December 2014 - February 2015: Events Diary

10 Turning

is brilliant!

SAGE GATESHEAD Events Diary DECEMBER 2014-FEBRUARY 2015

Welcome from our General Director Though it often seems only a short time since that unforgettable snowy night in December 2004 when we first opened our doors, this December we celebrate our 10th Birthday - so in addition to all the other riches in this diary (and the special 10th Birthday events threaded through this whole season) you’ll find a 6-day festival around the exact anniversary, combining events which celebrate particular successes or partnerships from our first decade with new initiatives that open the door to our next ten years.

Royal Northern Sinfonia is one of the central planks of the week (of course), and there’s also a night devoted to our other ‘Founding Partner’, our Folkworks programme. We’re also delighted to welcome back many old musical friends as well as celebrating the extraordinary work of our In Harmony music education partner, Newcastle’s Hawthorn Primary School.

However, we’re also thrilled to be working for the first time with the astonishing American-born percussionist Robyn Schulkowsky (leading a huge project with our own musicians that will pop up unexpectedly throughout the week); welcoming the globally acclaimed Hilliard Ensemble just a few days before they close their own 40-year career, and for the first time ever to be hosting a dance

club night on our Concourse through to 4am - as well as transforming the look of the building by a specially created lighting installation. I hope, whatever kind of music you most enjoy, that we’ll welcome you here at some point during the six days we’ve planned this Birthday Festival as a celebration for everyone who has shared in any way in the teeming adventure of our first decade.

That’s all wrapped around our biggest ever celebration of Christmas and New Year including many favourites from previous years (from The Snowman and our Christmas Choirs concerts with Simon Halsey to Grimethorpe Colliery Band and Maddy Prior), before we launch 2015 with another delicious Viennese New Years Day, followed in Jan/Feb by a varied feast of Royal Northern Sinfonia events and a cornucopia of great visiting musicians and entertainers - plus some special events for lovers of adventurous, unusual musicmaking.

Do take a moment to look through the truly enormous range of different kinds of music in these packed pages. Whatever entices you through our doors in these three months, I hope you’ll be inspired to make rewarding new discoveries alongside enjoying familiar pleasures.

Anthony Sargent CBE General Director

10TH BIRTHDAY FESTIVAL

Tues 16 Dec Beverley Knight in concert

Tues 16 Dec The Platform

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Wed 17 Dec Now We Are Ten Supported by Laing O’Rourke

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Fri 19 Dec Northern*Lights ‘Winter Edition’ with Above&Beyond

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Sat 20 Dec Paul Smith & Peter Brewis – ‘Frozen by Sight’

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Sat 20 Dec Folkworks Christmas Ceilidh

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Sat 20 Dec Royal Northern Sinfonia with The Inspiration Choir

Sat 20/Sun 21 Fun For All The Family

Sun 21 Dec Folkworks Family Christmas Ceilidh

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Sun 21 Dec Eliza Carthy plus 10: Folkworks Celebrates 25 Years of the Folkworks 13 Youth Summer School

Sun 21 Dec Royal Northern Sinfonia Celebrates

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YOUTH AND COMMUNITY

Mon 1 Dec A Festival of Music: Durham School

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Mon 1 Dec In The Groove - End of Term Performance

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Tues 2 Dec Songs of The Wear – Performed by the University of Sunderland

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Fri 5 Dec/Fri 13 Feb Krocodile Klub

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Sun 7 Dec InterOpera: Festive Treats

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Mon 8 Dec Winter Choral Celebration

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Mon 8/Wed 10 Dec Future Grooves

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Wed 10 Dec The Learning Alliance Christmas Concert - Ponteland, Park View and George Stephenson

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Wed 10 Dec Streetwise Opera Double Bill - The River Keeper: A new opera by Bridie Jackson and Nell Leyshon, and Bridie Jackson and The Arbour

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Tues 30 Dec Swing Bridge Singers in Concert

Sun 11/sun18 Jan Young Musicians Live

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Fri 23 Jan The Nth Degree

PARTICIPATION from Tues 2 Dec Gateshead Ceilidh Club

From Sat 6 Dec Jazz Co-op presents: Play Jazz! Workshop

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Sat 10 Jan Join in and Sing...Rock & Pop

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Sat 24 Jan Folkworks Winter Workout Day

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Sat 7 Feb Beethoven’s 5th with The Cobweb Orchestra

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BRASS

Sat 13 Dec Grimethorpe Colliery Band: Brassed Off! At Christmas

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Sun 15 Feb Black Dyke Band

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SAGEGATESHEAD.COM

CLASSICAL

Sat 6/Sun 7 Dec christmas choirs with simon halsey

Tues 9 Dec Ruth Wall: The Three Harps at Christmas

Sun 14 Dec Messiah

Sun 14 Dec The Ravenswood Singers and Opera Live present The Magical Sounds of Christmas

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Thurs 1 Jan New Year in Vienna

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Thurs 8 Jan From These Isles

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Wed 14 Jan Newcastle International Chamber Music Series: Elizabeth Watts

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Sun 18 Jan John Wilson Sunday Afternoons: American Dream

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Thurs 22 Jan Simply Sinfonia: Adagio for Strings

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Thurs 29 Jan Beethoven Five

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Thurs 5 Feb late mix: New World Cabaret

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Sat 7 Feb Queen Symphony

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Sun 8 Feb Future Classics: Omo Bello, presented by ECHO Rising Stars

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Wed 11 Feb Newcastle International Chamber Music Series: Florin Ensemble Thurs 12 Feb The Fairy Queen Sat 14 Feb Classic FM: If Music Be The Food Of Love...

Thurs 26 Feb Beethoven One

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fri 27 Feb Saleem Ashkar: Pathétique

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Sat 28 Feb Samling Masterclass and Showcase

FOLK AND TRADITIONAL

Mon 1 Dec Future Traditions

Wed 3 Dec Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band: Carols and Capers 2014

Sat 13 Dec Maypoles to Mistletoe

Tues 23 Dec Chris Newman & Máire Ní Chathasaigh: Celtic Christmas Strings

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Sat 27 Dec Cauld Feet Again, Pet! Jez Lowe and The Bad Pennies 11 Wed 31 Dec New Rope String Band Family Show Wed 31st Dec New Rope String Band Sun 18 Jan Le Vent du Nord plus support

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Sat 24 Jan Eliza Carthy’s Legendary Nights: Bright Phoebus from Sheffield

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Sun 25 Jan Burns Night Supper

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Sat 31 Jan Future Traditions

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Mon 2 Feb Transatlantic Sessions

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Sat 7 Feb Megson

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Sun 15 Feb Ewan McLennan plus support

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Wed 18 Feb Fairport Convention plus support Kevin Dempsey and Rosie Carson

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Thurs 26 Feb Duncan Chisholm

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JAZZ, BLUES AND SOUL

Thurs 11 Dec The Big Chris Barber Band

0191 443 4661

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POPULAR AND CONTEMPORARY

Tues 2 Dec Warpaint plus The Garden 8

Thur 4 Dec Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain present A Fistful of Ukuleles 8

Fri 5 Dec The World’s Greatest Pink Floyd Show 9 Fri 5 Dec The David Ford Orchestra 9

Sun 7 Dec Jo Hamilton plus support Ajimal 9

Tues 9 Dec Only Men Aloud 10

Thur 11 Dec Magic of Motown: the reach out christmas party 10

Fri 12 Dec The Blockheads plus support 10

Tues 30 Dec Christmas with The Rat Pack 11

Wed 31 Dec New Year’s Eve with Candi staton

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Sun 11 Jan Paul Carrack ‘Rain or Shine’ plus support 17

Wed 21 Jan Tommy Emmanuel 18

Fri 23 Jan Nils Lofgren with very special guest Greg Varlotta 18

Sat 24 Jan Classic Rock Show - Top 20 Greatest Guitar Riffs of All Time - LIVE! 26

Sun 25 Jan King Creosote 26

Sat 31 Jan Murphy’s Legacy

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Sat 31 Jan Straight No Chaser plus special guests

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Tues 3 Feb An Evening with Stuart Brayson and Friends

Sun 8 Feb Barbara Dickson ‘Winter’

Mon 9 Feb Scott Bradlee & Postmodern Jukebox Plus Special Guests

Wed 11 Feb Sam Bailey plus support Daughters of Davis

Fri 13 Feb 10cc in concert plus support

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Mon 16 Feb Rumours of Fleetwood Mac

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Tues 17 Feb Jack Savoretti - the written in the scars tour

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Tues 17 Feb Ocean Colour Scene - The 25th Anniversary Acoustic Tour

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Sat 28 Feb Katherine Jenkins plus special guests

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FAMILY Throughout Dec Santa’s Grotto

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Sat 6 Dec Warm Songs for Winter Days

Mon 29/ Early Years Big Family Sing & Dance Tues 30 Dec

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Mon 22 - Royal Northern Sinfonia: The Snowman Wed 24 Dec

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Tues from 13 Jan Baby Massage

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Sat 24 Jan Songs Before You Were Born Sat 7 Feb Family Folk Show with Megson

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SPOKEN WORD

Mon 19 Jan Jillian Michaels - Maximize Your Life Tour

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WORLD

Sat 28 Feb Shashwati Mandal Paul

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FAMILY Music. That’s what Sage Gateshead is all about. All kinds of music for all kinds of people and all ages. We want everyone to be able to explore music, enjoy music and engage with music.

