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 …
Category: Sitting in
Feb 05
Lyricism at the heart of Trish Clowes live at Pizza Express
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
Singing up: Steph Richardson
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. …
Nov 29
Rae of sunshine
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
May we present: this year’s Big Band singer
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 …
Oct 29
First rehearsal: a saxophonist’s view
Saxophonist and Big Band Librarian (sometimes…read on!) Tim Pickering looks back at the first rehearsal in the new concert-hall. On Wednesday evening, the Concert Band and Big Band moved into the new Colyer-Fergusson Building with much excitement (certainly from me!). First impressions, simply ‘wow!’ what a difference in acoustics! In fact, I was enjoying warming …
Oct 25
First rehearsal in the new building: the conductor’s view
Ian Swatman on the first rehearsals for Concert and Big Band in the new building, and the urge to wear slippers… First impression in every respect…wow! Speaking personally it did feel very strange arriving at a different venue for Wednesday evenings rehearsal. It has at times felt that on a typical Wednesday evening I’ve walked …
Oct 07
Back to life, back to reality!
Second-year saxophonist and Music Scholar, Tim Pickering, gives us the lowdown on the start to the year for this year’s University Big Band… The University Big Band swung back into life last two weeks ago after the summer break. We’re now back, and bigger than ever! We have some exciting new charts to play- one …
May 22
Big Band Gala at the Gulbenkian
The Big Band is hotting up for its rousing gala at the Gulbenkian Theatre on Wednesday 6 June, in company with some special guests and featuring our very own First Lady of Jazz, Ruby Mutlow, singing. Full details over on ‘Music Matters’ here: this promises to be a very special occasion indeed…
Feb 14
Only four days to go!
Spring is in the air, the birds are singing, the days start to feel longer: it must be fast approaching the Concert and Big Band’s annual Gulbenkian Theatre concert. The wonderfully creative technical staff at the Gulbenkian are planning a dazzling array of lighting arrangements for the gig – we can’t reveal the plans here, …
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