Perth Festival of the Arts 1972 to 2024
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2018
Val McDermid in discussion with Fred MacAulay 2018
Event Date: 26th May 2018
Venue: Perth Theatre
An afternoon with Scottish crime-writer Val McDermid interviewed by Fred MacAulay
Val McDermid is one of the biggest names in crime writing. Her novels have been translated into 30 languages, sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
Val has created many notable characters such as journalist, Lindsay Gordon; the private investigator, Kate Brannigan; and psychologist, Tony Hill. Her books include three main series: Lindsay Gordon, Kate Brannigan, and, beginning in 1995, the Tony Hill and Carol Jordan series, the first entry in which, The Mermaids Singing, won the Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger for Best Crime Novel of the Year. The Hill ⁄Jordan series was adapted for the highly successful television drama; Wire in the Blood, starring Robson Green.
Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra 2018
Event Date: 26th May 2018
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Michael Sanderling
With Jennifer Pike (violin)
Programme
- Weber Euryanthe Overture
- Bruch Violin Concerto
- Shostakovich Symphony No. 5
Renowned for her dazzling interpretative flair and exemplary technique (Classic FM), violinist Jennifer Pike has taken the musical world by storm with her unique artistry and compelling insight into music from the Baroque to the present day. In 1989 at the age of 12 she became the youngest-ever winner of the BBC Young Musician of the Year and the youngest major prizewinner in the Menuhin International Violin Competition.
The Dresden Philharmonic can look back on a 150-year-tradition as the orchestra of Saxony’s capital Dresden. Ever since 1870, when Dresden was provided with its first large concert hall, its symphony concerts have been an integral element of the city’s cultural life. The Dresden Philharmonic has remained a concert orchestra to this day, with regular excursions into concert performance and oratorio. Its homestead is the state-of-the-art concert hall inaugurated in April 2017 in the Kulturpalast building at the heart of the historic district. The principal conductor of the Dresden Philharmonic since 2011 is Michael Sanderling.
18.30 Pre-concert talk by Stephen Johnson “How Shostakovich changed my Mind”. Free but ticketed.
BBC music broadcaster and composer Stephen Johnson explores the power of Shostakovich’s music during Stalin’s reign of terror, and relates how it gave form to the fears and hopes of an oppressed nation. Johnson writes of the extraordinary healing effect of music on sufferers of mental illness and tells of how the music of Shostakovich gave him unexpected strength after struggling with bipolar disorder since adolescence.
Through interviews conducted with surviving members of the Soviet orchestras, through his reading of philosophers, psychoanalysts, and neurologists, Johnson paints a compelling picture of one man’s music and its power to validate and sustain another man’s life.
‘What I’m talking about is not simply my personal ‘journey’: rather, it’s a testimony to the sustaining, uplifting, ultimately restorative power of Shostakovich’s music.’
Yet there is no escapism, no false consolation in Shostakovich’s greatest music: this is some of the darkest, saddest, at times bitterest music ever composed. So why do so many feel grateful to Shostakovich for having created it – not just Russians, but westerners like Stephen Johnson, brought up in a far safer kind of society?
Johnson draws on interviews with the members of the orchestra who performed Shostakovich’s Leningrad Symphony during the siege of Leningrad, during which almost a third of the population starved to death. In the end, this book is a reaffirmation of a kind of humanist miracle: that hope could be reborn in a time when there was only ‘hope against hope’.
- Johnson explores recent findings on the subject of the ‘musical brain’ in which the profound effect of music on the brain is coming to light
- Publication ties in with the high profile tour of the St Petersburg Symphony, the same orchestra who played during the siege of Leningrad
- Planned collaboration with the Dresden Philharmonic who are performing Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 in the UK in May 2018
Author Bio: Stephen Johnson has taken part in several hundred radio programmes and documentaries, including Radio 3's weekly Discovering Musicseries. He is also presenter on the Classic Arts podcast series Archive Classics. Stephen has made numerous appearances on TV, contributing as guest interviewee on BBC4 coverage of The Proms, ITV’s The South Bank Show, and more recently on BBC1’s The One Show. He also made an important contribution, both as commentator and narrator, to Tony Palmer’s controversial film about the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, Oh Thou Transcendent, and more recently to Palmer's film about Gustav Holst, In the Bleak Midwinter.
Hannah Fisher and Friends 2018
Event Date: 26th May 2018
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
Tickets on sale 10am Monday 26th March 2018. Friends book 10am Monday 19th March. Only £10 to join.
Children go free at this concert.
This is the latest in our series of concerts where we feature musicians, who from the area, and have decided to make their careers in music.
Since becoming a finalist in the BBC Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year competition in 2013, Hannah's own music has taken a step away from traditional and towards contemporary, to include a wide range of genres.
The past six years have seen her grow to be one of Scotland's most in demand session musicians as both fiddle player and vocalist, recording and touring across Europe, America and Japan with over ten different bands and as permanent fixture with Scottish indie acts Idlewild, Roddy Woomble and King Creosote. She has recently been writing music for TV & film and performing as part of some large scale productions including King Creosote's BAFTA nominated music to film 'From Scotland With Love'.
In 2014 she recorded her debut EP 'Watching Time' on the Isle of Mull, where she now lives, and is now working on an album with her longstanding friend and guitarist Sorren Maclean, of whom she'll be joined by on the day.
The secret weapon of Scottish Indie-folk' The Herald
Undeniably flawless' Fame Magazine
'A commitment to musical excellence' Redrospective.com
www.facebook.com/hannahfishermusic
Scottish Opera Roadshow 2018
Event Date: 26th May 2018
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
The Scottish Opera Trailer rolls back into town on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th May to give free shows throughout the day. Earlier in the week local Primary Schools children will be able to get a taste of opera.
More details to follow. Tickets are free but you need to book in advance.
12.00 A Little Bit of Eugene Onegin Book here
14.00 A Little Bit of H.M.S. Pinafore Book here
15.30 A Little Bit of H.M.S. Pinafore Book here
An Evening with Donald Maxwell (baritone) 2018
Event Date: 25th May 2018
Venue: Perth Theatre
An Evening with Donald Maxwell
Yes , But you don't go !
Donald Maxwell launches his first farewell tour at this year's Perth Festival. Unlike Elton John there are however only two dates on his tour- all the more reason therefore to catch his final concert in the Fair City !
He has had two careers. One as a Geography teacher at Perth Academy, and the other, rather longer lasting and marginally more successful, as an opera singer. When he realised that a number of his former pupils had retired, it seemed like a good time to hang up his larynx.
Tonight's programme has a few friends helping Donald to highlight some of the musical milestones of the last 40 odd years. Expect some humour, a touch of nostalgia and of course " On the Road to Mandalay"!
Read more about Donald's career in opera here.
Scottish Opera Trailer 2018
Event Date: 25th May 2018
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
The Scottish Opera Trailer rolls back into town on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th May to give free shows throughout the day. Earlier in the week local Primary Schools children will be able to get a taste of opera. More details to follow.
Tickets are free but you need to book in advance.
12.00 A Little Bit of H.M.S. Pinafore Book Here
14.00 A Little Bit of Eugene Onegin Book Here
15.30 A Little Bit of Eugene Onegin Book Here
David Jones "Song Cycle" - free ticketed concert 2018
Event Date: 25th May 2018
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Norie Miller Room, Perth Concert Hall
This event is free but ticketed
En route from John O’Groats to Land’s End on his Brompton folding bike, prize-winning baritone David Jones pauses to perform Vaughan Williams Songs of Travel alongside folksongs from his journey. Song Cycle is in support of Yehudi Menuhin’s charity Live Music Now.
For more information about David’s thousand-mile musical journey, visit www.song-cycle.com or follow @davidjonesbari on Twitter
Song Cycle is firstly an exploration of Vaughan Williams’s song cycle Songs of Travel, with
words by Robert Louis Stevenson. How does the experience of a long and arduous journey
change the singer’s approach to these songs?
With their Scottish words and English music, the Songs of Travel are a quintessentially British
expression of the emotions associated with travel and being in nature. On his thousand-mile
journey, David will pass close to the birthplaces of both Stevenson and Vaughan Williams and
through the landscapes that inspired their work, developing and deepening his interpretation of
the songs as he goes.
Alongside the Vaughan Williams songs, he will perform folk songs from the regions he passes
through, in a mixture of existing settings and newly-commissioned arrangements, with a focus
on the region in which the concert is being given.
This second strand of the project relates to Vaughan Williams’s own work in collecting folk
songs across Britain in the early twentieth century. In addition to research at the English Folk
Dance and Song Society before the project, there are plans to open an online portal for people
to submit examples of their favourite local songs.
A prizewinner in the 2015 AESS Patricia Routledge
English Song Competition, David Jones is equally
at home in song, oratorio and opera. He has a
particular interest in new music, and has given
premieres of works by Nick Bicât, Stephen
Deazley, Louis Mander and Josh Spear.
Recent highlights have included Papageno in Die
Zauberflöte and Guglielmo in Così fan tutte for the
Lyric Opera Studio Weimar and Sharpless in
Madam Butterfly for the King’s Head Theatre. He
toured the UK as part of Joshua Sofaer’s innovative
Opera Helps project and is a soloist on Yehudi
Menuhin’s Live Music Now scheme.
Perth Grammar School Concert
Event Date: 25th May 2018
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
Daily Lunchtime Concerts by Perthshire Schools will take place in St John's Kirk. These concerts are free and donations are most welcome. They generally last about an hour.These concerts showcase the wonderful talent of our young musicians.
Perth Grammar School Programme - 25 May 2018
Orchestra
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In The Hall of the Mountain King
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Greig
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Piano Solo - Niall Robertson
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Nocturne in E Flat
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Chopin
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Vocal Solo - Amellia Menmuir
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A Gaelic Blessing
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Rutter
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String Orchestra
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Clocks Viva Vivaldi |
Martin Vivaldi |
Euphonium Solo - Alex Dow
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In Dreams
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Shore
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Choir
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Hallelujah
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Buckley
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Flute Solo - Rebecca Anderson
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In The Playground with Erica
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Pucihar
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Brass Ensemble
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Hallelujah Drive
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Hazell
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Vocal Solo - Ben Leathley
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Running Home to You
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Pasek and Paul
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Clarinet Solo - Nicola Orr
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Modal Blues
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Templeton
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Orcherstra and Choir
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Let There Be Peace
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Raybould
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Music Teachers- C Simon and L Waterson
Instrumental Tutors- S Barker, T Mitchell, M Young, J Whiteman, E MacFarlane
Between The Crosses 2018
Event Date: 24th May 2018
Venue: Perth Theatre
This show will be held in the Joan Knight Studio in Perth Theatre
Between the recorded interviews, between the military records, between the silence, this new play explores a soldier’s untold emotional journey. Between the battles of the Somme, Ypres and Passchendaele, this soldier’s great nephew explores the guilt of slipping between the crosses, of being a survivor in the war to end all wars.
"The script is a real strength... The best history lesson most of us never had... a performance of dignified timelessness and respect." Wales Arts Review
This show is timed at 18.45 so that the audience can go on to see An Evening with Eric and Ern show in the main house of the Theatre at 20.00 if they choose to.
An Evening of Eric and Ern 2018
Event Date: 24th May 2018
Venue: Perth Theatre
FROM THE OLIVIER NOMINATED DUO BEHIND THE HUGELY CELEBRATED
CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED WEST END HIT ERIC & LITTLE ERN
This is a brilliant homage crammed full of renditions of those famous
comedy sketches, that hits all the right notes! From Greig's Piano
concerto to Mr Memory, Arsenal! It’s a show full of Morecambe and
Wise's most loved routines. This wonderful show, evokes memories of
times when whole families would huddle around the telly on Sunday
evenings. You'll feel you've seen the real thing and taken back to a world
of sunshine and laughter.
It’s very hard not to warm to the sweet silliness of Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens. The Guardian
Identical: The pair are dead ringers for the dynamic duo. The Daily Mail
Glenalmond School Concert
Event Date: 24th May 2018
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
Daily Lunchtime Concerts by Perthshire Schools will take place in St John's Kirk. These concerts are free and donations are most welcome. They generally last about an hour.These concerts showcase the wonderful talent of our young musicians.
Glemalmond College Programme - 24 May 2018
Ben Bradshaw (clarinet)
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Pot-pourri
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Gordon Langford
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Abigail Strickland (voice)
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Deine blaues Auge
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Johannes Brahms
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Alexander Wallace (piano)
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Reverie (Eight Concert Etudes)
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Nicolai Kapustin
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Niall Dundee (voice/guitar)
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Last thing on my mind
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Tom Paxton
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Angus Grierson (trombone)
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Cavatine
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Camille Saint-Saëns
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Conrad Ihering (violin)
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Adagio (Sonata No. 1 in G minor), BWV 1001
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J. S. Bach
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Ellie Ridley (recorder)
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Moderato semplice (Sonata, Op. 121)
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York Bowen
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Charlie Bradshaw (trumpet)
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Andante & Allegro
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Joseph Ropartz
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Alexander ace (organ)
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WallFête, Op. 51
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Jean Langlais
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Choral Group Londonerry Air
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Trad. Irish
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arr Bob Chilcott
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Conrad Ihering (Violin)
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Perpetuum Mobile
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Ottokar Nováček
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Tim Ridley (Director of Music)
Jasmine Nicholson (Assistant Director of Music)
Elephant Sessions, Siobhan Miller and Fara 2018
Event Date: 23rd May 2018
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Enjoy an evening of Celtic and Scottish music at its very best from three multi award winning Scottish acts. All three of this evening’s performers were winners or nominees at the Scots Trad Music Awards 2017 and have won various other prestigious awards.
Elephant Sessions hail from the Highlands and have exploded onto the indie trad folk scene in 2017, winning Album of the Year at the Scots Trad Awards. Passionate about their culture and their origins, they are sensational to see live and have appeared at some of Europe’s most notable festivals to huge acclaim. “Absolutely Superb” - BBC Radio.
Siobhan Miller, recently named Scots Singer of the Year for an unprecedented third time, has a unique vocal style and diverse range through traditional, contemporary and self-penned material. She has toured extensively fronting her own band, appeared on Broadway in New York and has guested on the US/UK TV drama, Outlander.
FARA are a band of four girls who have been friends and playing music since early childhood. They produce a fiery sound rooted strongly in their upbringing amidst the music of Orkney which won them a BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award. With vibrant arrangements full of rich harmonies, energetic playing and driving piano, their show is an exciting one.
Emma Johnson - Clarinet Goes to Town 2018
Event Date: 23rd May 2018
Venue: Perth Theatre
Finish time 9.30pm
Emma Johnson Clarinet Goes to Town - A Night of Swing
When clarinettist Emma Johnson won BBC Young Musician of the Year the musical world discovered an artist of unique charm, skill and charisma. Widely regarded as Britain's favourite clarinettist, Johnson is still one of the most popular figures on the concert scene with an unparalleled ability to speak straight to an audience's heart.
In Clarinet Goes to Town Emma Johnson traces the roots of traditional American jazz whilst paying tribute to some of the greatest clarinettists of all time - Sidney Bechet, Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw - with the help of John Lenehan (piano) and Paul Clarvis (percussion).
St John's Academy School Concert
Event Date: 23rd May 2018
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
Daily Lunchtime Concerts by Perthshire Schools will take place in St John's Kirk. These concerts are free and donations are most welcome. They generally last about an hour.These concerts showcase the wonderful talent of our young musicians.
St John’s Academy Programme – 23 May 2018
Secondary Brass Ensemble
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Hallelujah Drive
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Chris Hazell
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Ulla Gingule (Voice)
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The Trolley Song
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Hugh Martin & Ralph Blane
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James Finnon (Clarinet)
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What’s Up
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Christopher Gumbley
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Tamzin Longhorn (Violin)
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Niel Gow’s Lament
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Niel Gow
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Charlie Doogan (Cornet)
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Folk Song
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Lucy Pankhurst
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Instrumental Group
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Game of Thrones
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Ramin Djawadi
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Robert McCall (piano)
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Dead Things
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Philip Glass
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Weronika Piotrowska(Clarinet)
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Landler
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Diabelli
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Primary Brass Group
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Movie Buster and 24/7
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Sarah Watts
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Maria Foley (Violin)
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Tarantella Napoletana
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Italian Folk Song
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Jack Dailly (Voice)
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Wild Mountain Thyme
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Francis McPeake
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Fiddle Group
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Set of Waltzes
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Traditional
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Tenebrae Choir 2018
Event Date: 22nd May 2018
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
We Will Remember Them
Elgar: They are at rest
Tavener: Song for Athene
Gurney: Since I Believe in God the Father Almighty
Judith Bingham: A Walk with Ivor Gurney
Howells: Take Him, Earth, for Cherishing
Holst: The Evening Watch
Parry: Songs of Farewell
The British seem to have an instinct for remembrance, deep in the collective psyche. It is in the
fabric of our towns and cities in the form of inscribed memorials, and just below the surface
there is a respect for sacrifice, particularly in active service. The minute’s silence, the sight of
falling poppies, crowds lining streets for a cortege, and of course the music of consolation
and respect which has a sound which so many recognise. From the first two notes of the Last
Post from a lone bugler to the emotive first chords of Elgar’s Nimrod, we have a culture of
commemoration in music and the choral tradition possesses an unmistakable role in giving
voice and words to these sentiments.
Tenebrae offers the finest pairing of poetry and music in a range of works, some already
treasured in the heart of the nation, with other masterpieces which might well join them.
Please note seats in the front and rear nave will be reserved for the concert. Seats in the side will be unreserved and have resticted view but screens are available.
Supported by
DUNARD FUND
Perth High School Concert
Event Date: 22nd May 2018
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
Daily Lunchtime Concerts by Perthshire Schools will take place in St John's Kirk. These concerts are free and donations are most welcome. They generally last about an hour.These concerts showcase the wonderful talent of our young musicians.
Perth High School Programme - 22 May 2018
Pipes
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Traditional Piping Set
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arr. G. Mulholland
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Orchestra
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A Tribute to Henry Mancini
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C. Custer
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Solo Bassoon
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Bassoon Concerto (movt. 3)
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W. A. Mozart
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Girls’ Choir
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I Believe I can fly R. Kelly
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arr. R. Monk
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String Orchestra
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Adagio (extract) from Double Violin Concerto Slumdog Millionaire A. R. Rahman
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J.S. Bach arr. L. Moore
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Brass Band
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Summon the Sword
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J Blyth
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Solo Piano
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Deux Arabesque no. 1
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C. Debussy
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Mixed Choir
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Fix You
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M. Berryman arr. J. Wikeley
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Wind Band
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West Side Story
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L. Bernstein arr. J. Bocock
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Soloists:
Bassoon-Shona Rae(S6) | Piano-Sam Mclellan(S6) |
Violin-Erin Hull(S6) and Shona Rae(S6) | Organ-Lewis McGoldrick(S4) |
Accompanists:
Maureen Rutherford and Sam McClellan
Conductors:
Catherine Black | Allan Kelman | Alison James |
Patrick Smyth | Phili Alexander | Willie McMullen |
Ilse MacFarlane | Lyndsey Paterson | Jill Smyth |
Joe Whiteman | Graeme Mulholland | Maureen Rutherford |
The Rev Richard Coles 2018
Event Date: 21st May 2018
Venue: Perth Theatre
The Rev Richard Coles is one of the few celebrities to have successfully bridged the gap between pop music and the pulpit, but whatever the medium, the message he broadcasts is essentially witty, thought-provoking and always interesting.
A multi-instrumentalist who partnered Jimmy Somerville in the 1980s band The Communards - achieving three Top Ten hits, including the biggest selling hit of 1986 Don't Leave Me This Way - Richard subsequently left the pop world to train for a priesthood in the Church of England. He is probably best known as the regular host of BBC Radio 4's Saturday Live programme and from Strictly Come Dancing. He appears regularly on Newsnight and QI and Have I Got News For You, where his quick and inventive verbal humour is always to the fore.
Perth Academy School Concert
Event Date: 21st May 2018
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
Daily Lunchtime Concerts by Perthshire Schools will take place in St John's Kirk. These concerts are free and donations are most welcome. They generally last about an hour.These concerts showcase the wonderful talent of our young musicians.
