St George's Bristol Brochure (Sept-Dec 2017)

Season Programme | Sept — Dec 2017

WORLD

CLASS

MUSIC

just off Park Street

Welcome to St George’s

W

elcome to a season of endings and new beginnings, of nods to the past and a strong pull towards the future.

Outside, our new extension is reaching skywards, preparing to take its place in this remarkable musical landscape while inside, our crypt area is being reshaped and updated, with doorways quite literally opening up between the two. So expect to see quite a few changes in September — but be patient for a few months more until the grand reveal in February 2018. We promise it will be worth the wait!

In the meantime, we have a remarkable programme planned for this autumn as we turn our gaze to some of the world’s leading cities of music, crucibles of creativity.

Evoking an epic cultural exchange, Aurora Orchestra visits Vienna, City of Dreams and La Serenissima Baroque Venice, while the

historic voices of Istanbul arrive in Bristol courtesy of Jordi Savall and a special ensemble of Turkish musicians. Worldrenowned chanteuse Ute Lemper walks the musical backstreets of Berlin, Paris, New York and Buenos Aires as part of her celebrated show ‘Last Tango in Berlin’.

Cities morph into countries as a major celebration of Ella Fitzgerald sees Claire Martin and the BBC Big Band meandering through the great American Songbook and Malkit Singh through the Bhangra heartlands of the Punjab. The echoes of folk both traditional and experimental resound through English and Scottish landscapes courtesy of Lau and Leveret, while Molsky’s Mountain Drifters channel American bluegrass with fiddles, guitars and clawhammer banjos. Geographical borders dissolve completely with a special Planet Earth II evening in aid of our Building a Sound Future Appeal.

To finish, international pianist Paul Lewis will launch a new ‘not-to-be-missed’ series of Haydn, Beethoven and Brahms to lead us from one season into the next, reinforcing our commitment to musical excellence and providing a glimpse of the riches to come in our 2018 season. As you’ll read opposite, we’ve almost realised our fundraising Appeal but need your help with the final push, to ensure we can celebrate our relaunch with a musical fanfare carrying right across Bristol!

Suzanne Rolt CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Contents p.4 p.16 CLASSICAL

p.35 p.39 VENUE INFORMATION

p.17 p.30 CONTEMPORARY

p.40 CALENDAR

p.31 p.34 FAMILY EVENTS

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e would like to thank everyone who has so generously supported the St George's Capital Appeal — construction is well under way and we simply couldn't have reached this stage without you.

Over £6 million has been raised and there is now only £120,000 needed to realise this transformative project.

We hope you or your loved ones might be able help us with the final push! There are several ways to offer your support — as ever, please be in touch if you'd like to discuss assisting us in any other way: Sign up for the Apollo Club — with only 10 roundels remaining, this is the final chance to be a named part of our stunning Luke Jerram sculpture, christening the new St George's facilities.

Make a donation via our crowdfund campaign — with matched funding in place, every donation you give will be doubled to bring us to our goal.

Speak to us about making a personal gift — from naming a chair or gallery bench in our celebrated hall to supporting a feature in the new landscaped garden, perhaps in memory of a loved one.

For further information please follow the links on our website, or contact the development team on 0117 929 4929 x205.

We invite all of you to join us as we Build a Sound Future for St George’s and its audiences.

CROWDFUND

CLASSICAL

BRODSKY QUARTET Shostakovich String Quartet No 7 Beethoven String Quartet No 16 in F Op 135 Borodin String Quartet No 2 The Brodskys are no strangers to powerful, dramatic programmes, as witnessed by this season’s curtain opener. Two highly personal quartets bookend the concert, each one dedicated to the wife of the composer. Shostakovich’s is a tortured affair that captures with near unbearable intensity the loss of his first wife. It yields to an altogether sunnier quartet by Borodin that envelops an utterly ravishing Nocturne. Between them sits Beethoven’s last complete piece of music, written just months before his death. It is the final work in the greatest cycle of string quartets in history and the tension is palpable as its enigmatic theme ‘Must it be? It must be!’ resounds across the hall.

JAMES RHODES PIANO Programme to include: Bach Partita No 1 Chopin Ballade No 4 in F minor Bach-Busoni Chaconne This captivating pianist returns following a series of sell-out appearances at St George’s over the past three years.

James’ infectious passion for music, intense performances and incredibly personal insights into mental health have won him legions of fans in the UK and Europe. An audience with James Rhodes is at once entertaining and more than a little bit life-affirming. jamesrhodes.tv @JRhodesPianist

brodskyquartet.co.uk

Friday 29 September 7.30pm Tickets £25, £20, £15 (plus fees) Free 8 — 25s (Cavatina)

Wednesday 4 October 7.30pm Tickets £25 Front Stalls, £20, £15, £5 Students/U18s (limited availability) (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 credit or £1 debit card transaction fee where applicable

AURORA ORCHESTRA VIENNA, CITY OF DREAMS Sarah Connolly mezzo-soprano Andrew Staples tenor John Reid piano Nicholas Collon conductor Mozart Piano Concerto No 11 in F K413 (version for piano and string quartet) Mahler Piano Quartet in A minor Mahler (arr. Farrington) Das Lied von der Erde

October Aurora fits St George’s like a glove: a young, dynamic orchestra that plays with spirit and passion, delivering thrilling and imaginative programmes. For this concert Aurora turns its gaze to Vienna, the creative capital that was home to the greatest classical composers of all time. The players trace a path from one of Mozart’s earliest piano concertos, bright and virtuosic, to a late masterpiece by Mahler, Das Lied von der Erde. This epic song cycle is performed with two world-class soloists in an exquisite arrangement that distils the symphonic scoring to an intimate 16-player version.

The result is a jewel-like reduction in which the individual instrumental and vocal lines sing out with radiance and utter clarity. auroraorchestra.com / @auroraorchestra

'Fiery music-making... full of zest and joy' THE OBSERVER

Orchestral Stars Wednesday 11 October 7pm Tickets £28, £20, £15, £5 Students/U18s (limited availability) (plus fees)

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October

MARK PADMORE TENOR & MORGAN SZYMANSKI GUITAR Dowland Come Again, Sweet Love Stephen McNeff Eden Rock Schubert Des Fischersliebesglück; Heidenröslein; Der Jüngling an der Quelle Dowland Now, O Now, I Needs Must Part Schubert Nachtstücke Alec Roth New Work Dowland In Darkness Let Me Dwell Richard Barnard Ghost Songs Schubert Nacht und Träume Journey into the night, as we share ghost stories and songs of love, loss and dark terrors. Mark Padmore and Morgan Szymanski unite to perform a spine-tingling selection of songs

by Schubert and John Dowland, alongside new settings of poems by Charles Causley and Edward Thomas.

Composer Richard Barnard has created the new works in honour of the poets’ centenaries; those of Causley’s birth, and Thomas’ death. markpadmore.com morganszymanski.co.uk @MorganGuitarra

'It's hard to think of a singer more seriously dedicated to his art...'