You’re never too old. Or too young.

That’s why we’re a great place for a family visit.

We have all kinds of fun activities for you and your kids to enjoy all year round, including concerts, workshops and much more led by our awesome Early Years team. These take place in Sage Gateshead itself, or a few minutes away at Gateshead Old Town Hall.

We’ve been doing this for ages, all around the region. Even before our building opened ten years ago, our skilled musicians were out in the local community delivering top notch music sessions for families in children’s centres, schools, church halls and community centres. And they still are.

So what can we do for your wee ones? Well, there’s a ton of exciting workshops for bumps, babies and beyond on offer. Have a read and see if any tickle your fancy, then come along and get involved!

Babies love music and movement, so we designed an interactive music-making session just for them.

Babies, Babble & Play for ages 0-12

months runs Mondays & Thursdays: 1.30pm.

Wednesdays: 11am.

Tickets: £3 per person, second child £1.50.

From: Monday 1st December.

The fun singing, music and movement continues with Under

5s Sing, Play & Dance for ages 0-4

years.

Mon-Sat: 9.45am.

Mon, Tues, Thur-Sat: 11am. Tues & Weds: 1.30pm. Tickets: £3 per person, second child £1.50.

From: Monday 1st December.

Develop the musical skills of your 5-7 year old in a fun and playful way.

And your little ones can get involved even before they’re born.

Planet Music

for pregnant women combines gentle yoga with learning lullabies to help soothe the baby when it arrives.

Thursdays: 6pm. Cost: £28.60 for a 6 week course. Courses begin: 8th January & 26th February.

Saturdays: 1pm.

Tickets: £3 per person, second child £1.50.

From: (Fortnightly) Saturday 10th January.

Musical Bumps

Come on in and join the fun!

Pick up the Family Fun leaflet for details of all our upcoming family events or visit sagegateshead.com/family

Don’t miss Family CEILIDH on 21st December page 13 6

Sage Gateshead is a charity and the money we raise is used to produce, preserve and provide music in and for our community.

To find out more please visit: sagegateshead.com/support

Every Sat & Sun throughout December, plus Mon 22nd, Tue 23rd & Christmas Eve

Saturday 6th December

Santa’s Grotto

Hall Two, 11am & 2pm

Meet at Santa’s Grotto (The Squires Lounge), 11am, 12noon or 2pm A fun, interactive 30-minute experience where you can join in with Christmas singing and share your Christmas wishes with Santa himself. Suitable for believers aged 1+.

Tickets: £4 per child

Warm Songs for Winter Days Snuggle up with this hearty stew of songs, dances, theatrical fun and audience participation. Featuring the icy north wind, 60s classics, Vivaldi and children’s wintry favourites from a wide range of musical genres.

Tickets: £5 per person.

Suitable for children aged 0-7. (Family layout)

Monday 29th & Tuesday 30th December

Early Years Big Family Sing & Dance The Barbour Room, 11am & 1.30pm A large helping of fun, song and dance led by our Early Years musicians. This whole family celebration includes songs and dances from around the world. Come in your party best! Suitable for under 7s and their families.

Tickets: £2.50 per person

Tuesdays from 13th January

Saturday 24th January

Baby Massage Gateshead Old Town Hall, 10am Learn to soothe and connect with your baby through massage led by a certified instructor in a small, supportive group.

Natural grape seed massage oil provided; please bring your own towel.

Tickets: £40 for the 5 week course

Songs Before You Were Born

Saturday 7th February

Hall Two, 11am & 2pm

Folkworks

Disco fever – family style! Jam-packed with hits from the 60s-90s, dance routines and singalongs, this interactive concert will delight all the family and introduce children to great music from the past.

Tickets: £5 per person (Family layout)

Family Folk Show with Megson Hall Two, 2pm Award-winning folk duo Megson blend their infectious mix of heavenly vocals and lush harmonies into a gentle, entertaining concert for children and their parents/carers.

Suitable for under 7s.

Tickets: £5 (Family layout)

The Snowman

Monday 22ndWednesday 24th December

Royal Northern Sinfonia: The Snowman Hall One, 11am, 2pm & 5pm (22nd & 23rd), 11am & 2pm (24th) Bring all the family along to watch the classic animated film on the big screen, accompanied live by Royal Northern Sinfonia playing Howard Blake’s magical score, plus Ian Stephen’s ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ (teddies welcome to join in!).

Tickets: £15 & £17 Family ticket: £50 (four tickets with a minimum of one child per booking. Available from Ticket Office)

The Snowman performances family lunch with Christmas characters meet & greet

For more information or to book please call

0191 443 4654

Start a musical journey with us

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DECEMBER Monday 1st December

Monday 1st December

Tuesday 2nd December

Folkworks

Warpaint plus The Garden

Hall Two, 8pm

Hall One, 7.30pm

A fast flowing concert shining a spotlight on the great emerging musicians studying Folk and Traditional Music at Newcastle University, showcasing songs and tunes from across the British Isles

The Los Angeles indie rock warriors have been psyching out audiences since 2004. Powerful, lush, compelling songs replete with otherworldly tones and hushed pauses!

A Festival of Music: Durham School

In The Groove - End of Term Performance Future Traditions

Hall One, 7pm

Gateshead Old Town Hall, 8pm

Durham School makes its fourth appearance in Hall One, marking the last major event of its 600th anniversary year with an exhilarating evening of musicmaking.

Presented by Durham School.

Tickets: £12

Tuesday 2nd December

Songs of The Wear – Performed by the University of Sunderland Hall Two, 8pm The University of Sunderland presents a celebration of Wearside’s rich musical heritage in an evening of dance, drama, film and of song; highlighting works from across the university’s creative programmes.

Tickets: £4.50

A festive choral showcase of classics from rock, pop and musical theatre from one of Sage Gateshead’s most recent choirs, led by Sharon Durant and accompanied by a live band. Including favourites ‘Santa Baby’, ‘All I Want for Christmas’ and ‘Let it Go’.

Tickets: £4. For details on how to join In the Groove, contact adultprogramme@ sagegateshead.com

Tuesdays on 2nd December, 6th January, 3rd February

Gateshead Ceilidh Club Gateshead Old Town Hall, 8pm Enjoy easy dancing with friendly and enthusiastic people. Each dance is ‘called’ so previous dancing experience is not necessary. Lively music provided by The Redheughers Ceilidh Band led by Robin Dunn.

Tickets: £5 (on the door)

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Monday 1st December

SAGEGATESHEAD.COM

Tickets: £5

Tickets: £17.50

Thursday 4th December Wednesday 3rd December Folkworks

Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band: Carols and Capers 2014

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain present A Fistful of Ukuleles Hall One, 7.30pm

Celebratory Christmas music on renaissance and modern instruments. The band put their inimitable stamp on familiar and not-so-familiar festive fare with a refreshing cavalier attitude and plenty of humour.

The world-renowned all-singing, all-plucking superstars return with their toe-tapping music, hilarious banter and sheer superlative entertainment. From Lady Gaga to ‘Ride of the Valkyries’ and ‘Housewives Choice’ to ‘Voodoo Chile’, the ukes’ genre-crashing antics continue.

Tickets: £15-£25

Tickets: £22

Hall One, 7.30pm

Friday 5th December & Friday 13th February

Friday 5th December

Friday 5th December

Krocodile Klub

The World’s Greatest The David Ford Pink Floyd Show Orchestra

Gateshead Old Town Hall, 7pm

Hall One, 7.30pm

Hall Two, 8pm

For the well-seasoned Floyd fan and newcomers alike the Brit Floyd Discovery world tour will discover, remember and enjoy the incomparable world of music that is Pink Floyd.

Expect a passionate live performance and exquisite songs from the GRAMMY award winning cult artist. But this time there is something a little different as we welcome the David Ford Orchestra.

Krocodile Klub provides a friendly atmosphere where people with learning disabilities and their friends can meet, hear great music, dance, chill and perform on open mic.

Tickets: £5 (supporting staff free)

Presented with CMP. Tickets: £39.50 & £29.50

Presented by The Gig Cartel.

Tickets: £15 (Standing)

Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th December

Christmas Choirs with Simon Halsey Hall One, 7.30pm (Sat) & 3pm (Sun) Simon Halsey conductor Helen Skelton presenter Royal Northern Sinfonia Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia Quay Choirs Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton hosts this family favourite, with the best carols and tunes to sing along to and get you in the Christmas mood.

Supported by The Vardy Foundation.

Tickets: £10-£33

Sunday 7th December

InterOpera: Festive Treats Gateshead Old Town Hall, 7.30pm Alistair Dawes conductor Felling Band Penelope Randall-Davis soprano Austin Gunn tenor Heather Jill Burns soprano Rocket Opera Chorus Combining the sounds of opera and brass in a delightful, fun-filled seasonal programme including extracts from ‘Die Fledermaus’ and ‘Hansel and Gretel’; plus popular operatic arias, choruses and scintillating band solos.