Perth Academy Programme - 21 May 2018
Bagpipe Duo: Brodie Barrie and Dominic Bews – “Traditional Scottish Medley
Fiddle Group:
March - Grand March
Set Of Reels- (De’il among the Tailors, Staten Island, Mrs MacLeod’s Reel)
Slow Air - Peace of Remembered Hills
March – Fiddler’s to the Fore
Freya Edington S3 – “Lucy Long” by Fred Godfrey
Junior Brass Ensemble
Niamh Barlow S2 – “Friend Like Me” by Alan Menkin
Jenni Gillespie S6 – “Chanson Triste” by Koussevitsky
Sophie Chisholm S6 –“Concertino for Xylophone” Mov. 1 & 2 by Toshiro Mayuzumi
Perth Academy Junior Choir:
“Blackbird” by Lennon & McCartney
“Wayfaring Stranger” Arr. C Rutherford
“Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson
Festival Service
Event Date: 20th May 2018
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
One of the great traditions of Perth Festival of the Arts, is our annual Festival Service in St John’s Kirk.
This is an inspirational and uplifting event, and also, a great civic occasion. The members of Perth Youth Orchestra join the choir and organist of St John’s Kirk to lead the music and raise the roof of this historic building.
Ruby Wax Frazzled 2018
Event Date: 20th May 2018
Venue: Perth Theatre
A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled.
Drop dead gorgeous, sassy and smart, Ruby Wax brings her new one-woman show to the stage. Based on her number one best seller, 'A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled'.
She’s been honoured with the title of poster girl for mental illness; once crazy now less so, she gives a tour of the mind – how to use it, not lose it. Ruby Wax, if you don’t know, is a much loved, U.S. born comedy-actor-writer of incredibly successful books and TV shows including script editor of 'Absolutely Fabulous', and is a mental health campaigner. By the way, she graduated from Oxford with a Masters in Mindfulness–based Cognitive Therapy (at a late stage), three years ago - so she should know her stuff!
Recommended age 14+
Royal Northern Sinfonia 2018
Event Date: 20th May 2018
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Tickets on sale 10am Monday 26th March 2018. Friends book 10am Monday 19th March. Only £10 to join.
Please note 8pm start time
‘There is no better chamber orchestra in Britain’ The Guardian
Conductor / piano: Lars Vogt
BEETHOVEN: Prometheus Overture
BEETHOVEN: Piano Concerto no. 1, op.15, C major
BEETHOVEN: Piano Concerto no. 5, op. 73, E-flat major (Emperor)
Royal Northern Sinfonia, Orchestra of Sage Gateshead, is the UK’s only full-time chamber orchestra. Founded in 1958, RNS has built a world-wide reputation for the North East through the quality of its music-making and the immediacy of the connections the musicians make with audiences. The orchestra regularly flies the flag for the region at the Edinburgh Festival and the BBC Proms, this year performing Handel’s Water Music at The Stage @ the Dock in Hull – the first Prom performed outside of London since 1930. They appear frequently at venues and festivals in Europe, and recently toured to South America, China and South Korea.
Grimethorpe Colliery Band 2018
Event Date: 19th May 2018
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
The Grimethorpe Colliery band was formed in 1917 as a leisure activity for the workmen at the colliery. International fame came to the band with the making of the 1995 film Brassed Off. Since the release of the film the band has toured extensively in Europe, including a film festival in Norway, the World Cup in Paris and the Eurovision Song Contest to an estimated television audience of 50 million!
The band was honoured to appoint Dr Robert Childs as Principal Conductor and Music Director in January 2014.
'A thoroughly entertaining show and a must for all music enthusiasts!' (The Guardian)
'Sensational - performing your favourite classics in spectacular style!' (The Times).
Children's Classic Concerts 2018
Event Date: 19th May 2018
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Tickets on sale 10am Monday 26th March 2018. Friends book 10am Monday 19th March. Only £10 to join.
Children’s Classic Concerts’ Essential Orchestra is back with a brand-new concert for 2018 featuring Prokofiev’s iconic fairytale Peter and the Wolf brought to life on stage by our very own musical characters. Join us on a fantastical adventure of musical storytelling as our musicians transport you from Peter's enchanted forest to Romeo and Juliet’s castle stopping off for a spin around Sleeping Beauty’s ballroom. And we'll need your help in the Wizard's dungeon conjuring up some magic to help the Sorcerer’s Apprentice get those brooms under control!
The Nutcracker and I by Alexandra Dariescu 2018
Event Date: 19th May 2018
Venue: Perth Theatre
‘The Nutcracker and I’ by Alexandra Dariescu, is a new and innovative 50-minute live performance based on the magical Christmas story, for anyone who dares to dream with a pianist, ballerina and exquisite digital animations.
Alexandra inspires the audience by telling us her own story as Clara: from little girl to concert pianist and invites us to use our own imagination, to hope, work hard and never give up.
On stage will be a grand piano, played by Dariescu herself, and ballerina Désirée Ballantyne behind a see-through gauze screen. Projected onto the gauze and bringing the story to life are exquisite digital animations, all hand drawn and created in advance by Yeast Culture. They follow the music and engage live with the pianist and ballerina as they ‘dance’ across the screen. The audience will feel like they are actually in and a part of The Nutcracker story.
Tchaikovsky’s enchanting ballet music features throughout and includes favourites such as Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Arabian Dance, Chinese Dance, Pax de Deux, and the Flower Waltz, in 15 virtuosic arrangements by composers such as Mikhail Pletnev, Stepan Esipoff, Percy Grainger and three brand new adaptations by Gavin Sutherland.
Soapbox Art and Science 2018
Event Date: 19th May 2018
Venue: Various Venues In Perth
No tickets required for this show as it will be in the High Street in Perth.
Local scientists and artists take to the streets of Perth! Come and hear about the new, world-changing discoveries happening across Scotland, directly from the researchers themselves. Leading women scientists have stepped out of the lab alongside amazing artists to tell you what inspires them and how art and science can work together to smash stereotypes! Expect hands-on demonstrations, visual art, performance and some cutting-edge science.
Soapbox Science is an international, public outreach platform for promoting women scientists and the science they do. Their events transform public areas into an arena for public learning and scientific debate. Soapbox Science want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy, learn from, heckle, question, probe, interact with and be inspired by some of our leading scientists.
Illustration Workshop with Jill Calder 2018
Event Date: 19th May 2018
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Illustration Workshop with Jill Calder. Jill has designed this year's Festival brochure.
This event is free but you will need to book a ticket in advance at the Box Office at Perth Concert Hall. Tickets will be available to Festival Friends from 19th March and for General Booking from 26th March.
Join award winning illustrator Jill Calder who will introduce you to her latest children’s book, ‘The Picture Atlas’ and take you on an incredible journey from one side of the globe to another!
During this workshop you’ll have the chance to get creative and become an illustrator yourself and with expert help from Jill you’ll learn how to draw some amazing creatures and THEN...make your own picture book!
Suitable for ages 5-12
Materials provided
length of time: 1.5 hrs
Rossini's Greatest Arias - English Touring Opera 2018
Event Date: 18th May 2018
Venue: Perth Theatre
English Touring Opera
A concert of sparkling vocal displays
Conductor John Andrews
Tenor Luciano Botelho
Mezzo Catherine Carby
Tenor John-Colyn Gyeantey
Soprano Gillian Ramm
Soprano Elena Xanthoudakis
Sung in Italian and French with English surtitles
Running time: approx. 2 hours 40 minutes (incl. 20 minute interval)
Concert Programme
Semiramide
Act 1, Overture
Maometto II
Act 2, Trio: “In questi estremi istanti”
Act 1: Preghiera (“Giusto cielo”) and Scena (“Ahi, padre!”)
Act 2, Aria: “Non temer: d’un basso affetto”
Ermione
Act 2: Gran scena
Otello
Act 2, Duet: “Ah vieni, nel tuo sangue”
Act 3, Aria: “The Willow Song”
Elisabetta, regina d’Inghilterra
Act 2, Scene: “Della cieca fortuna”, to “Deh! Scusa i trasporti”
Act 2, Aria: “Dov’è Matilde”
Act 2, Chorus: “Qui soffermiamo il piè”
A thrilling concert of highlights from Rossini’s greatest operas – his serious ones! These were the operas of which Rossini was most proud, and which contain his most brilliant writing for orchestra, and his most challenging vocal fireworks. John Andrews will conduct the full ETO orchestra in exciting scenes from Rossini’s Otello (including his melting ‘Willow Song’), La donna del lago (a Walter Scott feast), Maometto II (the most testing of them all), Elisabetta (the story of Queen Elizabeth I of England) and Ermione.
“I have a great admiration for Rossini. For me, he occupies an essential place in the history of music. His freedom, his life and his genius have always impressed me. He took opera out of its yoke by offering a new freedom to the voice: he completely reinvented lyrical singing. From Barbiere to Il viaggio a Reims through Cenerentola, he created an irresistible style – but I am also sensitive to his serious operas, such as Moses or Maometto II, which are given so rarely.”
— EMMANUEL MACRON
Jools Holland 2018
Event Date: 18th May 2018
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
The Brewin Dolphin Festival Concert
Jools Holland & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra
featuring GILSON LAVIS
with special guest MARC ALMOND
and guest vocalists RUBY TURNER, LOUISE MARSHALL & ROSIE MAE
With support Galia Arad
Doors: 7 pm.
Support act on stage: 7.30 pm - 7.50 pm.
Jools Holland on stage: 8.20 pm. Finish time approx 10.30pm
We are delighted that this concert will be recorded and broadcast on Radio 2 on Friday Night is Music Night as part of the BBC Biggest Weekend.
Pianist, bandleader, singer, composer, television presenter and multiplatinum recording artist Jools Holland returns this year accompanied by special guest Marc Almond and the unforgettable Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. This will be Jool’s ninth visit to Festival. He first came in 1998 to play in Perth City Hall. He is a great favourite with the Festival audience.
We also are delighted to welcome Marc Almond back. Marc first began performing and recording with the new wave duo Soft Cell. Some of their hits included Tainted Love, Bedsitter and Say Hello, Wave Goodbye. He has also had a diverse career as a solo artist and has sold over 30 million records worldwide.
Jools Holland with be performing tracks spanning his entire solo career as well as songs taken from his new duets album ‘Sirens Of Song’, released November 2014. With a catalogue that reaches through decades, a night with Jools Holland will bring you the greatest boogie-woogie party in town.
Also featuring the astounding vocal power of Ruby Turner, the soulful tones of Louise Marshall and the tireless drums of original Squeeze member Gilson Lavis, along with the inimitable musicianship of the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Jools’ boogie-woogie party is not to be missed!
Jools Holland OBE DL was born Julian Miles Holland on January 24, 1958 in Blackheath, South East London. At the age of 15 Jools was introduced to Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford; together they formed Squeeze, and shortly afterwards they were joined by Gilson Lavis (who had already played with, among others, B. B. King, Chuck Berry and Max Wall), who still drums with Jools. Up The Junction and Cool For Cats gave Squeeze meteoric success and their popularity rapidly extended to America, where their tour included performances at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
In 1987 Jools formed The Jools Holland Big Band, comprising himself and Gilson Lavis. This has gradually metamorphosed into the current 20-piece Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, which consists of pianist, organist, drummer, three female vocals, guitar, bass guitar, two tenor saxophones, two alto saxophones, baritone saxophone, three trumpets, and four trombones.
Jools' career as a television presenter has run parallel to his musical career. He started in the early 1980s when he interviewed The Police for a documentary that was made while they were recording at George Martin's Montserrat studio. Jools then auditioned to become co-presenter (with Paula Yates) of The Tube, which achieved almost immediate cult status and discovered a whole new generation of musicians and comedians between 1981 and 1986.
As always, Jools continues to dazzle audiences across the UK with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and their exuberant live performances. They have just come off an extensive UK tour and, for the 21st year in a row, celebrated the dawn of the new year with the whole nation on BBC2’s New Year’s Eve TV Show ‘Jools’ Annual Hootenanny’.
Sponsored by
Brewin Dolphin
Perth & Kinross Schools
Event Date: 18th May 2018
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
Daily Lunchtime Concerts by Perthshire Schools will take place in St John's Kirk. These concerts are free and donations are most welcome. They generally last about an hour.These concerts showcase the wonderful talent of our young musicians.
Bagpipe Solo
Lucy Jamieson – Perth High School
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Highland Cathedral
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U Roever and M Korb
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Perth & Kinross Piano Orchestra
Parade of the Tin Soldiers
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Leon Jessel
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Mirror Lake
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Laura Shur
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Hong Kong Market
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Laura Shur
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Conductor: Allan Young
Piano Duet
Ulla Gingule, Mr Liam O’Hare– St John’s Academy
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Country Gardens Piano Duet
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arr. P Grainger
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Flute Solo
Ellen Lacoux - Abernyte Primary
Aria
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A Haughton
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O Soldier Soldier
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Bullard
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Guitar Ensemble
I Get Around
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Wilson/Love Arr. Nicholson
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Thingamagic
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Nicholson
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Concerto in D
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A Vivaldi
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Piano Solo
Robert McCall - St Johns Academy
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"Dead Things " From the film "The Hours"
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P Glass
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English Touring Opera - The Marriage of Figaro 2018
Event Date: 17th May 2018
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Tickets on sale 10am Monday 26th March 2018. Friends book 10am Monday 19th March. Only £10 to join.
English Touring Opera presents an energetic new production of one of the world’s most beloved operas, Mozart’s classic comedy The Marriage of Figaro. During the course of one eventful day, Figaro and Susanna must overcome every obstacle put in their way by Count Almaviva and his cronies before they can finally be united as man and wife. Blanche McIntyre (Tosca, 2017) returns to direct this most warm-hearted of operas, equally acclaimed for its sublime music and huge sense of fun.
Featuring a first-class BAME cast, including Ross Ramgobin (Patience) as Figaro, Rachel Redmond as Susanna and Nadine Benjamin as the Countess, this promises to be a production like no other.
Sung in English
Running time 2 hours 50 minutes including the interval
Supported by The Cross Trust
ArTay 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th May 2018
Event Date: 17th May 2018
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
ArTay
Curated by Frames Gallery
10.00 - 19.30 Thursday 17th May
10.00 - 19.30 from Friday - Saturday 18th & 19th May
10.00 - 18.00 Sunday 20th May
Beside Perth Concert Hall
Admission Free
Perth Festival is delighted to announce the return of arTay. This large exhibition of Contemporary Scottish Art and Craft was a big success when it ran from 2000-2005 and it is with great anticipation that we have decided to bring it back.
See some of the 2018 paintings click ArTay
• It is called “arTay” and consists of a very large marquee erected outside of Perth Concert Hall and will hold an exhibition of Scottish Contemporary Art and Craft.
• It will feature the work of over 80 artists and makers drawn from all over Scotland and there will be around 300 works on show
• This is quite a unique event as it’s not an art fair and is much bigger than any normal commercial gallery could hold.
• It is on for four days and admission is free.
• Using the contacts that I have built up over the 30 odd years that I’ve been involved in Scottish Art, we will have an impressive range of work on show. From RSA members such as Gordon Mitchell, Doug Cocker and Reinhard Behrens, RSW members such as Sandy Murphy, Charlie MacQueen, Christine Woodside alongside lesser known but still excellent artists.
• The main aim of arTay is to make Contemporary Art as accessible as possible to as many people as possible and all the work will be for sale.
• Perth Festival first held this event in 2000 and ran it for five years and now in 2014 it has been re-instated. It was one of the Festivals most successful events with around 5,000 people visiting the tent over the four days.
• Perth Festival has been running for over 40 years and is one of the biggest festivals outside of Edinburgh but it has a reputation for being mostly performance based so this very costly investment in visual arts is a big commitment for them.
• Below is a list of the artists who have currently agreed to take part.
• Please contact me for more information and images if required: Hugh Goring: hugh.goring@framesgallery.co.uk 01738 631085
10am - 7.30pm
Free Admission
Schools Concerts 2018
Event Date: 17th May 2018
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
Daily Lunchtime Concerts by Perthshire Schools will take place in St John's Kirk. These concerts are free and donations are most welcome. They generally last about an hour.These concerts showcase the wonderful talent of our young musicians.
Thursday 17th May - Perth and Kinross Big Band
Friday 18th May - Perth and Kinross Schools
Monday 21st May - Perth Academy
Tuesday 22nd May - Perth High School
Wednesday 23rd May - St John's Academy
Thursday 24th May - Glenalmond
Friday 25th May - Perth Grammar
2017
Moscow Philharmonic
Event Date: 27th May 2017
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Conducted by Yuri Botnari with pianist Freddy Kempf
Tchaikovsky Swan Lake Suite
Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 3
Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition
Freddy Kempf is one of today’s most successful pianists, performing to sell-out audiences all over the world. Exceptionally gifted with an unusually broad repertoire, Freddy has built a unique reputation as an explosive and physical performer not afraid to take risks as well as a serious, sensitive and profoundly musical artist. Freddy came to national prominence in 1992, when he won the BBC Young Musician of the Year Competition.
The Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1951 by Samuil Samosud, as the Moscow Youth Orchestra for young and inexperienced musicians, acquiring its current name in 1953. It is most associated with longtime conductor Kiril Kondrashin under whom it premiered Shostakovich's Fourth and Thirteenth symphonies as well as other works. Yuri Simonov has been the orchestra's principal conductor since 1998.
Scheduled Finish Time: 9.30pm
Scottish Opera Pop-up Roadshow 26th & 27th May
Event Date: 27th May 2017
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Scottish Opera is packing up its theatre on wheels and bringing two pop-up operas out on the road to Perth.
Performed by a storyteller, singers and instrumentalists, and supported by a set of colourful illustrations, each show gives a fantastic introduction to opera. It will be in a converted trailer, recreating the Theatre Royal in Glasgow and parked beside Perth Concert Hall in Mill Street.
There will be three shows a day. These shows are free but it is essential to reserve a ticket at the Box Office in advance. Each show lasts 25 minutes and is suitable for a family audience. A maximum of four tickets per booking as seats are limited.
Friday 26th May
12.00 A Little Bit of La bohème
14.00 A Little Bit of The Pirates of Penzance - Sold out
15.00 A Little Bit of La bohème
Saturday 27th May
12.00 A Little Bit of The Pirates of Penzance - Sold out
14.00 A Little Bit of La bohème
15.00 A Little Bit of The Pirates of Penzance - Sold out
Local schools will be visiting the trailer on the Wednesday and the Thursday.
Children's Classic Concerts 2017
Event Date: 27th May 2017
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
Children’s Classic Concerts presents ‘Tartan Tales’
Join the clans of the Children’s Classic Concerts mighty mini-orchestra for a musical journey through the swirling mists of Scottish storytelling. CCC’s irrepressible hosts, Owen and Olly, will be your musical guides as they take you galloping on Tam O’Shanter’s horse, through the stormy waters of Fingal’s Cave, all the way to the battlefields of Braveheart – you might even be lucky enough to spot Nessie along the way!
Children’s Classic Concerts introduce classical music to 4 – 12-year-olds in a jam-packed hour of musical storytelling, well-loved tunes and lots of participation!
With support from Creative Scotland and the Gannochy Trust.
Justin Currie and The Pallbearers 2017
Event Date: 26th May 2017
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
‘This Is My Kingdom Now’ is the new album from Justin Currie, to be released May 12, 2017 on Endless Shipwreck Records. Currie will support the release with a headline tour with his band The Pallbearers, culminating at Islington Assembly Hall on June 2.
After 22 years toiling in the moderately successful pop/rock outfit Del Amitri, Justin Currie made the rash decision to go it alone in 2003, spending the next four years fannying about writing, drinking and doing any weird non-rock gig he was invited to participate in; jazz shows, folk shows and soul shows added more saggy strings to his collection of bows. In 2008 he finally pulled his finger out and pushed the button on a solo career with the release of his masterpiece of maudlin, ‘What Is Love For’. The question mark was missing, perhaps denoting an answer reached: "the future is miserable and I shall sing it".
His fourth album of this series, ‘This Is My Kingdom Now’, follows on from follow-ups ‘The Great War’ (2010) and ‘Lower Reaches’ (2013). The pop sensibility of Del Amitri's sprightly hits was largely missing from this solo oeuvre, replaced by a tone Currie himself describes as "suicide in a saucy shirt". Over time audiences have begun to divine hit-type hooks buried within the gloom and now flock to hear epics such as "No, Surrender", "If I Ever Loved You" and "Falsetto" with an alacrity some find surprising in an age where distraction from modernity's inferno is a kind of medical emergency.
Currie lives and breathes in Glasgow, collects beer mats and makes his own cushions.
Scheduled finish time: 10.45pm
Stathallan School
Event Date: 26th May 2017
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
Daily Lunchtime Concerts by Perthshire Schools will take place in St John's Kirk. These concerts are free and donations are most welcome. They generally last about an hour.These concerts showcase the wonderful talent of our young musicians.
