St George's Bristol Brochure (Sept-Dec 2015)

WORLD CLASS MUSIC JUST OFF PARK STREET

September — December 2015 Box Office: 0845 40 24 001 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

O

ur new season is all about ‘being in the moment’, the state of cutting free from daily concerns and immersing yourself entirely in a musical performance.

Few places can match St George’s when it comes to making this happen. Picture the scene: the house lights fall, applause breaks out as musicians take to the stage to set down their opening chords, and this is your cue to relax back and lose yourself in the sounds of some of the most thrilling music making you’re ever likely to encounter. Over the coming months we have an extraordinary range of world class musicians at St George’s, each one of them exploring pathways old and new, from Handel and Beethoven to Steve Reich and Nico Muhly, or centuries old folk songs through to the cutting edge sounds of contemporary blues. It’s not always easy to define let alone capture how it feels and looks to be ‘in the moment’, but you’ll see it in the absorbed and often radiant faces of those around you in the hall and in the images adorning our new brochure covers. For me it’s triggered by listening to Bach, Schubert or younger composers such as Dobrinka Tabakova, but for you it might be Cara Dillon or Ólafur Arnalds. It’s all great music and here to be enjoyed, so come along and then think about sharing your thoughts with us on our website or by using #inthemoment.

Suzanne Rolt CHIEF EXECUTIVE

D

evelopment plans for Building a Sound Future at St George’s are progressing rapidly and the designs for our bold new garden pavilion extension are generating excitement amongst all those who view them. Our vision of securing our long term future as a truly fit for purpose world class concert hall is on the verge of becoming a reality.

With major funding pledges confirmed from both Arts Council England and Heritage Lottery Fund, together with the support of several national Trusts and Foundations, we are now asking our regular audiences to support our Capital Appeal.

We have until the end of the year to raise the £2 million we need to reach our fundraising target of £5.5 million. Opportunities for support are available and welcomed at every level, from a donation towards the cost of a new music stand or storage space in our artists' area through to funding of an entire room in the new extension in return for exclusive naming rights.

If you would like to talk to us about how you might help support the Capital Appeal, please contact Simon Farley on 0117 929 4929 (Ext 205) / s.farley@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk or our Chief Executive Suzanne Rolt at s.rolt@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Now is the time we really need the active support of each and every audience member and artist who cares about securing our long term sound future. Please consider contributing whatever you can so that we reach our fundraising target by the end of 2015. This will ensure we remain on schedule to unveil a transformed, fully accessible concert hall to rival the world’s finest by the autumn season of 2017.

We are hugely grateful to everyone who has already given towards this Capital Appeal – you are all much valued partners in Building our Sound Future. Please spread the word and continue to give generously.

Supported by

The Denman Charitable Trust

The Martin Smith Foundation

Sir Siegmund Warburg's Voluntary Settlement

The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust

The Brian Maguire Charitable Trust

The Nisbet Charitable Trust

4 Book now 0845 40 24 001

Join the friends

Join The Friends At St George’s we are fortunate to have a wonderfully supportive network of Friends.

Through their generous support the Friends of St George’s help us deliver our world class artistic programme, provide inspirational music making opportunities for children and young people in and around Bristol, and care for our beautiful grade II* listed building.

Our Friends all share one thing in common, their passion for music and we offer a range of great benefits designed to make the most of the St George’s experience — check our website for further details of the different levels and benefits available.

REMEMBERING ST GEORGE’S IN YOUR WILL We have created The Harry Edwards Circle as our way of saying thank you to those who have pledged a gift to St George’s Bristol in their Will.

Harry Edwards’ passion for St George’s saw the birth of the St George’s Music Trust with Harry as the Founding Chairman. Harry died in 1995 but through gifts he bequeathed to St George’s Bristol in his estate, his enthusiasm for the venue and love of music still lives on.

When you come to write your Will, we know that your loved ones need to come first. After you have made provision for those you care about, a gift to St George’s can make a huge difference to our future work. Your legacy will help St George’s to programme artists of the highest quality and to bring music making activities to children, young people and adults throughout the Bristol area, giving the gift of music for generations to come.

If you would like to talk to a member of our team about leaving a bequest to St George’s, in confidence and with no obligation, please contact Angharad Redman on 0117 929 4929 (Ext 216) or email a.redman@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk The

Harry Edwards Circle

‘ I have always regarded St George's as the home of serious music in Bristol, and so have decided to endow a concert of music I have loved very much, to happen after I die. The proceeds to be divided between St George's and affordable housing in the city, my other passion.’

TONY CROFTS

5 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Venue Hire Martins Kikulis Photography

Venue Hire Perfect for parties…

O

ur Grand Hall, Vaulted Rooms, and Crypt Bar are available to hire for Christmas Parties, Gala Dinners, Award Ceremonies and Winter Weddings.

St George’s offers both varied space and a beautiful setting, so whatever your needs and whatever inspires you, get in touch to discuss your event. Our talented team will work closely with you to ensure delivery of a top class service and a truly inspired occasion.

Conferences at St George’s are competitively priced. Bathed in natural light, the beautiful hall will impress your delegates with its unique atmosphere and historic setting. Our events team will work closely with you to ensure delivery of a top class service and a truly inspired occasion, no matter what the size.

We understand that not all events require large rooms and we also have smaller spaces here at St George’s available for all kinds of events. You can expect the same level of care for your meeting or presentation that you would expect with a larger hire.

To Hire St George’s please contact the events team on 0117 929 4929 or email events@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Martins Kikulis Photography

ESCAPE FROM THE BOARDROOM…

6 Book now 0845 40 24 001

O

ur high quality, accessible daytime concerts are perfect if you like your classical music in smaller bites…

Thursday 1 October Aquinas Piano Trio

Sarah Beth Briggs

Thursday 24 September Fenella Humphreys violin

Fenella Humphreys

Lunchtime Concerts

Lunchtime Concerts

Thursday 8 October Sarah Beth Briggs piano Thursday 15 October Ivan Ilić piano Ivan Ilic

Thursday 29 October Peter Cigleris clarinet Martin Cousins piano Thursday 5 November Aisa Ijiri piano Thursday 19 November Richard Jenkinson cello Thursday 26 November Joseph Tong piano

Buy tickets for four lunchtime concerts at the same time and get a fifth for free, saving £1.40.

1pm Tickets £7 (plus fees), Free U21s £1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

Cosmos & Friends

Special OΩer

Aisa Ijiri

Thursday 3 December Cosmos & Friends (Free Admission)

7 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Beyond the Barline

Beyond the Barline Talks Modern Masters: Twentieth Century musical pioneers

W

hat is ‘Modern Music’ and how did it grow out of the embers of Romanticism? The twentieth century saw a bewildering range of responses to that question.

Radical experiments flourished then floundered. Some composers searched for ever more exotic languages, whilst others returned happily to the familiar. In this 8-part series, Jonathan James and David Bednall beat a path through the highly colourful world of Twentieth Century Music and pick out the main pioneers in orchestral and choral music along the way.

Thursday 24 September The Birth of Modernism in Music and the Arts Radicalism at the turn of the century with Jonathan James Thursday 1 October Rhythm Unbound From Stravinsky to Boulez and Beyond with Jonathan James Thursday 8 October A beautiful Sunset which was Mistaken for a Dawn The Last Flowering of Romanticism with David Bednall Thursday 15 October Finding a New Palette Experiments in Colour with Debussy, Schoenberg and the Post-Impressionists with Jonathan James Thursday 29 October Return to the Pleasure Principle Minimalists, Tonalists and Lyricists with David Bednall

Finding a New Palette

Thursday 5 November Messiaen: Colours of the Celestial City with David Bednall Thurs 19 November Illuminations of the Beyond Post Messiaen, Harvey, Arvo Pärt with David Bednall

A beautiful Sunset which was Mistaken for a Dawn

Thurs 26 November Life After Cage Poly-stylism and the Questions for Contemporary Music with Jonathan James

11am Tickets £8 (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

8 Book now 0845 40 24 001

Summer

Summer at St George’s At a Glance JUNE

J U LY

Wednesday 3 ⁄ 8pm Heritage Blues Orchestra

Thursday 2 ⁄ 7.30pm Jean-Guihen Queryas & Chemirani Brothers

Thursday 4 ⁄ 1pm Reiko Fujisawa piano / Lunchtime Concert

Saturday 4 ⁄ 8pm People of Note Community Choir

Friday 5 ⁄ 7.30pm Elias Quartet & Daniel Tong piano

Sunday 5 ⁄ 10am Crash Bang Workshop

Sunday 7 ⁄ 10am Crash Bang Workshop

Saturday 11 ⁄ 7pm Police Dog Hogan & Larkin Poe Bristol Americana Weekend

Mon 8 ⁄ 7.30pm Building Bridges Wednesday 10 ⁄ 6.30pm Peter Singer Festival of Ideas Wednesday 10 ⁄ 8.30pm Bridget St John & Michael Chapman Sunday 14 ⁄ 10am Crash Bang Workshop Sunday 14 ⁄ 7.30pm Hough Plays Beethoven II Saturday 20 ⁄ 7.30pm Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra & Pavel Timofejevsky piano

Sunday 12 ⁄ 10am Crash Bang Workshop Sunday 12 ⁄ 3pm The Coal Porters & Mud Morganfield Bristol Americana Weekend Friday 24 ⁄ 7pm (Doors) Badly Drawn Boy

AU G UST Sunday 23 ⁄ 11am St George’s Green Garden Party

Wednesday 24 / 7.30pm Bristol Youth Choir Seniors

Larkin Poe

Sunday 21 ⁄ 11am Wihan Quartet Sunday Series

Thursday 25 / 7pm Bristol Youth Choir Juniors & Intermediates Saturday 27 / 4pm BBC Young Musician 2014 Finalists Showcase Sunday 28 / 10am Crash Bang Workshop

Monday 29 / 7.30pm Ron Sexsmith

See Website for full programme details £1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

Mud Morganfield

Sunday 28 / 7.30pm City Voices Bristol A Beautiful New Day

9 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk September

MINIBEATS GOES TO THE PROMS!

LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS, BRISTOL FASHION

Bristol Ensemble William Goodchild conductor Laurie Stewart soprano Laura Tanner presenter

Bristol Ensemble William Goodchild conductor Laurie Stewart soprano Laura Tanner presenter

We have wondered at the woodwinds, boggled at the brass, been stunned by the strings, pounded by the percussionists, serenaded by the singers and ‘kaptivated’ by the keyboards.

But how about hearing them all together?

Join the Bristol Ensemble for a ‘Last Night’ performance full of the fun and excitement we’ve come to associate with this very special, very traditional musical celebration!

This performance also features works from the BBC’s ‘Ten Pieces’, and is suitable for older children and adults alike. Don’t forget your flags!