Sunday 7th December

Jo Hamilton plus support Ajimal

Saturday 6th December, & 7th February

Jazz Co-op presents: Play Jazz!

Workshop Music Education Centre, 2pm Want to play jazz but never dared? Or already playing jazz and need a boost?

Guided by experienced jazz musicians, you will learn to improvise in an informal supportive environment. Suitable for all instruments.

You don’t have to read music but should be able to play your instrument with ease.

For ages 16+ Tickets: £20 (£17 for Jazz Co-op members)

Hall Two, 7.30pm Following her ‘Fractal Sparks’ Durham Cathedral spectacular earlier this year, ethereal songstress Jo Hamilton returns to the North East for a more intimate theatre show. A rare treat.

Presented by Poseidon Music Ltd. Tickets: £16-£25

Supported by Arts Council England Tickets: £16

Monday 8th December

Winter Choral Celebration Hall One, 8pm Simon Fidler & Ed Milner conductors Jenny Martins piano Join us for a seasonal celebration of classical choral music with a number of choirs from Sage Gateshead’s Adult Learning Programme performing a wide and varied repertoire. A wonderful way to spend a winter’s evening.

Tickets: £5

0191 443 4661

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Monday 8th & Wednesday 10th December

Future Grooves Hall Two, 7pm (8th) & 8pm (10th) A range of inspiring performances by some of the top student musicians in the region all studying on University of Sunderland’s renowned BMus (Hons) Jazz, Popular and Commercial Music degree delivered here at Sage Gateshead.

Tuesday 9th December

Only Men Aloud

Ruth Wall: The Three Harps at Christmas The Learning Alliance Christmas Northern Rock Concert - Ponteland, Foundation Hall, 7.45pm Park View and Join internationallyGeorge Stephenson

Hall One, 7.30pm This 8-piece vocal ensemble offers a varied and eclectic repertoire, from Welsh folksongs and hymns to music theatre and opera, barbershop and swing to pop.

Presented with Senbla.

Tickets: £27.50

Free

Wednesday 10th December

Magic of Motown: The Reach Out® Christmas Party

Gateshead Old Town Hall, 7.30pm A fabulous double bill with Bridie Jackson and The Arbour playing the first half and accompanying the second for ‘The River Keeper’ - a timeless story of hope, love and the power of the elements directed by Annie Rigby.

Tickets: £10

renowned harpist Ruth Wall on a candlelit journey through carols and medieval music on a large concert harp, Gaelic wire strung harp and the Renaissance bray harp.

Tickets: £15

Thursday 11th December

Streetwise Opera Double Bill ‘The River Keeper’ A new opera by Bridie Jackson and Nell Leyshon, and Bridie Jackson and The Arbour

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Tuesday 9th December

Hall One, 7.30pm An all-new, all-star 2014 spectacular. Live on stage, it’s the music of the Temptations, Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Supremes, Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie and more. All the dance moves, outfits and musicianship of Motown.

The legend of the label lives on.

EasyTheatres.com Tickets: £23.50-£26.50

Thursday 11th December

The Big Chris Barber Band Hall Two, 8pm From New Orleans style ‘Bourbon Street Parade’ to Duke Ellington and Sidney Bechet, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee and Miles Davis, Chris Barber leads his 10-piece band in a wide selection of his favourite music.

Tickets: £20 & £22.50

Wednesday 10th December

Hall One, 7.30pm Put the jingle in your bells with an early Yuletide treat as students from George Stephenson, Park View and Ponteland schools come together to perform an eclectic mix of Christmas favourites from across the decades.

Presented by Schools of Ponteland, Park View and George Stephenson.

Tickets: £6

Friday 12th December

The Blockheads plus support Hall Two, 8pm Backing Ian Dury, this legendary band brought you ‘Hit Me with your Rhythm Stick’ and ‘What A Waste’.

Now fronted by Derek Hussey they perform new songs and material from the illustrious back catalogue.

Presented by Venues All. Tickets: £22.50 (Standing)

Saturday 13th December

Saturday 13th December

Grimethorpe Colliery Band: Brassed Off! At Christmas

Folkworks

Hall One, 7.30pm

A journey throughout the year with song, dance, recitation and local custom; featuring Carolyn Robson, Dave Webber, Anni Fentiman, Jim Farr, Hexham Morris, Hexhamshire Lasses, Iris Bishop and Martyn Wyndham-Read.

Grimethorpe Colliery Band Ray Farr musical director Graeme Danby bass Valerie Reid soprano

Maypoles to Mistletoe Hall Two, 8pm

The real stars of the famous ‘Brassed Off’ film make a special visit for a Christmas concert, featuring several of its world-class soloists and some music from the film plus Christmas favourites.

Saturday 27th December

Tickets: £14.50

Folkworks

Tuesday 23rd December Folkworks

Chris Newman & Máire Ní Chathasaigh: Celtic Christmas Strings Hall Two, 8pm A breathtaking blend of traditional Irish music, swing jazz, bluegrass and festive favourites in a fresh voice with intricate and beautiful arrangements performed in Chris and Máire’s heart-warming style. A spellbinding treat for mid-winter.

Tickets: £14.50 & £16.50

Cauld Feet Again, Pet! Jez Lowe and The Bad Pennies Hall Two, 2pm Join Jez and his multitalented band plus special guest Benny Graham for a unique take on Christmas in the North with songs, humour and music done the way only Geordies know how.

Tickets: £10 & £12

Sunday 14th December

Sunday 14th December

Messiah

The Ravenswood Singers and Opera Live present The Magical Sounds of Christmas

Hall One, 7pm Paul McCreesh conductor Julia Bauer soprano James Laing countertenor Samuel Boden tenor Benjamin Bevan baritone Handel Messiah Handel’s oratorio of epic proportions, with its much-loved Hallelujah Chorus, brings in the Christmas season.

Tickets: £10-£33 Unfortunately Thomas Zehetmair is no longer able to lead our annual performance of the Handel’s Messiah, however we are pleased to welcome back early music specialist Paul McCreesh.

Hall Two, 7.30pm A Christmas cracker filled with all your favourite songs and carols, including ‘White Christmas’, ‘Sleigh Ride’, ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’, ‘Winter Wonderland’ and many more.

Presented by The Ravenswood Singers and Opera Live.

Tickets: £17

Tuesday 30th December

Christmas with The Rat Pack Tuesday 30th December

Hall One, 7.30pm

Swing Bridge Singers in Concert

Take a trip back in time to the glamorous, glitzy nights of Vegas in the company of three of the world’s most popular entertainers with the fabulous Burrelli Sisters and The Rat Pack Big Band, for a Christmas version of the hit show.

Hall Two, 3pm Celebrating closeharmony styles from Abba to Zulu via barbershop, blues, madrigals and Motown, the Swing Bridge Singers tackle a huge range of music with their own unique teenage energy.

Presented with Flying Entertainment.

Tickets: £23.50-£29.50

Tickets: £12

Tickets: £11 & £13

SAGEGATESHEAD.COM

11

Turning

10

is brilliant!

This year’s birthday is a special one for us, so we’re throwing a party with a difference.

A six day party, in fact. It’ll bring together everybody from classical fans to the all-night club crowd. We’ll have music, art and most of all, fun. We’re even turning the building into a gigantic musical instrument. Yes, really.

Here you’ll find out what’s happening in our birthday week. But we’re keeping a few surprises up our sleeve too. All we’ll say is you’re sure to find something you’ll love as we turn ten, as well as some things to fall in love with.

Tuesday 16th December

Tuesday 16th December

Wednesday 17th December

Beverley Knight in concert

The Platform

Now We Are Ten

Hall One, 7.30pm

There’s singing and then there’s singing. Hotfooting it from Memphis at London’s Shaftesbury Theatre, Beverley Knight will help kick off our partying in considerable style. Hers is one of the great British soul voices, with Prince and Chaka Khan among her fans.

Expect a powerhouse of a show, with hits drawn from Knight’s 20 year career as well as her recent West End appearances. You’ll leave under no doubt why The Guardian thinks her emotional range puts soul music’s ‘stage school pretenders’ to shame.

Hall Two, 6pm

Alongside graffiti, MC-ing and DJ-ing, B-Boying remains a cornerstone of hip hop. The Platform will celebrate the very best of the artform, also known as breakdancing, with a battle between local crew Battalions (UK B-Boy champions 2014) and the Heavy Smokers Krew (from Leeds and Edinburgh). Hosted

by DJ/breakdancer Ken Masters alongside B-Boy Doke, the night also features Just B, Rick Fury and a DJ set from ADS. Tickets: £5

Tickets: £24.50-£39.50

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SAGEGATESHEAD.COM

We opened our doors on 17th December 2004, so we’re marking the date with a night full of surprises. All we’re saying is expect the unexpected in a musical and visual spectacle that throws new performances and classical commissions together with the best of the local scene. And while the night is invite only, you’re in with a chance of getting on the guest list. Simply go to sagegateshead. com/ten and register your details by Monday 17 November to be entered into the draw.

Successful entrants will be notified by e-mail.