Friday 26th May - Stathallan School
Perth Festival Lunchtime Concert
Strathallan School Programme
26th May 2017, 12.30pm
St John’s Kirk, Perth
Golliwogg’s Cakewalk C. Debussy
Saxophone: Poppy MacGeachy
Morning Mood, from Peer Gynt Suite E. Greig
Piano: Karen Leung
I Dreamed a Dream, from Les Misérables C-M. Schoenberg arr Hare
Junior Chamber Group
Violin: Madeleine Sayce; Viola: Daisy Richards; Cello: Tinley Dorje; Flute: Ishbel Lapslie; Clarinet: Ben Morrison
Idyll, from Suite de Trois Morceaux B. Godard
Flute: Ishbel Lapslie
The Swan C. Saint-Saëns Tuba: Mungo Brown
Canon in D J. Pachelbel Senior String Quartet
Violin: Bella Boyd, Johnny Boyd, Madeleine Sayce; Cello: Karen Leung
Pie Jesu, from Requiem A. Lloyd-Webber Duet: Emma Burnett & Pippa Hay
Dirait-on, from Les Chansons des Roses M. Lauridsen Strathallan Chapel Choir
On my own, from Les Misérables C-M. Schoenberg Eponine: Ella England
This is the moment, from Jekyll & Hyde F. Wildhorn Voice: Sam Steele
Bring Me Sunshine A. Kent, arr. P. Harvey
Junior String Quintet
Violin: Madeleine Sayce, Rhianna Mitchell; Viola: Daisy Richards; Cello: Tinley Dorje; Double Bass: Katherine Higginbottom
Treacherous Orchestra, Adam Holmes and The Embers and Rachel Sermanni
Event Date: 24th May 2017
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Enjoy an evening of lively, diverse Scottish and Celtic folk-rock, from gentle ballads to foot stomping reels, performed by a trio of outstanding Scottish acts.
Treacherous Orchestra are nothing short of a Scottish supergroup who are big in numbers and perform in epic style. Their story is one of many strands, a tale told spanning the length and breadth of Scotland. An undefinable collective force fusing people, concepts, styles and influences, shaping a musical supergroup that defies description. From the North to the South, East to the West they came, converging in the musical melting-pot of Glasgow, trading ideas over beers and playing music with ferocity, verve and passion. Be prepared to be blown away.
Adam Holmes is one of the brightest rising stars on the Scottish folk scene. He crafts lyrics that resonate like old folk songs, set to melodies rooted in haunting slow airs. Like John Martyn’s strum and sting, laced with a slice of Celtic soul and a touch of traditional folk. His first album with the Embers in 2014 was nominated for both Scottish Album of the Year and Best Album at the Scottish Traditional Music Awards. He has been singer/guitarist with the popular powerhouse band RURA, on their critically acclaimed albums and touring widely. His latest album with the Embers, Brighter Still has been recently released.
Rachel Sermanni is a Scottish folk musician from Carrbridge. An accomplished storyteller, she writes rich, thoughtful lyrics which belie her twenty something years. Her folk noir style ranges from gentle to grungy. Both her 2012 debut album, Under Mountains, and latest album, Tied to the Moon in 2015, were released to critical acclaim. Tied to the Moon was nominated for Scottish Album of the Year.
Scheduled finish time: 10.45pm
Perth Academy
Event Date: 24th May 2017
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
Daily Lunchtime Concerts by Perthshire Schools will take place in St John's Kirk. These concerts are free and donations are most welcome. They generally last about an hour.These concerts showcase the wonderful talent of our young musicians.
Wednesday 24th May - Perth Academy
Wind Band Cajun Folksongs
Wind Composition Sophie Chisholm (S5): Cabeswater
Brass Band Hoots Mon: H. Robertson, arr. A. Fernie
Ghostbusters R. Parker, arr. R. Hume
Piano solo Eilidh Paterson (S6): Debussy Arabesque
String Orchestra Andante Festivo J. Sibelius Sanseneon Robert S. Frost
Clarinet Solo Robert Barker (S6): Stranger on the Shore
Violin Quartet Concerto for 4 violins
Orchestra Barber of Seville Rossini, arr. R. Meyer
Satchmo (a tribute to Louis Armstrong) T. Ricketts
Swinging at The Cotton Club
Event Date: 23rd May 2017
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
‘Swinging at The Cotton Club’ is the action-packed show celebrating the music, dance, and songs of the Cotton Club – New York City’s legendary nightclub of the 1920s and ‘30s. The exciting dance and music of the Cotton Club is recreated by the fabulous The Lindy Hop Dance Company, the world’s premier jazz dance company and Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra featuring vocalist Marlene Hill and compere/vocalist Megs Etherington.
Scheduled finish time: 10pm
Perth & Kinross Schools
Event Date: 23rd May 2017
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
Daily Lunchtime Concerts by Perthshire Schools will take place in St John's Kirk. These concerts are free and donations are most welcome. They generally last about an hour.These concerts showcase the wonderful talent of our young musicians.
Tuesday 23rd May - Perth & Kinross Schools
Piano Ensemble – (from Jnr Camp) Various Schools • Disney Selection
Heigh Ho (from Snow White) – Churchill and Moray
Supercalifragilistic (from Mary Poppins) – The Sherman Brothers
Mexican Clapping Song – Trad arr T. Kenny
Spicy Salsa – Pam Wedgewood
Baroque Prelude – Pam Wedgewood
Thank you for the Music – Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus
Michael Mauchline – Bagpipe Solo Perth Academy The Sleeping Tune - Traditional
Greenwood Side - Traditional
Ulla Gingule – Piano solo St John’s Academy Valse Lente - Oskar Merikanto
Niamh Martin – Violin solo Perth Academy Meditation - Massenet
Percussion Ensemble Perth Academy Xylophone Selection - various
Catriona Ross Perth Academy Bach (unacc.)
Allemande from Suite No.1
- J.S.Bach
Katherine Gray St John’s Academy Madrigal by Gaubert
– accomp Mo Rutherford
Andrew McDowall & Keir Barbary Perth High School Piano duet “Caprice”
Paganini ” Minuet” - Borodin
Folk Fiddlers Newhill, St Stephen’s, North Muirton, St Ninian’s Primaries
Farley Bridge – D Chisholme arr Mattner
Waltz of the Grey River – D Chisholme arr Mattner
MacIain of Glencoe – Kerr arr Mattner
Ye Jacobites by Name – Trad attrib McNeil
Tenebrae Choir 2017
Event Date: 20th May 2017
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
The reserved seats in the front and rear nave are all now sold out. There are still unreserved seats at the sides at £25.
Russian Treasures - Rare choral gems and celebrated sacred music from the Russian Orthodox Church
You’ll never forget the first time you hear the choral music of Russia. From the subterranean bass notes to the melodies that soar above them, this is singing that simply has to be experienced in the flesh.
This concert features popular favourites and little known gems, rarely heard outside Russia. St John’s Kirk will be a marvellous setting for a Perth Festival of the Arts debut of the critically acclaimed choir
TENEBRAE
Songs from Rachmaninov’s ‘All night Vigil’ and his ‘Liturgy of St John Chrysostom’ will be performed alongside pieces by Glinka, Chesnokov and Tchaikovsky and many others. Tenebrae Described as “phenomenal” (The Times) and “devastatingly beautiful” (Gramophone Magazine), award-winning choir Tenebrae, under the direction of Nigel Short, is one of the world’s leading vocal ensembles renowned for its passion and precision. Tenebrae has twice secured the award for Best Choral Performance in the BBC Music Magazine Awards (2012 and 2016), and its recording of Fauré’s Requiem with the London Symphony Orchestra was nominated for the Gramophone Awards (2013). Tenebrae is renowned for its highly-acclaimed interpretations of choral music with repertoire ranging from the Renaissance through to contemporary choral masterpieces and has appeared at major festivals including the BBC Proms, Edinburgh International Festival and Montreux Choral Festival (Switzerland). This season, in order to mark Tenebrae’s fifteenth anniversary, the choir is touring its first major commission, Joby Talbot’s Path of Miracles, as well as launching its inaugural Holy Week Festival at St John’s Smith Square.
Supported by DUNARD FUND
The View 2017
Event Date: 20th May 2017
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
The View is the hottest indie band to come out of Dundee. Don’t miss them.
The band consists of Kyle Falconer, Kieren Webster, Pete Reilly, Steven Morrison and Paul Band. The album 'Hats Off to the Buskers' was released in early 2007 and featured four top 40 singles, including their highest peaking release to date 'Same Jeans' which entered the UK top five upon release. Chart success came again in 2012 with 'Cheeky For A Reason' which entered the UK top ten chart and topped the chart in Scotland. In 2013 the band also released a compilation album entitled 'Seven Year Setlist' which featured their most played live tracks along with some new material.
In collaboration with DF Concerts
Scheduled Finish Time: 10.45pm
Jools Holland & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra 2017
Event Date: 19th May 2017
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Jools Holland & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra
featuring GILSON LAVIS
with special guest CHRIS DIFFORD
and guest vocalists RUBY TURNER, LOUISE MARSHALL & BETH ROWLEY
Support Lewis and Leigh
Doors: 7 pm.
Support act on stage: 7.30 pm - 7.50 pm.
Jools Holland on stage: 8.20 pm. Finish time approx 10.30pm
Pianist, bandleader, singer, composer, television presenter and multiplatinum recording artist Jools Holland returns this year accompanied by special guest Chris Difford. He will be accompanied by the sound of Jools’ unforgettable Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.
Jools Holland with be performing tracks spanning his entire solo career as well as songs taken from his new duets album ‘Sirens Of Song’, released November 2014. With a catalogue that reaches through decades, a night with Jools Holland will bring you the greatest boogie-woogie party in town.
Also featuring the astounding vocal power of Ruby Turner, the soulful tones of Louise Marshall and the tireless drums of original Squeeze member Gilson Lavis, along with the inimitable musicianship of the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Jools’ boogie-woogie party is not to be missed!
Jools Holland OBE DL was born Julian Miles Holland on January 24, 1958 in Blackheath, South East London. At the age of 15 Jools was introduced to Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford; together they formed Squeeze, and shortly afterwards they were joined by Gilson Lavis (who had already played with, among others, B. B. King, Chuck Berry and Max Wall), who still drums with Jools. Up The Junction and Cool For Cats gave Squeeze meteoric success and their popularity rapidly extended to America, where their tour included performances at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
In 1987 Jools formed The Jools Holland Big Band, comprising himself and Gilson Lavis. This has gradually metamorphosed into the current 20-piece Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, which consists of pianist, organist, drummer, three female vocals, guitar, bass guitar, two tenor saxophones, two alto saxophones, baritone saxophone, three trumpets, and four trombones.
Jools' career as a television presenter has run parallel to his musical career. He started in the early 1980s when he interviewed The Police for a documentary that was made while they were recording at George Martin's Montserrat studio. Jools then auditioned to become co-presenter (with Paula Yates) of The Tube, which achieved almost immediate cult status and discovered a whole new generation of musicians and comedians between 1981 and 1986.
As always, Jools continues to dazzle audiences across the UK with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and their exuberant live performances. They have just come off an extensive UK tour and, for the 21st year in a row, celebrated the dawn of the new year with the whole nation on BBC2’s New Year’s Eve TV Show ‘Jools’ Annual Hootenanny’.
Perth & Kinross Big Band
Event Date: 19th May 2017
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
Daily Lunchtime Concerts by Perthshire Schools will take place in St John's Kirk. These concerts are free and donations are most welcome. They generally last about an hour. These concerts showcase the wonderful talent of our young musicians.
Friday 19th May - Perth & Kinross Big Band
'Tosca' English Touring Opera 2017
Event Date: 18th May 2017
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Conductor: Michael Rosewell
Director: Blanche McIntyre
Designer: Florence de Maré
Lighting Designer: Mark Howland
Puccini’s Tosca is one of the world’s best-loved operas, brimming with lust, corruption and intrigue.
When the firebrand revolutionary Cavaradossi is imprisoned, Tosca is faced with an impossible choice: submitting to the desires of the sadistic chief of police, or letting her lover be executed.
Directed by award-winning Blanche McIntyre, and featuring a trio of powerful British artists for Tosca, Cavaradossi and the malevolent Scarpia, ETO’s new production is sure to be a night of passion.
A new production. Sung in Italian with surtitles.
There will be a pre-show talk at 18.30 in the Norie Miller Room. Please reserve a free ticket at the Box Office.
English Touring Opera will also be performing shows at Fairview School for Children with Special Needs and for Primary Schools while they are visiting Perth.
Read the 4 star review of this production from The Stage from Hackney Empire click here
English Touring Opera seeks opera fans for role in brand new production of Tosca
English Touring Opera are seeking opera fans to play the walk on role of the cardinal in the English Touring Opera’s new production of Puccini’s Tosca.
A classic Puccini opera, Tosca is the story of Floria Tosca, the wife to a painter who is called upon to hide an escaped political prisoner. The chosen cardinal will contribute to Puccini’s heart-breaking story of double crossings, love and betrayal. At the climax of act one, the chosen cardinal will lead the Te Deum procession, a group of young choristers, through Rome, fully kitted out in clerical vestments, in this new opera directed by award winning theatre director Blanche McIntyre and conducted by ETO’s Music Director, Michael Rosewell. Don’t worry, no singing is actually required!
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for an opera lover to tread the boards in one of the world’s most recognisable and much loved operas, where you will join an exclusive group of 31 first-time performers from across the country. If you’re interested in performing the role, whether you’re an opera star, an actual cardinal or have never been on the stage before, please email Rebecca at rebecca.ryan@englishtouringopera.org.uk with a short paragraph on why you should play the cardinal, and your choice of performance date.
Scheduled finish time: 10pm
Perth High School
Event Date: 18th May 2017
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
Daily Lunchtime Concerts by Perthshire Schools will take place in St John's Kirk. These concerts are free and donations are most welcome. They generally last about an hour.These concerts showcase the wonderful talent of our young musicians.
Thursday 18th May - Perth High School
WELCOME MUSIC Perth High School Pipers
ORCHESTRA Chicago arr. Lopez
CHOIR (The Motley Crew) Skyfall Adkins/Epworth arr.Crawford
Sloop John B Trad. arr. Crawford
STRING ORCHESTRA Andante Festivo Sibelius The Best of Abba arr. Ricketts
SAXOPHONE SEXTET First movement from Serenade Op.44 Dvorak
BASSOON SOLO Sonata for Bassoon and Piano Hindemith Soloist: Shona Rae (S5)
SWINGBAND It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing Ellington arr. Cook
BRASS BAND Theme from “Rocky” arr. Macpherson Smoke On The Water arr. Murtha
GIRLS CHOIR You Raise Me Up Graham/Loveland
WIND BAND Dixieland Jam arr. Lowden
CONDUCTORS, INSTRUMENTAL INTRUCTORS, ACCOMPANISTS
CATHERINE BLACK, VERONICA KINAHAN, ALLAN KELMAN, PATRICK SMYTH, PHILIP ALEXANDER, WILLIE McMULLEN, ELISE CLARK (S6) ILSE MACFARLANE, LYNDSEY PATERSON, JILL SMYTH, ZOE PERMAN, GRAHAM MULLHOLLAND.
ACCOMPANISTS: MAUREEN RUTHERFORD and SAM McCLELLAN (S5)
Martin Taylor and Alison Burns - 100 Years of Ella Fitzgerald
Event Date: 17th May 2017
Venue: The Loft
Celebrating 100 Years of Ella Fitzgerald
to be held at The Loft in 145 South Street, Perth, PH2 8NY
Please note the venue is on the first floor and there is no lift.
Please note that seats are unreserved and the ones in the balcony have resticted view.
When you think of legendary singer Ella Fitzgerald, you think of the some of the greatest music ever performed. 2017 marks a very special year as one of the most loved entertainer of all time Ella Fitzgerald will be celebrated around the world with a series of commemorative centennial events.
As part of these celebrations multi-award winning guitarist Martin Taylor and Scottish-Canadian jazz singer Alison Burns will be touring the UK for a series of concerts highlighting the Grammy-award winning collaboration between Ella and jazz guitarist Joe Pass.
Taylor and Burns who have performed for Prince William and whose fans include Sir Michael Parkinson and Downtown Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, will present a concert inspired by the intimate 1960's duo recordings of Joe Pass and Ella Fitzgerald.
Martin Taylor
Collaborations with artists including Jeff Beck, Tommy Emmanuel, Jamie Cullum and Bill Wyman have seen him garner two honorary doctorates, a BBC lifetime achievement award, Top 10 albums in both the USA and Europe, a record 14 British Jazz Awards and in 2002 he was appointed MBE ‘For Services to Jazz Music’ by Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain. As one of the world’s most recognized online guitar teachers his innovative online guitar school with its headquarters in Napa, CA has been featured on NPR, BBC, Fox News and the LA Times and is subscribed to by guitarists in over 58 countries.
Alison Burns
There are singers and there are jazz singers. There are jazz singers and there are a few artists who bring more to the microphone – their life, love, heartaches and joy. Alison Burns is one of those artists. Her debut album, Kissing Bug, was received with universal acclaim and became the first album by a Scottish jazz singer to reach the Jazz Top 10. So far she has played in far-flung destinations such as Tokyo, New York, Cannes, Italy and Shanghai and guested with The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and BBC Big Band.
More Going on in Perth
Event Date: 15th May 2017
Venue: Various Venues In Perth
See what else there is to do when you are in the area click Perth and Perthshire
Perth Art Trail brings together all the events and exhibitions taking place at Festival time. Many are within easy walking distance of Perth City Centre during the Festival.
ArTay Contemporary Art Marquee Curated by Frames Gallery 10.00-19.30 Thursday 18th May, 10.00 - 19.30 from Friday 19th May - Sunday 21st May (inclusive) Beside Perth Concert Hall - Admission Free. Perth Festival is delighted to announce the return of arTay. This large exhibition of Contemporary Scottish Art and Craft was a big success when it ran from 2000-2005 and it is with great anticipation that we have decided to bring it back.
Also Exhibitions at Perth Museum and Art Gallery, exhibitions at the The Ferguson Gallery, Perthshire Art Association's Exhibition at the North Church, exhibitions at Frames Gallery (Victoria Street) and The Tayberry Gallery (Princes Street).
Perthshire Art Association Exhibition 20th and 21st May
North Church, Mill Street
Saturday 10-5pm
Sunday 12-5pm
Work by both professional and amateur members of the Association will include watercolours, acrylics, landscapes, portraits, still lifes and ceramics. Watch the artist in residence hard at work. Check www.perthshireartassociation.org for latest information.
Frames Gallery, Victoria Street, Perth PH2 8LW.
www.framesgallery.co.uk
Boo Vake 5 Watergate, Perth, PH1 5TF
Exhibition of contemporary craft from some of Scotland's top designer makers. Also permanent display of gifts & homeware from British based designers and small design companies.
Tayberry Gallery
19, Princes Street, Perth
Open Tuesday to Saturday 10.00 – 17.00
There will be some art and craft stalls in the City Centre on Saturday 27th May organised by Perth Farmers Markets. Click here for more information Perth Craft Market - contact Adeline to book a stall 01738 582159 or 07732483729 or email Adeline@perthfarmersmarket.co.uk
Imax Playhouse Perth - Brilliant cinema
2016
The Halle - Beethoven's 5th May 2016
Event Date: 29th May 2016
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
The Hallé with Elena Urioste conducted by Jamie Phillips
Don Juan. Op. 20. Richard Strauss
Violin Concerto in D minor, Op.47. Sibelius
Symphony No.5 in C minor, Op.67. Beethoven
Finish time will be around 9.05pm.
The Hallé was founded in Manchester by Sir Charles Hallé in 1858 and is now resident at the Bridgewater Hall. It ranks among the UK's top symphonic ensembles, with a distinguished history of acclaimed performances in this country and around the world; award-winning recordings, radio broadcasts and educational outreach programmes; and a visionary commitment to building audiences and developing orchestral repertoire.
Elena Urioste, recently selected as a BBC New Generation Artist and featured on the cover of Symphony magazine, has been hailed by critics and audiences alike for her lush tone, the nuanced lyricism of her playing, and her commanding stage presence. Since first appearing with the Philadelphia Orchestra at age thirteen, she has made acclaimed debuts with major orchestras.She has performed recitals in such distinguished venues as Wigmore Hall in London, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Konzerthaus Berlin, the Sage Gateshead in Newcastle, and the Mondavi Center at the University of California-Davis.
Jamie Phillips, Associate Conductor of the Hallé Orchestra and Los Angeles Philharmonic Dudamel Fellow, has already developed a strong guest-conducting profile. With a clear, expressive technique and innate musicality, he demonstrates a natural authority and confidence on the rostrum.
Engagements in the 2015/16 season include debut concerts with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Nash Ensemble, Residentie Orkest, Philharmonie Zuidnederland, Kammerakademie Potsdam and Västerås Sinfonietta.