Join musicians from the Bristol Ensemble and presenter Laura Tanner as MiniBeats goes large and Pomp and Circumstance gets miniaturised for our first ever ‘MiniBeats goes to the Proms’! You will need flags to wave, horns to honk and feet to stamp and dressing up is definitely encouraged!

bristolensemble.com Great for ages 8+ / Running time 60mins Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Great for ages 3 — 8 . Running time 50mins Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Sunday 6 September 2.30pm

Sunday 6 September 4.30pm

Tickets £8, £6 U18s (plus fees), Family Ticket available

Tickets £12, £6 U18s (plus fees), Family Ticket available

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

10 Book now 0845 40 24 001

‘Hewitt’s Liszt interpretations are both exquisite and dramatic, at once finely thought-out and exalting’ THE SUNDAY TIMES

ANGELA HEWITT PIANO Beethoven Piano Sonata No 16 in G Op 31 No 1 Beethoven Piano Sonata No 9 in E Op 14 No 1 Liszt Piano Sonata Sonata in B minor Think Angela Hewitt and an image of one of the world’s foremost interpreters of J S Bach springs to mind, but as a plethora of 5* reviews testify, her Liszt is proving to be a revelation.

Liszt’s B minor Sonata is a work of great emotional extremes, compelling the pianist to leap from delicate and rhapsodic musings into passages of wild and cascading pyrotechnics — something Angela Hewitt achieves to extraordinary effect. Before the storm, Angela Hewitt performs two sonatas by Beethoven, a composer championed by Liszt, and himself no stranger to music of enthralling beauty and daring.

Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Wednesday 9 September 7.30pm Tickets £30, £25, £20 (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

September

11 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk September

‘One of the most extraordinary instrumentalists in the world...’

NEW YORK SUN ON XUEFEI YANG

‘Ogden is a brilliant player, performing with restrained elegance...’

CLASSIC FM ON CRAIG OGDEN

XUEFEI YANG & CRAIG OGDEN GUITARS

BRISTOL CLASSICAL PLAYERS: BEETHOVEN’S 9 TH

Programme to include: Mauro Guiliani Variazioni Concertante Scarlatti Sonata in A K322; Sonata in D K177; Sonata in D K178 Isaac Albeniz Torre Bermeja J S Bach (arr. Xuefei Yang) Prelude from Well Tempered Clavier BWV846 Chinese Trad (arr. Xuefei Yang ) Fisherman’s Song at Eventide E Pujol Guajira / Piazzolla Tango Suite Manuel de Falla Danza del Molinero; Danza del Corregidor; Spanish Dance from La Vida Breve

Bath Choral Society Tom Gauterin conductor Will Dawes chorus master Charlotte Shipley soprano Aurore Lacabe mezzo-soprano James Atherton tenor Peter Brooke baritone

A sizzling concert to see out the summer as we welcome two stunning guitarists for an evening of bright and breezy classics. Both Xuefei Yang and Craig Ogden have won acclaim around the world thanks to their expressive and evocative touch and with this popular programme, performed both as a duo and in solo sets, they’re sure to leave you captivated. xuefeiyang.com / craigogden.com

R Strauss Four Last Songs Verdi Overture to La Forza del Destino Beethoven Symphony No 9 in D minor ‘Choral’ Bristol Classical Players joins forces with Bath Choral Society to start the 2015 season with one of the cornerstones of Western art: Beethoven’s mighty 9th Symphony, which has been described as ‘a Titan wrestling with the Gods’. The overture to Verdi’s opera showing the inexorability of fate starts the programme and in between comes the serene acceptance of all things in Strauss’s Four Last Songs.

‘Here is an orchestra which loves to express itself’ BRISTOL 24/7

Promoted by St George’s Bristol

bristolclassicalplayers.co.uk bath-choral-society.org.uk Friday 18 September 7.30pm Tickets £20, £15, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

Saturday 19 September 7.30pm Tickets £18 (£14), £14 (£12) (plus fees)

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

12 Book now 0845 40 24 001

September

‘...concerts like this ensure classical music’s future’ THE INDEPENDENT

CLASSICAL CAFE

SOUND WORLD Copland Hoe-Down Sibelius Andante Festivo Saint-Saëns Danse Macabre New works by Michael Ellison, Jim Aitchison, Julian Leeks, Sara Garrard, and shortlisted pieces from NMSW Young Composers’ Prize 2015 Favourite works of Copland and Saint-Saëns meet premières commissioned by New Music in the South West, including Michael Ellison’s Vincent and Avona, a new work inspired by the dramatic topography of the Avon Gorge. This hour-long concert is followed by an informal ‘meet the composers’ session in the bar, and a further contemporary music performance at 8pm — all audience members welcome!

THE HISTORY OF CLASSICAL MUSIC IN 60 MINUTES with Jonathan James Using fun illustrations and a variety of musical excerpts, Jonathan James takes you on a whistle-stop tour of a thousand years of classical music, from medieval monks to modern masters. It’s ideal for new listeners looking for an accessible introduction to classical music or for more seasoned audiences who would enjoy an entertaining recap. At the end there's an open discussion with the opportunity to ask any questions you might have, including on how classical music is performed and presented.

Promoted by St George’s Bristol

nmsw.org.uk

Tickets £12 (£8) (plus fees)

A chance to experience classical music in a new way as the Orchestra of the A ge of Enlightenment’s Night Shift series comes to St George’s Bristol for the first time. Grab a drink, sit back and enjoy an hour of great music, all introduced from the stage by the musicians of the Orchestra — tonight an intimate chamber-sized ensemble. As ever with The Night Shift, the usual classical ‘rules’ are dropped, so pictures, drinks and spontaneous applause are all welcome. You can even go crazy and whisper to your friend if you like. For full information on the music being played please check the website or visit oae.co.uk/thenightshift for more information on the series. oae.co.uk

Promoted by NMSW in collaboration with St George’s Bristol

Sunday 20 September 6pm

OAE THE NIGHT SHIFT

Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Wednesday 23 September 6.30pm

Wednesday 23 September 8.30pm

Tickets £5 (plus fees), Free to Friends of St George's

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

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

13 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk September

FENELLA HUMPHREYS VIOLIN

PROJECT ZULU CONCERT

Cyril Scott Bumble-Bees Cheryl Frances-Hoad Suite No 1 Fritz Kreisler Recitativo and Scherzo Caprice Michael Small White Space J S Bach Partita No 3 in E BWV 1006

Project Zulu are back! After the huge success of their first ever UK choir tour in 2013 the incredible Sithobelumthetho Primary School choir returns from the Madadeni Township, South Africa to provide Bristol with another evening of awe-inspiring talent, performing their traditional Zulu songs and dances.

This year’s annual Presteigne Festival touring programme shines a spotlight on violinist Fenella Humphreys, with a dazzling selection of 20th and 21st century solo violin works standing alongside Bach’s exuberant Partita No 3. fenellahumphreys.com

All money raised from ticket sales goes towards the building of more classrooms for the pupils at Sithobelumthetho Primary School. projectzulu.org

Promoted by St George’s Bristol in association with Presteigne Festival

Special OΩer See page 6 for details Thursday 24 September 1pm

Thursday 24 September 7.30pm

Tickets £7 (plus fees)

Tickets £10 (£8) (plus fees)

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

14 Book now 0845 40 24 001

‘Possibly our best interpreter of Dylan’s songs’ BILLY BRAGG

BARB JUNGR HARD RAIN — T HE SONGS OF BOB DYLAN & LEONARD COHEN Cabaret-chanteuse supreme Barb Jungr — think Liza Minnelli with extra class, from Rochdale — is one of the very few English performers to conquer Manhattan’s swish supper club and theatre scene, wowing audiences and critics with her vocal pyrotechnics and interpretative sass and style. Tonight’s show — the first at St George’s since her 2004 tribute to Elvis Presley, ‘Love Me Tender’ — takes on the mighty duo of Bob and Len, teasing out meanings from poetic lyrics that other singers can’t even guess at. barbjungr.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Friday 25 September 8pm Tickets £18, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

September

15 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

September ⁄ October

BOYAN ENSEMBLE OF KIEV

IMS PRUSSIA COVE AUTUMN TOUR 2015

AQUINAS PIANO TRIO

Volodymyr Kuratch director Vassily Savenko bass-baritone Valentina Ivanenkob soprano Vasyl Pudchenko bass Ivan Gembach bass Igor Lyubimenko baritone Igor Rudyi saxophone Igor Ridosh bandura

Erich Höbarth violin Thomas Riebl viola Susan Tomes piano

Mozart Piano Trio in B flat K502 Mendelssohn Piano Trio No 1 in D minor

Mozart Piano Trio in B flat K502 Brahms String Quintet in F Op 88 Schubert String Trio in B flat D471 Dvořák Piano Quintet in A Op 81

Violinist Ruth Rogers, cellist Katherine Jenkinson and pianist Martin Cousins are all established solo performers in their own right, and together are one of this country's leading piano trios.

Here they perform Mozart’s flamboyant Trio in B flat and Mendelssohn’s lively First piano trio, one of his greatest and most popular chamber works.

Various Sacred Orthodox Chants Various & Traditional Ukranian Folk Songs Ukraine’s top professional male choir returns to the UK for its 23rd tour. Given the cataclysmic events engulfing Ukraine, this visit has a special poignancy.

In Part 1 of the programme, the magnificent sacred chants of the Eastern Orthodox tradition sung a capella seek to inspire in listeners a sense of the Divine. In contrast, a striking change of mood in Part 2 vividly demonstrates the exuberant and diverse folk culture of Ukraine. Here, certain songs are accompanied on the bandura and, for the very first time, a saxophone will feature in special arrangements for the Ensemble by soloist, Honoured Artist of Ukraine, Igor Rudyi.

Every year a lucky handful of some of the world’s finest emerging musicians are invited to retreat to the peace and beauty of Prussia Cove in Cornwall to play, share and be inspired by some of the greatest names in classical music.

Their subsequent music tour offers audiences across the UK, from St George’s Bristol to the Wigmore Hall London, to listen in on the remarkable results of this intensive experience. The presence of Steven Isserlis as Artistic Director and Sir Simon Rattle as Patron says all that is needed about the stellar levels of musicianship attained by this wonderful institution.

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

‘Some of my most satisfying musical experiences have been at IMS.’ STEVEN ISSERLIS

i-m-s.org.uk

vocalclassics.co.uk/boyan

Special OΩer See page 6 for details Sunday 27 September 5pm

Monday 28 September 7.30pm

Tickets £22, £18, £14, £10 U18s/Students (plus fees)

Tickets £15 (£13), £12.50 (£10.50), £10 (£8), £8 (£7) (plus fees)

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

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

16 Book now 0845 40 24 001

October

THE TALLIS SCHOLARS

BRISTOL BRASS CONSORT PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION

Tallis Loquebantur variis linguis Taverner Leroy Kyrie Mouton Nesciens mater Pärt The Woman with the Alabaster Box; Tribute to Caesar Tallis Sancte deus Sheppard Libera nos, salva nos (I and II) Allegri Miserere Tallis Miserere Pärt Triodion: Which was the Son of...