Free, but ticketed Supported by

0191 443 4661

Friday 19th December

Northern*Lights ‘Winter Edition’ with Above&Beyond Concourse and Hall Two,10pm

If you can’t do new things when you’re ten, when can you?

So we’re transforming our concourse into the greatest superclub on Tyneside as EDM legends Above&Beyond top an incredible line up including AnjunaBeats’ Ilan Bluestone, Grum and Felix Leiter. And as if things couldn’t get any more epic, AnjunaDeep and Module will take over Hall Two, with Jody Wisternoff, Lancelot, Meramek, Marc Roberts and Robson&Burn.

This all-nighter will run until 4am and is dance music as it should be: euphoric, exhilarating and with the power to unite 2500 ecstatic people.

Tickets: £26.50-£43.50

Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st December

Saturday 20th December

Fun for all the Family

Paul Smith and Peter Brewis – Frozen By Sight

Concourse, 11am-5pm Bring the kids for a day of making, doing, eating and laughing as we become the best place on Tyneside for family fun. Bring your dancing shoes too, as from 3-5pm on Sunday, there’ll be a Family Christmas Ceilidh (see below) to get everyone up and on their feet.

It’ll be great fun, and a chance to burn off some calories before the inevitable holiday splurge. Who knows? It may even tire the kids out, so they get some sleep ahead of all the Christmas excitement.

Free

Hall Two, 8pm

Anyone who knows Maxïmo Park knows what an incredible performer Paul Smith is. And anyone who’s fallen in love with Field Music’s records will know what a clever, pop-sharp band they are. Now, put those two things together.

‘Frozen By Sight’ sees Paul collaborate with Field Music’s Peter Brewis, whose chamber arrangements take Paul’s lyrics in a new and fascinating direction. Alongside the Mercury nominated duo will be a full live band and string quartet.

Tickets: £10.50 & Saturday 20th December £12.50

Royal Northern Sinfonia with the Inspiration Choir

Hall One, 3pm & 7.30pm Even when it’s our birthday, we know how to do Christmas. And to get you in the festive spirit our spectacular Hall One is gearing up to show off the very best of the season. Sage Gateshead’s annual Inspiration concert sees our choir joining Royal Northern Sinfonia to perform much loved Christmas favourites with ‘Jesus, You are Him’, along with a medley of songs from Disney’s hit film ‘Frozen’.

Tickets: £17

Sunday 21st December

Royal Northern Sinfonia Celebrates Hall One, 7.30pm

Thomas Zehetmair conductor Francesco Piemontesi piano Royal Northern Sinfonia Beethoven Piano Concerto No.4 Tchaikovsky Symphony No.6, ‘Pathétique’ The birthday party wouldn’t be complete without our very own Royal Northern Sinfonia. With works

by Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, this extra special concert also sees the return of our great friend Thomas Zehetmair, back in the role of conductor for the evening and helping bring a spectacular week of celebrations to a close.

Tickets: £10-£33

Saturday 20th December

Folkworks Christmas Ceilidh Concourse, 8.15pm

Let your hair down!

Our annual Christmas Ceilidh will be ridiculous fun as the Nathan Armstrong Ceilidh Band get everyone dancing.

And if you haven’t been to a ceilidh before, don’t worry. Our expert caller will be on hand to make sure everyone – even those who’ve never stripped the willow in their life – will have a brilliant time.

Free but ticketed

Sunday 21st December

Sunday 21st December Folkworks

Eliza Carthy plus 10: Folkworks Celebrates 25 Years of the Folkworks Youth Summer School Hall Two, 7.30pm

You’ll have seen her on the BBC’s latest advertisement with Stevie Wonder, Brian Wilson and so many others – and on Sunday night Eliza Carthy will be here to celebrate a quarter of a century(!) of the Folkworks Summer School. As Folkworks’ Artistic Associate, Eliza will perform with ten former Summer School attendees who have all gone on to become professional musicians – working in new combinations and ensembles, and showcasing why folk music remains so vibrant and exciting in 2014.

Tickets: £13

Folkworks Family Christmas Ceilidh Concourse, 3-5pm

Bring your dancing shoes and all the family along to join a giant ceilidh, to the stirring sounds of the Nathan Armstrong Ceilidh Band.

With dance games and prizes!

Free but ticketed.

Very young children will need an adult to hold them tight or carry them through some of the dance moves.

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STING

‘The Last Ship’ In April 2015, and to benefit Sage Gateshead’s 10th Birthday Appeal, Sting will perform songs from his latest album and new Broadway musical ‘The Last Ship’.

These will be the only UK performances of their kind and are both kindly supported by Cunard.

Inspired by and set in his hometown of Wallsend, Sting’s new musical ‘The Last Ship’ tells a universal story that is drawn from his childhood, growing up beside the Swan Hunter shipyard. Originally workshopped with local musicians and actors at Newcastle’s Live Theatre and now onstage on Broadway, it was never in doubt that the songs of ‘The Last Ship’ should be performed for a North East audience. “‘The Last Ship’ is a musical allegory set in Wallsend, the town where I was born and raised” says Sting. “The demise of industry - not only in shipyards like Tyneside and Gdansk, but also great manufacturing centres like Detroit - has been well documented and the effect of that demise on the identity and future of local communities particularly resonates with me.

I’m very much looking forward to bringing these songs and stories home.”

Sting will be joined onstage by many of the region’s best loved musicians including The Wilson Family as well as fiddle and Northumbrian pipe player Kathryn Tickell.

Sting added: “The North East has a great creative atmosphere and legacy. Sage Gateshead sits proudly at its cultural heart and I’m always happy to support it.”

The Last Ship’s homecoming is a 10th Birthday Appeal event and is supported by Cunard, the international cruiseline company, Port of Tyne, Shepherd Offshore, Gateshead Council and North Tyneside Council.

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North Tyneside Council

Our 10th Birthday Appeal

10 At Sage Gateshead we’ve always been more than a gig venue – with our award winning Learning and Participation programme reaching thousands in the North East beyond our building’s walls. But, did you know that 70 per cent of our work takes place outside of the venue and right in the heart of our local communities?

Since 2004 Sage Gateshead’s work has been creating opportunities for young people, senior citizens, university students and more to connect with music and education, and also to forge new friendships and relationships with others from the region. Now, our 10th birthday appeal is raising funds to ensure this great work can continue.

Our target is to raise £4 million by July 2015.

And if we reach this target we could claim an additional £2 million in match-funding from Arts Council England. Put simply, for every £1 that is donated to the appeal we get an additional 50 pence.

The great news is that we’re half way towards our target – and that’s all thanks to people just like you. Your gifts and donations are helping us to secure a long-term sustainable future for work that really makes a difference to people’s lives. If you’d like to get involved, or find out more about how you can donate visit our website now at sagegateshead.com Thank you

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CELEBRATE WITH US! new year’s eve - Wednesday 31st December

Join us on New Year’s Eve for a fabulous party to end all parties with live music, DJs, dancing, cocktails, fine dining and more! Choose from one of two evening headline shows, then join us to rip up the dance floor at our Concourse party until 1am. For the full New Year’s Eve experience, book a table in our brasserie beforehand.

New Year’s Eve with Candi Staton Hall One, 9pm End 2014 on a high with the voice of soul herself, disco princess and million-seller Candi Staton.

With all the classic hits including ‘Young Hearts Run Free’, ‘Nights on Broadway’, ‘When You Wake Up Tomorrow’, the iconic ‘You Got the Love’ and more - this is an unmissable party to ring in the New Year.

Tickets: £45 (includes Late Night Party on the Concourse)

Wednesday 31st December Folkworks

New Rope String Band Family Show Hall Two, 1.30pm & 4pm Back by popular demand for a third and final year - New Rope String Band bring their indefinable confusion of superb musicianship and side-splitting comic genius to help see out the Old Year.

New Year’s Eve with the New Rope String Band Hall Two, 9pm Welcome in the New Year with the unique entertainers, back by popular demand for a third and final year! With superb musicianship, comedy and some special surprises to mark our 10th Birthday.

Tickets: £35 (includes Late Night Party on the Concourse) Late Night Party on the Concourse Concourse, 11pm-1am Hit the best spot in town to dance in the New Year with a live band and DJs at our late night party on the Concourse, and enjoy a drink at our Champagne bar overlooking the Tyne.

Free to ticket holders for Candi Staton or New Rope String Band (9pm concerts)

Tickets: £10 (not included in the Late Night Party or Celebration Dinner offers) 16

sagegateshead.com

Celebration Dinner Concourse, 6.30pm Make a night of it and enjoy a pre-concert three-course dinner with coffee with family and friends in a spectacular setting. £39.95 per person (includes a glass of fizz on arrival).

Celebration Dinner only available to Candi Staton or New Rope String Band (9pm concerts) ticket holders. Bookable at time of concert ticket purchase.

0191 443 4661

JANUARY Thursday 1st January

Thursday 8th January

Saturday 10th January

New Year in Vienna

From These Isles

Hall One, 3pm & 7pm

Hall Two, 8pm

Join in and Sing...

Rock & Pop

John Suchet presenter Royal Northern Sinfonia

Holst Wind Quintet

Bring in the New Year in style, as we waltz our way through some of the finest Viennese dance music, with host Classic FM’s John Suchet.