In recent seasons, Phillips has conducted the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Manchester Camerata, Ulster Orchestra, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, Mozarteumorchester Salzburg, Camerata Salzburg, Deutsche Radio Philharmonie, Swedish Chamber Orchestra, Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra and Brussels Philharmonic. In 2015 Jamie Phillips also conducted the Hallé in subscription concerts at the Bridgewater Hall Manchester in a programme of Glinka, Beethoven and Rachmaninov.
He is also Music Director of the Hallé Youth Orchestra and is heavily involved in many of the Hallé’s education programmes and concerts.
“Phillips already has little to fear from comparison with most visiting conductors on the circuit. That he can persuade the Hallé to play with such affection, energy and swing is equal tribute to their professionalism and his gifts.” The Telegraph
Scottish Opera Pop-up Opera Roadshow
Event Date: 28th May 2016
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Each show lasts about 45 minutes.
These shows are free. It is recommended to reserve a free ticket in advance as places are limited.
Scottish Opera is packing up its theatre on wheels and bringing three pop-up operas out on the road to Perth.
12.00 A Little Bit of Northern Light
14.00 A Little Bit of Figaro
15.00 A Little Bit of Mikado
Performed by a storyteller, singers and instrumentalists, and supported by a set of colourful illustrations, each show gives a fantastic introduction to opera. It will be in a converted trailer, recreating the Theatre Royal in Glasgow and parked beside Perth Concert Hall in Mill Street.
A Little Bit of Figaro and A Little Bit of Mikado are cleverly re-written versions of the full operas and are suitable for all ages.
A Little Bit of Northern Light tells the story of one lonely little lighthouse standing firm against the storms of the North Atlantic tide specifically created for 4 to 8 year olds.
Local schools will be visiting the trailer on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th May.
Jools Holland & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra 2016
Event Date: 28th May 2016
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Jools Holland & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra
featuring GILSON LAVIS
with Pauline Black & Arthur “Gaps” Hendrickson from The Selecter
Support act on stage: 7.30 pm - 7.50 pm.
Jools Holland on stage: 8.20 pm. Finish time approx 10.30pm
Jools Holland OBE DL was born Julian Miles Holland on January 24, 1958 in Blackheath, South East London. At the age of 15 Jools was introduced to Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford; together they formed Squeeze, and shortly afterwards they were joined by Gilson Lavis (who had already played with, among others, B. B. King, Chuck Berry and Max Wall), who still drums with Jools. Up The Junction and Cool For Cats gave Squeeze meteoric success and their popularity rapidly extended to America, where their tour included performances at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
In 1987 Jools formed The Jools Holland Big Band, comprising himself and Gilson Lavis. This has gradually metamorphosed into the current 20-piece Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, which consists of pianist, organist, drummer, three female vocals, guitar, bass guitar, two tenor saxophones, two alto saxophones, baritone saxophone, three trumpets, and four trombones.
Jools' career as a television presenter has run parallel to his musical career. He started in the early 1980s when he interviewed The Police for a documentary that was made while they were recording at George Martin's Montserrat studio. Jools then auditioned to become co-presenter (with Paula Yates) of The Tube, which achieved almost immediate cult status and discovered a whole new generation of musicians and comedians between 1981 and 1986.
As always, Jools continues to dazzle audiences across the UK with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and their exuberant live performances. They have just come off an extensive UK tour and, for the 21st year in a row, celebrated the dawn of the new year with the whole nation on BBC2’s New Year’s Eve TV Show ‘Jools’ Annual Hootenanny’.
The Allan Young Trio May 2016
Event Date: 28th May 2016
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
Music on a Saturday Morning
Allan Young (guitar), Stuart Barker (double bass) and Billy Weir (drums)
The programme will include a selection of jazz pieces from the Great American Songbook arranged for jazz trio, as well as some Beatles songs and some original contemporary jazz compositions.
The band was set up by guitarist Allan Young after graduating from the Birmingham Conservatoire in the Summer of 2015 and features two of Allan's closest friends and fellow Conservatoire graduates playing the role of the rhythm section. The band originally formed as a platform to play Allan’s own original compositions but has since extended it’s repertoire. In addition to the original compositions, the band now performs a real mix of music including jazz, rock, folk, experimental and anything else in between!
Allan grew up in Perthshire and attended guitar lessons in Edinburgh with guitarist Mike McGeary. He then went on to study at the Birmingham Conservatoire on the Jazz course and graduated in 2014. He has been lucky enough to perform alongside many respected names in Jazz including Jeff Ballard, Dave Holland, John Taylor, George Colligan, Julian Arguelles, Tim Garland, Gwylym Simcock, Mike Walker, Liane Carroll, and many more. In 2012 he performed Mark-Anthony Turnage's "Blood on the Floor", an ambitious cross-genre work for jazz quartet and large ensemble under the direction of renowned conductor Sian Edwards and composer Mark-Anthony Turnage. Allan also appeared on E4's 'Made In Chelsea' with function band 'The Quartones'. He is also a member of Birmingham-based group 'The Mourning Suns' as well being involved with many other side projects around Birmingham. As well as performing and composing, Allan also teaches privately and at Pro Music Tuition in Rowley Regis.
Allan’s original trio recordings can be heard online at www.soundcloud.com/allan-
KT Tunstall with support Stevie McCrorie, The Voice winner. May 2016
Event Date: 27th May 2016
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Timings for tonight
· 19:30 Doors to auditorium open
· 20:00 Stevie McCrorie, 2015 winner of The Voice.
· 21:00 KT Tunstall onstage
· 22:30 end gig
KT Tunstall is back with a new album out in May, she will be playing a mixture of new and old hits.
BBC The Voice winner in 2015 Stevie McCrorie will support KT Tunstall.
There will be free entry into The Loft Nightclub in South Street for an aftershow party. Bring your ticket with you.
Seats and standing available. No under 14s in the standing area. 14-16s should be accompanied by an adult.
Way out in the desert KT Tunstall found herself. There she was, in cactus-country, Arizona, far from the adoptive London scene that provided the backdrop to four albums, 4 million sales, one Ivor Novello and one Brit Award, and further still from the Scottish folk heartland that had nurtured her. She was working with Giant Sand frontman Howe Gelb; maverick, desert punk spirit, a storied musician and producer. In Tucson’s Wavelab Studios, the pair were recording a set of songs that had bloomed into life, almost without Tunstall knowing it, and that foreshadowed two momentous events that would make summer 2012 a turning point in the 37-year-old singer/songwriter’s life.
“I’d always had this yearning to crack open my ribcage and be able to let everything out,” she reflects. She had attempted it through her personal journal writing, but had never had the confidence – the unselfconsciousness – to do it in song. “And then last year led to it all happening without even trying anymore,” says Tunstall. She’s referring to the death of her dad last August, then, the following month, her split from her musician husband. “But you know, the first half of the record was written before any of that happened, so there is a kind of weird savant quality to it.”
The result: an album of two halves, both temporally and physically. Invisible Empire//Crescent Moon straddles either end of 2012, the year KT Tunstall’s world was rocked from its axis before settling on a new emotional orientation. Each was recorded in Arizona, and both are swaddled with atmosphere, poignancy and, yes, hurt – but, also, hope. One, oddly, prefigures the losses that were to come; the other, beautifully, captures a new, reinvigorated state of being in the aftermath. Together, they combine to create the album of Kate Victoria Tunstall’s life.
At the beginning of last year, the Scottish singer, songwriter and musician had no immediate plans to make a new album. After touring the world in support of 2010’s Tiger Suit, she had intended to take things easy for a while. Circumstances, and frustrations, and desire, though, wouldn’t let her rest.
“The last record was the beginning, I think, of a bit of a rebellion. I’d spent at that point six years on a pretty full tilt ride…whilst doing what I was doing within a very pop formula. So while I wasn’t always producing typical pop music, the way I was recording it, and the way those albums were getting to people, were in a pretty standard fashion in terms of being a pop artist signed to a major label. I needed things to change.”
In the wake of the electronic-flavoured Tiger Suit, Tunstall decided to go “absolutely the other way”. In 2011 she recorded an EP, The Scarlet Tulip. Just her, at home, with a picked guitar. “So easy and so relaxed,” she beams. “It was great. And that fed into enjoying the idea of stripping back completely.”
Around the same time her old Fife musician friend King Creosote (Kenny Anderson) asked if she’d be a vocal partner as he and Jon Hopkins toured their Mercury-nominated album Diamond Mine (2011). Popping up on the occasional stage in support of an album she felt was “astounding” was another palate-cleansing experience for a singer who had been on an album-tour-album treadmill for over half a decade.
“Singing with Kenny again feels like a bit of a seminal moment for me,” she admits. Firstly she was honoured to help out on the Diamond Mine tour, having sung with Anderson on various projects for almost 20 years. And secondly, she loved travelling round the UK, experiencing these “totally silent and emotional” audiences. “Seeing people really desperate for something meaningful and something beautiful,” she elaborates. “And something executed passionately and with real craft. It was just such an antidote to a lot of stuff that’s out there at the moment."
Then came another collaboration: Jools Holland asked her to join his big band. It was her voice he was after, not just her personality. For the first time, Tunstall began to consider herself not just as a musician but specifically as a singer.
“So this album is about singing,” she states, and readers would here be directed towards the graceful, gently orchestral triumph that is the song Crescent Moon as evidence of Tunstall’s sublime on-mic skills, “and it’s about my voice. That was what I wanted to be the centrepiece of the album, which I’d not done before.”
Then, the third in a triptych of turning-point hook-ups. Robyn Hitchcock asked Tunstall to join a touring show called The Floating Palace. It was Hitchcock, Tunstall, Martin and Eliza Carthy, Krystle Warren and Howe Gelb. “Completely opposing musicians!” she smiles, “but we all played as each other’s band, and it was great.”
She and Gelb, whom she’d never met before, hit it off, “mostly over a bottle of whiskey at the Glasgow gig, actually. And he’s just such good fun. He’s mischievous and he’s a maverick and he’s got a great bad attitude towards convention and is musically very exciting.” It was a union of distant but, as it transpired, confluent minds. “It was like aliens from different planets meeting each other for the first time.”
Gelb invited Tunstall to record in his favourite studio in Tucson, Wavelab. Last February she travelled to Arizona for a two-week session. She laid down sketches for eight songs, based on “some pretty dumb guitar patterns and incredibly simple chord progressions”.
How You Kill Me emerged that spring, a woozy, hypnotic blues. “Lifting me up to those branches, letting me look on the world…” sings Tunstall, leaning in close to the mic. “Just as I sing like a bird, you, you shoot me down for your fun…”
“It’s about basically knowing your potential – knowing you’re great – but not being able to see it through because of your own insecurities and not feeling a support system around you."
Made Of Glass was another song from that period. As the title telegraphs, it’s a song about the fragility of life. “That was written way before my dad died,” she says of a composition about a friend who suddenly died from pancreatic cancer aged only 34. Just before he died he’d gifted her a cut-glass vase. The irony hit home afterwards. “I was like, you absolute bastard!” she laughs. “The one thing I’ve got that you’ve given me is the most breakable thing I own.”
Months later, before the loss of her dad, she would write Carried, a drifting, chamber piece that seems to bottle the desert atmospherics. It’s about being transported over the threshold of life, inspired by her fathers' physical struggle, but soon to be unusual in it's clairvoyant nature.
Feel It All, the album’s first single, is absolute torch-song and twang, and appears on the album in two versions; the original album version, with PJ Harvey collaborator John Parish on drumming duty and recorded at his Bristol studio and the ‘band jam’ version which was recorded live in Tucson. “It’s probably the most personal song for me on the album,” she says of a song that sits alongside Crescent Moon and rippling piano-ballad Yellow Flower as showcasing Tunstall’s best ever vocals, rich and intimate. “I started that just before dad died and I finished it just after my split. So it was absolutely birthed out of the intensity of those two things happening. It was real medicine for me, that song.
She offers listeners a tonic, too, on the closing No Better Shoulder, a surging acoustic number that builds and builds to a belting, squealing, country-psych rocker that should catalyse a cathartic outburst of emotion when Tunstall starts touring her new, split-but-united album later this spring.
“After the mood of the record I really wanted something that took you out at the end, and woke you up from this spell, if you like. Because I found that anything uptempo I was trying to fit into the tracklisting burst the bubble. And I wanted to stay within that. So No Better Shoulder is the way out at the end.”
For sure, Invisible Empire//Crescent Moon is an album coloured by melancholy. But it’s not a grief album, she insists, and nor is it a break-up album. Not one of the songs on the second half directly references her divorce. Still, it is, as she says, an album in which she self-administers open-heart surgery. “Invisible Empire is probably the most relevant in terms of what was going to happen,” she says of the album opener, a song that wheezes into life before settling into an unsettling jaunty rhythm. “In that song I think there was a subconscious realisation that things weren't as they should be – my subconscious was ahead of me, and I was catching up.”
The song, she admits with a laugh, could be her in a nutshell: a cloud on the horizon but a skip in her step.
“A big thing about the album for me,” concludes KT Tunstall, who – prior to a summer run of festival band shows – will be touring solo, unaccompanied, “is that I don’t care if it’s sad. I want it to be an emotional experience. But I don’t actually think it is a sad album. Melancholic is probably quite a good description of it. But it really is me now coming from a place where I don’t feel the need to please anybody but myself. I always liked to think that’s where I was before – but I don’t think I was."
Tickets on sale 10am Monday 28th March 2016.
Friends book 10am Monday 21st March only £10 join online.
Nina Conti - In Your Face May 2016
Event Date: 26th May 2016
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
She’s won a British Comedy Award, stormed Live at the Apollo, Russell Howard’s Good News, Sunday Night at the Palladium, and made a BAFTA nominated film – all without moving her lips.
This year, Nina will create a new show each night by plucking inspiration from the audience. Strap into the mask as Nina gets in your face. With the help of Monkey and a bag of tricks, truly anything can happen in this unmissable improvised adventure of hilarious witchery.
“Uproariously hilarious” ★★★★ The Scotsman
“Put simply, Nina Conti is a genius” Mirror
“A gem… funny, poignant, novel” Guardian
Age recommedation 12 plus
Sponsored by
CALA Homes
Aquarelle Guitar Quartet May 2016
Event Date: 25th May 2016
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Michael Baker, Vasilis Bessas, James Jervis and Rory Russell
Programme
Overture from L'Italiana in Algeri, arr. Richard Safhill
Opals - Philip Houghton
Lento, from Three Welsh Dances – Dalwyn Henshall, arr. Mike Baker
Quiccan – Andrew York
Themes from Frida - Elliot Goldenthal, arr. Mike Baker
Il Postino - Luis Bacalov, arr. Rory Russell
De Usuahia a la Quiaca - Gustavo Santaolalla (from Motorcycle Diaries), arr. Vasilis Bessas
Cumba-Quin - Carlos Rivera
Folias - Ian Krouse
Recognised as one of Britain’s leading chamber music groups, the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet is a dynamic and innovative ensemble known for its extraordinary ensemble in performance, expansive repertoire and ground breaking work in developing the guitar quartet medium. The quartet has performed extensively across the UK and abroad to critical acclaim, and is admired for its original arrangements of music from a wide range of styles, periods and cultures. The group also frequently performs new works by internationally renowned composers such as Clarice Assad (Brazil), Phillip Houghton (Australia), Stephen Dodgson (UK) and Nikita Koshkin (Russia) as well as drawing on existing repertoire.
Formed originally at the Royal Northern College of Music (in 1999), under the guidance of Craig Ogden and Gordon Crosskey, the quartet went on to study with renowned guitarists such as Sérgio Assad, Oscar Ghiglia and Scott Tennant. Since then, they have received many awards and in 2009 were signed exclusively to Chandos Records. The first two albums, “Dances” (released in June 2010) and “Spirit of Brazil” (March 2009) both received excellent reviews from the press. BBC Music Magazine awarded “Spirit of Brazil” five stars for both performance and recording, commenting: “With outstanding playing and infectious spirit, this is no mere niche guitar CD, but a luscious and lively general-appeal winner” and International Record Review said of the quartet: “If one guitar quartet can give a traditional string quartet a run for its money in terms of abundant technique and breathtaking artistry, it is the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet”.
Their subsequent disc ‘Final Cut’, featuring the group’s own arrangements of celebrated film themes, was chosen as Classic FM Drive’s CD of the week, on its release in June, was given a five stars review by Time Out Magazine and has since been given exceptional praise by Sinfini Music (Universal), International Record Review and American Record Guide.
Tickets on sale 10am Monday 28th March 2016.
Friends book 10am Monday 21st March only £10 join online.
The Sixteen 2016
Event Date: 24th May 2016
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
Our 16th Choral Pilgrimage celebrates the work of William Byrd and Arvo Pärt, composers from very different eras, both of whom are considered masters of sacred music despite having faced considerable persecution for their work. Although separated by over four centuries, the music of William Byrd and Arvo Pärt makes for a perfect match. Both spent many years facing adversity and persecution and both sought solace through their sacred music.
Byrd Diliges Dominum
Byrd Miserere mihi Domine
Part Deer’s Cry
Byrd Emendemus in melius
Part the woman with the alabaster box
Byrd Tribue Domine
Byrd Christe qui lux es et dies
Tallis Miserere nostri
Byrd O lux beata Trinitas
Part Nunc Dimittis
Byrd Ad Dominum cum tribularer
Byrd Laetentur coeli
After 36 years of worldwide performance and recording, The Sixteen is recognised as one of the world’s greatest ensembles. The Sixteen’s total commitment to the music it performs is its greatest distinction. A special reputation for performing early English polyphony, masterpieces of the Renaissance, bringing fresh insights into Baroque and early Classical music and a diversity of 20th and 21st - century music, is drawn from the passions of conductor and founder Harry Christophers CBE.
Supported by Dunard Fund
Tickets on sale 10am Monday 28th March 2016.
Friends book 10am Monday 21st March only £10 join online.
The Unthanks May 2016
Event Date: 24th May 2016
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Nominated for the Mercury Music Prize and the only British folk representation in The Guardian’s and Uncut’s best albums of last decade (worldwide, all genres), The Unthanks have an army of notable fans, including actor Martin Freeman, Elvis Costello, Colin Firth, Robert Wyatt, Ben Folds, Ryan Adams, Rosanne Cash, members of Portishead and Radiohead, Dawn French, Paul Morley, Ewan McGregor, Ade Edmondson and Nick Hornby. The Unthanks is a family affair for Tyneside sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank, with Rachel married to pianist, producer, arranger and composer, Adrian McNally. Using the traditional music of the North East of England as a starting point, the influence of Steve Reich, Miles Davis, Sufjan Stevens, Robert Wyatt, Antony & The Johnsons, King Crimson and Tom Waits can be heard in the band’s 8 albums to date, including Mount The Air, released to huge critical acclaim earlier this year.
There are no easy one-liners to capture who or what The Unthanks are. You might find them singing in a Tyneside folk club one night, and playing to 2000 Londoners the next, having performed to a primary school in the afternoon. You might find them collaborating with Adrian Utley (Portishead) one moment, and writing the score to an archive film about the shipyards the next. Or visiting Africa with Damon Albarn, Flea and Joan As Policewoman and then presenting a TV programme for BBC4 about traditional dance. Rubbing shoulders with Robert Plant, Adele, Elbow and Radiohead at the Mercurys, or in a bunkhouse on the coastline of Northumberland cooking for 50 fans on one of their residential singing weekends. Running singing sessions in the back of a pub on a Monday before heading off to tour America or Australia on the Tuesday. Signing licensing deals with EMI while continuing to record vocals in broom cupboards under the stairs. Spending 9-5 managing their own careers without agents or labels, and heading down the studio in the evening to write scores for a project with a symphony orchestra. Collaborating with Orbital while championing songs from the folk club floor singers of the North East and re-presenting them to anyone who wants to listen. You’ll find them played by the folk show on BBC Radio 2, but equally by cutting edge BBC6 Music, Radio 3 and Radio 1 DJs. You might find them on the cover of a folk magazine like fRoots or in the pages of NME. For every glamorous accolade, there is an act of grounded integrity.
Recent adventures beyond their central activity a brass band collaboration with national champions Brighouse and Rastrick, a reimagining of the work of Robert Wyatt and Antony Hegarty, and a soundtrack to a film about the shipbuilding industry - plus collaborations Orbital, Sting, Adrian Utley (Portishead), Martin Green (Lau), Martin Hayes, The MacColl brothers, The Voice Squad, conductor Charles Hazlewood, The Moulettes and German composer Werner Cee.
Tickets on sale 10am Monday 28th March 2016.