Eiron Bailey conductor

This outstanding ensemble remains one of the world’s best and we’re thrilled to be welcoming The Tallis Scholars back to St George’s.

Taking in the early sacred vocal works which have made their name, quite literally in the case of those by Thomas Tallis, this ravishing programme also looks to later centuries and in particular the profound and beautiful music of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, who celebrates his 80th birthday this month.

Join the Bristol Brass Consort as it celebrates its 30th birthday. The South West’s premier symphonic brass ensemble returns to its favourite hall and welcomes once again the irresistible Eiron Bailey as guest conductor.

A programme of landmarks and curios from the repertoire showcases the Consort’s ‘Rich and resonant sound’ (Chris Martin, principal trumpet, Chicago SO). From the sonic chiaroscuro of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition and Strauss’ colossal Festmusik der Stadt Wien, via such pearls as Walton’s Crown Imperial and Bizet’s Carmen, to the whispered intimacy of Billy Joel’s Lullabye, this promises to be unmissable. bristolbrassconsort.com

Dedicated to members of the Harry Edwards Circle thetallisscholars.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol

The

Harry Edwards Circle

Friday 2 October 7.30pm Tickets £30, £25, £20, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

Saturday 3 October 7.30pm Tickets £15 (£8), £12 (£5) (plus fees)

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

17 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk October

JUAN MARTÍN LA GUITARRA — M I VIDA Juan and Chaparro come out of the Málaga tradition of flamenco and bring the pure, powerful and poetic art of today to their duo.

Juan is a world renowned guitarist, voted into the top flamenco guitarists in the world and Chaparro is a prize winning guitarist from Málaga. Melodic and explosive, their pieces composed or arranged by Juan Martín evoke the visceral power of authentic flamenco in a musical dialogue between two masters.

Be transported to the Classic Spain of Málaga and Granada on a musical journey through the diverse cultures, including the Malagueñas of Lecuona.

'The leading flamenco guitarist of his generation' THE GUARDIAN

flamencovision.com

OXFORD PHILOMUSICA & MICHAEL BARENBOIM VIOLIN Mendelssohn The Hebrides Overture (‘Fingal’s Cave’) Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor Mozart Symphony No 40 in G minor Oxford Philomusica returns to St George’s armed with scores by Mozart and Mendelssohn, including the latter’s thrilling and endlessly popular Fingal’s Cave Overture.

Joining the orchestra is violinist Michael Barenboim, son of the eminent conductor Daniel Barenboim. Michael made his concert debut in Chicago in 2013 and has impressed critics and audiences as he continues to make his stage debuts at prestigious venues across the globe. He is sure to do the same as he makes his first appearance at St George’s. oxfordphil.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol in association with Oxford Philomusica

Sunday 4 October 7.30pm Tickets £18 (£16.50), £16 (£14.50) (plus fees)

Wednesday 7 October 7.30pm Tickets £20, £15, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

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

18 Book now 0845 40 24 001

October

INTERNATIONAL JAZZ SERIES

SARAH BETH BRIGGS PIANO

AARON PARKS TRIO

Described as ‘an artist of extraordinary magnetism’ (Daily Telegraph), pianist Sarah Beth Briggs presents a lunchtime programme of contrasts, with the high drama of Mozart’s Sonata in C minor perfectly complementing the magical atmosphere of Debussy’s Clair de Lune, nestled within his Suite Bergamasque.

Seattle-born pianist Aaron Parks was hailed as ‘the new Brad Mehldau’ when his Blue Note debut, Invisible Cinema, appeared in 2008. By the time of Aborescence, his 2013 solo set for ECM, he’d become the leading pianist of his generation, with an identity entirely his own.

A member of the band James Farm alongside Joshua Redman, Matt Penman and Eric Harland, and a contributor to several Spike Lee soundtracks, Aaron Parks appears tonight in his state-of-the-art New York trio with the legendary drummer Billy Hart and bassist Ben Street.

sarahbethbriggs.co.uk

aaronparks.com

Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Beethoven Bagatelles Op 119 Nos 1-4 Mozart Sonata in C minor K457 Debussy Suite Bergamasque Chopin Ballade No 3

Special OΩer See page 6 for details Thursday 8 October 1pm Tickets £7 (plus fees), Free U21s

Thursday 8 October 8pm Tickets £15, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

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

19 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk October

‘Finch conjures up a virtuoso opulence and exuberance...’

CLASSIC FM

CATRIN FINCH TIDES Not many artists have combined being personal harpist to the Prince of Wales with award-winning classical and world music careers, but Catrin Finch has done much else besides.

Her 2014 album with the Senegalese kora player Seckou Keita, Clychau Dibon, won plaudits from fRoots and Songlines, and this live tour of its solo successor, Tides, represents another new departure: the first time Catrin has presented an evening of her own compositions, accompanied by a specially-formed string ensemble. With a theme that stretches from the coast of west Wales where she grew up, to the charity with which she now works, Water Aid, ‘Tides’ promises to be a really rich and diverting experience full of string-driven beauty.

ENGLISH NATIONAL BAROQUE ENSEMBLE The English National Baroque Ensemble features players from BBC NOW, The London Philharmonic, BBC Symphony and English Chamber Orchestra. It returns to St George’s for its annual concert of the great concertos of the golden age of Baroque. This engaging ensemble has developed its own distinct character, style and sound over the past decade, establishing itself as a firm favourite on the UK music circuit.

catrinfinch.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Friday 9 October 8pm Tickets £18, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

Saturday 10 October 7.30pm Tickets £15 (£12) (plus fees)

20 Book now 0845 40 24 001

MINIBEATS WONDERFUL WINDS! Bristol Ensemble Winds Laura Tanner presenter From the floaty flute, to the crooked bassoon, cat-like clarinet, quacking oboe and the egg-laying cor anglais, come and meet the wonderful Woodwind family as they show off their beautiful sounds. Afterwards, why not come up and have a try?

Part of Family Arts Festival 2015 10am great for ages 3 — 5 11.15am great for ages 5 — 8 Running time 45 minutes Promoted by St George’s Bristol

October

SALMAN RUSHDIE TWO YEARS, EIGHT MONTHS AND TWENTY — EIGHT NIGHTS Bristol Festival of Ideas is delighted to welcome Salman Rushdie, one of the greatest writers of our age, to the city for an event on his wildly imaginative new novel — a masterful, mesmerising modern tale about worlds dangerously colliding, and the monsters that are unleashed when reason recedes; a beautiful testament to the power of love and humanity in chaotic times. Inspired by 2,000 years of storytelling yet rooted in the concerns of our present moment, Two Years, Eight Months & Twenty-Eight Nights is satirical and bawdy, full of cunning and folly, rivalries and betrayals, kismet and karma, rapture and redemption — and both very funny and terrifying.

CARA DILLON If you don’t know the voice of Cara Dillon, you’re in for a treat. If you are already amongst her legions of admirers around the world, you know you have something special in store. A Thousand Hearts, Cara Dillon’s fifth solo album, is another small masterpiece of song and emotion, ethereal and radiant, beautifully honed and perfectly true. The extraordinary Irish singer makes music that transcends genres and crosses barriers. She has won every folk award going, but confesses to being no purist, making music that reaches beyond the constraints and limitations of tradition. caradillon.co.uk

ideasfestival.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol in association with Bristol Festival of Ideas

Sunday 11 October 10am & 11.15am Tickets £6 (plus fees), Family Ticket available

Sunday 11 October 2pm

Sunday 11 October 8pm

Tickets £9 (£8) (plus fees)

Tickets £21 (plus fees)

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

21 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk October

‘Balsom is simply divine’ SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

ALISON BALSOM & TOM POSTER TRUMPET MASTERWORKS Alison Balsom trumpet Tom Poster piano Alexander Goedicke Concert Etude Jean Francaix Sonatine Peter Maxwell Davies Sonata for Trumpet and Piano Paul Hindemith Sonata for Trumpet and Piano Marcel Bitsch Four Variations on a theme of Scarlatti Leonard Bernstein Rondo for Lifey George Enescu Legende 1906 Tom Poster & Alison Balsom The Thoughts Of Dr May (2012) George Gershwin Someone Bohuslav Martinu Sonatine for Trumpet and Piano plus solo piano works by Maxwell Davies and Schubert Alison Balsom is an astonishing trumpet virtuoso who has scooped up scores of major music awards, including three Classic BRITS, while Tom Poster is a pianist of the utmost sensitivity who never fails to win the hearts of audiences when performing at St George’s. Together, they present a very personal choice of masterworks for these two instruments, from the playful and witty to the more muted and expressive. alisonbalsom.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Monday 12 October 7.30pm Tickets £28, £23, £18 (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

22 Book now 0845 40 24 001

THE DIVINE PARADOX (OF HUMAN BEINGS IN PARADISE) Andy Sheppard saxophone A composition for massed community choirs, saxophone, percussion/electronics and double bass by the composer/saxophonist Andy Sheppard in conjunction with Gathering Voices. The piece is in seven parts and reflects upon the human condition and potentially devastating effects human society is having on planet Earth. The libretto draws on various observations and speeches made

by Frank Lloyd Wright, Martin Luther King and Vandana Shiva with quotes from the books of Genesis and Revelations, T S Elliot’s The Wasteland and John Milton’s Paradise Lost. There are also words and ideas developed in workshops with the pupils of local schools. The piece is a vibrant thought-provoking voyage through melody, groove and improvisation; both disturbing and uplifting, pessimistic and optimistic — a paradox divine.

The Divine Paradox is funded by Bristol 2015.

October

ARVO PÄRT 80 TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION Bristol Ensemble The Choir of Royal Holloway Rupert Gough conductor Roger Huckle violin/director Pärt Fratres / Tabula Rasa Spiegel im Spiegel / Te Deum The distinctive simplicity and hypnotic, mesmerising quality of the music of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt is deeply compelling and draws the listener in, creating a profoundly meditative experience.

Celebrating the composer’s 80th birthday, Bristol Ensemble and the Choir of Royal Holloway perform an all-Pärt programme including Tabula Rasa, the 1977 work that brought his music in the ‘holy minimalist’ style of tintinnabulation to a world-wide audience, the tranquil Spiegel im Spiegel, the luminous Te Deum and the meditative, minimalist masterpiece Fratres.