Elgar Piano Quintet

Tickets: £10-£33

Sunday 11th January

Paul Carrack ‘Rain or Shine’ plus support Hall One, 7.30pm

Stanford Serenade Chamber music with members of Royal Northern Sinfonia.

Elgar’s vivid Piano Quintet provides a total contrast to the serene reflection and flowing motion of Holst’s lighthearted Wind Quintet and the contented joy of Stanford’s Serenade.

Learn a range of pop and rock songs and elements of musical theatre - with the chance to sing along with a live band on Hall One stage! No prior experience needed.

Newcastle International Chamber Music Series:

Presented with CMP Entertainment.

and songs by Schubert and Strauss

Elizabeth Watts Hall Two, 7.30pm Elizabeth Watts soprano Audrey Hyland piano Berlioz Les Nuits d’Eté

Described by one critic as ‘born to sing’ Strauss, Elizabeth Watts is one of the country’s most soughtafter singers. This programme includes Berlioz’s popular and atmospheric songs ‘Summer Nights’.

Northern Rock Foundation Hall, 1.30pm A series of short Sunday lunchtime recitals by the talented young musicians attending our Centre for Advanced Training.

Free but ticketed

Sunday 18th January Sunday 18th January

Wednesday 14th January

Young Musicians Live

Tickets: £7 (Workshop).

Sharing performance free but ticketed

Tickets £16

The former frontman of Mike & The Mechanics returns to the road following his widely acclaimed recent album release ‘Rain or Shine’, a mix of new original songs and classic soulful tracks.

Tickets £28.50-£38.50

Hall One, 10.30am (informal performance: 6pm)

Sunday 11th & Sunday 18th January

Folkworks

Le Vent du Nord plus support Hall Two, 8pm Wonderful vocals and instrumental prowess from a group who draw deep on lost histories to create stunning shows.

A powerhouse of folk music, infusing old Québec with a breath of fresh, cosmopolitan air and an energetic, dynamic flair.

Tickets: £13 & £15

John Wilson Sunday Afternoons: American Dream Hall One, 3pm John Wilson conductor Leon McCawley piano Royal Northern Sinfonia John Adams The Chairman Dances Gershwin Piano Concerto in F Copland Hoe Down from Rodeo Barber Essay No.1, Op.12 Bernstein Symphonic Dances from West Side Story Tickets: £10-£33

Part of the

Series

Tickets: £8-£19

SAGEGATESHEAD.COM

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Monday 19th January

Friday 23rd January

Jillian Michaels Maximize Your Life Tour

The Nth Degree

Hall One, Doors 7pm

Come along to see the North East’s stars of tomorrow as students from our three degree courses present an evening of contrasting music.

The world’s leading health and wellness expert shows how to harness your potential, kick-start your goals and live an exceptional life - sharing her keys to health, success and happiness.

Northern Rock Foundation Hall, 7pm

Free

Presented by SJM Concerts.

Wednesday 21st January Folkworks

Tommy Emmanuel Hall One, 7.30pm Two-time GRAMMY nominee Tommy Emmanuel is one of Australia’s most respected musicians.

With his incredible guitar skill and warmth, Tommy has garnered hundreds of thousands of loyal fans worldwide.

Tickets: £20

Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.

Sunday 25th January Folkworks

Burns Night Supper Thursday 22nd January

Simply Sinfonia: Adagio for Strings Hall One, 7.30pm Kyra Humphreys director/violin Timothy Orpen clarinet Royal Northern Sinfonia Barber Adagio for Strings Mozart Violin Concerto No.4 Copland Clarinet Concerto Mozart Symphony No.29 The orchestra takes the lead in this self-directed concert, the result of which is often incredibly electric and fresh.

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Hall One, 8pm American songwriter, virtuoso guitarist and pianist, Nils Lofgren returns to the UK. Known for his worldclass guitar playing, and his on-stage acrobatics, Nils Lofgren is a true Rock legend.

Presented with CMP Entertainment.

Tickets: £28.50-£38.50

Tickets: £25 & £35

Tickets: £10-£33

Friday 23rd January

Nils Lofgren with very special guest Greg Varlotta

Northern Rock Foundation Hall, 7pm for 7.30pm A traditional Burns Supper evening, celebrating the work of the revered Scottish poet. Highland bagpipes will herald the haggis with traditional music throughout the evening, and dancing to complete the night!

Dinner will be three courses, with a glass of whisky, in banqueting seating.

Tickets: £35. Bookings will close on Wednesday 21st January 2015.

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Thursday 29th January

Beethoven Five Hall One, 7.30pm Ainars Rubikis conductor Hyeyoon Park violin Royal Northern Sinfonia Prokofiev Violin Concerto No.2 Sibelius Suite for Violin and Strings Beethoven Symphony No.5 Hear Beethoven’s ‘game-changer’ symphony, his fifth, alongside the exploratory harmonies of Prokofiev’s second Violin Concerto.

Tickets: £10-£33

Saturday 24th January

Saturday 24th January

Folkworks Winter Workout Day with tutors Nancy Kerr, James Fagan, Sam Sweeney and Andy Cutting

Eliza Carthy’s Legendary Nights: Bright Phoebus from Sheffield

Gateshead Old Town Hall, From 10am

Gateshead Old Town Hall, 8pm

A bespoke day of intermediate and advanced workshops for all folk instrumentalists and singers keen to expand their repertoire and technique.

This year we’re pleased to present four members of Sheffield’s Bright Phoebus Collective as tutors.

Suitable for ages 14+

The first in a new series with Folkworks Artistic Associate Eliza Carthy, presenting an established night from elsewhere in the country. Tonight’s team is Nancy Kerr, Sam Sweeney, James Fagan and Andy Cutting from Sheffield’s famous Bright Phoebus gigs who together with Eliza will create our own night of legend. Plus a playing session in the bar from 6pm open to everyone.

Tickets: £36 for the whole day (three sessions), £15 per individual session

Folkworks

Tickets: £15

Special offer: Book tickets for the Folkworks Winter Workout and receive £2 off Eliza Carthy’s Legendary Nights: Bright Phoebus. Call Ticket Office to book.

Saturday 31st January

Murphy’s Legacy Hall One, 7.30pm A new music and dance show created by and starring former ‘Lord of The Dance’ and ‘Riverdance’ cast members as well as new national and international up-andcoming dancers.

Presented by HM Productions.

Tickets: £25-£30 Family ticket: £80 (2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children)

Saturday 31st January

Saturday 31st January

Straight No Chaser plus special guests

Folkworks

Hall Two, Doors 7.30pm

Northern Rock Foundation Hall, 7.45pm

Their ‘Happy Hour Tour’ comes on the heels of the release of ‘Under The Influence’. Straight No Chaser are the captivating sound of ten unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music.

Presented by SJM Concerts.

Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets: £22.50

Future Traditions

Songs, jigs, reels, airs and more from emerging new artists... a wonderfully varied evening of music from the Newcastle University Folk and Traditional Music Degree students.

Tickets: £5

Monday 2nd February Folkworks

Transatlantic Sessions Hall One, 7.30pm The musical powerhouse returns!

Fiddle maestro Aly Bain and dobro legend Jerry Douglas are joined by Patty Griffin, Rodney Crowell, Sara Watkins and John Smith; plus Dirk Powell, Kathleen MacInnes, Tim O’Brien and Russ Barenberg and the ultimate house band of Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker, Danny Thompson, John Doyle, James Mackintosh and Donald Shaw.

Tickets: £23.50-£27.50

0191 443 4661

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Tuesday 3rd February

Thursday 5th February

An Evening with Stuart Brayson and Friends

Saturday 7th February

Saturday 7th February

Royal Northern Sinfonia Late Mix: New World Cabaret

Beethoven’s 5th with The Cobweb Orchestra

Queen Symphony

Hall One, 7.30pm Music and chat with the ‘From Here to Eternity’ composer plus a world preview of songs from ‘King Pit’, a musical set in a North East mining community. Featuring Joe McElderry, Siobhan Dillon and many West End stars.

Tickets: £25-£35

Saturday 7th February Folkworks

Megson Hall Two, 8pm The award-winning husband and wife duo bring their unique brand of folk music to Hall Two. With blissful voices and driving rhythmic guitars and mandolas, they are “a force in the folk revival.”

The Observer Tickets: £10 & £12

Hall Two, 9pm Copland Nonet Korngold Suite: Much Ado about Nothing Barber Summer Music for Wind Quintet Stravinsky Dumbarton Oaks From the melismatic and plangent to the joyous and energetic, this programme features Stravinsky’s smiling concerto for an evening cabaret, with members of Royal Northern Sinfonia.

Tickets £16

Sunday 8th February

Future Classics: Omo Bello, presented by ECHO Rising Stars Hall Two, 2pm Omo Bello soprano Clément Mao-Takacs piano

Don’t miss Family Folk Show with Megson on 7th February page 7 20

The most recent winner of the Paris International Opera Competition, Omo Bello joins us for a programme of bel canto arias by Bellini, Puccini and Donizetti.