THE TELEGRAPH

Pre-concert talk, 6.15pm Join composer Richard Barnard for insights into the themes of tonight’s concert. Free to ticket holders, advance booking required

Friday 20 October 7.30pm Tickets £28, £20, £15, £5 Students/U18s (limited availability) (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 credit or £1 debit card transaction fee where applicable

JORDI SAVALL & HESPÈRION XXI THE VOICE OF ISTANBUL Hakan Güngör kanun Yurdal Tokcan oud Haïg Sarikouyoumdjian ney & duduk Dimitri Psonis santur Driss El Maloumi oud Pedro Estevan percussions Jordi Savall vielle, lyra & direction The sounds of historic Istanbul echo down the centuries as legendary early music virtuoso Jordi Savall recreates the musical worlds of this intoxicating city. In the company of his ensemble Hesperion XXI, which includes several Turkish musicians who have travelled to be here for this concert, he explores the intermingling cultural influences at play in 17th century Istanbul. The ‘cultivated’ instrumental music of the Ottoman court alternates with ‘traditional’ popular music, represented by the oral traditions of Armenian musicians and the music of the Sephardic communities who settled across Turkey after their expulsion from Spain.

Allow yourself to be entranced and transported to faraway worlds by way of exhilarating dance rhythms and haunting, whispered melodies.

Saturday 28 October 7.30pm Tickets £35, £30, £25, £15 (plus fees) Free 8 — 25s (Cavatina)

October

'Savall's almost whispered tone created an intimacy quite unlike that of anyone else's' THE GUARDIAN

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TRIO PALLADIO Eva Bindere violin Kristine Blaumane cello Reinis Zarins piano Beethoven Piano Trio Op 70 No 1 ‘Ghost’ Peteris Vasks Plainscapes Toru Takemitsu Between Tides Mendelssohn Piano Trio No 1 in D minor A programme too beautiful to miss. Lean in for an evening of intimate and expressive music making as melodies whisper above ghostly, mysterious landscapes and flow across a sea of rippling sounds. There are the eerie tremolos of Beethoven’s haunting ‘Ghost’ Trio and the extended meditation by Latvian composer Peteris Vasks that climaxes in an ecstatic vision of dawn breaking. The concert ends with Mendelssohn’s impassioned Piano Trio.

The thrilling Latvian Trio Palladio features Grammy-winning violinist (and exconcertmaster of Kremerata Baltica) Eva Bindere, principal cellist of the London Philharmonic Orchestra Kristine Blaumane and the acclaimed pianist Reinis Zarins.

November

BRISTOL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ROMANTIC MASTERWORKS William Goodchild conductor Nicola Meecham piano Lauren Bose guest leader Delius Walk to the Paradise Garden Schumann Piano Concerto in A minor Op 54 Mahler Adagietto from Symphony No 5 Brahms Symphony No 4 in E minor This concert features romantic masterworks from four of the most influential composers of the 19th and early 20th centuries. At the heart of the concert is Schumann’s glorious Piano Concerto in A minor, performed by internationally acclaimed pianist Nicola Meecham. Also on the programme is Walk to the Paradise Garden by Frederick Delius, a masterpiece in orchestration, with its intense outpouring of emotion, and Mahler's Adagietto from his Symphony No 5. The concert concludes with the intensely passionate and at times darkly dramatic Symphony No 4 by Brahms. bristolsymphonyorchestra.com @BristolSymphony

Friday 3 November 7.30pm

Saturday 4 November 7.30pm

Tickets £20, £15, £10 (plus fees) Free 8 — 25s (Cavatina)

Tickets £17 (£15), £14 (£12), £12 (£10), £10 (£8), £5 U18s (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 credit or £1 debit card transaction fee where applicable

BRISTOL CLASSICAL PLAYERS JOKER, GENIUS, REBEL Tom Gauterin conductor Nicholas Shipman clarinet Haydn Symphony No 88 in G Mozart Clarinet Concerto in A Beethoven Symphony No 3 in E flat ‘Eroica’ Recently voted the greatest symphony ever written by conductors polled for BBC Music Magazine, Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony is that rarest of masterpieces: one that summed up everything that had gone before, and opened new doors to the future. This amazing work shares a programme with ‘Papa’ Haydn’s witty 88th Symphony (party like it’s 1790!) and Mozart’s sublime Clarinet Concerto — a flawless, serene composition by the most gifted and troubled composer of all.

‘This is an orchestra that loves to express itself’ BRISTOL 24/7

bristolclassicalplayers.co.uk @bristolclass

November

BRANDON HILL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA REMEMBRANCE DAY CONCERT Michael Seal conductor Guy Johnston cello George Butterworth A Shropshire Lad Elgar Cello Concerto Vaughan Williams Symphony No 2 — 'A London Symphony' Michael Seal makes his St George’s debut with a Remembrance Day programme of English masterworks. The ravishing, lyrical romanticism of George Butterworth’s 1913 Rhapsody, A Shropshire Lad, leaves us wondering what might have been, but for the sniper’s bullet that claimed his life in the Battle of the Somme in 1916.

Vaughan Williams dedicated his 'London Symphony' to Butterworth who was a close friend, while Elgar’s elegiac Cello Concerto — written in the aftermath of the Great War — provides moments both of meditation and grandeur.

‘An impeccable soloist…’

GRAMOPHONE (ON GUY JOHNSTON)

bhco.co.uk / @BHCOrchestra Sunday 5 November 7.30pm

Saturday 11 November 7.45pm

Tickets £18 (£15), £12 (£10), £5 Students, £1 U18s (plus fees)

Tickets £18, £15, £5 Students (plus fees), Free U18s

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November

EXULTATE SINGERS INTO THE WORLD OF LIGHT Exultate Singers The Lochrian Ensemble David Ogden conductor James MacMillan Sicut Cervus (world premiere) Toby Young Wanderlust (world premiere) Herbert Howells Take him, earth, for cherishing John Tavener Song for Athene; They are all gone into the world of light William Harris Bring us, O Lord God Hubert Parry My soul there is a country Edward Elgar Lux aeterna A concert of ethereal and powerful music featuring two world premieres by leading British composers.

Bristol’s accomplished chamber choir performs Sicut Cervus, a brand new anthem written for them by the celebrated composer Sir James MacMillan, and Wanderlust, a work commissioned from Toby Young which explores feelings of loss and homelessness across different cultures. Through first-hand stories, original poetry, and haunting music the work explores the pain of those away from home, whether fighting on the front line or seeking refuge, as well as the strength and resilience shown by humanity all over the world.

British choral gems complete the programme. exultatesingers.org @ExultateSingers lochrianensemble.co.uk @lochrian

BRISTOL GRAMMAR SCHOOL AUTUMN CONCERT Dominic Franks director of music Aimee Bassett, Elizabeth Rees, Charlie Morris orchestral/choral co-directors Ciara Whitehead junior choir director Bristol Grammar School presents an Autumn Choral and Instrumental Celebration, featuring the pick of BGS’s musical ensembles: BGS Orchestra, BGS Big Band, ‘Cantata’ and ‘Mantata’, the school’s popular a cappella ensembles, chamber groups, soloists and more.