Friends book 10am Monday 21st March only £10 join online.
Pascal & Ami Roge - Satie and Les Six.
Event Date: 23rd May 2016
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Programme - Satie and Les Six
2 hands and 4 hands
SATIE: Parade
DEBUSSY: Petite Suite
SATIE: Morceaux en forme de poire
SATIE: Gnossienne No. 2
RAVEL: Ma Mere l'Oye
SATIE: 1st Gymnopedie
SATIE: Je te veux
MILHAUD: Enfantines
TAILLEFERRE: Images
DUREY: Carillons
AURIC: Adieu New-York
HONEGGER: Pastorale d'été
POULENC: Sonata for Piano Duet
Pascal Rogé exemplifies the finest in French pianism. Born in Paris, he was a student of the Paris Conservatory and was also mentored by Julius Katchen and the great Nadia Boulanger. Winner of Georges Enesco piano competition and 1st prize of Marguerite Long Piano competition, he became an exclusive Decca recording artist at the age of seventeen. His playing of Poulenc, Satie, Fauré, Saint-Saëns and especially Ravel, is characterized by its elegance, beauty and stylistically perfect phrasing.
Mr. Rogé has performed in almost every major concert hall in the world and with every major orchestra across the globe and has collaborated with the most distinguished conductors in history, including Lorin Maazel, Michael Tilson Thomas, Mariss Jansons, Charles Dutoit, Kurt Masur, Edo de Waart, Alan Gilbert, David Zinman, Marek Janowski, Sir Andrew Davis, Raymond Leppard and others. One of the world’s most distinguished recording artists, Pascal Rogé has won many prestigious awards, including two Gramophone Awards, a Grand Prix du Disque and an Edison Award for his interpretations of the Ravel and Saint- Saens concerti along with the complete piano works of Ravel, Poulenc and Satie.
Several years ago, Mr. Rogé began a new and ambitious recording project for Onyx called the Rogé Edition. With the Vienna Radio Symphony under Bertrand de Billy, he has recently recorded two CDs of both of the Ravel Piano Concerti and the Gershwin Concerto in F and Rhapsody in Blue.
Recently, Pascal has enjoyed playing recitals for four-hands / two-pianos with his partner in life and in music Ami Rogé. Together, they have travelled the world appearing at prestigious festivals and concert halls and recorded several CDs dedicated to the French 2 piano and 4 hands repertoire. In 2011 they have given the premiere of a newly commissioned Concerto for Two Pianos by the composer Matthew Hindson with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy.
Recently chairman of the Geneva Piano competition, Pascal Rogé is also dedicated to teaching and gives regular masterclasses in France, Japan, United States and United Kingdom.
Tickets on sale 10am Monday 28th March 2016.
Friends book 10am Monday 21st March only £10 join online.
The John Wilson Orchestra - The Broadway Sound with Julian Ovenden May 2016
Event Date: 22nd May 2016
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
The John Wilson Orchestra will make its debut at the Perth Festival on Sunday 22nd May with a show celebrating the golden age of Broadway. The orchestra will be joined by special guest singer Julian Ovenden. The John Wilson Orchestra will be releasing its new CD for Warner Classics @Gershwin in Hollywood – Live from The Royal Albert Hall’ on May 6th.
The John Wilson Orchestra The Broadway Sound
Conducted by John Wilson
An evening of songs and orchestral pieces from the golden age of the Broadway stage musical. The orchestra has established an international reputation performing repertoire from the golden era of Hollywood and Broadway musicals and music for the big screen and appears regularly at the BBC Proms, at international festivals and concert halls and on television and radio. ‘Technicolour for the ears? You better believe it!’ - The Independent
Conductor and arranger John Wilson formed The John Wilson Orchestra in 1994. The orchestra has an international reputation as a unique hand-picked ensemble of some of the world’s finest musicians. The orchestra specialises in recording contemporary film soundtracks and authentic concert performances of classic film musical scores. Outside of the concert hall the orchestra has contributed to soundtrack recordings for films including The Gathering Storm and in 2007 was nominated for a Grammy Award for ‘Best Soundtrack’ for Beyond the Sea starring Kevin Spacey as Bobby Darin. .
The orchestra has recorded critically acclaimed CDs for Vocalion including This Is The John Wilson Orchestra, Orchestral Jazz, Shall We Dance?, Soft Lights and Sweet Music, Moonlight Becomes You, Film and Television Music of Angela Morley and Dance Date.
In addition the John Wilson Orchestra has collaborated on a CD recording for Sir Paul McCartney. The orchestra has performed on British TV, including Parkinson, and was recently invited to perform a concert for HRH Prince of Wales American Foundation at Buckingham Palace.
In August 2009 the John Wilson Orchestra made its debut at the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall in a concert celebrating the 75th anniversary of the MGM film musicals. The concert was broadcast live on British television. In August 2010 the orchestra returned to the BBC Proms in a celebration of Rodgers & Hammerstein film musicals.
In the autumn of 2010 the John Wilson Orchestra performed its first national tour of the United Kingdom. The John Wilson Orchestra performed a Christmas special Swingin’ Christmas for BBC Television which was broadcast on Christmas night 2010. The John Wilson Orchestra records exclusively for Warner Classics.
Alex Horne & The Horne Section
Event Date: 20th May 2016
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
The Horne Section bring together stand-up and live music in a free-wheeling and spontaneous combination. The group is led by Alex Horne, the creator and host of hit Dave TV Series Taskmaster. Their live show Horne Section’s Questions Sessions pits some of the finest contemporary comedians against each other to complete the most unlikely tasks, and has enjoyed sell-out runs in Edinburgh and at the Soho Theatre.
Don Giovanni by English Touring Opera May 2016
Event Date: 19th May 2016
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
New production sung in English - finish time 22.20.
Don Giovanni: Nicholas Lister
Donna Anna: Camilla Roberts
Commendatore: Tim Dawkins
Director Lloyd Wood sets his Don Giovanni in turn-of-the-century Vienna: a city of bustling creativity, scientific discoveries and dangerous tension – the city of Freud. ETO’s Don Giovanni explores the themes of purity and death in a sequence of complex relationships between women and men, and men and men.
Don Giovanni will be conducted by ETO Music Director Michael Rosewell. Evening Standard Theatre Award-winning designer Anna Fleischle will design Don Giovanni.
Don Giovanni, a Spanish nobleman, travels through Europe seducing women, accompanied by his long-suffering servant Leporello. When his actions lead to murder, he unleashes vengeance from beyond the grave.
Is Don Giovanni a hero who defies all authority, or an amoral faker, a rapist and a murderer? To whichever conclusion you are pulled by the first, immortal bars of the score, every performance of Mozart and Da Ponte’s masterpiece is a musical and dramatic whirlwind, culminating in a supernatural intervention. It is as if the gods, or the dead, are summoned to finish the man who acknowledges no father, no law, no love, no fate.
Sung in English with surtitles more information Don Giovanni
2015
The Massed Bands of Her Majesty's Royal Marines 2015
Event Date: 31st May 2015
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Combined bands of Scotland and Portsmouth - Festival of Music
This is the world famous programme performed at the Albert Hall in London
Compered by John Suchet
Finish Time 10.30pm
This programme shows the versatility of the Royal Marines Bands at its best with traditional marches, the spectacular Corps of Drums, highly talented soloists, classical works by Arturo Marques and Delibes, film music and much, much more. There is even a special tribute to 100th Anniversary of the First World WarGallipoli Campaign that leads into a traditional patriotic naval finale. This is a high class production from some of the finest military musicians in the country that would appeal to all ages and all the family.
Programme
Conductor: Lieutenant Colonel Nick Grace OBE RM – Principal Director of Music Royal Marines
The National Anthem Jacob
Opening Fanfare Heroic Return Keresztes arr. Powell
Introducing the Corps of Drums Victory in Europe Smallwood
Drum Display Invictus Paine/Thomas/Williams
Band & Drum Feature Cape Helles Young
Bugle March HMS Ocean Waterer
Quick March of the Royal Marines Sarie Marais Dunn
Overture Danzon No.2 Arturo Marquez
Conductor: Captain Andy Gregory RM – Director of Music, The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines Scotland
Clarinet Solo Puttin’ on the Marmalade Shields arr. Hodge
(Soloists: Musn Wright &
Musn Hudson)
Flute Solo Vocalise Rachmaninov arr. Hodge
(Soloist: BdCpl Merrell-Silk)
Percussion Exhibition Root Beer Rag Joel arr. McDermott
(Soloists: BdCpl Smith &
Musn Tompkins)
Pixar Blockbuster Symphonic Animation arr. Johnson
(Soloists: BdCpl Botham, trombone; Musn Woolley,
saxophone; Cpl Bug Sumner, vocalist; BdCpl Upton,
flugel and trumpet.
Conductor: Captain Daryl Powell RM – Director of Music, The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines Portsmouth
Opening March Sequence Parade of the Slave Children Williams arr. Waller
Evolution Blundel/Lee/Silk
Cavalry of the Clouds Alford
Popular Music Andrews Sisters Various arr. Hodge
(Soloists: BdSgt Trudgeon,
BdCpl Merrell-Silk & Musn Carnegie)
The King Various arr. Hodge
(Soloist: BdCpl Lloyd)
Conductor: Lieutenant Colonel Nick Grace OBE RM – Principal Director of Music Royal Marines
Music from the Ballet Les Chasseresses Delibes arr. Davis
Tribute to WW1 Gallipoli McDermott
Hymn & Sunset Sunset Ellerby
Patriotic Salute Britannic Salute Shillito
March Past of the Royal Navy Heart of Oak Boyce
Regimental March of the Royal Marines A Life on the Ocean Wave Russell
Beethoven The Man Revealed - John Suchet 2015
Event Date: 30th May 2015
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
In Beethoven - The Man Revealed, John Suchet brings to life the complex nature of one of the greatest musicians this world has ever known. He reveals how Beethoven struggled to continue his great work amidst a backdrop of war against France, his increasing deafness and the extremes of his personality which confused and alienated those closest to him. True genius comes at a price and in this full length biography, John sensitively portrays the man behind the music.
Ronnie Scott's All Star Quintet with Claire Martin OBE 2015
Event Date: 30th May 2015
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Mixing classic music from the many jazz greats who have performed at the club over its 50 year history - such as Count Basie, Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Miles Davis - alongside tales of old Soho, miscreant musicians, police raids, and the mystery bottle of Mumm Champagne which is kept unopened behind the clubs bar. A unique evening celebrating one of the World's most famous jazz venues, it's music, and history.
The Band:
Since 1959 the tradition at Ronnie Scott’s has always been to have house musicians. That tradition continues with The Ronnie Scott All Stars, lead by pianist and house musical director James Pearson. Frequently to be found supporting some of the world's finest bands and orchestras, they are also used by soloists who come to play at the club, including: Joss Stone, Jeff Beck, Katie Melua, Will Young, Dionne Warwick, Housten Person, Carleen Anderson, Jon Hendricks ... to name just a few.
The Observer
Scottish Opera Pop-up Opera Roadshow 30-31May
Event Date: 30th May 2015
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
It is recommended to reserve a free ticket in advance as places are limited.
Scottish Opera is packing up its theatre on wheels and bringing three pop-up operas out on the road to Perth Festival. Performed by a storyteller, singers and instrumentalists, and supported by a set of colourful illustrations, each show gives a fantastic introduction to opera. A Little Bit of Carmen and A Little Bit of Barber are cleverly re-written versions of the full operas and are suitable for all ages, while Puffy MacPuffer & The Crabbit Canals tells the story of the five Scottish Canals and has been specifically created for 5 to 8 year olds.
There will be a set of 3 shows of three very different styles, and each show would have a box of illustrations to help our narrator lead the audience through the fast-paced storylines:
11.00 Puffy MacPuffer and the Crabbit Canals – an interactive show for children of 5-8yo about the canal network in Scotland
13.00 A little bit of Carmen – a short (approx. 25 min) version of Bizet’s Carmen, performed by two singers, a storyteller, plus guitar, cello and flute
14.30 A little bit of Barber of Seville – a short (approx. 25 min) version of Rossini’s comic opera The Barber of Seville, featuring a singer, a storyteller, plus guitar and cello
The trailer will be sited beside Perth Concert Hall.
Jools Holland & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra 2015
Event Date: 29th May 2015
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
featuring GILSON LAVIS
with MARC ALMOND
Doors: 7 pm.
Support act Chris Holland on stage: 7.30 pm - 7.50 pm.
Jools Holland on stage: 8.20 pm. Finish time approx 10.30pm
Jools Holland OBE DL was born Julian Miles Holland on January 24, 1958 in Blackheath, South East London. At the age of 15 Jools was introduced to Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford; together they formed Squeeze, and shortly afterwards they were joined by Gilson Lavis (who had already played with, among others, B. B. King, Chuck Berry and Max Wall), who still drums with Jools. Up The Junction and Cool For Cats gave Squeeze meteoric success and their popularity rapidly extended to America, where their tour included performances at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
In 1987 Jools formed The Jools Holland Big Band, comprising himself and Gilson Lavis. This has gradually metamorphosed into the current 20-piece Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, which consists of pianist, organist, drummer, three female vocals, guitar, bass guitar, two tenor saxophones, two alto saxophones, baritone saxophone, three trumpets, and four trombones.
Jools' career as a television presenter has run parallel to his musical career. He started in the early 1980s when he interviewed The Police for a documentary that was made while they were recording at George Martin's Montserrat studio. Jools then auditioned to become co-presenter (with Paula Yates) of The Tube, which achieved almost immediate cult status and discovered a whole new generation of musicians and comedians between 1981 and 1986.
As always, Jools continues to dazzle audiences across the UK with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and their exuberant live performances. They have just come off an extensive UK tour and, for the 21st year in a row, celebrated the dawn of the new year with the whole nation on BBC2’s New Year’s Eve TV Show ‘Jools’ Annual Hootenanny’.
Sponsored by
Brewin Dolphin
The Only Way is Downton 2015
Event Date: 28th May 2015
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Seabright Productions presents
THE ONLY WAY IS DOWNTOWN
Written and performed by Luke Kempner.
Directed by Owen Lewis. Script edited by Jeremy Limb
Finish time approx 9.45pm
Following two sell-out Edinburgh runs, two West End seasons and UK tours, impressionist Luke Kempner – star of YouTube hit Downstairs At Downton and the musicals Les Mis and Avenue Q –once again tours his solo show around the UK in spring 2015.
As celebrities start appearing at the Abbey, cultures clash and eras hilariously collide in this brilliant parody. Building on the multi-character original scenario of his YouTube video, Luke has created an original story in which the characters of Downton Abbey are in crisis and have to call upon modern celebrities to help the cast of Downton save the estate from financial ruin – again!
Writer/performer Luke Kempner has recently appeared in Sleeping Beauty for Salisbury Playhouse, directed by Joyce Branagh and as the Professor in the UK tour of South Pacific, directed by Bartlett Sher. He created a role in new musical LIFT at the Soho Theatre, directed by Steven Paling. He's also appeared in the UK tours of Avenue Q, directed by Jason Moore and Les Miserables, directed by Laurence Connor. Luke is a graduate of the Guildford School of Acting.
Director Owen Lewis most recently staged solo shows for Suggs, Mrs Moneypenny and Hardeep Singh Kohli; previous stage credits include the Olivier Award nominated Eric and Little Ern.
‘Luke Kempner's riotous one-man show...a blissful flight of surreal fancy.’ **** Whatsonstage
‘Remarkable, tour de force one-man show. If this doesn’t prove a wow in 'Edinburgh and beyond, then I’m Dame Maggie Smith.’ **** Daily Telegraph
‘The Energizer Bunny of impressionists.’ The Huffington Post
‘Kempner’s script is consistently funny... his Downton impersonations are a deconstructive delight’ **** Metro
Red Priest - Handel in the Wind 2015
Event Date: 28th May 2015
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
9.30pm Finish Time
RED PRIEST
Piers Adams – recorders
Julia Bishop – violin
Angela East – cello
David Wright – harpsichord
HANDEL IN THE WIND
Music by GEORGE FREDERICK HANDEL (1685-1759) arranged by Red Priest
The Messiah Suite: Part 1
Overture - Comfort Ye - Every Valley
Sonata in F Major Op 2 No 4
Larghetto - Vivace - Adagio - Alla Breve – Allegro
Largo and Passacaglia in G minor
Vo Far Guerra (from Rinaldo) for Harpsichord Solo
The Messiah Suite: Part 2
Shepherds and Angels – Eternal Source of Light – Darkness – The Blind Man – The Recorder Shall Sound
Zadok the Red Priest
Recorder Sonata in B Minor
Largo – Vivace – Furioso – Adagio – Alla Breve
Lascia Ch’Io Pianga
The Harmonious Blacksmith Variations
The Messiah Suite: Part 3
Despised – Siciliano – Why do the Nations? – Breaking the Bonds – The Potter’s Vessel – Hallelujah
Red Priest is the only early music group in the world to have been compared in the press to the Rolling Stones, Jackson Pollock, the Marx Brothers, Spike Jones and the Cirque du Soleil. This extraordinary acoustic foursome has been described by music critics as “visionary and heretical,” “outrageous yet compulsive,” “wholly irreverent and highly enlightened,” “completely wild and deeply imaginative,” with a “red-hot wicked sense of humour” and a “break-all-rules, rock-chamber concert approach to early music.”
Founded in 1997, and named after the flame-haired priest, Antonio Vivaldi, Red Priest has given several hundred sell-out concerts in many of the world’s most prestigious festivals, including the Hong Kong Arts Festival, Moscow December Nights Festival, Schwetzingen Festival, Prague Spring Festival, Ravinia Festival, Bermuda Festival, and in most European countries, Japan, Australia, and throughout North and Central America. The group has been the subject of hour-long TV profiles for NHK (Japan) and ITV (UK) - the latter for the prestigious South Bank Show in 2005, which documented the launch of the Red Hot Baroque Show, an electrifying marriage of old music with the latest light and video technology.
In 2008 Red Priest launched its own record label, Red Priest Recordings, which is now the home for all of the recordings of the ensemble and its members, and has attracted much attention in the music press worldwide. Recent releases have included a swashbuckling collection entitled “Pirates of the Baroque” and the group’s all-Bach blockbuster, “Johann, I'm Only Dancing.”
To find keep informed about Red Priest’s concerts and recordings join the Red Priest mailing list at www.redpriest.com - or visit our fan-page on Facebook!
Piers Adams has been heralded in the Washington Post as ‘the reigning recorder virtuoso in the world today’. He has performed in numerous festivals and at premiere concert halls throughout the world, including London’s Royal Festival, Wigmore and Queen Elizabeth Halls, and as concerto soloist with the Philharmonia, the Academy of Ancient Music, the Singapore Symphony and the BBC Symphony. Piers has made several solo CDs reflecting an eclectic taste, ranging from his award-winning Vivaldi début disc to David Bedford’s Recorder Concerto - one of many major works written for and premiered by him. He has also researched, arranged and recorded many classical, romantic, impressionist and folk-influenced showpieces, which are a mainstay of his recital programs.
Julia Bishop is one of the outstanding baroque violin specialists of her generation, with a virtuoso style described in the BBC Music Magazine as ‘psychedelic’. She has toured the world with most of the UK's leading period instrument orchestras, including the English Concert, of which she was a member for six years. Julia has worked extensively as an orchestral leader and soloist, in particular with the celebrated Gabrieli Consort, with whom she has performed internationally and appeared on numerous discs for Deutsche Grammophon. She has also appeared as concerto soloist with Florilegium, the Brandenburg Consort and the Hanover Band.
Angela East is widely respected as one of the most brilliant and dynamic performers in the period instrument world, praised in The Times, London, for the “elemental power” of her cello playing. She has given numerous concerto performances in London's Queen Elizabeth and Wigmore Halls, and has performed as soloist and continuo cellist with many of Europe's leading baroque orchestras, as well as with her own ensemble, the Revolutionary Drawing Room. Among her impressive list of concert credits are La Scala, Milan, Sydney Opera House, Versailles and Glyndebourne. Her long awaited disc of Bach’s Cello Suites was recently released on Red Priest Recordings, together with a recital disc of popular baroque cello sonatas.
David Wright was an almost entirely self taught musician before gaining a scholarship to the Royal College of Music, where he won several prizes, including the International Broadwood Competition, and graduated with distinction. Since then he has worked with some of the world’s leading musicians including Emma Kirkby, James Bowman and Steven Varcoe, and as a soloist with many groups of international renown. He has directed numerous concerts from the harpsichord, including the first modern performance of Arne's The Blind Beggar of Bethnal Green, and is guest conductor to several European orchestras. Much of David's time in recent years has been devoted to performing Bach’s Goldberg Variations, which he recorded in 2007 and has since toured extensively, and performed on TV and radio. He joined Red Priest in 2011, taking over from his predecessor in a Dr. Who style regeneration event in BREMF 2010!
