Jan 29
As regular readers of this blog will know (well, maybe both of them will…), I’m a fan of British saxophonist Martin Speake, having written about him here and here when his playing has been broadcast on Radio 3; and I am Very Excited to announce that the Martin Speake trio will be coming to the Colyer-Fergusson Hall in …
Dec 20
Images © Matt Wilson / University of Kent.
Nov 30
Conductor Ian Swatman on the perils of organising a Christmas gig from the safety of Easter, who’ll be Santa on the night and what’s in store… Back in the deep, dark days of March, a ‘Swing – along with Santa!’ concert seemed a long way off. ‘What a great idea’ were the words uttered from …
May 02
This year’s Big Band Gala, on Wednesday 5 June, is going to be a particularly exciting occasion; conductor Ian Swatman explains why… —- The annual Big Band Gala – what a finale! The end of the academic always comes around so quickly and, this year, as with every year, there’s an element of sadness as …
Mar 11
Conductor of the Concert and Big Bands, Ian Swatman, looks ahead to Friday… Yes, it’s nearly here!! When we set off on the musical journey for 2012/13 back in the distant days of September, Friday 15th March seemed a long way away, but now a mere four days separate us from what, I’m sure, will …
Feb 05
Trish Clowes’ unique blending of lyrical jazz with an ear for classical forms and textures is given an expressive outing in a broadcast on Radio 3’s Jazz on 3 from her live gig at Pizza Express, recorded last month. Now one of BBC Radio 3’s New Generation Artists, the set features the great James Maddren on …
Feb 04
Third-year Drama student, member of Chamber Choir, conductor of Sing!, a former conductor of the University Chamber Choir, and now singer with this year’s Big Band (phew), Steph Richardson, on her favourite music and working with the Big Band this year. I have been an adamant lover of jazz from a very early age. …
Dec 13
The University Concert Band gave the première performance of James Rae’s Platform One to an enthusiastic reception, in the first of two appearances at the Gala opening weekend. A packed Colyer-Fergusson concert-hall greeted conductor Ian Swatman and the composer himself with extended applause after the première on Saturday afternoon, and again on Sunday night after …
Nov 29
There was much excitement in the new building last night, as composer James Rae was in attendance at Concert Band to hear his piece, Platform One, in rehearsal. The piece is a commission from the University, to celebrate the opening of the new music building, and will be performed at the gala concerts next weekend. …
Nov 01
After two rounds of closely-contested auditions for the post of singer with the University Big Band, we’re delighted to announce that it’s Steph Richardson who will be gracing the stage with the band throughout this year. Steph is a Music Scholar at the University, in her third year reading Drama. She sings with (and has …