Tickets: £11

Northern Rock Foundation Hall, 1.30pm Conducted by General Director of Sage Gateshead, Anthony Sargent, instrumentalists of all levels of experience are invited to spend an afternoon rehearsing towards an informal presentation for friends and family at 6pm.

Hall One, 7.30pm Tolga Kashif conductor Royal Northern Sinfonia The music of rock legends Queen, reimagined for orchestra

by Classical Brit winner, Tolga Kashif. “This is something monumental and quite outrageous” Brian May Tickets £10-£33

Monday 9th February

Tickets: £26.80

Scott Bradlee & Postmodern Jukebox Plus Special Guests

Sunday 8th February

Hall Two, Doors 7.30pm

Barbara Dickson ‘Winter’

The YouTube sensation and his group Postmodern Jukebox rework 21st century pop hits in a variety of vintage styles - including crossing Daft Punk’s ‘Get Lucky’ with Irish folk and Macklemore’s ‘Thrift Shop’ with 20s jazz.

Hall One, 7.30pm The biggest selling Scottish female album artist of all time. Known for hits including ‘Answer Me’, ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’, ‘The Caravan Song’, ‘I Know Him so Well’. See her perform classic hits as well as other material in her own inimitable style.

Presented with Kennedy Street.

Tickets: £25-£27.50

Presented by SJM Concerts.

U14s must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets: £17.50 (Standing)

FEBRUARY Wednesday 11th February

Wednesday 11th February

Thursday 12th February

Saturday 14th February

Sam Bailey plus support Daughters of Davis

The Fairy Queen

Newcastle International Chamber Music Series:

Hall One, 7.30pm

Florin Ensemble

Mario Venzago conductor

Classic FM: If Music Be The Food Of Love...

Hall One, 7.30pm

Hall Two, 7.30pm

Julian Bliss clarinet

Schubert String Trio in B flat, D581

Jamie Phillips conductor

Since winning X Factor, Sam has reached number one in both the album and single Official Charts, supported Beyonce and now has a headline tour ahead of the release of her debut album, ‘The Power of Love’.

Royal Northern Sinfonia

Susanna Hurrell soprano

Presented by 3A Entertainment.

Tickets: £27.50-£29.50

Sunday 15th February Folkworks

Webern Movement for string trio Françaix String Trio

Nielsen Clarinet Concerto

Mozart Divertimento in E flat for string trio

Brahms Symphony No.2

The long and the short of it is that Webern’s thoughts are concentrated into a mere two minutes, while Mozart’s expansive masterpiece extends to six movements of elegant perfection.

This meeting of glowing melancholy and piercing brightness created what many consider to be Brahms’s finest symphony, with its famous lullaby tune.

Tickets: £8-£19

Ewan McLennan plus support Gateshead Old Town Hall, 8pm Whether singing haunting traditional Scottish ballads or weaving the powerful stories that make up his own songs, BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Horizon Winner 2011 Ewan McLennan’s unique, moving and earthy voice is always compelling.

Tickets: £10

Purcell Suite: The Fairy Queen

With a post-concert RNS Spotlight performance Tickets: £10-£33

Hall One, 7.30pm

Ben Johnson tenor Royal Northern Sinfonia The greatest works of passion performed by newly-weds Susanna Hurrell and Ben Johnson. Including excerpts from Bizet’s sultry Carmen, Puccini’s ultimate opera of love and loss La Bohème, much-loved movements from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet plus many more to set the mood.

Tickets: £10-£33 Part of the

Sunday 15th February

Series

Black Dyke Band Hall One, 2pm One of the biggest names in the brass band movement the most successful contesting band and most recorded band in the world, Black Dyke Band – returns for a thrilling and entertaining programme.

Presented by Black Dyke Band.

Monday 16th February

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac Hall One, 7.30pm A nostalgic and spectacular production from the leading tribute act to legendary blues, rock and pop super group Fleetwood Mac. Timeless classics performed with outstanding musicianship.

Presented with CMP Entertainment.

Tickets: £22.50-£32.50

Tickets: £14.50

SAGEGATESHEAD.COM

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Royal Northern Sinfonia Winter Picks

Find out what works will be warming our players’ cockles this winter...

Dan Hammersley cello

The standout concert of the season, for me, is Sage Gateshead’s 10th Birthday celebration featuring Tchaikovsky’s 6th symphony. Joining a chamber orchestra I didn’t think I’d be playing much Tchaikovsky, let alone one of his most iconic works and a cornerstone of the symphony orchestra’s repertoire. I’m thrilled that I’m getting the chance.

The Pathétique represents a formidable challenge to any orchestra.

Tchaikovsky places enormous demands on the string section, not only in terms of technique and ensemble, but in creating a weight of sound to balance powerful wind and brass writing. In this respect a full symphony orchestra with 60 string players 22

holds an advantage and the Sinfonia strings are going to have their work cut out (I predict a record number of bow rehairs after this concert!)

A smaller orchestra like us however, can avoid the pitfalls of a big anonymous string sound, a background that’s weighty and rich and ‘easy’. It can be more dynamic, more responsive, characterise the music more keenly, and most importantly imbue it with a genuine sense of striving. The real success of the piece lies not in generating the sheer force to realise Tchaikovsky’s dramatic musical narrative, but in portraying the sense of torment and struggle, of exhilaration and anguish, with a truly personal voice. And I can’t think of any conductor better suited to this task than Thomas Zehetmair.

Tegwen Jones viola

I am really looking forward to Beethoven Symphony No.5 in January. When asked to choose a favourite Beethoven Symphony it is always the one I’ve just played!

However, the fifth is probably the most well known and for good reason.

The arresting first movement is of course famous for the opening bars with the knocking motif. Carry on listening and the next movement is a beautifully contrasting lyrical piece of music. The huge range of emotions in Beethoven 5 make it an exciting journey for the listener and also us players – it’s very satisfying to play such demanding music.

The Third Movement interweaving melody section, starting with cellos and basses is very exciting and, for me, the entry of the violas exhilarating!

One of the best bits is where the timpani connects the third and fourth movements together, transforming the mood into a glorious explosion, with rhythmic energy in the viola and second violins’ semi-quavers. The exuberant piccolo playing towards the end of the piece adds to the triumphant finish. Enjoy!

Eilidh Gillespie

Jane Nossek

Richard Martin

I am really looking forward to playing Brahms’ Second Symphony with Mario Venzago in February. I absolutely love all four Brahms symphonies, and it’s a close-run thing, but the second is my favourite. I first played it as a student - I’d never heard anything like it before and I remember being totally blown away by it. At that formative time in my life, it was one of the pieces of music that really made me want to pursue a career in performance and be a professional orchestral musician. I love the way Brahms uses the orchestra the textures he creates - and there are some great tunes in there too!

One of the highlights of the whole season has to be Handel’s Messiah for solo voices, chorus and orchestra. When I first performed Messiah with Royal Northern Sinfonia in 2006 I was amazed at how everyone seemed to know and love this piece inside out! Now that I’ve done a few Christmas seasons here, I too have become a huge fan of this work and know it rather better than I did before joining the orchestra.

Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto has been a favourite of mine ever since I first performed it with Royal Northern Sinfonia some 24 years ago! It was composed by Dmitri Shostakovich in 1933, using a Baroque combination of instruments.

It premiered in Leningrad on 15 October 1933 with The Leningrad Philharmonic, with the composer at the piano and trumpeter Fritz Stiedri.

flute

violin

Handel’s Messiah is full of sublime tender music, rousing choruses and a highly dramatic narrative.

Within its huge structure, there are short snippets of heavenly angels, long, romantic arias and bright trumpets in the glorious Hallelujah Chorus.

It’s the perfect music to get into the Christmas spirit!

trumpet

Now, as a trumpeter, you’re probably wondering why I performed a piano concerto... The piece would be better described as a piano concerto plus solo trumpet, the trumpet often adding interjections to the sometimes witty piano writing. Later, Shostakovich said that he had originally planned to write a concerto for trumpet and orchestra, and

added the piano to form a double concerto, but soon the piano part became the most prominent.

The Concerto is in four movements: Allegretto Lento Moderato Allegro con brio Often tongue in cheek, there are references to Beethoven’s Appassionata Sonata, a quotation from Beethoven’s Rage Over A Lost Penny, and a reference to the folk tune, Poor Jenny.

For more player recommendations and insights, follow us!

royalnorthernsinfonia

@rnsinfonia

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Tuesday 17th February

Ocean Colour Scene - The 25th Anniversary Acoustic Tour Hall One, 7.30pm With the style to match the swagger and lyrics to match the melodies, Steve, Simon and Oscar from OCS have reached their landmark 25th anniversary. Hear your favourite tracks from one of Britpop’s biggest bands across their five Top 10 albums in an unforgettable gig.

Tickets: £28

Thursday 26th February

Wednesday 18th February

Fairport Convention plus support Kevin Dempsey and Rosie Carson Hall Two, 8pm Hailed as the creators of British folk-rock music, Fairport Convention retain their passion for live performance making them one of the most entertaining bands on the concert circuit.

Presented by Fairport Convention Touring.