Simply Gershwin - Music, Song and Dance 2015
Event Date: 27th May 2015
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Richard Balcombe conductor
Meeta Raval guest singer
Rodney Earl Clarke guest singer
Jonathan Scott piano
Djordje Tanasijevic ballroom dancer
Emma Lee ballroom dancer
Oliver Botterill tap dancer
Katie Love tap dancer
The concert brings together Broadway glamour and toe-tapping tunes in an all Gershwin extravaganza featuring the very best music, song and dance!
George and Ira Gershwin wrote some of the most loved music in the American songbook and this concert is packed with some of their very best work including Someone to Watch Over Me, excerpts from Porgy and Bess, A Foggy Day in London Town, Someone to Watch Over Me, S’Wonderful and Rhapsody in Blue.
The concert will be performed by the Scottish Concert Orchestra, special guest vocalists Meeta Raval and Rodney Earl Clarke, pianist Jonathan Scott plus a glamorous ballroom duo and two sensational tap dancers.
The Sixteen 2015
Event Date: 26th May 2015
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
The Choral Pilgrimage Flight of the Angels - Finish time 9.10pm approx
In 2015 The Sixteen takes a trip back to 16th-century Spain and more specifically to one of the biggest, richest and most cosmopolitan cities on earth - Seville. It was during this Spanish ‘golden age’ when arts and culture flourished, that Francisco Guerrero and Alonso Lobo made their mark.
Between them these two composers capture an astonishing variety of moods within their music, from ecstasy and joy to despair, longing and devotional stillness.
‘There are surely few composers who can boast a pilgrimage to the Holy Land; Guerrero made his in 1558 and published a book about his incredible journey. He was reputed to have been a person of gentleness and charm and in possession of a beautiful high tenor voice, and it is that singing quality that comes across in his works - every line is a joy to sing. The acclaimed music scholar Robert Stevenson wrote that the moods he captured included ecstasy, gaiety, melancholy, longing, submission and repose, many of which are captured in ‘Agnus Dei I and II’ from his Missa Congratulamini mihi.
Lobo was a choirboy at Seville Cathedral where Guerrero was maestro de capella. His eight-part setting of Ave Maria is a technical tour de force, but one which in no way impedes its rich sonority and sheer beauty. However there is a single work, that in my opinion makes Lobo deserving of a lasting reputation, and that is Versa est in luctum. Written for the obsequies of Philip II in 1598, it is not only contemplative but also daring, with one of the most heartfelt dissonances I know in Renaissance music.
Both Guerrero and Lobo’s works were performed for nearly two centuries after their deaths, in cathedrals throughout Spain, Portugal and the New World. Let us ensure today that they can achieve the same renown.’ Harry Christophers
Harry Christophers conductor
Concert programme
Guerrero Duo Seraphim
A. Lobo Kyrie from Missa Maria Magdalene
A. Lobo Libera me
Guerrero Gloria from Missa Surge propera
Guerrero Laudate Dominum
Guerrero Maria Magdalene
Guerrero Credo from Missa de la batalla escoutez
Guerrero Vexilla Regis
A. Lobo Ave Regina coelorum
A. Lobo Ave Maria
A. Lobo Versa est in luctum
Guerrero Agnus Dei I and II from Missa Congratulamini mihi
Social Media links
Please follow us on Twitter - @TheSixteen
Please find us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/The-Sixteen
Supported by Dunard Fund
Silent Headphone Disco
Event Date: 26th May 2015
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Tickets will be also be available on the door on the night.
The Silent Disco will take place in a marquee beside Perth Concert Hall from 7pm to 11pm.
It is ideal for of all ages. Early on in the evening great fun for families. Everyone gets a headset when they arrive at the marquee (£5 deposit) and then you tune in to one of the two djs. There are two sound tracks to choose from rock and rock and also electro beats. The marquee is silent and only those with the headsets can hear the music. It is great fun to take part in and to watch... give it a go.
Headphone Disco's 'TwoDeeJaySuperShow' is a unique, surreal and hugely enjoyable experience that's been rocking the college, festival and club circuit since 2007. From London to Lisbon and Moscow to Montreal the reaction to this silent party sensation has been immense as party people embrace one of the most talked about and freshest of dance party experiences. Surreal, bizarre, slightly outrageous but most of all hugely enjoyable, Headphone Disco is one of the most exciting dance party experiences to emerge in years. Where else can you witness one half of a crowd go wild to tough electro beats while the other half get down to some floor-shaking rock n' roll? On the same dancefloor. At the same time! Taking part is fun, watching from the side is hilarious and avoiding any late night amplified-noise curfews.
The will be a bar with refreshments in the marquee.
A Tribute to William Hannah featuring Luke Daniels (melodeon) & Neil Ewart (fiddle) 2015
Event Date: 26th May 2015
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
This event will take place at the Norie Miller Room at Perth Concert Hall
Featuring Luke Daniels (melodeon), Neil Ewart (fiddle), Ian Carr (guitar) and John Paul Gandy (piano), this project made painstakingly detailed transcriptions of William Hannah's original 78 and wax cylinder recordings from 1908-27 and then reproduced them as closely as possible to the source material on two restored melodeons c1909 and 1922 both with the original reeds. They worked with Royal Conservatoire Scotland and School of Scottish Studies and Edinburgh University on this album which is due for release in Spring 2015.
William Hannah was born in Livingston, West Lothian in 1891 and reared in Blackburn. He was a prolific recording artist and popular band leader apart from having a major influence on Jimmy Shand. He published a tutor and tune collection for the button accordion around 1925. After the Great War, in which he served in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, he took up playing mouth organ before moving up to the melodeon. During World War II he served as Lieutenant in the Home
Guard and was noted for one particular act of bravery when he disposed of a live grenade, saving the lives of several others. He was later injured by a bomb and was made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in 1944. He was head postman at Bathgate Post Office. He died in Carron, Stirlingshire in 1961.Hannah was involved in the development of the modern accordion.
Courtney Pine 2015
Event Date: 25th May 2015
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Tickets also available on Ticketmaster. Finish time 9.30pm
COURTNEY PINE PRESENTS SONG (the ballad book)
Featuring ZOE RAHMAN on piano
In the 80’s he was one of the first black British jazz artists to make a serious mark on the jazz scene when his first album charted and some 20 plus years on (now with an OBE and CBE for services to music) Courtney Pine continues to break new ground with a string of highly acclaimed recordings and numerous prestigious Industry awards. In April 2014 he joined Herbie Hancock and a dazzling line-up of Jazz all-stars for UNESCO’S globally televised concert in Osaka to celebrate International Jazz Day and his name regularly appears on the list of Most Influential Black Britons.
2014 saw him touring sell out shows across the UK, US and Canada and mainstage performances at Bestival, Love Supreme and The London Jazz Festival with his award winning critically acclaimed 15th studio album House of Legends.
Now with his latest project. his 16th studio album to date, he plans to strip everything right back for the most intimate shows of his long and celebrated career as he takes to the stage playing bass clarinet accompanied only by fellow Mercury nominee and MOBO Award winning Pianist, Zoe Rahman. Described in The Observer as “a remarkable pianist by any standard”, Zoe Rahman has firmly established herself as one of the brightest stars on the contemporary jazz scene. A vibrant and highly individual pianist/composer, her style is deeply rooted in jazz yet it reflects her classical background, British/Bengali heritage and her very broad musical taste.
The Independent “ Courtney Pine was once hailed as British jazz’s saviour….he still is”
The Telegraph “Nothing short of breathtaking”
The Times “In a Class of His Own”
"I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO RECORD A COLLECTION OF MY FAVOURITE BALLADS AND THERE IS NOTHING LIKE PERFORMING IN A DUET FORMAT FOR BRINGING OUT THE INTIMACY OF GREAT SONGS.” Courtney Pine
In 1986 a 22 year old Courtney Pine appeared on the front cover of the NME, the last quote in a two page interview read “You know I’m doing this for a reason” –some 28 years later he still is…
Catch these two amazing Jazz stars on tour in 2015.
BBC Philharmonic with Tine Thing Helseth 2015
Event Date: 24th May 2015
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Finish time 9.35pm
Conducted by Andrew Gourlay
Serenade for Strings in C major, Op.48 Tchaikovsky
Trumpet Concerto in E flat Hummel
Symphony No.7 in A, Op.92 Beethoven
In recognition of her outstanding performing abilities, Tine Thing Helseth has been the recipient of various awards including ‘Newcomer of the Year’ at the 2013 Echo Klassik Awards, the 2009 Borletti-Buitoni Trust Fellowship, ‘Newcomer of the Year’ at the 2007 Norwegian Grammy Awards (the first classical artist ever to be nominated), and second prize in the 2006 Eurovision Young Musicians Competition.
In early 2012, Tine released her debut discs on EMI Classics: a solo disc with RLPO, Storyteller, and a collaborative album with tenThing, 10. Tine released a further CD in March 2013 – aptly titled Tine, the disc presents a personal selection of original and transcribed works, accompanied by Kathryn Stott.
The BBC Philharmonic is a broadcasting orchestra based in Salford. As one of the BBC’s six performing groups it gives over a hundred concerts a year, nearly all of which are broadcast on BBC Radio 3, the BBC’s home of classical music. The orchestra works with world class artists from a range of genres and styles and appears annually at the BBC Proms. Internationally-renowned, the orchestra has sold around 900,000 albums and regularly tours in Europe and Asia.
Andrew Forbes Organ Recital 2015
Event Date: 23rd May 2015
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
Andrew Forbes is from Perth and is currently Director of Music at Glasgow Cathedral.
Programme
Praeludium in A. Dietrich Buxtehude. (1637-1707)
Adagio on themes by Albinoni. Remo Giazotto. (1910-1998)
Trio Sonata in E minor. J S Bach. (1685-1750)
Berceuse and Finale from the Firebird Suite. Igor Stravinsky. (1882-1971). arr. Maurice Besly. (1888-1945)
Prelude, Fugue and Variation. César Franck. (1822-1890)
Organ Symphony No. 7, Op.42 No.3. Charles-Marie Widor. (1844-1937)
Chorale Variations on the theme Veni Creator. Maurice Duruflé. (1902-1986)
Winner of the 2014 Northern Ireland International Organ Competition, Andrew Forbes, who comes from Perth, was appointed as the Director of Music of Glasgow Cathedral in October 2014. Andrew is reading for a Masters Degree in Naval Architecture, and has held the organ scholarships of Glasgow University and St. Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh.
In demand as both a soloist and accompanist, Andrew has performed throughout Europe, at venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Trinity College (Cambridge) and Worcester Cathedral. As a pianist, Andrew has worked with the Dunedin Consort, NYOS, NYOS Futures, and as concerto soloist for performances of Rhapsody in Blue and Shostakovich’s 2nd Piano Concerto. Andrew is also an active continuo player, with recent performances including Buxtehude's Membra Jesu Nostri and Händel's Acis and Galatea.
Future engagements include recitals at Westminster Abbey, Christchurch Cathedral (Dublin) and St. Anne’s Cathedral (Belfast). More information can be found at www.andrewforbes.org
The Proclaimers 2015
Event Date: 23rd May 2015
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Festival Ceilidh Jim Mackay Dance Band 2015
Event Date: 23rd May 2015
Venue: Salutation Hotel
The Ceilidh will be held at The Salutation Hotel in South Street, Perth.
Jim Mackay's Dance Band has been on the go since 1957. Originally from Caithness but moved to the Inverness area in the early 1980's, the band has always had a well established following in the north. The band now consists of 3 generations of the Mackay Family. Jim (button accordion player and renowned accordion teacher in Inverness), his son Tom on drums (been in the band since 1975) and Tom's son Graeme on accordion (a former accordion champion and solo musician in his own right). The family element keeps the band strong and fresh, with all dances called, old tunes revived and a big sound that will get everyone dancing!
King Creosote and his 8 piece band 2015
Event Date: 22nd May 2015
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Tickets are also available on Ticketmaster. Finish time 10.20pm
King Creosote will be playing pieces from the sound track “Scotland With Love” and his back catalogue.
From Scotland With Love, which featured in The Sunday Times, Loud & Quiet and MOJO’s year-end lists and which critics described as ‘a lovingly crafted thing’ (Independent on Sunday) and ‘consistently superb’ (Loud & Quiet – 9/10), was created in collaboration with director Virginia Heath and Producer Grant Keir as an audio-accompaniment to a poetic documentary film of the same name. Featuring archive footage from the National Library of Scotland Scottish Screen Archive, but no narration or interview, the film works around themes of love and loss, war, resistance, emigration, work and play, and is driven as much by the music as it is the images. For the first time King Creosote found himself being able to write from other people’s perspectives. The result is From Scotland With Love, one of King Creosote’s most widescreen cinematic and finest pieces of work to date.
‘It makes for an immersive, moving and, at times, truly magical window on the past.’ The Guardian - 4* live review
‘From Scotland With Love successfully and movingly unites past and present, old and new, sight and sound. Another diamond’: Uncut – 8/10
Hamish James Hawk is an Edinburgh-born singer-songwriter. Having spent the early years of his adult life in Fife's East Neuk, Hawk has gained his fair share of inspiration from salty harbour mornings and cobbled afternoons. His music's distinctive voice, however, is the result of these coastal experiences twinned with the late-night morning-after misery of an Edinburgh hangover. Hawk's debut album Aznavour was released in Spring, 2014, and is to be followed by a second release in Summer, 2015, with the generous mentorship of Kenny Anderson and his Alter Ego Trading Company.
'a prolific and idiosyncratic talent in his own right, armed with a suite of songs that are full of bittersweet laments and more lyrical nooks and crannies than the East Neuk coastline' - Nick Mitchell, WOW 24/7'
Frank Lloyd - horn & piano recital 2015
Event Date: 22nd May 2015
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
Programme will include pieces by L.V. Beethoven, R.Strauss, F.Strauss, R.Schumann, Rheinberger and J.S.Bach.
Frank Lloyd played French Horn in the Royal Marines Band Service. In 1975 he left the services to embark on a course at the Royal Academy of Music as a pupil of Ifor James. Within three months, however, he was offered the position of Principal Horn with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and went on to play with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, the Nash Ensemble and the English Chamber Orchestra as Principal Horn. For several years he served as Professor of Horn at both the Guildhall School of Music and Trinity School of Music in London, and in 1998 was appointed Professor of Horn at the Essen Folkwang-Hochschule, where he succeeded the renowned Hermann Baumann. His achievements have been recognised by being awarded the Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Music.
Frank Lloyd is accompanied by pianist Maxim Shamo, who was born in the North Caucasus, into a family with a longstanding professional musical tradition. He started studying piano at a very early age, at the Special Music College of the National Academy of Music in Kiev, Ukraine. He has studied around the world, with Prof. Ludger Maxsein at the Folkwang University of the Arts (Essen, Germany), Prof. Staffan Scheja (Stockholm, Sweden), and Prof. Willem Brons (Amsterdam, the Netherlands).
ArTay 21-24 May 2015
Event Date: 21st May 2015
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
ArTay
Curated by Frames Gallery
10.00 - 18.00 Thursday 21st May
10.00 - 19.30 from Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th May (inclusive)
Beside Perth Concert Hall
Admission Free
Perth Festival is delighted to announce the return of arTay. This large exhibition of Contemporary Scottish Art and Craft was a big success when it ran from 2000-2005 and it is with great anticipation that we have decided to bring it back.
• It is called “arTay” and consists of a very large marquee erected outside of Perth Concert Hall and will hold an exhibition of Scottish Contemporary Art and Craft.
• It will feature the work of over 80 artists and makers drawn from all over Scotland and there will be around 300 works on show
• This is quite a unique event as it’s not an art fair and is much bigger than any normal commercial gallery could hold.
• It is on for four days and admission is free.
• Using the contacts that I have built up over the 30 odd years that I’ve been involved in Scottish Art, we will have an impressive range of work on show. From RSA members such as Gordon Mitchell, Doug Cocker and Reinhard Behrens, RSW members such as Sandy Murphy, Charlie MacQueen, Christine Woodside alongside lesser known but still excellent artists.
• The main aim of arTay is to make Contemporary Art as accessible as possible to as many people as possible and all the work will be for sale.
• Perth Festival first held this event in 2000 and ran it for five years and now in 2014 it has been re-instated. It was one of the Festivals most successful events with around 5,000 people visiting the tent over the four days.
• Perth Festival has been running for over 40 years and is one of the biggest festivals outside of Edinburgh but it has a reputation for being mostly performance based so this very costly investment in visual arts is a big commitment for them.
• Below is a list of the artists who have currently agreed to take part.
• Please contact me for more information and images if required: Hugh Goring: hugh.goring@framesgallery.co.uk 01738 631085
10am - 7.30pm
Free Admission
La boheme - English Touring Opera 2015
Event Date: 21st May 2015
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
There will be a pre-opera talk in the Norie Miller Room at 18.30. Please book a free ticket in advance from the Box Office.
Finish time 9.35pm
Performed on Thursday 21 May at Perth Concert Hall, La bohème is sung in full costume, in Italian with English surtitles, accompanied by ETO’s chorus and 25-piece orchestra.
One of the greatest and most moving operas of all time, La bohème is a story of young love, starting on Christmas Eve in a Parisian garret. On this festive, snowy night the lovers Mimi and Rodolfo draw close, but poverty and ill-health force them apart.
The production features a group of 12 young local singers from Oakbank School in Perth, recruited especially for ETO’s tour to sing a children’s chorus of street urchins.
James Conway, General Director of ETO, said: ‘La bohème is the ideal first opera, and one to which everyone loves to return - a nostalgic look at the pathos and folly of youth. It is a romance which has music of great power, drawing out the very best of that remarkable thing, the human voice.’
1st half 50 mins (7.30-8.20)
Interval 25 mins (8.20-8.45)
2nd half 50 mins (8.45-9.35)
2014
Dougie MacLean with Strings and Celtic Musicians "The Perthshire Cantata"
Event Date: 1st June 2014
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Final concert with Dougie MacLean today. Book online all day using the booking link. You can also phone or visit the Box Office from 4.30pm telephone 01738 621031. There will also be tickets on the door tonight.
View the concert live on the web at Butterstone.tv
Finish time 21.30
Musician and composer, Dougie MacLean, has composed a new piece of music entitled ‘The Perthshire Cantata’ for Perth Festival of the Arts. The commission has been supported by Creative Scotland’s Traditional Arts Commissioning Programme.
‘The Perthshire Cantata’ is an original 'song based' composition by Dougie MacLean using Perthshire themes in the inspiration and lyric, incorporating traditional roots based and contemporary styles. It is a piece that when performed with the original "Perthshire Amber Suite" (instrumental) provides a full and varied programme. Dougie MacLean has an international reputation as "Scotland's Musical Ambassador" (Performing Songwriter USA) and having been born and based in Perthshire for his whole life much of the inspiration for his acclaimed compositions and songs comes from this place. He has composed this piece from the heart.
The work is arranged by John Logan, arranger and conductor as well as French horn player in the RSNO. Musicians for the performance include: Dougie MacLean (guitar, fiddle, bouzouki), Ross Ainslie (Highland and Lowland Pipes, whistles, mandocello), Sorren MacLean (vocals and guitar), Jenna Reid (fiddle), Iain Sandilands (percussion) and the 11 string players of the Perthshire Ensemble.
The Festival commissioned ‘Perthshire Amber’ from Dougie MacLean in 1999.
Sponsored by
Jimmie Cairncross Charitable Trust
Royal Northern Sinfonia & Miloš Karadaglic
Event Date: 31st May 2014
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Finish time 21.25
Directed by Bradley Creswick
Prokofiev – Classical Symphony
Barber – Adagio
Milos – solo pieces
Mozart – Symphony No. 38 ‘The Prague’
Rodrigo – Concerto Aranjuez
One of the hottest properties in classical music, Miloš Karadaglić came to international attention in 2011 with his debut album The Guitar (Mediterráneo) which, in the space of just a few months, topped classical charts around the world, became an internationally best selling sensation and earned Miloš Gramophone’s prestigious Young Artist of the Year Award.
As an exclusive Deutsche Grammophon recording artist, Miloš Karadaglić released his second album Latino (Pasión) in 2012 and went on to receive both Classic Brit (UK) and Echo Klassik (Germany) awards. Reviewing the album Gramophone commented “Karadaglić is a guitarist of superior musical and technical gifts who allows his personality to sing through the music with taste and intelligence” and The Daily Telegraph added “this new Latin American programme is outstanding in its finesse, warm sensuality and sheer beauty.”