Tickets £15 (£10), £5 U18s (plus fees)

Beethoven Rondo in C Op 51 No 1 Variations in F on ‘Tändeln und Scherzen’ by Süssmayr Anton Rejcha 6 Fugues Beethoven Variations in F Op 34 Described by the New Yorker as an ‘adventurous pianist’ who ‘likes his music on the brainy side’, we’ve come to relish the innovative programming of lunchtime concert favourite Ivan Ilic, and this recital is no exception. Anton Rejcha was a contemporary and life-long friend (and occasional rival) of Beethoven, and Ivan contrasts some of Beethoven’s lesser-known piano works with a sample of Rejcha's collection of fugues. ivancdg.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

bristolensemble.com chapelchoir.co.uk

andysheppard.co.uk

Tuesday 13 October 7.30pm

IVAN ILI PIANO

Special OΩer Wednesday 14 October 7.45pm Tickets £23 (£20), £17 (£15), £12 (£10), £5 U18s (plus fees)

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

See page 6 for details Thursday 15 October 1pm Tickets £7 (plus fees), Free U21s

23 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk October

‘Just gorgeous’ ALL THAT JAZZ

INTERNATIONAL JAZZ SERIES

MATTHEW HALSALL GONDWANA ORCHESTRA

JAMES RHODES PIANO

Once described as ‘rain-streaked spiritual jazz from Manchester’, the music of trumpeter and composer Matt Halsall has become one of today’s most essential cool-school sounds, blending soulful and melodic themes with a melancholy tinge that recalls Nick Drake and classic jazzy-folk. Now, following four acclaimed albums on his own Gondwana label, Halsall takes it to the next level with an album and tour, Into Forever, by the little big band of the Gondwana Orchestra, featuring vocals and a string quartet alongside trumpet, sax, piano, bass and drums.

J S Bach Partita No 1 in B flat Chopin Polonaise—Fantasie Op 61; Nocturne in C minor Op 48/1; Ballade No 4 Op 52

matthewhalsall.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

It was one of the standout concerts of the Autumn/Winter 2014 season at St George’s, so we are delighted that James Rhodes is taking to the stage once again. His is an immersive, compelling and entertaining performance; part confessional, part virtuosic musical display.

Revealing an innermost passion for music, James takes the audience on an emotional and sometimes comic journey as he unravels the twists and turns of coping with life as a manic depressive through intense and beautiful piano solos. jamesrhodes.tv Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Thursday 15 October 8pm

Friday 16 October 7.30pm

Tickets £17, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

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

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

24 Book now 0845 40 24 001

JOY LISNEY RUSSIAN CONNECTIONS Joy Lisney violoncello James Lisney piano Programme to include: Stravinsky Suite Italienne Britten Suite No 3 Tchaikovsky Pezzo Capriccioso Rachmaninov Sonata in G minor Joy and James Lisney return to St George’s following last season’s sensational Beethoven cycle.

Their recital features the best of Russian cello music, ranging from Stravinsky and Piatigorsky’s virtuosic transcriptions from the ballet Pulcinella — to the passionate romanticism of Rachmaninov’s huge sonatas. At the heart of the recital lies Britten’s Suite, inspired by Tchaikovsky’s folk song arrangements and the Russian Kontakion for the Departed.

October

BRISTOL FESTIVAL OF SONG 2015

DAVID STARKEY MAGNA CARTA

Join Gathering Voices to celebrate the beauty, power, range and inspiration of the human voice at the 6th annual Bristol Festival of Song. Traversing a splendid variety of styles from contemporary to traditional from across the globe including improv, jazz, world, classical, shanties, male voice, ladies' harmony, vocal percussion, barbershop… the list goes on.

The festival takes place from 9 — 18 October right across the city with live performances, interactive workshops, vocal Masterclasses and walkabout acts around the Harbourside and much more.

Come for the morning or stay for the whole day, you’ll be surprised by what you find!

The UK’s leading constitutional historian, known for his forthright views, talks about the 13th century agreement that, imperfect though it was, and radically modified in its first ten years, limited for the first time the power of the monarch by stating the basic rights, privileges, and liberties of leading citizens and clergy.

Sessons begin: 10am, 2pm & 6pm

David’s talk is followed by a Q&A and book signing.

festivalofsong.org.uk

There are few more stimulating thinkers, and few who understand better the way the most powerful have thought throughout our history. His assessment of the situation then, and how our constitution stands today, exactly 800 years later, will amaze and challenge you.

Promoted by St George’s Bristol

joylisney.com jameslisney.com

Saturday 17 October 7.30pm

Sunday 18 October 10am, 2pm & 6pm

Monday 19 October 7.30pm

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

Tickets £12 Day, £6 Session (plus fees)

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

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

25 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk October

MUSIC & WORDS FROM WOLF HALL The Locrian Ensemble of London: Debbie Wiseman conductor/piano Philip Harmer oboe/cor anglais Perry Montague-Mason violin Charlie Brown violin Philip Dukes viola Justin Pearson cello Chris Laurence bass Peter Kosminsky* narrator Hilary Mantel’s award-winning novel was transformed into a riveting six-part drama by the BBC to huge acclaim earlier this year. Accompanying Thomas Cromwell’s machinations and hushed conversations in shadowy palace corners was original music by composer Debbie Wiseman, performed by members of The Locrian Ensemble of London. For this special event Debbie and the ensemble re-unite to perform selections from her acclaimed score, alongside extracts from the book, read by series director Peter Kosminsky. This hour-long performance is followed by a Q&A.

WILD WORDS THE WILD (GOLDEN) GOOSE CHASE Michael Loader storyteller, trumpet & hosepipe James Watts woodwind and drinking straw Tom Veck percussion, pots, pans and spoons A magical mix of story, song and music created specially for children aged 8 and under! Come honk and waddle your way through the feast of fun as our three gallant Wild Words heroes create a never-heardbefore story from curious objects and your children’s imaginations, fired up by that bird of legend and magic, the goose!

Part of Family Arts Festival 2015 10am great for ages 3 — 5 11.15am great for ages 5 — 8 Running time 45 minutes Promoted by St George’s Bristol

*Subject to filming commitments debbiewiseman.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Sunday 25 October 4pm Tickets £15, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

Monday 26 October 10am & 11.15am Tickets £6 (plus fees), Family Ticket available

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

26 Book now 0845 40 24 001

October CLASSICAL CAFÉ

[Lunchtime Concert]

Bach Doubles

O

ur new series offers all the drama and instrumental contrast of the Bach Double but with two players sharing their love of Bach in their own solo concert each evening — the first at 7pm and the second at 9.15pm.

PETER CIGLERIS CLARINET & MARTIN COUSINS PIANO Arnold Bax Clarinet Sonata Lloyd Moore New Work Schumann Fantasiestücke Op 73 Brahms Sonata in Eb Op 120 No 2 A welcome return to our lunchtime programme by clarinettist Peter Cigleris and his duo-partner Martin Cousins, with a recital featuring traditional works abundant in rich, lyrical melody.

The earlier concerts feature the Bach Solo Cello Suites with mesmerising cellist Natalie Clein, while the later concerts take the spirit of Bach as their departure point, exploring his indelible influence on composers of later generations, from Steve Reich to Nico Muhly. Two seriously talented and daring performers, violinist Thomas Gould and harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani, take up the challenge and give free rein to their imaginations to create these one off programmes for this series launch.

You can book for just one concert each evening, or take advantage of a special discount to hear both.

petercigleris.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Special OΩer See page 6 for details Thursday 29 October 1pm Tickets £7 (plus fees), Free U21s

The Series Continues…

Natalie Clein returns on Friday 13 November at 7pm, followed by violinist Thomas Gould at 9.15pm.

See page 31 for details.

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

27 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk October

BACH DOUBLES

BACH DOUBLES

NATALIE CLEIN CELLO

MAHAN ESFAHANI HARPSICHORD

J S Bach Cello Suite No 3 in C Cello Suite No 5 in C minor Cello Suite No 4 in E flat

J S Bach Chromatische Fantaisie & Fuga BWV 903 J S Bach (arr. Esfahani) Two Gavottes from Suite for violoncello solo V BWV 1011 C P E Bach Sonata in F sharp Wq 52/4 W F Bach Movements from Suite G minor Fk 24 Steve Reich Piano Phase J S Bach Toccata C minor BWV 911 Mel Powell Recitative and Toccata Percossa

Natalie Clein lays the foundation notes of our new ‘Bach Doubles’ series with Bach’s Solo Cello Suites — arguably the greatest pieces ever written for the instrument, and the gold standard against which other cello works are judged. This is music that roams from simplicity to sublimity, offering up exquisite melodies and a myriad of textures and colours. Natalie Clein is a cellist possessing not only the virtuosity but also the musicality needed to convey its fine shades and beauty — the perfect match.

Please note there will be a short interval natalieclein.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

The spirit of J S Bach permeates, whether by design or by sheer osmosis, the entire course of Western music that follows his remarkable time spent on this planet. Mahan Esfahani, an artist once referred to by the BBC as a ‘harpsichord ninja’ and something of a force of nature himself, has created a programme that looks at ‘doubles’ for Bach’s works and musical language. He includes the ecstatic patterns of Steve Reich's Piano Phase and jazz pianist Mel Powell's classic Recitative and Toccata Percossa.

Running time 70 minutes without interval mahanesfahani.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Special OΩer See both of this evening's recitals for £30 (plus fees), saving £5 Friday 30 October 7pm

Friday 30 October 9.15pm

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

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

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

28 Book now 0845 40 24 001

October ⁄ November

THEASTER GATES

RALPH MCTELL

AISA IJIRI PIANO

Join Theaster Gates for a one-nightonly event in association with art producers Situations. One of the most celebrated American artists of his generation and winner of the 2015 Artes Mundi prize, this event coincides with Theaster’s first UK public project, which promises to transform, repurpose and hear the city through the temporary occupation of a very special space in Bristol city centre. All will be revealed this autumn. Part of the Art Weekender — Bristol & Bath.

Ralph McTell celebrates 50 years as a professional musician and this quintessential English singersongwriter-guitarist is back on tour.

Ralph’s shows feature beautifully crafted narrative songs combined with dexterous, finger-style guitar playing and evocative storytelling and will of course include the Ivor Novello award winning Streets Of London.