This year the concert focuses on music of war, peace and reconciliation drawn from across the past three centuries. bristolgrammarschool.co.uk @BGSBristol

Special Offer All tickets half price for Students/U18s Sunday 12 November 7.30pm

Tuesday 14 November 7pm

Tickets £22, £18, £15, £12 (plus fees)

Tickets £6 (£4) (plus fees)

LA SERENISSIMA Adrian Chandler violin/director A selection of double concerti by Vivaldi This glittering ensemble is a firm favourite at St George’s and creates Baroque magic whenever it performs here. Expect a lavish evening of music-making that ranges from the beautiful to the jubilant by way of concertos for violin, cello, oboes and the flamboyant, virtuosic Baroque horn. Presented from the stage by its charismatic violinist leader Adrian Chandler, and ending with a festive concerto featuring all the players, the style, gusto and sheer joy of this Baroque performance is best summed up in one word: Bellissimo! laserenissima.co.uk @LaSerenissimaUK

Pre-concert talk, 6.15pm

November

BRISTOL METROPOLITAN ORCHESTRA Robert Weaver conductor Emmanuel Bach violin Tchaikovsky Polonaise from Act III of Eugene Onegin Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D Rachmaninov Symphony No 2 in E minor Robert Weaver returns as guest conductor of the Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra in a thrilling all-Russian programme of late Romantic masterpieces. After a grand opening with Tchaikovsky’s Polonaise from Act III of his opera Eugene Onegin, Emmanuel Bach, prize-winning postgraduate scholar at London’s Royal College of Music, scales the heights of Tchaikovsky’s dazzling, virtuosic feat of a concerto. The programme ends in Rachmaninov’s emotionally and musically expansive Second Symphony, one of the composer’s finest achievements. bristolmetropolitanorchestra.com @BMetOrchestra

With Adrian Chandler.

Free to ticket holders, advance booking required Friday 17 November 7.30pm

Saturday 18 November 7.30pm

Tickets £27, £20, £15, £5 Students/U18s (limited availability) (plus fees)

Tickets £15 (£14), £12 (£11), £8 (£6), £5 U16s (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 credit or £1 debit card transaction fee where applicable

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November

CHINEKE! ORCHESTRA Mozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik Joseph Boulogne Violin Concerto in G Op 8 No 9 Errollyn Wallen Concerto Grosso Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings Op 46 Chineke! Orchestra made its debut St George’s appearance in April to a sell-out audience, and it was one of the highlights of the year so far. Can it be topped by this next visit? This thrilling new residency continues with two classics for string orchestra, an exuberant Violin Concerto

by Joseph Boulogne (aka Chevalier de Saint-Georges) and Errollyn Wallen’s sparkling Concerto Grosso. Be sure to claim your seats early! chineke.org @Chineke4Change Supported by

Sunday 26 November 7pm Tickets £28, £20, £15, £5 Students/U18s (limited availability) (plus fees)

Orchestral Stars

December

BRISTOL CONCERT ORCHESTRA / ELOISA-FLEUR THOM

ORCHESTRA OF THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT

Stefan Hofkes conductor Eloisa-Fleur Thom violin

Haydn Sinfonia No 26 in D minor ‘Lamentatione’ Mozart Violin Concerto No 1 in B flat J C Bach Symphony in G minor Op 6 No 6 Mozart Violin Concerto No 5 in A

Wagner Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg ‘Overture’ Beethoven Violin Concerto in D Sibelius Symphony No 1 in E minor As concert-openers go, they don’t come much more rousing than the overture to Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (Wagner’s only comic opera). To follow, Beethoven’s transformative Violin Concerto, sometimes referred to as the ‘Mount Everest’ of Violin Concertos — and to scale the heights of this towering masterpiece, exceptional soloist EloisaFleur Thom makes a welcome return.

To conclude, the first of Sibelius’ symphonic canon — a gripping, haunting and heartwarming glimpse into the soundworld of one of the great symphonists of the twentieth century. bristolconcertorchestra.org.uk @bris_conc_orch

Rachel Podger violin

The OAE and Rachel Podger show how Mozart was the ultimate musical genius — and the ultimate game player.

There is so much more to Mozart than meets the eye. His repertoire is full of surprises and deceptions. He tore up the rulebook, and if you hear his music twice, you never have quite the same experience.

Rachel Podger is the soloist for two of Mozart’s great violin concertos, each one unique in its own way. Also, enjoy an exhilarating but rarely performed symphony by Johann Christian Bach: a dramatic, stand out work, full of twists and turns and dark passions. oae.co.uk / @theoae rachelpodger.com / @RachPodger

Orchestral Stars Saturday 2 December 7.30pm

Tuesday 5 December 7pm

Tickets £15 (£13), £12 (£10), £8 (£6) £1 U18s (plus fees)

Tickets £35, £30, £25, £15, £5 Students/U18s (limited availability) (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 credit or £1 debit card transaction fee where applicable

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December

PAUL LEWIS PIANO HAYDN, BEETHOVEN & BRAHMS I HANDEL’S MESSIAH Bristol Ensemble Choir of Royal Holloway Rupert Gough conductor Roger Huckle director Bristol Ensemble and the Choir of Royal Holloway return to St George’s in another collaboration as they bring to life Handel’s masterpiece, Messiah, in a semi-staged performance. Talented young soloists drawn from the choir perform the work’s arias from positions around the hall, bringing a freshness and vitality to this astonishing and compelling work. ‘…a phenomenal, euphoric early-opened Xmas present’ 365BRISTOL

bristolensemble.com / @BristolEnsemble chapelchoir.co.uk / @RHULChapelChoir

Haydn Sonata in C, Hob XVI: 50 Beethoven 6 Bagatelles Op 126 Brahms 6 pieces Op 118 Haydn Sonata in G, Hob XVI: 40 In the first of a new four-part series, Paul Lewis, one of the leading musicians of his generation, journeys through the piano music of Haydn, Brahms and Beethoven.

Expect moments of startling originality, wild passion and raw emotion — balanced by a generous dose of quirkish humour as Haydn surprises, shocks and pokes fun at the listener!

'Faced with such excellence, a mere critic can only abandon paper and pencil and listen to this heroic but deeply moving artist with awe and amazement' GRAMOPHONE

Pre-concert Talk, 6.15pm with Jonathan James. Free to ticket holders, advance booking required paullewispiano.co.uk @paullewispiano

Wednesday 13 December 7.30pm

Friday 15 December 7.30pm

Tickets £25 (£23), £19 (£17), £14 (£12), £5 U18s (plus fees)

Tickets £32, £26, £20, £15, £5 Students/U18s (limited availability) (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 credit or £1 debit card transaction fee where applicable

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Bristol Ensemble City of Bristol Choir (Wed 20) Exultate Singers (Thu 21) David Ogden conductor Roger Huckle director

BRISTOL BACH CHOIR SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS Nigel Nash piano Christopher Finch conductor St George’s overflows with the Spirit of Christmas in this heartwarming and enthralling concert: a joyous celebration of Christmas through gloriously uplifting music and humorous and profound readings. A blend of the traditional and contemporary, guaranteed to fill you with festive fervour. So join us on this fantastic evening and be inspired by the charm and wonder of Christmas.