Royal Northern Sinfonia, Orchestra of Sage Gateshead, the UK’s only full-time chamber orchestra, has built a distinctive reputation as a fresh-thinking and versatile orchestra. Royal Northern Sinfonia was founded in 1958 by the BBC musicologist and producer Michael Hall. The Queen bestowed the title of ‘Royal’ on Northern Sinfonia in 2013 recognising it internationally as one of the UK’s finest orchestras – the first time any UK orchestra has been so honoured for over twenty years.
Under its longest serving Music Director, Thomas Zehetmair, Royal Northern Sinfonia has taken a dedicated approach to stylistic excellence in all genres and has developed an extensive and ambitious repertoire. Core classical music remains at the heart of the programme whilst precision, excellence and deep musical understanding are equally applied to its chamber, contemporary, light music and cross-genre performances. All performances are underpinned by Zehetmair’s maxim; to perform “as if the ink was still wet on the page.”
Music on A Saturday Morning - Colleen Nicoll (soprano)
Event Date: 31st May 2014
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
Finish time 12.15pm
Colleen will be accompanied by Andrew Johnston (piano). The programme will include works by Handel, Strauss, Duparc, Reynaldo Hahn, Mozart, Britten and Francis George Scott.
Soprano Colleen Nicoll grew up in Highland Perthshire . She is currently studying a Masters in Vocal Performance at Trinity Conservatoire of Music, in London, under the tuition of Laureen Livingstone and Jean Paul Pruna. Colleen is generously supported by The Hope Scott Trust and The Kathleen Trust.
Opera roles have included Countess Almaviva in Le Nozze di Figaro (Mozart), Susan in Company (Steven Sondheim), Cherubino in Le Nozze Di Figaro (Mozart), First Lady in The Magic Flute (Mozart), Blanche Dialogues of the Carmelites (Poulenc), Owl, Head Hen and Foresters Wife in The Cunning Little Vixen (Janacek). Colleen also has experience performing modern music, most recently performing the Joker in It Makes No Difference by Simone Spangolo for Trinity Opera.
Colleen has a busy concert diary and really enjoys returning to Scotland to perform. She has recently performed soprano solo in Handel's Messiah for Crieff Choral and SSAFA charity 'Come Sing Handel's Messiah' event, with Peter Rutterford and also works frequently with Philomusica of Edinburgh. Other concert highlights include Mozart's Exsultate Jubilate and Hayden's Nelson Mass As part of the Edinburgh Festival.
Upcoming performances include chorus in Verdi's Aida with Opera du Bauge, Tytania in Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream with Trinity Opera and Zerlina in Mozart's Don Giovanni with Project Opera.
Colleen works frequently with pianist Andrew Johnston and the duo are delighted to be performing as part of Perth Festival of the Arts.
The Confessions of Gordon Brown (also on 30th May)
Event Date: 31st May 2014
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Also at 7pm on Friday 30th May in the Norie Miller Room, Perth Concert Hall
Finish time 20.10
In a candid portrait of life inside Downing Street, Gordon Brown hilariously exposes the darkest secrets of being Prime Minister, the stab-in-the-back plottings, the betrayals and most importantly - the hair gel.
Love him or loathe him, Gordon Brown was our greatest failure at being Prime Minister in 200 years. And in this searing satire of the hidden arts of modern political leadership, Gordon at last reveals what it takes to knife your way to the top and rule a nation. And how his dream of power ran awry.
Starring Ian Grieve as Gordon Brown in a brand new one-man play by acclaimed Emmy nominated Scots writer and director Kevin Toolis. The Confessions of Gordon Brown is a satire.
Nocturne - The Romantic Life of Frédéric Chopin With Lucy Parham (piano), Dame Harriet Walter and Henry Goodman
Event Date: 30th May 2014
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
Tickets will also be available on the door on the night.
Finishing time 21.30
A programme of words and music scripted and adapted from letters and diaries by Lucy Parham chronicles the romantic life of one the greatest and most popular composers for solo piano – Frédéric Chopin. The narrative follows his turbulent relationship with the controversial literary figure George Sand, their time together in Majorca, his fragile health and his ultimate demise in poverty in Paris at the age of 39.
The readings, by Dame Harriet Walter and Henry Goodman, are interspersed with some of his most loved and poignant compositions. Nocturne received its London première in the London Pianoforte Series at the Wigmore Hall in July 2010 - the 200th anniversary of Chopin’s birth.
Lucy Parham first came to public attention as the Piano Winner of the 1984 BBC TV Young Musician of the Year. Having made her Royal Festival Hall concerto debut at 16, she has since appeared regularly at all the major concert venues in the UK.
"A passionate, humorous and deeply moving portrait of the relationship between Chopin and Sand" Music Web International 2010
"The Best Chopin of the Year" The Times 2010
Review from BBC Music Magazine April 2014
Lucy Parham's trailblazing evening concerts in which she fuses music and words with the help of some of our most distinguished thespians, have become one of the must -see events on the musical calendar. In an age that has seen the piano become increasingly objectified, Parham takes her listeners back to a golden age when music was a metaphor for life itself. Hers is playing that is not so much about the actual notes but exploring the elusive regions of expressive reverie that lie tantalisingly hidden between and behind them.
She paints the rich musical canvases of the ballades with a beguiling range of hues and colours and an exquisite feeling for rubato that appears to grow naturally out of the music's internal fabric.
Indeed, no matter how many times one has heard these captivating miniatures, Parham's velvet-gloved sonority and rare ability to impart a poetic coherence to Chopin's stream-of-consciouness flights of inspiration had one listening afresh.
Experienced in the context of Harriet Walter's and Samuel West's compelling exploration of the Chopin-George Sand love affair through their letters and diary entries, the music assumes a special sense of poignancy.
Performance ****(four stars)
Recording *****(five stars)
BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE
APRIL 2014
Scouting For Girls with support Sienna
Event Date: 30th May 2014
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Tickets will also be available on the door on the night.
There are standing tickets and also balcony seats available.
Tickets are also available on ticketmaster.
The British pop band, who 6 years ago took the country by storm with their witty lyrics and catchy pop songs, will play at Perth Festival on 30th May.
The concert comes following the release their Greatest Hits album on 29 July 2013, a compilation which includes two brand new songs, including new single Millionaire, as well as favourites including She's So Lovely, Heartbeat, This Ain't A Love Song and Elvis Ain't Dead.
Over the course of three sparkling, life-affirming, Top 10 albums, Scouting For Girls have made the journey from playing pubs in Harrow and Ruislip to headlining Wembley Arena and the Albert Hall. This, then, is the tale of three friends who followed their dream, seduced a nation and sold two million records along the way. The band consists of childhood friends from London, Roy Stride on piano and lead guitar/vocals, Greg Churchouse on bass guitar and Peter Ellard on percussion.
After two years of hard touring, ‘Everybody Wants To Be On TV’ soared into the British top two, ‘This Ain’t A Love Song’ gave them their first Number 1 single (“a real turning point; we knew then we weren’t going to go away,” remembers Roy) and by 2011 they were headlining Wembley Arena a few miles but several light years away, from their modest beginnings. 2011’s ‘The Light Between Us’ made it three out of three Top 10 albums as Scouting For Girls evolved into a national institution.
SIENNA
Since forming in Summer 2012, six-piece Sienna have been quietly making quite a noise in their native Scotland. From Kinross, known to most as home of T In The Park – they are the first band from their hometown to have performed at the legendary festival, where they packed out the T Break tent (a feat unheard of for an unsigned band), following in the footsteps of fellow Scots Biffy Clyro.
Their debut EP “Give Me Your Love” released last year received vital support from Amazing Radio and In:Demand Scotland whilst they sold out Glasgow’s King Tut’s twice and also supported Nina Nesbitt. The band also performed at This Feeling Club Night in London, and have also performed a headline show at Camden’s Proud Galleries.
Sienna consist of singer/songwriter Danny McAtear, multi-instrumentalist Ross Mathieson, guitarist/songwriter Andy Clarke, Ben Watt on bass, and Calum Anderson on drums, with Ian Dunnett on sax.
The amazing Mnozil Brass from Austria
Event Date: 29th May 2014
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Tickets will also be available on the door on the night.
Finish time 21.30
Happy Birthday Programme
The World’s Leading Brass Ensemble
This septet is from Vienna and is probably the strangest brass ensemble ever.
With their musical virtuosity mixed with their unique kind of comedy the only way to describe Mnozil Brass is possibly to label them as the 'Monty Python' of the music world.
With 120 performances a year worldwide (from UK to Japan), they are currently the most famous music ensemble in the world with some of their youtube videos attracting over 1 million viewers.
They really have to be seen to be believed!
Concessions - Registered Disabled, Registered Unemployed, Students, Young Scotcard Holders and Children under 16 - £2 off published ticket prices excluding English Touring Opera and Jools Holland.
Reduced Shakespeare Company - Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged (revised)
Event Date: 28th May 2014
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield. Directed by Reed
Martin and Austin Tichenor.
All 37 Plays in 97 Minutes! An irreverent, fast-paced romp through the
Bard’s plays, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) was
London’s longest-running comedy having clocked a very palpable nine
years in London’s West End at the Criterion Theatre! Now revised for
2013, join these madcap men in tights as they weave their wicked way
through all of Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories and Tragedies in one
wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter.
“Pithier than Python. Irresisible.” New York Times
“Stupendous, anchorless joy!”Times
“If you like Shakespeare, you’ll love this show. If you hate Shakespeare you’ll love this show!” The Today Show
The Sixteen - The Choral Pilgrimage 2014
Event Date: 27th May 2014
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
Finish time 21.20
Inspiring music in glorious buildings
The Voice of the Turtle Dove
For its 14th Choral Pilgrimage The Sixteen and Harry Christophers revisit the golden age of Renaissance polyphony with a stunning programme of music by English composers John Sheppard, Richard Davy and William Mundy.
John Sheppard (c.1515 - 1558) Gaude, gaude, gaude Maria
William Mundy (c.1529 - 1591) Adolescentulus sum ego
Richard Davy (c.1465 - 1507) O Domine caeli terraeque
Sheppard Libera nos I and II
Sheppard In manus tuas I
Davy Ah, mine heart, remember thee well
Sheppard In manus tuas III
Mundy Vox patris caelestis
‘For this year’s tour, I have returned to our grass roots to focus on the music of three exceptional Tudor composers. I am delighted to revisit a work we last performed at our first-ever concert and I recall the amazing review we had for it - “not only was the sound of the choir a revelation but so too was the music”. The critic was referring to William Mundy’s monumental work Vox patris caelestis, the text of which comes from the Song of Songs. It is full of pictorial imagery with such phrases as “Arise, my dove, my fair one” and “the voice of the turtle dove” to revel in.
Mundy is very much the youngest of our composers; he died in 1591 whilst John Sheppard only just managed to see in Queen Elizabeth I by a month or so. His setting of the “Inviolata” prose, Gaude, gaude, gaude Maria is simply glorious and is only bettered by one of the gems of Tudor music, Libera nos. I cannot think of a more sublime piece. However the most extraordinary music of all comes from the earliest of our trio, Richard Davy. He died in 1507 and the fact that his music survived the reformation is nothing short of a miracle. His remarkable work O Domine caeli terraeque was, according to the Eton Copyist, written in just one day at Magdalen College, Oxford. Each one of these works is a real gem just waiting to be discovered by a wider audience. This music is part of our great heritage and I look forward to you joining us on this pilgrimage of discovery.’
Supported by The Dunard Fund
Entertaining Mr Sloane - London Classic Theatre
Event Date: 26th May 2014
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Tickets will also be available on the door on the night.
Finish time 22.00
Kath and her elderly father, Kemp, live in a house on the outskirts of a rubbish dump. Their drab existence is interrupted by the arrival of a new lodger, the enigmatic Mr Sloane.
Provocative and sexually ambiguous, Sloane soon has both Kath and her brother, Ed, competing for his favours. But all is not as it seems. Behind Sloane’s nonchalant demeanour lies a calculating psychopath with a dark and secretive past. Seduction, blackmail and murder lie waiting in the wings...
Entertaining Mr Sloane was first staged at the Arts Theatre, London in 1964, winning the London Critics ‘Variety’ award for Best Play of the Year. Its unique blend of farce and black comedy beautifully captures the suppressed desires of the period. This revival of LCT’s 2003 production of the play celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Orton’s classic black comedy.
Joe Orton was born in Leicester in 1933 and was battered to death by his lover, Kenneth Halliwell, in 1967. His plays include The Erpingham Camp, The Ruffian on the Stair, What the Butler Saw and Loot.
With thirty critically-acclaimed productions since their touring debut in April 2000, London Classic Theatre have established a reputation for producing bold, imaginative theatre of the highest quality. The company, led by founder and Artistic Director Michael Cabot, produces challenging, accessible drama for audiences in London and the regions.
LCT has explored the work of some of the finest playwrights of the last fifty years, including Harold Pinter, Brian Friel, Martin McDonagh and Mike Leigh. They have also staged more challenging work, with National Tours of two plays by Marivaux, Bryony Lavery’s Frozen and a further two UK premières, Nightfall by Joanna Murray-Smith and Love in the Title by Hugh Leonard. Recent productions include Ibsen’s Ghosts in a new version by Frank McGuinness, Equus by Peter Shaffer, The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde and Betrayal by Harold Pinter.
The Brewin Dolphin Festival Concert - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra with Vasily Petrenko
Event Date: 25th May 2014
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Concert Programme
Prokofiev No 6
Elgar In the South
Stewart Copeland Percussion Concerto
The Scottish premiere of a brand new percussion concerto by Stewart Copeland – former drummer of The Police.
Vasily Petrenko was appointed Principal Conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in September 2006; in September 2009 he became Chief Conductor. He is Principal Conductor of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and Chief Conductor Designate of the Oslo Symphony taking up the baton in the 2013/14 season. In July 2012, he was announced as Principal Guest Conductor of the Mikhailovsky Theatre (formerly the Mussorgsky Memorial Theatre) in St. Petersburg, Russia, Petrenko’s native city and where his professional career began in the mid-1990s.He was the Classical BRIT Awards Male Artist of the Year 2010 and the Classic FM/Gramophone Awards Young Artist of the Year 2007.
Liverpool Philharmonic Premiere of new percussion concerto by Stewart Copeland, former drummer of The Police
Commissioned by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic from Stewart Copeland, composer, and co-founder member and former drummer of seminal 1980s band, The Police, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Chief Conductor, Vasily Petrenko, will give the world premiere performance of Copeland’s percussion concerto, Poltroons in Paradise on 23 May at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and then at Perth Festival on 25 May.
Scored for timpani, three percussionists and full symphony orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s Principal Timpanist Adrian Spillett, Principal Percussionist Graham Johns and fellow percussionists Adrian Spillett and Henry Baldwin take centre stage for this scintillating work. All four soloists will demonstrate their virtuosity across the full, exotic range of percussion instruments digging deep into their timbral and rhythmic possibilities in an interaction with the orchestra.
Voted the seventh greatest drummer of all time in a 2010 poll in Rolling Stone magazine, Copeland was drummer with Curved Air before The Police, and subsequently with many major artists. He has also developed a highly successful second career as a composer for film, TV and the concert hall. He says of his inspiration for this new concerto:
“Poltroons in Paradise is the beginning of a story, the cheerful part, about those who ride in on the back of a revolution and then discover the temptations of those things against which they had revolted. I’m imagining a cadre of starving, hitherto excluded intellectuals swaggering through the palace of the fallen regime. The chandeliers, the brocades and the gilded furniture all inspire a grand buffoonery that hides a sneaking desire.
“Many composers would regard the mission of writing a percussion concerto as an opportunity to celebrate banging and clattering. A worthy cause no doubt, but there can be great beauty in things that are hit with a stick. And those satins really are quite beautiful…”
Following this concert, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall closes for a major refurbishment, re-opening in November this year. The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra will travel to Scotland to perform in the Perth Festival of the Arts on 25 May in the Brewin Dolphin Festival Concert that includes a second performance of Stewart Copeland’s Poltroons in Paradise.
STEWART COPELAND
Voted the seventh greatest drummer of all time in a 2010 poll in Rolling Stone magazine, Stewart Copeland was born in Alexandria, Virginia, the son of a CIA officer and a Scottish archaeologist. The family moved to Egypt when he was a few months old and he spent his formative years in the Middle East, something which is held to have contributed to his distinctive drumming style, which is said to combine reggae and Lebanese influences. Following his return to the USA, Copeland was drummer for the progressive rock band Curved Air from 1974-1976. After their demise he moved to London, seeking to enter the British punk rock scene, and in 1977 co-founded the three-piece band The Police with Sting as singer-bassist. The Police became one of most influential bands of the 1980s. At least in their early years, they largely played Copeland’s material, and though Sting took a progressively larger share as the band developed, Copeland continued to be responsible, or jointly responsible, for arranging the material on all of the band’s albums.
The Police ceased touring in 1984 (though they came together again for a one-off reunion tour in 2007), and Copeland has continued to appear with many major artists while he also developed a highly successful second career as a film-music and TV composer (his credits includeAirborne, Hear no Evil, See no Evil, Highlander II – widely regarded as ‘one of the worst films ever made’ – and Taking Care of Business). In 1985 he made a pilgrimage to Africa ‘in search of the roots of rock and roll’ which resulted in the album and film The Rhythmatist in which Copeland played a large number of native percussion instruments.
Since the 1980s, Copeland has also composed several ‘classical’ works, notably the ballets King Lear (1986), Emilio (1988) and Prey (1999) and the operas Holy Blood and Crescent Moon(for Cleveland Opera, 1989) and Horse Opera (for Channel 4, 1992). In 2005 he released an album of chamber music composed in Italy, Orchestralli. His orchestral composition Celeste, featuring violinist Daniel Hope, was premiered at the Savannah Music Festival in 2008. In the same year the Dallas Symphony Orchestra commissioned him to compose a piece primarily involving Indonesian percussion instruments: the result, premiered in 2011, was Gamelan D’Drum, which was also heard at London’s Royal College of Music in 2012. Copeland currently lives in Los Angeles.
Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
"All I can say - again - is lucky Liverpool."
The Sunday Times July 2010
The award-winning Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra is the UK's oldest surviving professional symphony orchestra and has been at the heart of Liverpool’s cultural life since 1840. The Orchestra gives approximately 70 concerts each season (September – June) in its home, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, as well as concerts in venues across the city, including Liverpool’s two cathedrals.
Alison Moyet
Event Date: 24th May 2014
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
There will be some tickets on the door tonight
With support Alex Cornish
Alison has received critical acclaim for her Top 5 album the minutes. This concert places the minutes centre stage and will also focus on the
significant electronic material in her back catalogue.
Everyone adores Alison Moyet; the Basildon punk, the high priestess of electronic pop, and the peerless soul singer who has warmed our big
British hearts since the early 1980s.
Her UK album sales have reached a certified 2.3 million, with over a million singles sold. All seven of her studio albums and three compilation
albums have charted in the Top 30 UK Album Chart, with two of the albums reaching number one. She has also achieved nine Top 30 singles and five Top 10 hits in the UK Singles Chart.
“Her best LP in decades” Q
“Moyet's finest album in twenty years” Clash
“A musical resurrection in the making” The Huffington Post
Festival Ceilidh - Glenfinnan Ceildh Band
Event Date: 24th May 2014
Venue: Various Venues In Perth
There will be some tickets available on the door tonight.
This will be held at The Grampian Hotel, York Place, Perth.
Finish time 23.45
Seating will be round tables of 12. You can reserve a table for your party by calling the Box Office at 01738 621031.
West Lochaber has always been fertile ground for attracting and nurturing traditional talent and this grouping of musical giants is testament to that. All based in Glenfinnan village, the CeilidhBand members include stalwarts from the traditional music world who are as at home playing large concert venues as intimate bothy cèilidhs. On fiddle is Iain MacFarlane (Blazin’ Fiddles),Colm O’Rua (Daimh) on banjo, Dougie Hunter (Hoogie) on accordion and Ingrid Henderson (Cliar) on piano. Formed for the sheer fun of playing good music together their unique blend of West Coast dance music should get your toes tapping. Their debut CD “Glenfinnan Gathering”, released in 2010.
The Grampian Hotel are offering special rates to those who want to stay overnight for the ceilidh. Telephone 01738 - 621057
£98 per double/twin room for High Tea and breakfast
£119 per double/twin room for Dinner and breakfast
£80 per double/twin room with breakfast
Primavera Chamber Ensemble - Carnival of the Animals
Event Date: 23rd May 2014
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
Tickets will also be available on the door on the night.