Bach/Liszt Prelude and Fugue in A minor BWV543 ‘The Great’ Chopin 3 Waltzes Op 64 Prokofiev 10 pieces for Piano Op 75 ‘Romeo and Juliet’

ralphmctell.co.uk

situations.org.uk theastergates.com

Young Japanese pianist Aisa Ijiri brings us a concert of musical contrasts, with Liszt’s transcription of Bach’s ‘Great’ Prelude and Fugue, Chopin’s Op 64 Waltzes (including the famous Minute Waltz), and Prokofiev’s dramatic solo piano arrangement of selected music from his ballet Romeo and Juliet. aisaijiri.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Promoted by St George’s Bristol in association with Situations

Special OΩer See page 6 for details Saturday 31 October 7pm

Wednesday 4 November 8pm

Thursday 5 November 1pm

Tickets £10 (£7.50) (plus fees)

Tickets £22 (plus fees)

Tickets £7 (plus fees), Free U21s

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

29 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk November

‘James Gilchrist is simply sensational…’

THE GUARDIAN

JAMES GILCHRIST SINGS 'DICHTERLIEBE' James Gilchrist tenor Anna Tilbrook piano Schumann Liederkreis Op 39 Vaughan Williams Songs of Travel Schumann Dichterliebe The greatest of all Schumann’s song cycles is brought vividly to life by prolific and versatile tenor James Gilchrist. Love, passion, heartache and betrayal all find a place in Dichterliebe, unfolding during the course of this powerful song cycle and evoking an atmosphere of longing and uncertainty to the very end. Completing the programme is Vaughan Williams’ quintessentially English take on the Wayfarer Cycle, based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s poem cycle Songs of Travel, and Schumann’s other great song cycle Liederkreis. jamesgilchrist.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Friday 6 November 7.30pm Tickets £20, £15, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

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

30 Book now 0845 40 24 001

November

THE CALLINO QUARTET WITH MATHIAS KJØLLER CLARINET EXULTATE SINGERS SEVEN ANGELS David Ogden conductor Simon Munday trumpet Ross Brown trumpet Lucy Wakeford harp Richard May cello Jeremy Little percussion James Macmillan In splendoribus sanctorum John Rutter Hymn to the Creator of Light Samuel Barber Agnus Dei William Harris Faire is the Heaven Ian Carpenter In Paradisum James Macmillan Seven Angels Exultate Singers reveal visions of heaven in this Remembrance Weekend concert. A tapestry of works in part one includes transcendent works by MacMillan, Harris and Barber. For the second half, the choir is joined by two trumpets, shofars, percussion, harp and cello to perform James MacMillan’s extraordinary new work Seven Angels, a setting of vivid and dramatic text from the biblical Book of Revelation.

Sarah Sexton violin Tom Hankey violin Rebecca Jones viola Sarah McMahon cello Mathias Kjøller clarinet Haydn Quartet in D Op 20 No 4 Mozart Clarinet Quintet in A Beethoven String Quartet in E flat ‘Harp’ Since its formation at the West Cork Chamber Music Festival in 1999 the Callino Quartet has been impressing international audiences and critics alike with their bold, imaginative and sensitive performances. A new recording of Haydn’s Seven Last Words with poetry written and performed by former Poet Laureate Andrew Motion has been released this year. The Callino Quartet takes its name from the Irish air Cailin cois tSuir a me which means Girl by the River Suir. The young clarinettist Mathias Kjøller is principle clarinet of the Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra as well as enjoying an international career as a soloist. callinoquartet.com

exultatesingers.org Saturday 7 November 7.30pm Tickets £24 (£22), £22 (£20), £16 (£14), £12 (£10), £6 Students, £4 U18s (plus fees)

Monday 9 November 7.30pm Tickets £16, £12 (plus fees)

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

31 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

November ‘The young British violinist Thomas Gould seems intent on becoming the Nigel Kennedy of his generation…’

[Classical Café]

THE TIMES

BACH DOUBLES

NATALIE CLEIN CELLO J S Bach Cello Suite No 1 in G Cello Suite No 2 in D minor Cello Suite No 6 in D Natalie Clein completes her exploration of Bach’s Solo Cello Suites (see also listing for 30 October), some of the greatest pieces ever written for the instrument, and the gold standard against which other cello works are judged.

‘Magically deft, soaringly passionate, without any trace of self-indulgence, Clein conjures a full orchestra of colours and textures from her precious Guadagnini cello.’

THE TIMES

Please note there will be a short interval natalieclein.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Special OΩer See both of this evening's recitals for £30 (plus fees), saving £5

BACH DOUBLES

THOMAS GOULD VIOLIN J S Bach Adagio from Sonata No 1 BWV 1001 Ewan Campbell Everything, All at Once J S Bach Chaconne from Partita No 2 BWV 1004 Tarik O’Regan Alice Changes J S Bach Largo from Sonata No 3 BWV 1005 Nico Muhly A Long Line (for solo violin and tape) Francisco Coll Hyperlude IV J S Bach Loure from Partita No 3 BWV 1006 Thomas Gould refuses to be defined by genres and is fast carving out a career as one of the most brilliant and in demand violinists of his generation. Taking some of the greatest music for solo violin by JS Bach as his spring board — including a piece widely considered to be its summit, Bach’s Chaconne — he moves seamlessly between times, moods and styles with music that all ultimately leads back, and pays homage, to the genius of Bach.

The programme includes the Baroque-like ornamentations and jazz-inspired sections of Tariq O’Regan’s Alice Changes and the deeply expressive A Long Line by one of today’s most talked about composers, Nico Muhly, that introduces a striking musical partner on stage for Thomas by way of pre-recorded tape.

Running time 60 minutes without interval thomasgould.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Friday 13 November 7pm

Friday 13 November 9.15pm

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

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

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

32 Book now 0845 40 24 001

November

BRISTOL METROPOLITAN ORCHESTRA WITH CHARIS & KIRSTEN JENSON William Goodchild conductor Charis Jenson violin Kirsten Jenson cello Beethoven Egmont Overture Brahms Concerto for Violin and Cello in A minor Schumann Symphony No 2 in C

BÉLA FLECK & ABIGAIL WASHBURN

RICHARD JENKINSON CELLO J S Bach First Suite for Solo Cello Kodaly Sonata for Solo Cello

Pre-Concert Talk 6.30 — 7pm With Jonathan James.

Entry free to ticket-holders.

Sure, in the abstract, a banjo duo might seem like a musical concept beset by limitations.

But when the banjo players cast in those roles are Abigail Washburn and Béla Fleck — she with the earthy sophistication of a postmodern, old-time singersongwriter, he with the virtuosic, jazz-to-classical ingenuity of an iconic instrumentalist and composer with bluegrass roots — it’s a different matter entirely. There’s no denying that theirs is a one-of-a-kind pairing, with one-of-a-kind possibilities.

bristolmetropolitan orchestra.com

belafleck.com abigailwashburn.com

Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra welcomes two brilliant and equally-matched soloists, Charis and Kirsten Jenson, twin sisters who were educated in Bristol, for a performance of Brahms’ intricately beautiful Double Concerto.

Schumann’s second symphony is an uplifting, lyrical work that triumphs over the composer’s depression. The concert opens with Beethoven’s fiery and expressive Egmont Overture.

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

Saturday 14 November 7.30pm Tickets £15 (£14), £12 (£11), £8 (£6) (plus fees)

Consummate chamber musician and cellist with the Dante Quartet, Richard Jenkinson today performs for us solo, his programme including Kodaly’s remarkable Sonata for Solo Cello, one of the most significant works for the solo instrument since Bach’s own Suites. It was written in 1915 with Bach very much in mind, though inflections of Hungarian folk music also shine through. richardjenkinson.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Special OΩer See page 6 for details

Sunday 15 November 8pm

Thursday 19 November 1pm

Tickets £26.50 (plus fees)

Tickets £7 (plus fees) , Free U21s

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

33 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk November

‘The UK’s best live band’ THE GUARDIAN

‘Chandler’s playing is crisply articulated, tonally secure and imaginative’ BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE

LAU Named after the Orcadian word for natural light, Lau — Kris Drever, guitar/vocal; Martin Green, accordion/piano; Aidan O’Rourke, fiddle — are the hottest act in folk: a trio of humble virtuosos whose blend of traditional instruments with very contemporary interests makes them versatile enough to collaborate with almost anyone, as their recent Lau-Land festival demonstrated. Four-time winners of BBC Folk Awards for Best Group and regular favourites at Celtic Connections, Lau have been described as ‘The UK’s best live band’

by The Guardian. lau-music.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol

LA SERENISSIMA THE FOUR SEASONS Adrian Chandler violin/director Peter Whelan bassoon La Serenissima is a period-instrument orchestra that really draws you in, winning awards and glowing reviews for its dazzling and uplifting performances. Under the direction of violinist Adrian Chandler — a musician who communicates his passion for Vivaldi to audiences through his lively introductions as well as virtuoso playing — they perform Vivaldi’s most famous work, The Four Seasons, in a brand new performing edition, as well as a number of other concerti by Vivaldi for bassoon and the little known and rather fascinating ‘violino in tromba marina’. See our website for full programme details. laserenissima.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Thursday 19 November 8pm

Friday 20 November 7.30pm

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

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

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

34 Book now 0845 40 24 001

RACHMANINOV VESPERS (ALL-NIGHT-VIGIL) City of Bristol Choir David Ogden conductor Olena Shvetsova piano Richard Johnson piano Rachmaninov All-Night-Vigil; La Nuit and Pâques from Suite No 1 — ‘Fantasie for Two Pianos’ ‘Even in my wildest dreams I could not have imagined that I would write such a work.’

So wrote Sergei Rachmaninov about his deeply moving All Night Vigil, known as the Vepsers, one of the choral masterpieces of the twentieth century which was premiered 100 years ago. This performance will be given by a 100-strong choir, filling the candlelit hall with the sonorous sounds of Russian Orthodox music. La Nuit and Pâques from the wonderful atmospheric Fantasie for Two Pianos complete the programme. cityofbristolchoir.org.uk

November

WONDERLAND Ashley Wass piano Matthew Trusler violin Narrator to be announced 2015 marks the 150 th anniversary of the publication of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and twelve of the world’s most renowned composers — including Roxanna Panufnik, Howard Blake, Stephen Hough, Colin Matthews and Gwilym Simcock —have each written a short new piece inspired by one of the 12 chapters. These new works are interspersed by an actor reading a script specially written for the occasion by Louis de Bernieres.

'Wonderland' is a brand new project created by pianist Ashley Wass and violinist Matthew Trusler in order to raise money for the Lenny Trusler Children's Foundation — dedicated to providing relief from suffering and illness in very sick babies and children.

Great for ages 10+ wonderland150.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Saturday 21 November 7.30pm Tickets £20 (£18), £15 (£13), £10 (£8), £5 Students/U18s (plus fees)

Sunday 22 November 6pm Tickets £12, £8 U18s (plus fees), Family Ticket available

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

35 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk November

‘ A sonic marvel, throat-singing cannot be described, it simply must be heard’ BOSTON GLOBE

HUUN HUUR TU Tuvan throat-singers and instrumentalists Huun Huur Tu create an utterly distinctive sound-world whose clip-clopping, horse-rider’s rhythms and deep, spiritual ‘music-of-the-spheres’ vocals strike a very powerful chord.

Their previous St George’s performance has gone on record as the only occasion we can remember when an act got a unanimous standing ovation at half-time. Formed in 1992, HHT have worked with Frank Zappa, Kronos Quartet and the Chieftains. To see them live is an experience to remember forever. huunhuurtu.ru Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Monday 23 November 8pm Tickets £18, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

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

36 Book now 0845 40 24 001

November

BRISTOL GRAMMAR SCHOOL CONCERT

JOSEPH TONG PIANO

The end-of-term concert from Bristol Grammar School is much anticipated by performers and audience alike. Featuring the best of the school’s musical talent in an array of ensembles, it promises as always to be a superb evening.