A Christmas extravaganza performed by professional orchestra the Bristol Ensemble, with the 100-strong voices of City of Bristol Choir (Weds 20) and the ever popular chamber choir Exultate Singers (Thurs 21). Brilliantly entertaining evenings 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. bristolensemble.com / @BristolEnsemble cityofbristolchoir.org.uk / @bristolchoir exultatesingers.org / @exultatesingers

bristolbach.org.uk @BristolBach

All tickets half price for Students/U18s Saturday 16 December 7.30pm

Wednesday 20 & Thursday 21 December 7.30pm

Tickets £20, £15, £9, £5 U25s (plus fees)

Tickets £28, £25, £18, £14 (plus fees)

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December

A BAROQUE CHRISTMAS FESTIVE FIESTA Bristol Ensemble City of Bristol Choir David Ogden conductor Roger Huckle director 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 Bristol Ensemble and led in entertaining style

by David Ogden. Bring the family for a wonderful evening of singing. bristolensemble.com / @BristolEnsemble cityofbristolchoir.org.uk / @bristolchoir

All tickets half price for Students/U18s Friday 22 December 7.30pm Tickets £25, £21, £18, £14 (plus fees)

Bristol Ensemble Fflur Wyn soprano Roger Huckle violin Rachel Gough violin Roger Armstrong flute Imogen Triner oboe & recorder John Telfer reader Programme includes works by Vivaldi, Handel, J S Bach and Telemann An exquisite evening of Christmas music from the golden era of the Baroque including festive music for solo soprano sung by Fflur Wyn. Her crystal clear tone and flawless technique is perfectly suited to Vivaldi’s exquisite Nulla in mundo pax sincera and Handel’s Gloria, a work full of expressive, intricate and flamboyant vocal writing.

Virtuosic performers from the Bristol Ensemble take centre stage in instrumental concertos by Vivaldi and Telemann, as well as in Bach’s breathtakingly beautiful Concerto for Two Violins. bristolensemble.com / @BristolEnsemble fflurwyn.com / @fflurwyn Saturday 23 December 7.45pm Tickets £25 (£23), £19 (£17), £14 (£12), £5 U18s (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 credit or £1 debit card transaction fee where applicable

CONTEMPORARY

CHRIS WOOD The most trenchant singer-songwriter we have, whose lyrics of love and protest speak to both the heart and the nation. In a rave review of his latest album, So Much to Defend, The Guardian’s Robin Denselow said: ‘Chris Wood is unique for the way he matches detailed stories of everyday life with reflection on politics, society and history’. Whether singing of the shocking shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes, or the pleasures of leisure, you know Wood means every word. This will be his solo debut at St George’s, so the full effect comes undiluted.

ChrisWoodMusic.co.uk @ChrisWood_Music

Thursday 5 October 8pm Tickets £18 Front Stalls, £16, £5 Students/U18s (limited availability) (plus fees)

CONTEMPORARY

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SISTERS WITH VOICES II

LEVERET

Following the success of last year’s moving performances, Sisters With Voices returns by popular demand for Black History Month. Once again an all-female line up of singers, DJs, spoken word artists and local activists take to the stage in honour of sisterhood, with an event presented by the award-winning Ujima Radio and funded by Arts Council England. It celebrates women today, and is inspired by Bristol’s legendary community activists from the past including Princess Campbell, Leotta Goodridge and Carmen Beckford, who fought tirelessly for racial equality. They have inspired generations of community activists who continue to celebrate and promote female equality and empowerment.

Multi-award winning folk trio Leveret comprises Sam Sweeney on fiddle, Andy Cutting on melodeon and Rob Harbron, concertina. Separately, they play with the best and biggest folk bands going, from Bellowhead to The Full English. Together, they form a formidable yet modest supergroup whose rediscoveries and reinventions of instrumental tunes from deep in the archives make the past come alive in a thrillingly contemporary way.

‘You won’t find English folk music played better than this’ BBC RADIO 2

leveretband.com / @LeveretBand

Presented in association with Ujima Radio ujimaradio.com / @Ujimaradio

Tuesday 10 October 7.30pm Tickets £9 (£6) (plus fees)

Thursday 12 October 8pm Tickets £18, £5 Students/U18s (limited availability) (plus fees)

October

LANTERNS ON THE LAKE AND HOLLY MACVE For one night only a rare performance

by Lanterns On The Lake with chamber ensemble and breakthrough artist, Holly Macve. With record label Bella Union since their inception, Lanterns On The Lake have released three superb albums and countless EPs. Their recent concerts with the Royal Northern Sinfonia get a much-anticipated full vinyl release, to coincide with this show. Holly Macve opens this label’s 20th anniversary set. Her debut album Golden Eagle has received top reviews throughout 2017, the accolades pointing to the 21-year old’s incredible voice and beyond-heryears writing skills. Label boss, Simon Raymonde (Cocteau Twins), hosts an intimate Q&A before the music begins, and ends the evening with a DJ set.

The event also features an exhibition of Bella Union artwork, plus extended merchandise and record sale. bellaunion.com / @bellaunion

Earlybird Offer Save £2 when booking by 30 June

Unmissable!

Pre concert talk/Q&A, 6pm

Saturday 14 October 7.30pm

With Simon Raymonde.

Free to ticket holders, advance booking required

Tickets £16, £5 Students/U18s (limited availability) (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 credit or £1 debit card transaction fee where applicable

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10CC’S GRAHAM GOULDMAN & HEART FULL OF SONGS From his teenage years in Manchester writing hits for The Yardbirds (‘For Your Love’), The Hollies ('Bus Stop’; ‘Look Through Any Window’) and Herman’s Hermits (‘No Milk Today’) to becoming a founder-member of 10cc and coauthoring such timeless classic pop songs as ‘I’m Not in Love’, ‘Dreadlock Holiday’ and ‘Things We Do For Love’, Graham Gouldman is one of the world’s leading songwriters and an honoured member of the American National Academy of Music’s Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. He also produced The Ramones, composed for film and recorded solo and with the cult band Wax, alongside Andrew Gold.

But while Graham still performs around the globe as part of 10cc, he also has a little side-project of his own: Heart Full of Songs, telling the story of his amazing career through acoustic versions of his greatest songs, leading his own handpicked trio and providing an unmissable insight to the songwriter’s craft.

October

UTE LEMPER World-renowned chanteuse Ute Lemper makes a welcome return to the UK stage performing her celebrated show ‘Last Tango in Berlin — The Best of Ute’.

The journey starts in Berlin with Ute’s root repertoire of Brecht and Weill and the Berlin Cabaret songs. It continues into the poetic universe of the French chansons by Brel, Piaf, Ferre and further to the Argentinian world of Tango by Astor Piazzolla. Ute walks through the backstreets of Paris, Berlin, New York and Buenos Aires and lets ancient ghosts with new faces tell the stories of the lost, of love, survival, passion, dreams, societies, the past and the future. Ute also performs her own songs to connect the yesterday with the today through her own stories about these places and about life.