Friday 27th February

Saleem Ashkar: Pathétique

Hall Two, 8pm

Hall Two, 8pm

One of Scotland’s most accomplished fiddle players, Duncan’s handling of dynamics and ornamentation, allied with his puredistilled tone, lend his characteristic spinetingling magic to the music. He is joined by Jarlath Henderson and Matheu Watson.

Saleem Ashkar piano

Tickets: £14.50 & £16.50

Beethoven Piano Sonata No.2 Piano Sonata No.8 ‘Pathétique’ Piano Sonata No.12 ‘Funeral March’ Piano Sonata No.32 We arrive at the final sonata written by Beethoven, No.32, with its thundering opening movement and its profound final variations, along with glances at the grave with his Pathétique and Funeral March sonatas.

Tickets: £16 & £20

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Beethoven One Hall One, 7.30pm Olli Mustonen conductor/piano Richard Martin trumpet Royal Northern Sinfonia Sibelius Pelleas and Melisande Shostakovich Concerto for Piano, Trumpet and Strings Beethoven Symphony No.1 A programme of doomed lovers, fairground games and wizardry.

With a post concert RNS Spotlight performance.

Tickets: £10-£33

Tickets: £23

Duncan Chisholm

Folkworks

Thursday 26th February

Saturday 28th February

Saturday 28th February

Samling Masterclass and Showcase

Shashwati Mandal Paul

Hall Two, Masterclass: 1.30pm, Showcase: 5.15pm Australian opera star Yvonne Kenny heads up Samling’s team, working with eight young professional singers and pianists in a masterclass followed by a short concert showcasing just what it takes to be a top flight classical artist. With world-class experts John Fisher, Christopher Glynn and James Baillieu.

Tickets: £15

Northern Rock Foundation Hall, 7pm A fine exponent of the Gwalior style, Shashwati’s vocal dexterity marks a refined eclecticism that earned her 2009 Songlines Magazine ‘Best Newcomer’ and ‘Best Artist’ nominations. With Chinmay Kolhatkar on harmonium and Gurdain Rayatt on tabla.

Presented with GemArts.

Tickets: £10 Family ticket: £25 (four people, must include at least one child)

We’ve found some additional space for you to be able to play and listen to more! We have recently taken over the beautiful building that is Gateshead Old Town Hall and we are filling it with gigs and music workshops (as well as coffee, cake and beer)!

Gateshead Old Town Hall is a relaxed environment where you can really get close to the music. The original main hall still provides the perfect performance space for artists such as Super Furry Animals’ frontman Gruff Rhys, and singers Eliza Carthy and Ewan McLennan.

We’re now able to offer more music workshops.

The babies love the large floor space to be able to dance to their favourite songs.

The Silver groups enjoy the new space to meet in and to spend time in-between workshops, enjoying the homemade coffee and cake.

Those new to the area (we’re particularly thinking of all of you freshers who have moved in just around the corner from Gateshead Old Town Hall), couldn’t be any closer to live music.

Come along, try something new and take advantage of our £5 student ticket offers.

If you’ve always loved singing but have previously felt too nervous or a little intimidated with the idea of joining a singing class, well you don’t need to feel like that any more!

Or how about learning the flute. Or the ukulele.

Or the guitar?

You’re bound to discover something you love and will make many friends along the way; the other musicians on the course and our friendly staff - Sharleen, our duty manager, or Viv who cooks our hearty soup, to name just a couple.

We’re not always just about the music.

Yoga, baby massage, art... just a few of the other things we do there. And if you really want to just chill out, that’s fine.

Somethin’s Brewin’ cafe offers

the spaces to do exactly that...grab a cuppa, read the books in our ‘Read Me’ corner, have a go at playing the piano or enjoy a cold Gothesbräu.

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STOP PRESS

Saturday 24th January

Sunday 25th January

Friday 13th February

Tuesday 17th February

Classic Rock Show - Top 20 Greatest Guitar Riffs Of All Time - LIVE!

King Creosote

10cc in Concert plus support

Jack Savoretti - The Written In Scars Tour

Hall One, Doors 7pm

Irresistible guitar hooks and instantly recognisable songs from Queen’s powerhouse anthem ‘We Will Rock You’ to AC/DCs ‘Back in Black’ and everything in between. Classic rock doesn’t get any better than this!

Presented with CMP.

Hall Two, 8pm

Mercury nominee King Creosote is back with his critically acclaimed recent album ‘From Scotland with Love’, written as a soundtrack to a documentary about Scotland and working on themes of love and loss, war, resistance, emigration, work and play.

Tickets: £13 & £15

Hall One, 7.30pm

Greatest hits and more including the three no.1 singles ‘Rubber Bullets’, ‘I’m Not in Love’ and ‘Dreadlock Holiday’ from current incarnation Graham Gouldman, Rick Fenn, Paul Burgess, Mick Wilson and Mike Stevens.

Presented by Kennedy Street Enterprises.

Tickets: £31.50 & £34.50

Tickets: £22.50 & £32.50

OF CK TI Y DB ST AN T EN

ST

UD

The world’s most prolific classical crossover artist and one of Britain’s favourite singers, mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins, OBE celebrates ten years in the music industry and the release of her tenth studio album, ‘Home Sweet Home’.

Presented by SJM Concerts.

Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.

ET

Hall One, 7.30pm

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Tickets: £13

FE

Katherine Jenkins Plus Special Guests

Tickets: £29.50-£135

Jack Savoretti follows up 2012’s critically acclaimed ‘Before The Storm’ with his impressive new album ‘Written In Scars’, featuring the single ‘Tie Me Down’ and his gorgeous, gritty, soulsoaked impassioned vocals.

Presented by MAMA.

R

Saturday 28th February

Hall Two, Doors 7.30pm

£5

STUDENT TICKETS

£5 standby tickets (on the day) for all Royal Northern Sinfonia concerts in our classical season and for other selected concerts.

Sign up to receive ticket alerts Email: studentstandby@sagegateshead.com with ‘Standby’ in the subject line. Subject to availability.

Valid NUS card required.

COMING SOON

Sunday 1st March Anton and Erin That’s Entertainment

Saturday 14th March Underworld present dubnobasswithmyheadman

Wednesday 8th April Mike and The Mechanics The Hits Tour 2015

Wednesday 29th April Nick Cave Live in Concert Sold out. Returns may become available.

Monday 2nd March Richard and Adam At the Movies in Concert plus Special Guests

Friday 13th March Joan Armatrading plus support

Friday 20th March Soul Legends with special guest Gwen Dickey of Rose Royce

Thursday 26th March Brendan Cole A Night to Remember

Fri 24th & Sat 25th April Sting – The Last Ship Sold out. Returns may become available.

Monday 27th April Texas plus Special Guests Sold out. Returns may become available.

Saturday 9th May Chris de Burgh & Band The Hands of Man Live

SAGEGATESHEAD.COM

Friday 29th May Don McLean - The American Troubadour

0191 443 4661

27

BOOKING YOU CAN BOOK:

MULTIBUY

GIFT CERTIFICATES

In person at Sage Gateshead

Book a multibuy deal and save on your classical concerts marked ‘M’. Book from as little as five concerts to receive discounts from 10% - 25%, plus other benefits including a choice of payment options and priority booking for next season. Ask at Ticket Office for details.

You can buy gift certificates from Ticket Office or from our website: they are available in denominations of £1 and multiples thereof. Gift certificates are now redeemable online, for more information please contact Ticket Office or visit our website.

By phone on 0191 443 4661 Online at sagegateshead.com You can select your seat when you book online.

See website for Ticket Office operating hours.

PURCHASING TICKETS Payment can be made by Mastercard, Visa, Debit and Maestro/Switch cards or by cheque. Cheques should be made payable to North Music Trust and please include your card number on the reverse.

Where you book a ticket for a show, exhibition, display, event or performance at Sage Gateshead you agree to our terms and conditions.

Fees - £1.50 per ticket (up to 10 charges per transaction) which applies to all bookings, including in person. Fee is waived for tickets costing £5 or less. When buying a Classical Season package or termly class, the fee is £2.50 per transaction.

See website for current fees.

The information in this Events Diary is correct at the time of printing but is subject to change and it is your responsibility to ascertain whether a performance has been cancelled or rescheduled.

COLLECTING TICKETS When collecting prepaid tickets, please bring the credit card with which you paid and appropriate identification.

28

CONCESSIONS Concessions for under 16s, students, people over 60 and the unemployed are available for many of our performances: ask Ticket Office for details. Parents/ carers with a Max Card are also eligible for discounts on Under 5s sessions and family shows.

Please ask at Ticket Office for details.

Children aged 2 and under may sit on your lap and therefore do not require a ticket, unless attending under 5s sessions, family events, family performances or workshops.

For every performance, one free ticket is available for the carer of those who need assistance to attend the performance.

STUDENT OFFER £5 standby tickets (on the day) for all Royal Northern Sinfonia concerts in our classical season. £5 standby tickets will be available on the day for other selected concerts.

Sign up to receive ticket alerts by emailing studentstandby@ sagegateshead.com with ‘Standby’ in the subject line.

All standby tickets sold subject to availability. Valid NUS card required.

TICKETPLAN REFUND FACILITY Ticket cancellation protection is now available at a cost of £2 per ticket. This will protect you against cancellation resulting from accidents, unexpected illnesses and adverse weather where the Police service or other Government Agency have issued warnings not to travel.