Sibelius Kyllikki Op 41 / Five Pieces ‘The Trees’ Op 75 / Five Romantic Pieces Op 101 / Five Esquisses Op 114 / Finlandia Op 26

bristolgrammarschool.co.uk

A celebration of Sibelius’ piano music to mark the composer’s 150th anniversary.

Sibelius’ piano style is fresh and original, and made a significant addition to the piano repertoire of late Romanticism. Renowned pianist Joseph Tong recently recorded Sibelius’ piano music output for the Quartz label and presents a recital featuring a selection of these works, including the composer’s own arrangement of his symphonic poem ‘Finlandia’. josephtong.co.uk

LYNCHED A big hit at this year’s Celtic Connections, Irish four-piece Lynched (named after the foundermembers, brothers Ian and Daragh Lynch) are a punk-folk group from Dublin who mix street-songs and classic ballads in the traveller tradition with wild dance music and nods to psychedelia and rock ’n’ roll. With an instrumental line-up featuring uilleann pipes, fiddle and bayan (a Russian accordion), the group are famed for their four-part harmony vocals. Their debut album, Cold Old Fire, drew comparisons to Planxty and the Dubliners. lynchedmusic.com ‘Passionate, utterly engrossing’ FROOTS Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Special OΩer Wednesday 25 November 7.30pm Tickets £8 (£6), £7 (£5), £6 (£4) (plus fees)

See page 6 for details Thursday 26 November 1pm Tickets £7 (plus fees), Free U21s

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

Thursday 26 November 8pm Tickets £16, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

37 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

November ⁄ December

TREESONG BRISTOL EUROPEAN GREEN CAPITAL 2015 Bristol Ensemble Rupert Gough conductor Charlie Siem violin Roger Huckle leader Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending William Goodchild TreeSong Vivaldi (arr. Max Richter) Four Seasons Recomposed

BRANDON HILL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Maxime Tortelier conductor Alexandra Dariescu piano Nielsen Symphony No 1 in E minor Shostakovich Piano Concerto No 2 Sibelius Helios Overture Op 17 Romanian pianist Alexandra Dariescu dazzled the St George’s audience when she performed Grieg’s Piano Concerto No 1 with bhco. Recently named in International Piano Magazine as one of 30 pianists under 30 destined for a spectacular career, it is a great pleasure to welcome her back to play Shostakovich’s 2nd Piano Concerto. The tender lyricism of the central Andante, framed by extrovert and comedic outer movements, has established this piece as an audience favourite. In a programme that unites Nordic elemental passion with the best of Russian ebullience, Maxime Tortelier makes his conducting debut with the orchestra.

For over a century a beech tree has stood silently on Bristol’s Durdham Downs while its environment has changed dramatically. Bristol Ensemble’s innovative and intriguing TreeSong project, part of Bristol European Green Capital, will bring the tree’s music to life, gathering its song with a technological installation. Composer William Goodchild will translate the tree’s song from its natural habitat to the concert hall, creating an orchestral work to be premiered in this concert in a sumptuous audio-visual performance. Star violinist Charlie Siem performs The Lark Ascending and Max Richter’s vivid reimagining of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons in this family-friendly concert. bristolensemble.com treesong.org.uk

BRISTOL SINGS MUSIC CHRISTMAS CONCERT Over 350 children from primary schools across Bristol join together to sprinkle Christmas cheer at St George’s. The concerts each last about an hour and treat the audiences to seasonal songs and familiar favourites. The songs have been especially arranged for the choirs by Graham Fowlie and the children will be challenged to sing in two parts accompanied by a professional ensemble. bristolplaysmusic.org

bhco.co.uk

Saturday 28 November 7.45pm

Sunday 29 November 4pm

Tickets £18 (£17), £15 (£14) (plus fees)

Tickets £20, £16, £10, £5 U18s (plus fees)

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

Tuesday 1 December 1.30pm & 7.30pm Tickets £4 (£2) (plus fees)

38 Book now 0845 40 24 001

December

‘His voice remains a delight to listen to: age has not lost any of the legato, the phrasing or the velvety richness of his timbre’

Sir Willard White

BACHTRACK, JANUARY 2015

BRODSKY QUARTET WITH SIR WILLARD WHITE Brodsky Quartet

St George’s is delighted to welcome back the magnificent Sir Willard White, in the company of one of St George’s most popular groups, the Brodsky Quartet. A match made in musical heaven, the concert sets Willard White’s bottomless voice alongside the Brodsky Quartet’s trademark charisma and flair: a magnetic combination. Expect a selection of songs closely associated with all the artists involved, including pieces from the Brodsky Quartet’s albums The Juliet Letters and Mood Swings as well as Samuel Barber’s Dover Beach and some show stopping excursions into Gershwin and Frank Sinatra. brodskyquartet.co.uk Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Wednesday 2 December 7.30pm Tickets £32, £27, £22, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

39 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk December

COSMOS & FRIENDS St George’s is extremely proud of its long association with the South Bristol Children’s Community Choir, Cosmos. Now in its sixth year, it is a project that helps to inspire children through group singing. For its annual early December lunchtime performance, the children are joined by singing friends from across the city, making this an uplifting start to the festive season. Admission is free, with a retiring collection.

Promoted by St George’s Bristol

ELIZA CARTHY, JACKIE OATES, LUCY FARRELL & KATE YOUNG A female folk supergroup! Playing fiddles and singing songs both separately and together, four of the UK’s foremost performers share the stage for a knees-up winter-warmer.

Eliza Carthy is a force of nature who needs no introduction; Jackie Oates has become a leading light of next-generation folk, appearing with Imagined Village and The Unthanks as well as recording solo; Lucy Farrell is best known for her hugely acclaimed duo with Jonny Kearney; Scottish composer/fiddler/singer Kate Young was described as ‘a new major British talent‘

by Songlines magazine. eliza-carthy.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Thursday 3 December 1pm Tickets Free Admission

Thursday 3 December 8pm Tickets £18, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

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

40 Book now 0845 40 24 001

BRISTOL CONCERT ORCHESTRA / ELOISA-FLEUR THOM Stefan Hofkes conductor Eloisa-Fleur Thom violin Sibelius Karelia Suite Nielsen Helios Overture Glazunov Violin Concerto in A minor Dukas The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Sibelius Symphony No 5 in E flat This concert celebrates composers born 150 years ago. First and last up is Sibelius, with his ‘Karelia Suite’ and his ever-popular 5th Symphony.

Between those book-ends we have Nielsen’s wonderful sunrise evocation, Helios Overture and the fantastic The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

by Dukas. The centrepiece is Glazunov’s superbly imagined Violin Concerto for which we are delighted to welcome back violinist Eloisa-Fleur Thom. bristolconcertorchestra.org.uk eloisafleurthom.co.uk

December

VOCAL WORKS GOSPEL CHOIR HANDEL’S SOULFUL MESSIAH

BRISTOL YOUTH CHOIRS CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Handel’s classical masterpiece is given a soulful and exciting interpretation by one of the UK’s leading gospel and rock choirs with Musical Director Tim King and the VWGC band. Including classic Messiah favourites such the Hallelujah Chorus, And He Shall Purify and For Unto Us, the concert also features other uplifting and soulful classics to showcase VWGC’s powerful harmonies and incredible soloists! VWGC have recorded with artists including Peter Gabriel and Brian May, performed with Susan Boyle and Kerry Ellis, supported The Blind Boys of Alabama, and have released five albums including Gospel Rocks and A Soulful Christmas.

conductors

David Ogden & Martin Le Poidevin The talented singers of Bristol Youth Choirs perform a musical treat for all the family to kickstart Christmas, showcasing the wonderful vocal abilities of its young performers with a selection of festive favourites traditional and modern. bristolyouthchoir.org.uk davidogden.co.uk

‘Perfect performance....10/10’ WESTERN DAILY PRESS

vwgc.co.uk

Saturday 5 December 7.30pm Tickets £15 (£13), £13 (£11), £10 (£8), £8 (£6), £1 U18s (plus fees)

Sunday 6 December 7.30pm

Tuesday 8 December 7pm

Tickets £14 (£10) (plus fees)

Tickets £8 (£5), £3 U18s (plus fees)

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

41 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk December

AURORA ORCHESTRA WINTERREISE Aurora Orchestra Nicholas Collon conductor Allan Clayton tenor Schubert (arr. Hans Zender) Winterreise Aurora Orchestra presents Hans Zender’s extraordinary ‘composed interpretation’ of Winterreise — a stunning adaptation of Schubert’s song-cycle in which the original piano accompaniment is replaced by virtuosic chamber orchestra forces. Based on poems

by Wilhelm Müller, Schubert’s wanderer embarks upon a ‘winter journey’ of unrequited love, sung here by one of the outstanding singers of his generation, tenor Allan Clayton.

Clayton has received critical acclaim for his appearances on international concert and operatic stages, most recently for his role as Cassio for ENO’s production of Otello. In 2015 he makes an eagerly anticipated return to Glyndebourne to perform Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia.

'A revelation when it was first performed…

Zender’s reinvention not only offers disturbing and reinvigorating insights into Schubert’s work, but is a deeply serious and virtuoso work of the creative imagination in its own right...'

BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE

auroraorchestra.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Thursday 10 December 7pm Tickets £20, £15, £10, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

42 Book now 0845 40 24 001

December

ONLY MEN ALOUD CHRISTMAS TOUR

CITY VOICES BRISTOL IT’S CHRISTMAS!

GASWORKS CHOIR

The Welsh choral phenomenon has gone from strength to strength since they won BBC’s Last Choir Standing in 2008. With hundreds of thousands of album sales, nine UK tours, a Classical Brit Award for Album of the Year, countless TV appearances and several standout live performances including the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, Only Men Aloud’s annual Christmas Tour is now firmly part of the UK festive calendar.

City Voices Bristol presents its annual festive feast of Christmas cheer, featuring seasonal music old and new with opportunities for audience participation. Come and join them and start your festive celebrations in style.

Bristol’s pioneering and evergreen community choir grace the stage at St George’s with an hour of spine-tingling harmony.

Experience the wonderfully versatile Gasworks Choir as 150 irrepressible voices, skilfully directed by Ali Orbaum and Julia Turner, sing beautifully arranged songs drawn from diverse musical genres with their characteristic sensitivity and charm.