‘She takes her place centre stage, and owns it’ THE GUARDIAN utelemper.com @UteLempersMusic

Unmissable!

grahamgouldman.info @GrahamGouldman Wednesday 18 October 8pm Tickets £25, £20, £15, £5 Students/U18s (limited availability) (plus fees)

Thursday 19 October 8pm Tickets £30 Front Stalls, £28.50, £25, £5 Students/U18s (limited availability) (plus fees)

October

BRANDY CLARK Along with Sturgill Simpson, Ashley Monroe, Chris Stapleton, and Kacey Musgraves (who provides guest vocals on ‘Daughter’), Clark is part of a new vanguard in country music — one that tips a hat to tradition, while not eschewing its evolution. ‘I see what’s happening right now and I feel this groundswell of people who love... I would say ‘country’ music, but I’ll take it a step further and say ‘real’ music. I feel like there are people who are starved for that,’ she says. ‘The only music I’ve ever made is country music. The only music I’ve ever really listened to consistently is country music.

And I want to keep that alive, so there’s a responsibility in that, for me.’ But, for Brandy Clark, that responsibility is a dream come true. brandyclarkmusic.com @TheBrandyClark

Saturday 21 October 7pm (Doors) Tickets £22.50 (plus fees)

HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN A special 20th anniversary tour date by one of St George’s favourite bands. Jools Holland and Glastonbury regulars Hot Club of Cowtown (from Texas via NYC) are the sassiest string band known to man or beast, matching Western Swing to Django-jazz and crying-in-your-beer cowboy laments to American Songbook show-toons. Elana James plays fiddle and sings lead vocal; Whit Smith plays classic Gibson guitar, and Jake Erwin, double bass. Yee-haw!

‘Where country meets jazz and chases the blues away’ THE INDEPENDENT

hotclubofcowtown.com @hotclubcowtown

Wednesday 25 October 8pm Tickets £20 Front Stalls, £18, £5 Students/U18s (limited availability) (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 credit or £1 debit card transaction fee where applicable

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PLANET EARTH II THE MAKING OF A NATURAL HISTORY ‘BLOCKBUSTER’ with Mike Gunton executive producer Mike Gunton is the Creative Director of the BBC’s Natural History Unit and has been making wildlife films for nearly 30 years. Mike is also the executive producer of the Natural History Unit’s most recent success; Planet Earth II. In this illustrated lecture he reveals the trials, the tribulations and the innovative approach involved in the creation of a landmark series of this scale and impact.

November

ANDY SHEPPARD Tonight’s concert launches the release of ‘Beyond the Dancing Sun’, Andy’s fourth album as a leader for ECM Records.

Following its highly acclaimed predecessor ‘Surrounded By Sea’, which led to a ‘European Jazz Musician of the Year’ award, and featuring the same personnel, the new album sees the quartet exploring new directions at the forefront of melodic contemporary jazz. Andy Sheppard plays saxophones; Eivind Aarset, guitar and electronics; Michel Benita, double bass; Sebastian Rockford, drums. andysheppard.co.uk @AndySheppardSax

Proceeds from this event go to our Building a Sound Future appeal. buildingasoundfuture.co.uk

Monday 6 November 8pm

Thursday 9 November 8pm

Tickets £15, £5 Students/U18s (plus fees) (plus fees)

Tickets £22 Front Stalls, £20, £5 Students/U18s (limited availability) (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 credit or £1 debit card transaction fee where applicable

November

CARDBOARD FOX PLUS THE CARRIVICK SISTERS

TOMMY SMITH & BRIAN KELLOCK

Bluegrass special! The west's best bluegrass band, Cardboard Fox, features well-known sibling stars Charlotte (guitar/vocals) and Laura (fiddle/ vocals) Carrivick together with Joe Tozer on mandolin and double bassist John Breese on a repertoire of perfectly played, sharp and witty originals plus a couple of judicious cover versions. The show is opened by the bare-bones duo of Charlotte and Laura, whose gorgeous sister-harmonies and flat-out fabulous pickin’ and fiddlin’ are a true delight.

With no wires and no fuss, this all-acoustic duo of perhaps the most accomplished sax and piano pairing in the world is a mustsee date for jazz fans of any vintage or stripe. On tenor saxophone Tommy Smith is a true master, able to exploit the musical and emotional range of his instrument to the max, while pianist Brian Kellock has a reputation as the most versatile of accompanists, whose own solos move with ease from classic stride to modernism and beyond. The last time we had them here a whole century’s worth of jazz seemed to fly by in one glorious flash of inspiration.

‘Ace!’ MARK KERMODE

tommy-smith.co.uk

thecarrivicksisters.co.uk / @Carrivicks cardboardfox.co.uk / @cardfoxmusic

Wednesday 15 November 8pm

Thursday 16 November 8pm

Tickets £17 Front Stalls, £15, £5 Students/U18s (limited availability) (plus fees)

Tickets £20 Front Stalls, £18, £5 Students/U18s (limited availability) (plus fees)

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November

OYSTERBAND 40 TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

STEELEYE SPAN IN CONCERT

Oysterband, the multi award-winning outfit that brought passion, power and not a little poetry to folk and roots music, enter their 40th year as vital and creative as ever, with some of the finest songs in the modern folk canon to their name: 'Put Out The Lights'; 'When I’m Up (I Can’t Get Down)'; 'Blood Wedding'; 'Everywhere I Go'; 'The Oxford Girl'; 'Granite Years'; 'Native Son'... these and many others from their vast back catalogue will be featured as they undertake a year of touring and festivals from summer 2017 into 2018 to celebrate four decades of a unique and fiercely independent career.

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 just released the album Dodgy Bastards to great critical acclaim, their 2017 performances see them perform new gems alongside classics that have made them one of the most successful British folk rock bands ever.

‘Don’t miss them’ THE INDEPENDENT

steeleyespan.org.uk @steeleye_span

oysterband.co.uk @oysterband1

Wednesday 22 November 7.30pm Tickets £20 (plus fees)

Thursday 23 November 7.30pm Tickets £22.50, £19.50 Advance, £24.50 Door (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 credit or £1 debit card transaction fee where applicable

November

LAU

MOLSKY’S MOUNTAIN DRIFTERS As seen on BBC TV’s Transatlantic Sessions singing and fiddling with Aly Bain and Jerry Douglas, multi-instrumentalist (he covers banjo and guitar as well as fiddle and vocals) Bruce Molsky is one of the major figures in American bluegrass and oldtime music, and a Visiting Scholar in Berklee College’s American Roots Program.

He’s collaborated with Mark Knopfler (as a special guest on the Tracker album), Andy Irvine and Donal Lunny, and topped the Billboard charts with 1865 — Songs of Hope and Home from the American Civil War by Anonymous 4. His brand new Mountain Drfters band is a hot string trio with Allison de Groot on clawhammer banjo and Stash Wyslouch on guitar.

‘Bruce Molsky is one of those great players who ‘gets’ it’

Named after the Orcadian word for natural light, Lau — Kris Drever, guitar/ vocal; Martin Green, accordion/piano/ electronics; Aidan O’Rourke, fiddle — are the bravest and most experimental act in folk. They are a trio of virtuosos who blend traditional instruments with very contemporary interests, as heard on the David Lynchian soundscapes of their rapturously received last album, The Bell That Never Rang. 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. Previous performances at St George’s have been among our most celebrated shows, as the band fit the venue like a glove.