For full terms and conditions visit our website sagegateshead.com or call Ticket Office on 0191 443 4661.

REFUNDS AND EXCHANGES Please note we are unable to offer refunds except in the event of a cancelled performance.

Sage Gateshead reserves the right to substitute artists and alter the advertised programme without prior notice. This does not affect your statutory rights.

Handling fees will be retained in the event of a refund.

Tickets may be exchanged for seats for the same or higher price for a performance of the same production up to 24 hours before the performance.

Exchanges are strictly subject to availability. A £2.50 handling fee will be charged per transaction.

All original tickets must be produced before an exchange can be processed. Handling fees will be retained in the event of an exchange.

TRAVEL AND GENERAL INFORMATION METRO Thanks to the generosity of Nexus, you can travel on the Metro to and from Gateshead free if you are attending a ticketed performance at Sage Gateshead: simply retain your ticket for inspection on the Metro.

BLUE BADGE HOLDERS

Sadly, free travel to educational classes is no longer available.

There are a number of priority spaces for blue badge holders immediately to the rear of the building and by the lifts in our car park.

Please take your car park ticket to the Coats Desk, with your car registration number, for an exit ticket.

BUSES

PARKING

For selected concerts, we also run concert buses from Hexham (via Corbridge) and Alnwick (via Felton, Morpeth and Gosforth). On Thursday 29th January (Royal Northern Sinfonia Concert), there is an additional bus service from Teesside. Book through our Ticket Office.

There is a drop off and pick up point at our west door. We have our own car park with lift access directly behind the building. If you enter and exit within thirty minutes, there is no charge. With entry between 6am to 5pm, charges are per hour with payment made at our ticket machines prior to returning to your vehicle. For entry after 5pm, a fixed charge applies. Full details of our charges are available on our website.

The QuayLink bus service runs both north and south of the Tyne to St Mary’s Square outside the west door of Sage Gateshead. Sage Gateshead is on route Q1. Check nexus.org. uk/bus/guide-buses/ quaylink.

ACCESSIBILITY Sage Gateshead is designed to be as accessible as possible to people with all kinds of disabilities. Please ring 0191 443 4666 for access information or download it from the visitor information section of our website.

Please inform Ticket Office of your special requirements. Guide dogs and hearing dogs are welcome.

TOURS AND GROUP BOOKINGS Private tours can be arranged for groups of any size to learn more about the building and our organisation. For many of our concerts, you can book ten full price tickets and claim an eleventh ticket free.

We welcome coach parties. Please call 0191 443 4705.

KEY TO SYMBOLS

Concession prices available. See page 28.

Multibuy - Book a multibuy deal and save on your classical concerts marked with this symbol. See page 28.

Buses run from Hexham (via Corbridge) and Alnwick (via Felton, Morpeth and Gosforth).

On Thursday 29th January, buses also run from Teesside.

Sage Gateshead will soon be 10 and we’re celebrating with all kinds of special concerts and events.

BUILDING OPENING HOURS AND CLOSURES See our website for full opening and closing hours.

Sage Gateshead reserves the right to fully or partially close the building for conferencing or maintenance purposes.

GATESHEAD OLD TOWN HALL Gateshead Old Town Hall is approximately an 8 minute walk from Sage Gateshead.

Gateshead Old Town Hall, West Street Gateshead, NE8 1HE goth@sagegateshead.com Ticket Office 0191 443 4661 Facilities Include: Accessible toilets Assistance dogs welcome Automatic doors Lift access Street level access Wheelchair spaces Opening Times: Sunday-Friday from 9am.

See our website for details

You can select your own seat for most Hall One and Hall Two concerts when you book online at sagegateshead.com HALL ONE

For concerts with ‘Standing available’ the floor is lowered for a standing/dancing area. Tickets must be purchased specifically for this area. The areas behind the stage are not always on sale. Please ask Ticket Office. A* tickets: Seats closest to the stage are offered on selected shows.

Occasionally these tickets may have ‘added value’ extras (these will be detailed on our website, sagegateshead.com).

HALL TWO

Hall Two is a flexible, ten-sided space, and is set up for each concert according to what will provide the best experience for the audience: there are three levels, and levels 2 and 3 are gallery-style spaces. The main options are:

THEATRE LAYOUT (default): the stage is across one end of the hall: there are rows of seats on the flat floor and some raised seating towards the rear.

Seated tickets are numbered, standing tickets are not.

FAMILY LAYOUT: like Theatre style, but the stage is lower and there are mats at the front where you can sit with your children. Tickets for Level 1 are not numbered: tickets for Levels 2 and 3 are numbered.

CABARET LAYOUT: like Theatre, but the seats on Level 1 are tables and chairs on a flat floor. Seating around tables is not numbered.

CLUB LAYOUT: Level 1 is

standing, with unnumbered tickets specifying access to the Level. Levels 2 and 3 are numbered seating. Drinks are allowed in on Level 1 only.

IN THE ROUND LAYOUT: the stage is in the centre of the hall with seats on every side.

All tickets are numbered: areas A (Level 1), B (Level 2) and C (Level 3) are seated; areas D (Level 1) and E (Levels 2 and 3) are standing and not always on sale.

HALLS ONE AND TWO

In seats on the sides of Levels 2 and 3, you have to lean forwards to obtain a full view of the stage. Please ask our staff for more information.

Photography: Sally Baitch, Mark Savage, North News & Pictures, Tim Lowrey, Sakura, Olav B. Hansen, TammyLynn Photography, Frank Ockenfels, Boo Hunnisett, Marco Borggreve, Jo Lopez, Giorgia Bertazzi, John Mackinnon, Heather Nelson, Paul Gosney, Ross Trevail, the perou, Patrick Balls, Keith Perry, Antti Maaninka

Every gift is important to us and there are many ways you can support Royal Northern Sinfonia and the work of Sage Gateshead.

Join our Sage Supporters

Make a Gift in your Will

Become a Friend of Royal Northern Sinfonia

Become a Principal Partner

An annual membership costs from £40 per year which supports the work of Sage Gateshead and offers a range of benefits, including generous discounts and invitations to exciting events.

For more information visit Ticket Office Visit sagegateshead.com/support Email: supporters@sagegateshead.com

An annual membership that supports the work of Royal Northern Sinfonia, benefits include priority booking for our Classical Season and exclusive members’ evenings.

For more information visit Ticket Office or email joyce.porter@sagegateshead.com

Making a Gift in your will is one of the most enduring gifts you can make. As well as tax benefits, you have the satisfaction of knowing your donation will go on supporting our work long into the future.

Email: katherine.leadbeter@sagegateshead.com or call 0191 443 4563.

A great way to demonstrate a significant commitment to a favourite ‘chair’ in our orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia.

Email: natalie.heath@sagegateshead.com or call 0191 443 5038

Thank You

Sage Gateshead values its partnerships with individuals, trusts and foundations, and companies Core revenue support is also provided by Arts Council England, North East and Gateshead Council. As a registered charity (number 1087445) this support is vital to allow us to continue and develop our work.

Founding Patrons (Tyne & Wear Community Foundation) The Sage Group plc The Barbour Foundation Northern Rock Foundation The Garfield Weston Foundation Joan and Margaret Halbert Endowment Donors The Shears Foundation The David Goldman Programme The Go-Ahead Group plc Northern Arts Board Fenwick Ltd Northumbrian Water Benfield Charitable Trust The Sir James Knott Trust Greggs plc The David Boardman Trust Roland Cookson Fund 1989 Willan Trust Stuart Ayre Legacy Legacy Bequests Joan Lees

10th Birthday Endowment Donors (held by Sage Gateshead) The Barbour Foundation The Vardy Foundation Stuart Halbert Foundation Clore Duffield Foundation Mr & Mrs M Howard Ms W Oloman Benfield Charitable Trust Trust and Foundation Supporters J Paul Getty JNR Charitable Trust The Garfield Weston Foundation The Hadrian Trust The Kavli Trust The Monument Trust The PRS for Music Foundation The Radcliffe Trust The Sir James Knott Trust The WA Handley Charitable Trust Youth Music Royal Northern Sinfonia Season 14/15 kindly supported by The Barbour Foundation.

Thank you to all our Principal Partners for supporting the work of Royal Northern Sinfonia.

Corporate Partners Platinum Partners Chairman: Lord Falconer of Thoroton

Gold Partners

Sage Gateshead St Mary’s Square Gateshead Quays Gateshead NE8 2JR

Silver Partners

Bronze Partners Baker Tilly Barclays Go North East O’Brien Waste Recycling Solutions Rutherford Wilkinson Ltd Solution Group The Open University

sagegateshead.com ticketoffice@sagegateshead.com Ticket Office: 0191 443 4661 Welcome Desk: 0191 443 4666 Brasserie: 0191 443 4654

We are proud of our environmental awareness: to see our policy and learn about the 2 Star Industry Green award from Julie’s Bicycle, visit the About section of our website.

This paper is sourced from well-managed forests and other controlled environments, as certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

North Music Trust is registered in England as a company limited by guarantee, number 4044936 and as a charity, number 1087445.