The choir is raising money for its nominated charity Alzheimers Society cityvoicesbristol.com

gasworkschoir.co.uk

onlymenaloud.com

Friday 11 December 7.30pm Tickets £27.50 (plus fees)

Saturday 12 December 7pm Tickets £11 (£9), £9 (£7), £7 (£6) (plus fees)

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

Sunday 13 December 2.30pm & 8pm Tickets Matinee: £7 (£5), £3 U21s, Free U12s Evening: £9 (£7) (plus fees)

43 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

December

JORDI SAVALL & HESPÈRION XXI THE MUSICAL EUROPE 1550 — 1650 Jordi Savall treble viol Philippe Pierlot alto & bass viol Sergi Casademunt tenor viol Lorenz Duftschmid bass viol Xavier Puertas violone Xavier Díaz-Latorre theorbo & guitar Pedro Estevan percussion Jordi Savall is one of the world’s true musical pioneers. His searching historical curiosity has shed new light on the changing role music has played in society through the ages. For this incandescent programme he is joined by his grand ensemble of early music masters to distill in music a European century that takes in works by John Dowland, Diego Ortiz and Henry Purcell. If the artist Caravaggio painted in music, this is surely how it would sound; an opulent musical banquet to warm a winter's night.

‘Savall's almost whispered tone created an intimacy quite unlike that of anyone else's’ THE GUARDIAN ON JORDI SAVALL'S LAST CONCERT AT ST GEORGE'S

jordisavall.es Promoted by St George’s Bristol with the support of the Departament de Cultura of the Generalitat de Catalunya and the Institut Ramon Llull

Monday 14 December 7.30pm Tickets £30, £25, £20 (plus fees) £1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 card transaction fee where applicable

44 Book now 0845 40 24 001

December INTERNATIONAL JAZZ SERIES

STEELEYE SPAN

HANDEL’S MESSIAH

Folk-rock pioneers Steeleye Span are touring with a new live show.

Maddy Prior — the voice of the band — leads a line-up featuring faces old and new. Having collaborated with Sir Terry Pratchett on a record based on his Wintersmith novel, their 2015 performances see them perform new gems alongside classics that have made them one of the most successful British Folk Rock bands ever.

Bristol Ensemble The Choir of Royal Holloway Rupert Gough conductor Roger Huckle leader/director

‘Don’t miss them...’

THE INDEPENDENT

steeleyespan.org.uk

Handel Messiah Bristol Ensemble and the Choir of Royal Holloway bring Handel’s masterpiece, Messiah, to life in a semi-staged performance in the intimate acoustic of St George’s Bristol. Talented young soloists drawn from the choir perform the work’s arias from positions around the hall, breaking from the confines of traditional rigid staging, allowing words and music to spring into life. This Christmas, come and experience Messiah afresh. bristolensemble.com chapelchoir.co.uk

Tuesday 15 December 8pm Tickets £22.50, £19.50 (plus fees)

ALAN BARNES OCTET A JAZZ CHRISTMAS CAROL Reeds maestro Alan Barnes presents an all-star octet to perform his new suite based on Charles Dickens’ famous seasonal tale. With composer/arranger Alan leading from the front on sax and clarinet, the ensemble includes Bruce Adams on trumpet, Mark Nightingale on trombone, Dave Newton on piano and Clark Tracey, drums. As Alan is a master raconteur and frontman as well as the UK’s leading mainstreamto-modern saxophonist and bandleader, this is guaranteed to be a very entertaining evening. alanbarnesjazz.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Wednesday 16 December 7.45pm

Thursday 17 December 8pm

Tickets £23 (£20), £17 (£15), £12 (£10), £5 U18s (plus fees)

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

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

45 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk December

BRISTOL BACH CHOIR SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL

Christopher Finch conductor Nigel Nash piano Liberty Brass Ensemble

Bristol Ensemble

A glorious evening of festive music to warm the heart, entertain and enchant. Liberty Brass Ensemble once again join Bristol Bach Choir in a programme packed full of delights: beautiful choral Christmas music, witty and entertaining readings, uplifting audience carols and the exhilarating power of brass ensemble to celebrate the festive season.

Join us, and be inspired by the charm, wonder and magic of Christmas.

Supporting St Peter’s Hospice bristolbach.org.uk

Howard Blake The Snowman Rodgers & Hammerstein Mini Sound of Music plus festive music and carols Get Christmas off to a brilliant start with music from The Snowman, an enchanting musical tale that captures the hearts of children and adults alike. Celebrate an incredible 50 years since The Sound of Music was released with a sing-along of some of the best-loved songs from the film. With plenty of audience participation in festive favourites such as Sleigh Ride and Jingle Bells, this is a seasonal delight for all the family. bristolensemble.com

Special OΩer *One free child’s ticket with every adult ticket purchased Friday 18 & Saturday 19 December 7.30pm

Sunday 20 December 2pm & 4.30pm

Tickets £20, £15, £9 (plus fees)

Tickets £15*, £5 Additional U18s (plus fees)

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

46 Book now 0845 40 24 001

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR BRISTOL ENSEMBLE & CITY OF BRISTOL CHOIR Bristol Ensemble City of Bristol Choir David Ogden conductor A Christmas extravaganza performed by professional orchestra The Bristol Ensemble and the 100-strong voices of City of Bristol Choir. A brilliantly entertaining evening of festive music including sparkling orchestral pieces, beautiful choral Christmas carols and the opportunity for audience members to join in with the singing too. David Ogden directs proceedings in charismatic style, making this is an annual favourite in the season’s concert diary for many. bristolensemble.com cityofbristolchoir.org.uk

December

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR BRISTOL ENSEMBLE & EXULTATE SINGERS

FESTIVE FIESTA BRISTOL ENSEMBLE & CITY OF BRISTOL CHOIR

Bristol Ensemble Exultate Singers David Ogden conductor

Bristol Ensemble City of Bristol Choir David Ogden conductor

The Bristol Ensemble returns for a second helping of Christmas extravagance, joined this time by the accomplished choir Exultate Singers. A brilliantly entertaining evening of seasonal music including orchestral pieces, beautiful choral Christmas carols and the opportunity for audience members to join in with the singing too.

David Ogden once again directs this annual favourite in the season’s concert diary.

A feel-good festive evening of carols and Christmas music — come and sing all your festive favourites with members of City of Bristol Choir, accompanied by professional orchestra The Bristol Ensemble and led in entertaining style by the brilliant David Ogden. Bring the family for a wonderful evening of singing.

‘The perfect Christmas concert’

Great for ages 8+ bristolensemble.com cityofbristolchoir.org.uk

BRISTOL POST

bristolensemble.com exultatesingers.org

Monday 21 December 7.45pm

Tuesday 22 December 7.45pm

Wednesday 23 December 7.45pm

Tickets £26 (£25), £23 (£22), £16 (£14), £12 (£10), £6 Students, £5 U18s (plus fees)

Tickets £26 (£25), £23 (£22), £16 (£14), £12 (£10), £6 Students, £5 U18s (plus fees)

Tickets £23 (£22), £19 (£18), £16 (£14), £12 (£10), £5 Students/U18s

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

Spring 2016 Preview

48 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk September

A few dates for the diary… tickets on sale in December

MARK PADMORE & PAUL LEWIS

HENRY ROLLINS

Mark Padmore tenor Paul Lewis piano

In describing Henry Rollins, the tendency is to try to squeeze as many labels as possible into a single sentence. ‘Rollins is many things,’ says the Washington Post, ‘diatribist, confessor, provocateur, humourist, even motivational speaker…his is an enthusiastic and engaging chatter.’ Entertainment Weekly’s list includes ‘Punk Rock icon. Spoken word poet. Actor.

Author. DJ. Is there anything this guy can’t do?’ TV Guide has more concisely called him a ‘Renaissance Man’ but if Henry Rollins could be reduced to a single word, that word would undoubtedly be ‘workaholic’.

When he’s not travelling, Rollins prefers to keep a relentless schedule full of work, with gigs as an actor, author, DJ, voice-over artist and TV show host.

An Evening of Songs by Schumann, Brahms, Schubert and Wolf The supreme artistry and mutual understanding of Mark Padmore and Paul Lewis make them an ideal duo for this beautifully crafted journey through some of the great moments of German lieder.

Exploring the universal themes of love, loneliness and mortality, the music and imagery of these songs conjures high drama and deep desolation as they roam from warmth and exuberance to elegiac introspection. The full listing of songs is available on our website.

‘Singer and pianist are perfectly matched in temperament and musicality, and every note has been lovingly considered… exquisitely thoughtful and refined…’

henryrollins.com

Fri 22 January 2016 Cellophony Triumphant return of this 8-strong cello ensemble, with violinist Sasha Sitkovetsky joining them for a bold and exhilarating performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.

Wed 27 January 2016 Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment The OAE are back with a programme featuring music from the earliest part of their repertoire — the Baroque geniuses that are Monteverdi and Cavalli, composers that both made a huge mark on the history of music.

THE TELEGRAPH

paulewispiano.co.uk markpadmore.com Promoted by St George’s Bristol

Friday 8 January 2016 7.30pm Tickets £32, £27, £22, £5 Students (limited availability) (plus fees)

Sunday 10 January 2016 7.30pm Tickets £18.50 (plus fees)

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

Tue 2 February 2016 Paul Lewis piano Internationally acclaimed pianist Paul Lewis performs a new programme of piano masterpieces by Brahms and Schubert, culminating in Liszt’s monumental ‘Dante Sonata’.

48 Book now 0845 40 24 001

Information

Booking Information

BOOKING FEES

OPENING HOURS

Booking fees contribute towards the cost of processing card payments, posting out tickets and providing up-to-date, reliable and convenient ticketing services to our customers.

O

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

WHEN TO BOOK

P atrons' priority booking opens Monday 1 June B enefactors' priority booking opens Tuesday 2 June G ala Friends' priority booking opens Wednesday 3 June F riends' priority booking opens Thursday 4 June G eneral booking opens Monday 8 June Please note that on the first day of Friends priority booking (Thurs 4 June) and the first two days of General booking the Box Office will be open from 10am.

HOW TO BOOK In person — the Box Office entrance is located on the right hand side of the building, accessible from Great George Street (see opening times on the previous page). Please note the Box Office no longer opens during the day on Saturday.

By telephone — 0845 40 24 001. All major credit cards (except American Express), Maestro and Delta cards are accepted.

Online — book online 24 hours a day at stgeorgesbristol.co.uk.

Credit/debit card transaction fee £1 — charged to all customers per transaction using a credit or debit card online, over the phone or in person.

Administration fee £1 — charged per transaction to all bookers and standardised across all booking methods (online, in person and by telephone).

Postage fee 70p — tickets can be posted if requested at a charge of 70p covering postage and materials.

Further information about booking fees can be found at stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/booking.

Concessions Concession prices are indicated in brackets after the full price. These apply to those in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance or benefits, registered disabled, senior citizens, young people under-18 and full time students. Please note only one type of concession can be claimed per ticket and proof of eligibility must be presented in order to qualify, where appropriate.

Carers Free carer tickets are available for each full paying ticket holder who requires someone to assist them with their visit. See above for concession details.

CAVATINA Free tickets for 8 — 2 5 year olds for certain chamber concerts. Look out for the and be sure to quote CAVATINA when booking tickets. Visit cavatina.net for more details.