‘Lau are a remarkable band — t he most musically adventurous trio in British folk exquisite and hypnotic, musicianship at its best’ THE GUARDIAN

Lau-music.co.uk / @LAUmusic

MARK KNOPFLER

Unmissable!

mountaindrifters.com @brucemolsky Friday 24 November 8pm

Thursday 30 November 8pm

Tickets £18 Front Stalls, £16, £5 Students/U18s (limited availability) (plus fees)

Tickets £22 Front Stalls, £20, £5 Students/U18s (limited availability) (plus fees)

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RENEWAL CHOIR JOYFUL, JOYFUL — GOSPEL GOES FESTIVE Renewal Choir hosts its annual high energy gospel music extravaganza ‘Joyful, Joyful — Gospel Goes Festive’ which promises to deliver a healthy measure of Christmas cheer with a fresh dynamic repertoire of songs. 2017 builds on an exciting 2016 which saw the choir supporting Leona Lewis on her UK tour and Grammy Award winner Amy Wadge on BBC Music Day. This year’s event is scheduled to be every bit as exhilarating as previous years so start your run up to Christmas with an unforgettable evening with Renewal Choir. Come and join the celebrations! renewalchoir.org @RenewalChoir

December

MALKIT SINGH Often hailed as the ‘King of Bhangra’, UKbased Malkit Singh is a true Punjabi icon in today’s Bhangra industry. The best-selling Bhangra solo artist in the world, Malkit’s original style and wonderful melodious voice has brought Punjabi culture to worldwide audiences during an incredible career, spanning over 30 years.

Since his first release, Nach Giddhe Vich in 1986, Malkit has toured to over 36 countries and released 21 albums, receiving endless awards and accolades along the way. His trademark anthem, Tutak Tutak Toothiyan, is still the fastest selling and most successful Bhangra song of all time and his hit songs Jind Mahi and Chal Hun featured in the 2002 film Bend it Like Beckham. Expect to hear many of Malkit’s classic Bhangra anthems alongside new material in a career-spanning set.

Presented in association with Asian Arts Agency malkitsingh.com

Friday 1 December 7pm Tickets £15 (£12) (plus fees)

Sunday 3 December 7pm Tickets £20, £5 Students/U18s (limited availability) (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 credit or £1 debit card transaction fee where applicable

December

THE ELLA FITZGERALD CENTENARY CONCERT WITH CLAIRE MARTIN AND THE BBC BIG BAND We celebrate the 100th anniversary of ‘First Lady of Song’ Ella Fitzgerald, whose incomparable artistry covered every base of the jazz vocalist’s art from swing to scat, plus the sheer perfection of her interpretations of the American Songbook in the landmark series of albums devoted to particular composers. The 17-piece allstar BBC Big Band fronted by the superb singer and presenter Claire Martin covers the full range of Ella’s stellar career and the era of the big bands led by Chick Webb through to Count Basie on songs such as ‘That Old Black Magic’, ’Too Darn Hot’ and ‘Fascinating Rhythm’. bigbandspecial.co.uk @BBCBigBand clairemartinjazz.co.uk @CMartinjazzz

Unmissable!

Thursday 7 December 8pm Tickets £30, £25, £20, £5 Students/U18s (limited availability) (plus fees)

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December

VOCAL WORKS GOSPEL CHOIR PURE GOSPEL

CITY VOICES BRISTOL WE NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS

VWGC celebrate their 15th anniversary with a concert bursting with classic and contemporary gospel hits that are guaranteed to raise the roof of St George’s!

The 50-strong choir, who were featured recently on BBC One, perform a repertoire of uplifting gospel songs including ’Oh Happy Day’, ’Swing Low Sweet Chariot’ and ‘Amazing Grace’. Fresh from their sellout show Gospel Rocks and touring with bands including Reef and The Heavy, be prepared for an evening of powerful vocal harmony and virtuosic soloists from one of the UK’s top gospel choirs.

Ben Pinnow director Sandie Middleton accompanist

‘Perfect performance… 10/10’ WESTERN DAILY PRESS

vwgc.co.uk @vocalworksgc

Bringing a mixture of carols to join in with and a range of traditional and contemporary and seasonal musical selection, City Voices Bristol return to St George’s and invite you to come and join them in their celebrations of the season.

This year the choir again supports Bristol Area Stroke Foundation (Registered Charity number 287554). This local charity supports people affected by stroke and helps individuals rebuild their life after stroke. cityvoicesbristol.com @CVBristol

Saturday 9 December 7.30pm

Sunday 10 December 7pm

Tickets £15 (£12) (plus fees)

Tickets £11 (£9), £9 (£7), £7 (£6) (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 credit or £1 debit card transaction fee where applicable

December

GREEN GARTSIDE AND ALEXIS TAYLOR Expect a real sense of occasion as two extraordinary voices from the realm of UK music royalty are brought together for this rare live outing. Green Gartside’s band, Scritti Politti, combined punk’s raw energy with gritty experimental sounds and strident melodic pop. After four critically acclaimed albums in the ‘80s and ‘90s, they delighted their fans in 2006 with a comeback and Mercury Prize-nominated album White Bread, Black Beer. Alexis Taylor fronts acclaimed synth-pop outfit, Hot Chip. His solo work consists of stripped-back, deeply personal piano-driven melancholia. One of merely a handful of performances, this double bill features top-drawer musicianship, exquisite vocals and genuine warmth between the artists.

GASWORKS GALA This very special 20th anniversary concert

by Bristol’s 150-strong Gasworks Choir features favourite songs alongside some fresh musical surprises. The Gasworks are renowned for their powerful performances and the uplifting atmosphere they create, and their evening Gala concert promises to be a night to remember. This community choir’s mostly original arrangements span an exhilarating mix of genres, from pop and folk to jazz and classical. The matinee concert welcomes children of all ages and both concerts feature a performance by Gasworks leaders past and present as well as some celebratory bonus song shenanigans. gasworkschoir.co.uk

scritti.net / alexistaylorsolo.com

Unmissable!

Tuesday 12 December 8pm

Sunday 17 December 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Tickets £20 Front Stalls, £18, £5 Students/U18s (limited availability) (plus fees)

Tickets Matinee: £8 (£7), £1 U18s Evening: £10 (£8) (plus fees)

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A CARNIVAL OF CAROLS Bristol Ensemble The Carnival Band Roger Huckle director The Carnival Band and Bristol Ensemble join forces to boldly go beyond the spirit of Christmas, to the spirit of people the world over getting together to celebrate and have fun. A melting pot of shawms, bagpipes, fiddle, guitars, bass, drums, melodica, recorders — plus string quartet, clarinet, trombone, accordion and lots of singing! A sound world spanning five centuries and five continents! bristolensemble.com @BristolEnsemble carnivalband.com @MaddyPAndTheCB

Monday 18 December 7.30pm Tickets £25 (£23), £19 (£17), £14 (£12), £5 U18s (plus fees)

December

G4 CHRISTMAS

BY CANDLELIGHT X-Factor stars and operatic multiplatinum selling vocal quartet G4 return to St George’s as part of their ‘Christmas

By Candlelight’ 20 - date UK tour. This intimate show sees Jonathan, Ben, Mike and Nick share the songs from their recently released album G4 Christmas including Christmas classics and carols, all delivered up-close and personal. Come and let G4’s unique sound transport you into the festive spirit in a way you won’t have imagined possible.

