Jazz it Up!

Members’ benefits Discover more with Membership and enjoy...

M fro embe m £1 rshi 5 p

• Discounted tickets at an unlimited number of events • A week’s priority booking for you and a guest • Directors’ Picks previews and advance brochures • Exclusive Members’ events at every Festival • Great deals and offers from Festival partners • £10 voucher when you send in your tickets from all four Festivals • NEW for 2011 Directors’ Picks LIVE events Discover more at cheltenhamfestivals.com

Discounted tickets are for Members’ sole use and do not apply on events that include food or drink in the ticket price.

Terms and conditions apply.

Member’s story…

New Member Alison, from Gloucester, talks about supporting a charity, an amazing Jamie Cullum concert, not being a “sciency” person and getting those elusive front row seats ...

I’ve been coming to to the Festivals for a while, but because I wasn’t always aware when they were happening, I found I was often trying to get tickets for events after they’d been booked up! When I heard about the Membership Scheme and advance booking I thought, “that’s what I need.”

I went to all the Festivals last year, but my favourite event has to be Jamie Cullum at Jazz. I was away on the day it first went on sale, but called the moment my flight landed, and got the tickets! To see him in an intimate

setting like the Town Hall was amazing.

It felt like you were there with a few friends, and he was just singing for you.

We were so amazed at how good it was.

I was back in the Town Hall in the summer, for a performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at the Music Festival.

I’d booked early in Members’ priority booking week, so we had front row seats. It’s one of my favourite pieces of music and to see that orchestra in that kind of setting was just beautiful.

My real passion is for the Literature Festival, but even though I wouldn’t say I’m scientifically minded, I found a really interesting talk from the director of the National Gallery at the Science Festival.

I’d never had the programme before and didn’t expect the breadth of topics, but now I think there will always be something there that interests me.

‘YOU CAN PICK ALL THE EVENTS YOU WANT TO SEE, KNOWING YOU’LL HAVE THE CHANCE TO GET A TICKET.’ 18

In fact, I think as long as you have an open mind and are prepared to spend a few minutes looking through the brochure, I’m sure everyone would find something.

I like the fact that Cheltenham Festivals is a charity. And because it’s a charity working in an area that I’m interested in, I like to think I can support not only financially but by volunteering at the Festivals too. I’ve really enjoyed volunteering through the Membership Scheme and it’s nice to give my time.

I’m definitely coming to more events now I’m a Member. It’s great having the programmes sent to you first, and as soon as you get them, you can sit down and pick all the events you want to see, knowing you’ll have the chance to get a ticket. I can’t wait to receive them this year!

Exclusive offers from our Festival partners…

Cheltenham Festivals Members enjoy a host of offers from Cheltenham’s premier bars, hotels and restaurants. cheltenhamfestivals.com/membershipoffers

NEW FOR 2011: MEMBERS’ ONLINE BOOKING Check out the brand new cheltenhamfestivals.com for the chance to buy Members’ tickets and even reserve your seat at selected venues.

Terms and conditions apply. Offers are not available for Associate Members.

Manage your Membership online and check out the latest Member news and offers from February 2011.

The Queen’s

REFER A FRIEND ‘AS LONG AS YOU’RE PREPARED TO SPEND A FEW MINUTES LOOKING THROUGH THE BROCHURE, I THINK EVERYONE WOULD FIND SOMETHING’

Recommendation’s the highest form of compliment, and when you recommend a friend to the Membership Scheme, we’ll send you a £5 Festivals voucher to say thank you.

Terms and conditions apply: see cheltenhamfestivals.com for full details.

WIN A NIGHT FOR TWO AT MONTPELLIER CHAPTER Not a Member yet?

Join the scheme before 6 February and you could win a night for two at Cheltenham’s newest luxury hotel, Montpellier Chapter.

See back cover for details.

NEW FOR 2011: DIRECTORS’ PICKS LIVE! Receive the programmes every year, but never sure what to go to?

Or perhaps you come to one or two events, but would like to discover something new this year.

Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or have never been before, join us behind the scenes for our free Directors’ Picks LIVE evenings, designed to help you find the events you’ll love.

WELCOME DRINK EXCLUSIVE INSIGHTS FESTIVAL DIRECTORS All events take place in Cheltenham, immediately before each priority booking week. Places are strictly limited: for more information and to reserve your free ticket, visit cheltenhamfestivals.com/directorspicks

Win a night for two at Montpellier Chapter…

Join the Membership Scheme before 6 February and you could win a luxurious night for two at Cheltenham’s new boutique hotel, Montpellier Chapter.

Sophisticated, calm and contemporary and located in the heart of the town, Montpellier Chapter is the perfect base for any trip to Cheltenham. chapterhotels.com Terms and conditions apply; see cheltenhamfestivals.com for full details.