Group Offer One ticket free in every group of 10 for all events promoted by St George’s Bristol.

Family ticket One child goes free in a family party of 4 or more.

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

Latecomers and readmission Admission will be offered at the first suitable break but admission and readmission cannot be guaranteed.

The management reserves the right to refuse admission to any person.

Data protection When you book a ticket your details are stored on the St George’s computer database. This information will only be used to send you details of events at St George’s and at other arts venues with your permission — Data Protection Act registration number: PZ5013390

49 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Information

General Information Amplification Due to the nature of our artistic programme, some events are amplified. If this causes any concern, please check with the Box Office when booking.

Facilities for those with additional needs St George’s welcomes concert-goers with additional needs. The venue is fully accessible from Charlotte Street. Please mention your particular needs to the Box Office when you book and all assistance will be given. Limited parking is available for Blue Badge holders, but must be reserved in advance. Toilet facilities are located in the bar and accessible by lift. Essential carers go free.

Sound reinforcement St George’s Bristol is equipped with a T-Loop hearing system.

Guide dogs Guide dogs are admitted to all parts of St George’s Bristol.

Family friendly St George’s welcomes children and we programme a variety of family friendly concerts. Parents are asked to remember that some concerts may not be suitable. Our acoustic is extremely sensitive and sound carries so babes in arms and young children cannot be admitted to the auditorium for ticketed events unless otherwise stated. If you are thinking of coming to a concert with a child and are unsure if it would be appropriate call our Box Office and discuss it with one of our team who will be happy to advise you and arrange appropriate seating. All children must be issued with a ticket.

The information given in this brochure was correct at the time of going to print. Programme subject to change.

Our Supporters

Design Smith & Milton, Bristol

St George’s Bristol would like to thank all of our supporters:

Photography Cover / Charles Emerson / charlesemerson.co.uk P.5 / Martins Kikulis / martinskikulis.com Venue / Philip Vile / philipvile.com Registered Office Great George St, Bristol BS1 5RR Administration 0117 929 4929 Email administration@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Chief Executive: Suzanne Rolt St George’s Bristol No 2053843 Registered Charity No 295178 VAT No 821968115

Arts + Refugees Network

50 Book now 0845 40 24 001

Information

Seating Plan CC

BB AA

AA BB CC

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

D

E

E

F

F

G

G

H

H

I

I

J

J

K

K

L

L

M

M

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

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

Central Gallery Top price Second price

Third price Fourth price

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

SIDE GALLERY RIGHT

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

S TAG E

51 stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Information

A38 AD

A H C EN

LEW

AD

M A RSH ST

College Green

Y RD

ANCHOR

RD

A4

Watershed @ Bristol

Bristol Old Vic

KING S T

Queens Square

P RINCE ST

NER

NA RROW Q U AY

DEA

ST

AU

GU

Brandon Hill

BALDW IN S T

STI

ST

Hippodrome

G

NES

E

PA R

ST

TR

G

RK

EO

ST

PA

TT

G

E

E B4 0

RD

51

ST

Bristol Guild

R

IS M E

1

COL ST ON ST

05 PA R K R O W B 4

O

By bike: Bike racks can be found at the Great George Street entrance, so why not cycle to St George’s!

RD

RL

By taxi: There are numerous taxis in the area with ranks located on Park Street and Queen’s Road (outside Sainsbury’s).

Bristol City Museum NS

A

By bus: Frequent bus services 1 8 9 from Temple Meads railway station (visit firstgroup. com for details of the best bus for your journey).

EE

H

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

U

C

Customers are reminded that on-street parking is strictly controlled with the nearest car park located ten minutes away on Trenchard Street (travelbristol.org/drive).

Q

T

How to find us...

THE G RO VE Arnolfini

Follow us...

Keep up to date by signing up to our e-news bulletins and mailing list at stgeorgesbristol.co.uk St George’s Bristol

@stgeorgesbris

September — December 2015 At a glance SEPTEMBER

N OV E M B E R

Sun 6 ⁄ 2.30pm

MiniBeats goes to the Proms

Sun 6 ⁄ 4.30pm

Last Night of the Proms, Bristol Fashion Angela Hewitt piano

Wed 9 ⁄ 7.30pm

Tue 3 ⁄ 7.30pm

An Evening with Simon & Oscar (Ocean Colour Scene)

Wed 4 ⁄ 8pm

Ralph McTell Aisa Ijiri piano / Lunchtime Concert

Thu 5 ⁄ 1pm

Fri 18 ⁄ 7.30pm

Xuefei Yang & Craig Ogden guitars

Sat 19 ⁄ 7.30pm

Bristol Classical Players Beethoven’s 9 th

Fri 6 ⁄ 7.30pm

James Gilchrist tenor

A Sound Mind

Sat 7 ⁄ 7.30pm

Exultate Singers Seven Angels

Sun 20 ⁄ 6pm

Wed 23 ⁄ 6.30pm The History of Classical Music in 60 Minutes Thu 24 ⁄ 1pm

The Callino Quartet with Mathias Kjøller

Mon 9 ⁄ 7.30pm

OAE The Night Shift

Fri 13 ⁄ 7pm

Natalie Clein cello / Bach Doubles

Fenella Humphreys violin ⁄ Lunchtime Concert

Fri 13 ⁄ 9pm

Thomas Gould violin / Bach Doubles

Wed 23 ⁄ 8.30pm Thu 24 ⁄ 7.30pm

Project Zulu Concert

Fri 25 ⁄ 8pm

Barb Jungr Hard Rain Boyan Ensemble of Kiev

Sun 27 ⁄ 5pm

IMS Prussia Cove Autumn Tour 2015

Mon 28 ⁄ 7.30pm

Sat 14 ⁄ 7.30pm

Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra with Charis & Kirsten Jenson

Sun 15 ⁄ 8pm

Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn

Tue 17 ⁄ 8pm

Ricky Ross

Thu 19 ⁄ 1pm

Richard Jenkinson cello / Lunchtime Concert Lau

Thu 19 ⁄ 8pm

O C TO B E R Thu 1 ⁄ 1pm

Aquinas Piano Trio Lunchtime Concert

Fri 2 ⁄ 7.30pm

The Tallis Scholars

Sat 3 ⁄ 7.30pm

Bristol Brass Consort Pictures at an Exhibition

Thu 8 ⁄ 1pm

Sarah Beth Briggs piano ⁄ Lunchtime Concert Aaron Parks Trio

Sun 11 ⁄ 10am & 11.15am

Wonderful Winds! MiniBeats Salman Rushdie Festival of Ideas Cara Dillon Alison Balsom Trumpet Masterworks

Tue 13 ⁄ 7.30pm The Divine Paradox (of Human Beings in Paradise) Arvo Pärt 80th Birthday Celebration

Thu 15 ⁄ 1pm

Ivan Ilic piano ⁄ Lunchtime Concert

Thu 15 ⁄ 8pm

Matthew Halsall Gondwana Orchestra

Fri 16 ⁄ 7.30pm

James Rhodes piano

Sat 17 ⁄ 7.30pm

Joy Lisney Russian Connections

Sun 18 ⁄ 10am Mon 19 ⁄ 7.30pm Sun 25 ⁄ 4pm

Huun Huur Tu Bristol Grammar School Concert

Wed 25 ⁄ 7.30pm

Joseph Tong piano ⁄ Lunchtime Concert Lynched Brandon Hill Chamber Orchestra

Sat 28 ⁄ 7.45pm Sun 29 ⁄ 4pm

TreeSong Bristol European Green Capital 2015

English National Baroque Ensemble

Sat 10 ⁄ 7.30pm

Wed 14 ⁄ 7.45pm

Wonderland Family Concert

Mon 23 ⁄ 8pm

Thu 26 ⁄ 8pm

Catrin Finch Tides

Mon 12 ⁄ 7.30pm

Rachmaninov Vespers (All-Night-Vigil)

Sun 22 ⁄ 6pm

Thu 26 ⁄ 1pm

Fri 9 ⁄ 8pm

Sun 11 ⁄ 8pm

Sat 21 ⁄ 7.30pm

Juan Martin La Guitarra — Mi Vida

Thu 8 ⁄ 8pm

Sun 11 ⁄ 2pm

La Serenissima

Oxford Philomusica & Michael Barenboim

Sun 4 ⁄ 7.30pm Wed 7 ⁄ 7.30pm

Fri 20 ⁄ 7.30pm

Bristol Festival of Song 2015 David Starkey Magna Carta Music & Words from Wolf Hall

D ECE M B E R Tue 1 ⁄ 1.30pm & 7.30pm Bristol Sings Music Christmas Concert Brodsky Quartet with Sir Willard White

Wed 2 ⁄ 7.30pm Thu 3 ⁄ 1pm

Cosmos & Friends Lunchtime Concert

Thu 3 ⁄ 8pm

Eliza Carthy, Jackie Oates, Lucy Farrell & Kate Young Bristol Concert Orchestra ⁄ Eloisa-Fleur Thom violin

Sat 5 ⁄ 7.30pm

Sun 6 ⁄ 7.30pm Vocal Works Gospel Choir Handel’s Soulful Messiah Tue 8 ⁄ 7pm

Bristol Youth Choirs Christmas Celebration

Thu 10 ⁄ 7pm Fri 11 ⁄ 7.30pm Sat 12 ⁄ 7pm

Mon 26 ⁄ 10 & 11.15am The Wild (Golden) Goose Chase Wild Words

Sun 13 ⁄ 2.30pm & 8pm

Thu 29 ⁄ 1pm

Mon 14 ⁄ 7.30pm

Peter Cigleris clarinet ⁄ Lunchtime Concert

Fri 30 ⁄ 7pm

Natalie Clein Bach Doubles

Fri 30 ⁄ 9pm

Mahan Esfahani harpsichord ⁄ Bach Doubles

Sat 31 ⁄ 7pm

Theaster Gates

Tue 15 ⁄ 8pm Wed 16 ⁄ 7.45pm Thu 17 ⁄ 8pm Fri 18 ⁄ Sat 19 ⁄ 7.30pm Sun 20 ⁄ 2pm & 4.30pm

Aurora Orchestra Winterreise Only Men Aloud Christmas Tour City Voices Bristol It’s Christmas!

Gasworks Choir Jordi Savall & Hespèrion XXI Steeleye Span Handel’s Messiah Alan Barnes A Jazz Christmas Carol Bristol Bach Choir Spirit of Christmas Children’s Christmas Carnival

Book now 0845 40 24 001 Visit us stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Mon 21 ⁄ 7.45pm

Christmas Spectacular Bristol Ensemble & City of Bristol Choir

Great George Street (off Park Street) Bristol BS1 5RR St George’s Bristol @stgeorgesbris

Tue 22 ⁄ 7.45pm

Christmas Spectacular Bristol Ensemble & Exultate Singers

Wed 23 ⁄ 7.45pm

Festive Fiesta Bristol Ensemble & City of Bristol Choir