G4official.com @g4official

Tuesday 19 December 7.30pm Tickets £32.50, £27.50 (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 credit or £1 debit card transaction fee where applicable

THE SCHOOL OF MUSIC — L IVE! Meurig and Rachel Bowen’s new book for children comes alive in this specially devised event, directed by Lynne Lawrence and featuring actor-musicians Amy Porter, Laurence Kilsby and Lydia Kenny. In this fun and fast-paced sequence of sketches and interactive musical games, meet the book’s characters, including composer-guitarist Ronny ‘Beethoven’ O’Reilly, drummerpercussionist Roxy Mojo, star-singer Diva Venus and cellist Rufus Vibrato.

Recommended age 6+ Running time 60 minutes without an interval

FAMILY HERITAGE DAY In Spring 2018 St George’s Bristol will be launching a new interactive heritage interpretation space, where visitors can discover the amazing story of this ‘Hall on the Hill’. We would love to offer you a little sneak preview…

Come and join us for a day of spellbinding stories, local legends and marvellous makes, all inspired by the history of this beautiful building. PLUS you could be part of our first ever performance of a new interactive family concert, which explores our colourful history, with playful opportunities to become part of the music!

Recommended age 6+

A Cheltenham Festivals production, in association with Quarto Publishing

Sunday 15 October 11am Tickets £6 (plus fees), Family Ticket available

Sunday 22 October 11am-3pm Tickets £6 (plus fees), Family Ticket available

CONTEMPORARY

FAMILY EVENTS

FAMILY EVENTS

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October The fifth national Family Arts Festival takes place throughout October 2017 with thousands of eye-boggling events for all the family taking place up and down the country, including here at St George’s! familyartsfestival.com

WILD WORDS ELGAR THE ENIGMA Michael Loader storymaker, storyteller & trumpet Robert Short singer Rosie Mason-Loader actor Alison Francis Black violin Caitlin Alais Callahan piano & bass Liz Muir cello

Join the Wild Words team for this original and enlightening story about the upside-down adventures of a worm named Elgar, who meets a stargazing toad, an ostracised ostrich and a sagacious serpent... get ready for a musical menagerie of assorted sounds and songs from upbeat blues to downtown jazz, an operatic jewel from George Gershwin and cool classical gems from our worm's name-sake, Sir Edward Elgar. All accompanied with puppetry and big screen photos by Diana Patient.

Recommended age 6+ / Running time 50 minutes without an interval

Wednesday 25 October 11.45am Tickets £6 (plus fees), Family Ticket available

Playshop 10.30am Help Elgar on his quest by learning a song to sing in the show!

Free for ticket holders, advance booking required (40 mins)

£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 credit or £1 debit card transaction fee where applicable

October / December

BRISTOL PLAYS MUSIC CHRISTMAS CONCERT

MINIBEATS BASH AND CRASH! BUILD AND CREATE! Have you noticed? Things are looking a bit different at St George’s Bristol…!

To celebrate the exciting things happening outside, the MiniBeats team invite you to join us inside as we BASH and CRASH our way through some magnificent music performed by our perfect percussionists Graham and Jeremy, with a little help from presenter Laura and from you, our amazing audience!

We always love dressing up, so hard hats, wellies (clean!) and builder’s costumes are definitely encouraged!

10.15am For children aged 3 — 5 12pm For children aged 5 — 8 2pm Relaxed Performance (suitable for children and young people of all ages) Ages are guidelines only. Running time 45 minutes without interval

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 audiences to seasonal songs and familiar favourites. The songs have been especially arranged for the choir, and the children are challenged to sing in parts and have the opportunity to perform with a professional ensemble who accompany them on stage. The concerts also showcases performances from the holders of the ‘City Waits’, students who are annually recognised for outstanding achievement in music-making. bristolplaysmusic.org @bpmbristol

Get Creative…

Craft sessions in the crypt from 9.30am!

Sunday 29 October 10.15am, 12pm & 2pm

Wednesday 6 December 1.30pm & 7.30pm

Tickets £6 (plus fees), Family Ticket available

Tickets £4 (£2) (plus fees)

FAMILY EVENTS

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December

COSMOS & FRIENDS Cosmos Choir Mark Lawrence & Caitlin Callahan, directors Merchants’ Academy Primary Choirs David Ogden & Anne Loose directors We are delighted to be welcoming back these fantastic young choirs for their annual St George’s lunchtime concert, with a sparkling selection of songs to welcome in the festive season. Cosmos is a children’s community choir run through St George’s Education programme, bringing inspiration and opportunities to the young singers of South Bristol for over seven years now.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL Bristol Ensemble Roger Huckle director John Telfer narrator Programme includes: Sergei Prokofiev Peter and the Wolf Give the whole family a Christmas treat at this special concert which features Prokofiev’s well-loved musical tale, Peter and the Wolf. A myriad of colourful characters — the bird, duck, cat, Peter himself, his grandfather, hunters, and of course, the wolf — are all represented by different instruments giving a wonderfully descriptive introduction to the instruments of the orchestra. With plenty of audience participation in festive favourites, this is a seasonal delight for all the family suitable for children of all ages, and parents and grandparents too!

Running time 60 minutes without an interval bristolensemble.com @BristolEnsemble

Special Offer *One free child’s ticket with every adult ticket purchased Friday 8 December 1pm

Saturday 23 December 2pm & 4pm

Tickets Free Admission

Tickets £14*, £7 Additional U18s (plus fees)

£1 administration fee charged per transaction plus £1 credit or £1 debit card transaction fee where applicable

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Building a Sound Future / Supporters

Building a Sound Future As our capital project moves into the delivery phase, the appeal continues! Please contact us for further details of how to donate, including the Apollo Club. Enormous thanks to everyone who has contributed to date:

The Denman Charitable Trust

The Nisbet Family Charitable Trust

Harry Crook Foundation

Brian Maguire Charitable Trust

The Society of Merchant Venturers

The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust

Sir Siegmund Warburg's Voluntary Settlement

The Batchworth Trust

Supporters We would like to thank all of our Patrons, Benefactors, Gala Friends, Volunteer Stewards and the following organisations who support our artistic and education programmes.

Spielman Charitable Trust

Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation

Paragon Music Trust

Gibbs Charitable Trust

The RVW Trust

The Martin Smith Foundation

Please contact the fundraising team on 0117 929 4929 (ext 205) or visit buildingasoundfuture.co.uk for further details and how to become a St George's supporter

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Join / Venue Hire

Join the Friends of St George’s Bristol 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.

For full details of membership benefits please check our website, pick up a leaflet, or call the box office on 0845 40 24 001.