Estimated finish time 9.30pm
Schubert - Quintet in A major D 667 (Trout)
Percy Grainger - Shepherd’s Hey!; Handel in the Strand; Country Gardens; Mock Morris
Saint-Saëns - Carnival of the Animals
Primavera, as one of Britain’s finest chamber ensembles, has created an enviable reputation with an accolade of reviews at international festivals across Britain and Europe, alongside many appearances on the South Bank and Wigmore Hall. Formed in 1986 by its artistic director, violinist, Paul Manley, the name of the group is based on the Italian word for spring, reflecting the joie de vivre that these musicians bring to their performances.
Besides engagements, Primavera has created its own concert series at some of the finest country houses in the UK, which led to two TV series entitled Music in Mansions for Meridian Television.
“In the new recording by the Primavera Chamber Ensemble, Mendelssohn’s Octet unfolds with warmth and naturalness… The whole performance is suffused with sunshine and well-being…crowned with some of the loveliest fiddle playing you will ever hear.”
Daily Telegraph
English Touring Opera - The Magic Flute
Event Date: 22nd May 2014
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Finish time 22.05
As Perth Theatre is closed for refurbishment ETO will be in the Perth Concert Hall this year. There will be full production, orchestra, set, costumes...It is going to be exciting to use the orchestra pit for the first time. Don't miss it.
The Magic Flute has enchanted music and theatre lovers of all ages for hundreds of years. With charm and wit, it tells the story of a terrifying and joyful journey in pursuit of love, wisdom and happiness. From the stratospheric arias of the Queen of the Night, through the jolly folk tunes of Papageno the Birdcatcher, to the profound music of Sarastro, leader of the enlightened ones, it is a full expression of Mozart’s musical and dramatic genius.ETO is delighted to be reviving Liam Steel’s 2009 production of Mozart’s final masterpiece.
“English Touring Opera puts on an absolutely gorgeous production of The Magic Flute… the array of costumes could have come from Vivienne Westwood’s catwalk.” Daily Telegraph “As good and mad as opera gets. If you want to win over a disbeliever to the magic of opera, take them to English Touring Opera’s visually stunning Magic Flute.”Observer
There will be a pre-opera talk in the Norie Miller Room at 18.30. Please book a free ticket in advance from the Box Office.
Revival, sung in English
Touring with a live orchestra
Running time: 2 hours 35 minutes (including interval)
2013
The Brewin Dolphin Festival Concert -The Moscow State Symphony Orchestra
Event Date: 26th May 2013
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
The Brewin Dolphin Festival Concert
Russian Gala Concert -The Moscow State Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Pavel Kogan
Soloist Tatiana Kolesova (piano)
Rimsky Korsakov Introduction & Three Miracles from Tsar Saltan
Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1
Khachaturian Adagio from Spartacus
Khachaturian Waltz from Masquerade
Tchaikovsky Francesca da Rimini
For almost seven decades, the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra has been recognized as one of the foremost interpreters of the classic Russian composers. An L.A. Times critic recently said the orchestra ‘might well be the world’s least-heralded great orchestra’. Since Pavel Kogan became Music Director he has earned the orchestra a high reputation for artistic excellence and in 2011 his name went into a list of the ten greatest conductors of the 20th century.
Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour - paintings are for sale
Event Date: 26th May 2013
Venue: Perth Museum and Art Gallery
Perth Museum and Art Gallery
78 George Street,
Perth,
PH1 5LB
Monday–Saturday 10.00–17.00
Sunday 13.00–16.30
Free admission
A Sense of Place: RSW (The Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour)
18 May-28 July 2013
Perth Museum & Art Gallery has invited members of the RSW to celebrate the inspiring nature of Perth & Kinross as a place to live, work and create art. The exhibition will bring together a selection of new and innovative works exploring the medium of watercolour. Many different themes relating to the landscapes and character of Perth & Kinross will be on show.
The display promises to be colourful, challenging and surprising. Many works will be for sale.
The RSW has a pedigree dating from its foundation in 1876. As the Scottish Society of Water-Colour Painters it staged its first public exhibition in 1879 in the rented premises it had acquired in West Nile Street in Glasgow, and its first elected President was Francis Powell RSW, already a Member of the RWS, one of the two earlier English watercolour societies. There were 35 Members and 10 Associate Members (the latter status was discontinued in 1885) and among the Founder Members in Scotland were such illustrious names as Sam Bough, William McTaggart RSW and George Paul Chalmers. The new Society had the blessing of the Royal Scottish Academy and was not regarded as being in conflict with its interests and across the span of the centuries very many of Scotland's most notable artists, including Academicians, have been RSWs. Today the membership of over 120 is replete with the names of painters who have international reputation, in Scotland and in Britain such as Dame Elizabeth Blackadder, Richard Demarco and Barbara Rae. Well known local painter Claire Harkess is also a Member.
Events
Friday 24 May at 12 noon-1pm John Inglis, the current President of the RSW will lead a gallery tour. Admission is free, but places are limited and must be booked
Friday 21 June at 12 noon-1pm Jim Dunbar RSW will give a talk in the Perth Museum & Art Gallery lecture hall called ‘Insight to On Site’. Tickets £5 (waged) and £3.50 (unwaged) available from the Museum Reception Desk.
Jim will talk about his experiences of painting his local landscape. This will include his watercolour methods, equipment and materials used in developing 'on site' and studio works. This promises to be a fascinating and amusing insight into artists' procedures.
The Sixteen - Choral Pilgrimage - Sold out
Event Date: 25th May 2013
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth
Finishing time 21.30
In 2013 world-renowned choir The Sixteen will present its most far-reaching Choral Pilgrimage tour yet, encompassing 34 concerts around the UK. The tour, entitled The Queen of Heaven, will see Harry Christophers CBE and his choir perform glorious music in churches and cathedrals for which it was written. This will be a ‘must-hear’ event where the group will take you through the musical evolution of the Allegri’s legendary and much-requested Miserere. The programme also features stunning music by the ‘Prince of Music’ Palestrina, as well another brilliant yet contrasting setting of the Miserere by James Macmillan.
Concert Programme
Plainsong - Regina caeli
Palestrina - Kyrie from Missa Regina caeli
Allegri - Miserere
MacMillan - Dominus dabit benignitatem from The Strathclyde Motets
MacMillan - Videns Dominus from The Strathclyde Motets
Palestrina - Stabat Mater
Palestrina - Regina caeli
Palestrina - Vineam meam non custodivi from Song of Songs
MacMillan - O radiant dawn from The Strathclyde Motets
Palestrina - Pulchrae sunt genae tuae from Song of Songs
MacMillan - Miserere
Palestrina - Agnus Dei I-III from Missa Regina caeli
During the Choral Pilgrimage 2013 Harry Christophers and The Sixteen present a new version of Allegri's Miserere charting its evolution. They intend to shed light on the complicated history of this most famous of choral pieces.
Harry says "I am very grateful for Ben Byram-Wigfield's amazing work on the Allegri. He has scrutinised all the available source material from the Vatican and other libraries, giving us an invaluable insight into the origins of the music. Sadly, nothing survives from Allegri's lifetime, and what we usually hear today is the result of scribal errors and fanciful interpretation. What we have attempted to do, by making use of the many sources, is to show how the piece has evolved over the centuries into the version audiences know and love today.”
Supported by DUNARD FUND
Festival Ceilidh - The Gallivanters & Norrie MacIvor
Event Date: 25th May 2013
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
The Gallivanters are a five piece Ceilidh Band based in Perthshire comprising both accordion, double bass, fiddle, guitar, mandolin and whistles. The combination of instruments gives a bright and vibrant yet traditional sound.
They play a variety of Scottish and Irish tunes for dancing as well as singing Scottish, Irish and Country.They also call and show the dances.
As well as playing in the band, some of the members present programmes on local radio, play in other bands, run tutoring classes in guitar and accordion and act as promoters for other musicians.
Norrie MacIvor of Manran will play a set at the interval.
Norrie “Tago” MacIver, comes from Carloway in the Isle of Lewis and is currently living in Glasgow after graduating from the RSAMD. When he was 15 he attended the National centre of Excellence in Traditional Music, were he was taught by Blair Douglas and Jack Evans. From 2005 to 2011 Norrie was the lead singer of Bodega who became Scottish Folk Band of the Year in 2009 and who also won the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award in 2006. He has played at festivals all over the country such as Celtic Connections and the Hebridean Celtic Festival and has toured extensively in Europe. Norrie has recorded albums with both Bodega and Na Seoid and has appeared as a guest musician on the latest Skipinnish, Julie Fowlis, Rachel Walker and Daimh Albums. Norrie also performs with a beat boxer from Edinburgh, Ruari Sutherland, and have played in venues in and around Glasgow. This is a combination of Gaelic Puirt a Beul and human beat boxing which has never been done before and they supported “Naturally 7” at their gig at Celtic Connections in 2009 in ABC.
Horrible Histories Barmy Britain - two shows 4pm and 7pm
Event Date: 25th May 2013
Venue: Perth Theatre
Horrible Histories – Barmy Britain
By
The Birmingham Stage Company
Fresh from sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe
Two shows at 4pm and 7pm. The show lasts for 1 hour.
We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So it's time to prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories live on stage! Have you ever wondered why the Romans never won MasterChef? What if a Viking moved in next door? Has William Wallace met his match? Would you lose your heart or head to Henry VIII? Will Parliament survive gunpowder Guy? Escape the clutches of Burke and Hare and find out what a baby farmer did! Don't miss this horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in!
This is not the production that appears on television.
"BLOODY, MARVELLOUS STUFF!”
THE STORY OF BRITAIN IS BROUGHT THROBBINGLY ALIVE IN THIS HILARIOUS SHOW!"
(Daily Express) 4 Stars
"IS THIS ANY WAY FOR CHILDREN TO LEARN ABOUT HISTORY? TOO RIGHT IT IS! BE THRILLED!"
(The Times) 4 Stars
"AS GLEEFULLY VULGAR AS A ROMAN POO STICK"
(Daily Mail) 4 Stars
Admiral Fallow supported by The Hazey Janes
Event Date: 24th May 2013
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Tickets are also on sale on Ticketmaster
Admiral Fallow's music has been described as "orchestral folk pop". The band has an unusual instrumental make up with clarinet, flute and occasional accordion augmenting the traditional indie set up of guitars, keyboards, bass and drums. They also have 2 great vocalists in Louis Abbott and Sarah Hayes who sing songs of youth, teenage angst, boisterous nights out and even gun crime in America
The band finished 2012 very strongly. December saw them headlining a stage at Edinburgh's Hogmanay street party, selling out Glasgow Barrowland in a memorable "homecoming" gig and being presented with Creative Scotland's "Music Award 2012". The year had begun with the first of two extensive UK tours and had seen the release of their critically acclaimed 2nd album "Tree Bursts In Snow" (Uncut 8/10, Q 4****). The band also managed 2 weeks in Europe and 4 weeks in North America. www.admiralfallow.com
The Hazey Janes have undergone their fair share of globe-trotting since their first release, some 8 years ago. After recording LPs in Spain and America respectively, the band headlined throughout the UK, played support to the likes of Elbow, Idlewild and Snow Patrol, and made two trips to the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. 2012 saw them tour across Europe supporting Grammy award winning American band Wilco. New album ‘The Winter That Was’ (Armellodie Records) sees the band refining their zig-zag path from Country to Psych to Powerpop, with chunky chords, wistful lyrics and lush harmonies.
www.facebook.com/thehazeyjanes
Jacques Brel: In Song and Dance
Event Date: 24th May 2013
Venue: Perth Theatre
Created by Heels Over Head Dance Theatre
Artistic Director and Choreographer: Agathe Girard
Director and Movement Director: Steinvor Palsson
Theatre Consultant: Gerry Mulgrew
Producer: Susan Hay
Performers: Claire Thompson (singer), Agathe Girard (dancer),
Jennifer Redmond (pianist) and Lizy Stirrat (accordionist)
An award winning singer, a skilled dancer and actress and excellent musicians
come together in a unique production to re-enact some of Jacques Brel’s songs.
A genuine and powerful celebration of Brel’s work, using multimedia, music, dance
and theatre. The show is a light hearted celebration of Brel’s work which immerses
audiences into a French atmosphere.
Brel’s work has been widely sung, adapted, translated and interpreted by many
great artists, from David Bowie to Marc Almond, via Camille and Toby Spence
at the Scottish Ensemble, to name just a few. In the English speaking world,
Brel’s work tends to be known through translations which unfortunately, as
often happens, lose the original sensitivity and even sometimes meaning. In this
production, most of the songs are sung in the original French.
Presented as standalone short stories, each song is brought to life in a way
never done before. Singer and dancer come together to allow stories to unfold
and reveal themselves. Language is no longer a barrier as the movement and
interactions between singer and dancer are the vehicles through which audiences
can access the meaning of the words and the emotions conveyed by
those words.
This evening's performance will be followed by a talk back session led by Dr Chris Tinker, Reader in French at Heriot Watt University.
Beloved Clara - Lucy Parham (piano), Martin Jarvis & Joanna David
Event Date: 23rd May 2013
Venue: Perth Theatre
Beloved Clara:
Robert Schumann, Clara and Brahms – a true story of passion, music and tragedy
Beloved Clara comprises the original letters and diaries of Robert and Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms interspersed with their piano music. It premiered in the Wigmore Hall Masters Series in 2002 and has since been performed over sixty times in concert halls, theatres and at festivals throughout the UK, USA and Europe. These engagements have included the Bergen International Festival, Cadogan Hall, BAFTA, Chichester Festival Theatre, Victor Hugo Festival, St John’s Smith Square, Schumann Anniversary Festival, Kings Place, Salisbury Playhouse and the Royal Hall, Harrogate. It returned to the Wigmore Hall in December 2010, receiving a 5 star review from the Independent – “A lovely entertainment – flawlessly performed”
The US debut took place in Los Angeles in December 2008 with performances for LA Theatreworks; this was broadcast nationwide on National Public Radio.
Actors who have appeared with pianist Lucy Parham include Martin Jarvis, Dame Harriet Walter, Juliet Stevenson, Joanna David, Rosalind Ayres, Samuel West, Alex Jennings, Edward Fox, Henry Goodman, Charles Dance, Robert Glenister, Henry Goodman, Timothy West, Malcolm Sinclair, Sebastian Koch and Gabrielle Drake.
Beloved Clara has been widely featured in the national press and media, including Woman’s Hour (Radio 4), the Times, Sunday Times, Observer, Classic FM Magazine, BBC Music Magazine, Independent, BBC Radio 3, Pianist Magazine and the Guardian.
The CD of Beloved Clara featuring Joanna David and Martin Jarvis was released on ASV to critical acclaim. It was “CD of the Week” in the Sunday Times, the Observer and the Independent on Sunday.
Beloved Clara’s creation was inspired by Lucy Parham’s lifelong passion for the music of Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms. Originally scripted and compiled from the wealth of existing correspondence between Brahms and the Schumanns by Lucy Parham and Jessica Duchen, Lucy has subsequently updated Beloved Clara with new material and it is constantly evolving through the many contributions from the actors involved.
Van Morrison - Sold out
Event Date: 22nd May 2013
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Van will be on stage at 8pm. There is no support for this concert.
Van Morrison is a legendary artist with one of the most enduring and consistently impressive careers in musical history. His own distinctive blend of R&B, soul and Celtic influences has earned him many awards, including six Grammys, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a BRIT Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music. Fans old and new should not miss this opportunity to see his welcome return to The Perth Festival.
Finish time 9.30pm approx
The Importance of Being Earnest by London Classic Theatre - Sold out
Event Date: 21st May 2013
Venue: Perth Theatre
London Classic Theatre presents
OSCAR WILDE’S
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
“To lose one parent, Mr Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.”
Oscar Wilde’s theatrical masterpiece is widely-acknowledged as one of the greatest comedies in the English Language. Wonderful characters, sparkling dialogue, gloriously improbable plot twists and a sprinkling of romance - The Importance of Being Earnest has it all.
Jack is in love with Gwendolen. Algernon is in love with Cecily. But when an identity crisis spirals out of control, the previously separate worlds of town and country collide and delicious mayhem ensues. Thoughts of marriage and a happy ending must be put on hold until the inimitable Lady Bracknell can be convinced that the young men are worthy suitors.
The Importance of Being Earnest has delighted millions since its first London performance in 1895. A scintillating comedy of manners, Oscar Wilde’s best-loved work overflows with dazzling wordplay and comic invention.
LCT promise to bring this 19th Century classic to vivid, extravagant life with their customary flair, attention to detail, high-quality casting and impeccable production values.
Approx running time: Act 1 – 40mins, Interval 20mins, Act 2 – 70mins
You can also see this production at Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling (Box Office 01786 466666) on Wednesday 22nd May - tickets still available.
Sir James Galway & The English Chamber Orchestra
Event Date: 19th May 2013
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
Sir James and Lady Galway will play at the Festival’s Opening Concert on Sunday 19th May with the English Chamber Orchestra conducted by Jaime Martin. Sir James will play the Mozart flute concerto. The living legend of the flute, Sir James Galway is regarded as both the supreme interpreter of the classical flute repertoire and a consummate entertainer whose appeal crosses all musical boundaries. Sir James has made himself a modern musical master whose virtuosity on the flute is equalled only by his limitless ambition and vision. Through his extensive touring, over 30 million albums sold and his frequent international television appearances, Sir James has endeared himself to millions worldwide and is a tireless promoter of the arts.
Holst - St Paul's Suite
Mozart - Flute Concerto in D K314
Vivaldi - Concerto for 2 Flutes
Mozart Symphony No. 29
Supported by The Jimmie Cairncross Charitable Trust
The Incredible Sound of Stan Kenton - Scottish National Jazz Orchestra
Event Date: 18th May 2013
Venue: Perth Concert Hall
The Incredible Sound of Stan Kenton
Stan Kenton was one of jazz’s great visionaries who lived his theme song, Artistry in Rhythm, to the full throughout his forty-year career as a bandleader. He introduced French horns, Latin American and European classical influences to the jazz big band palette in a search for ever bigger sounds and ever more vivid orchestral colours. SNJO’s tribute to Kenton will celebrate the power and contrasts in his vast repertoire, featuring classics like Intermission Riff, Fascinating Rhythm, Love for Sale, I've Got You Under My Skin and the Peanut Vendor, ranging from the reflective to the riotously expressive and always richly swinging.
Formed in 1995, under the tirelessly committed and confident direction of saxophonist Tommy Smith, SNJO has developed into a world class ensemble capable of playing the classic big band music of Ellington, Basie, Goodman, Kenton and Herman with tremendous style and authority.
Celebrations of jazz masters from Mingus, Monk, Miles and Coltrane through to Wayne Shorter, Oliver Nelson, Chick Corea, Ray Charles and Pat Metheny have underlined the orchestra’s ease of mobility across the broader jazz canon. And commissioning and creating bold and ambitious new work such as the visionary English composer Keith Tippett’s Autumn and Smith’s own World of the Gods, the world’s first collaboration between jazz big band and Japanese taiko drumming, have confirmed SNJO’s determination to continue jazz’s spirit of adventure.
English Touring Opera - Cosi fan tutte
Event Date: 18th May 2013
Venue: Perth Theatre
Sorry but this performance is now sold out apart from wheelchair seats. Please 'phone the Box Office 01738 621031 for these seats.
A cynical gentleman’s conviction that women cannot be faithful sets in motion a chain of deceit, disguise and desire in the most perfect ensemble opera ever written.
Conductor - James Burton
Director - Paul Higgins
Designer - Samal Blak
Lighting Designer - Ace McCarron
Così fan tutte is in many ways Mozart’s most perfect opera score, and Da Ponte’s most challenging script. It is a comedy of innocence and experience, funny and unnerving, touching and satirical. The delicate balance between recognizing the posturing of the four young lovers and loving them all the same is a challenge to each director and singer.
In one day fiancés are parted, and new fiancés found – or so it seems. Discovering they are not at all the people they thought they were is strange, exciting, and very embarrassing.
Director Paul Higgins, who has worked on many famous productions at the Royal Opera House, has a special love for this opera, with all its fun and folly, because of the warm, beating heart that pulses through the music.
His new, period production will be sung by a remarkable cast, including Laura Mitchell, Kitty Whately and Paula Sides (all firm ETO favourites), with tenor Anthony Gregory as the passionate Ferrando and Richard Mosley-Evans (Gianni Schicchi) as the man pulling the strings.
New production
Sung in English
Running time: 2 hours and 50 minutes (incl. one 20 minute interval).
Jessica Hall - Music on a Saturday Morning
Event Date: 18th May 2013
Venue: St John's Kirk of Perth