‘The beautiful historic setting was amazing and it was matched by every aspect of your operation’ DEBORAH WADDELL — DIRECTOR, SOUTH WEST CBI

Venue Hire Now taking bookings for 2018.

Our grand hall and multi-purpose spaces, are available to hire for weddings, parties, gala dinners, award ceremonies, meetings and conferences. St George’s offers both modern sophistication and regency elegance, 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 top-class service and a truly memorable occasion.

Please contact the events team on 0117 929 4929 or email events@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk for further details. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/venue-hire

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Booking Information OPENING HOURS Monday — Friday 9am — 6pm. The Box Office remains open until the end of the interval on concert days and opens one and a half hours before the concert start time for weekend shows.

Please note we will be closed to the public from Sunday 4 June to Thursday 28 September.

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

Telephone — 0845 40 24 001. All major credit cards (except American Express), Maestro and Delta cards are accepted. During box office hours.

In person — the Box Office will be closed from 4 June to 28 September.

BOOKING FEES Booking fees contribute towards the cost of processing card payments and providing up-todate, reliable and convenient ticketing services to our customers.

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

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

ON-SALE DATES Mon 22 May (Patrons) Tue 23 May (Benefactors) Wed 24 May (Gala Friends) Thu 25 May (Concert Friends) Tue 30 May (General Booking) Please note certain events may be on sale in advance of these dates.

Booking Information Postage fee 70p — tickets can be posted if requested; the cost covers postage and materials.

Concessions Prices are indicated in brackets after the full price. These apply to those in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance or benefits, disabled people, senior citizens, under-18s and full-time students (unless otherwise stated). Proof of eligibility must be presented in order to qualify, where appropriate.

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

CAVATINA Free tickets for 8 — 25 year olds for certain chamber concerts. Look out for the and be sure to quote CAVATINA when booking tickets. Visit cavatina.net for more details.

Group offer One ticket free in every group of ten for all events programmed

by St George’s Bristol.

Family ticket One child goes free in a family party of four 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 if necessary.

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 organistions with your permission — Data Protection Act registration number: PZ5013390.

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General Information Amplification Some events at St George’s 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 visitors with additional needs. The venue is fully accessible from Charlotte Street. Please mention your particular needs to the Box Office when booking and all assistance will be given. Limited parking is available, but must be reserved in advance. Toilet facilities are located in the bar and accessible by lift.

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. Please check the individual event pages on our website for recommended age guidance. Our acoustic is extremely sensitive and sound carries so babies and young children cannot be admitted to the auditorium for ticketed events unless otherwise stated. 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.

General information

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How to find us / Seating plan Design Charles Watkins Illustration Cover and Insides /Carys Tait / carys-ink.com p32/33 Laura Tanner Venue Photography Philip Vile Friends Photography Mark Simmons 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

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By bus: See firstgroup.com for bus routes

Seating plan

September — December 2017 What’s on Classical, folk, jazz, spoken word & family events S EP T E M B ER

N OVE M B ER

Fri 29 / 7.30pm

Brodsky Quartet

O C TO B ER Tue 3 / 8pm Welcome to Night Vale Wed 4 / 7.30pm James Rhodes piano Thu 5 / 8pm Chris Wood Tue 10 / 7.30pm Sisters With Voices II Wed 11 / 7pm Aurora Orchestra Vienna, City of Dreams Thu 12 / 8pm Leveret Sat 14 / 7.30pm Lanterns On The Lake & Holly Macve Sun 15 / 11am The School of Music — Live!

Wed 18 / 8pm 10cc's Graham Gouldman Thu 19 / 8pm Ute Lemper Fri 20 / 7.30pm Mark Padmore tenor & Morgan Szymanski guitar Sat 21 / 7pm (Doors) Brandy Clark Sun 22 / 11am — 3pm Family Heritage Day Wed 25 / 11.45am Wild Words Elgar The Enigma Wed 25 / 8pm Hot Club of Cowtown Fri 27 / 1pm South Gloucestershire Youth Wind Orchestra Sat 28 / 7.30pm Jordi Savall & Hespèrion XXI

The Voice of Istanbul Sun 29 / 10.15am, 12pm & 2pm MiniBeats

Bang and Crash! Build and Create!

N OVE M B ER Fri 3 / 7.30pm Sat 4 / 7.30pm

Sun 5 / 7.30pm

Trio Palladio Bristol Symphony Orchestra Romantic Masterworks Bristol Classical Players Joker, Genius, Rebel

Book now stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 0845 40 24 001* Great George Street (Off Park Street), Bristol BS1 5RR *During box office opening hours

@stgeorgesbris

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Mon 6 / 8pm Planet Earth II

The Making of a Natural History ‘Blockbuster’ Thu 9 / 8pm Andy Sheppard Sat 11 / 7.45pm Brandon Hill Chamber Orchestra

Remembrance Day Concert Sun 12 / 7.30pm Exultate Singers Into the World of Light Tue 14 / 7pm Bristol Grammar School Autumn Concert Wed 15 / 8pm Cardboard Fox plus The Carrivick Sisters Thu 16 / 8pm Tommy Smith & Brian Kellock Fri 17 / 7.30pm La Serenissima Sat 18 / 7.30pm Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra Wed 22 / 7.30pm Oysterband Thu 23 / 7.30pm Steeleye Span in Concert Fri 24 / 8pm Molsky’s Mountain Drifters Sun 26 / 7pm Chineke! Orchestra Wed 29 / 7.30pm Juan Martin Thu 30 / 8pm Lau

DECE M B ER Fri 1 / 7pm Renewal Choir Joyful, Joyful —

Gospel Goes Festive Sat 2 / 7.30pm Bristol Concert Orchestra /

Eloisa-Fleur Thom Sun 3 / 7pm Malkit Singh Tue 5 / 7pm OAE & Rachel Podger violin Wed 6 / 1.30pm & 7.30pm Bristol Plays Music

Christmas Concert Thu 7 / 8pm The Ella Fitzgerald Centenary Concert

with Claire Martin and the BBC Big Band Fri 8 / 1pm Cosmos & Friends Sat 9 / 7.30pm Vocal Works Gospel Choir Pure Gospel Sun 10 / 7pm City Voices Bristol

We Need a Little Christmas Tue 12 / 8pm Green Gartside & Alexis Taylor Wed 13 / 7.30pm Handel’s Messiah Fri 15 / 7.30pm Paul Lewis piano

Haydn, Beethoven & Brahms I Sat 16 / 7.30pm Bristol Bach Choir Spirit of Christmas Sun 17 / 2.30pm & 7.30pm Gasworks Gala Mon 18 / 7.30pm Bristol Ensemble & The Carnival Band

A Carnival of Carols Tue 19 / 7.30pm G4 Christmas by Candlelight Wed 20 / 7.30pm Bristol Ensemble Christmas Spectacular Thu 21 / 7.30pm Bristol Ensemble Christmas Spectacular Fri 22 / 7.30pm Bristol Ensemble Festive Fiesta Sat 23 / 2pm & 4pm Bristol Ensemble

Children’s Christmas Carnival Sat 23 / 7.45pm Bristol Ensemble A Baroque Christmas