Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival 2012 Programme Announced

Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival Programme Announced

Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival, the only festival of its kind in the UK, returns to the city from 6 - 15 July after a record 10th year in 2011. With a packed programme of music, dance, performance, visual art, comedy, debates, talks, workshops, film, exhibitions and poetry - including many free events - this year’s festival promises to be bigger than ever.

Key events include a World Premiere at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on 15th July from the Alif Ensemble and the play Rest Upon the Wind at Unity Theatre from veteran actor and writer Nadim Sawalha. Festival goers can also enjoy a breathtaking solo piece from ballet dancer Ayman Safiah at St Georges Hall on 14 July. The talented young dancer has been dubbed ‘The Arab Billy Elliot’ and has just been snapped up by dance guru Matthew Bourne’s company New Adventures.

Razanne Carmey, Executive Director, Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival said: “This year’s Festival looks ‘Behind the News’ of political change in the Arab world.  Yes the riots and demonstrations, yes the calls for dictators to ‘Leave! Leave! Leave!’ But who are the people on the streets, when they go home?  We want to know the truth behind the news, the life behind the news and the loves, tears and laughter of the news makers.  And here in Liverpool, LAAF will let us sample and participate in the rich art and culture of so many countries and communities.”

Another festival highlight is a comedy performance from internationally renowned comedienne and actress, New York based Maysoon Zayid, who brings Laughing Widely to St Georges Hall on 14 July. Maysoon has featured on Comedy Central’s The Watch List, PBS’s America at a Crossroads: Muslim Comics Stand Up, and in Adam Sandler’s You Don’t Mess With Zohan. Maysoon is also holding a comedy workshop at the Bluecoat on 13 July.

See an exhibition and debate of satirical cartoons at the Walker Art Gallery throughout the festival period (6-15 July) from Reem Abdelhadi. His work Laughing at the Government explores and discusses the history of Arab political humour and the art of drawing cartoons.

LAAF 2012 also sees the return of the ever popular Family day at Sefton Park on 8 July, where visitors of all ages can indulge in a sensory experience of the Arabic world with an afternoon of colour, live music, dance, workshops, stalls and food centred around the park’s beautiful Palm House.

Taher Qassim MBE, Chair, Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival said: “Since its inception in 1998, Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival has grown to become one of the key events on the North West festival calendar. This year is no exception, with an amazing array of vibrant and diverse acts that will attract thousands of visitors, 2012 is looking to be our biggest and most exciting year to date”.

Marcel Khalife, Patron, Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival said: “This year’s events reflect the quality and diversity of arts, education and sheer enjoyment we have come to connect with the only festival of its kind in the UK. I believe the artist is by nature a rebel and one must be rebellious with all creative projects; the 2012 festival is a celebration of the ongoing cultural expression within the Arab world. The festival’s mass appeal is self evident; join in and be part of it”

    

FULL FESTIVAL LISTINGS

COMEDY, DANCE & PERFORMANCE

Funoon Al Jazeera

Saturday 7 July 7.30pm, the Bluecoat £10/£8

Go beyond belly dance! This Arabian Folk dance performance explores the history, diversity, and depth of the Arab culture. With the explosion of Belly dance popularity, the origin of this phenomenon is often forgotten. For the first time, UK dance communities come together to create a dance show and a Journey--Michwar-- to “Aljazeera Alarabia.”

Book: www.thebluecoat.org.uk 0151 702 5324

Merseyside Arabic Dance Showcase Saturday 14 July, 8pm, Unity Theatre, £10/£8 Enjoy an enchanting evening of music and dance performances from North Africa and beyond. Co-ordinated by Caroline Afifi, one of the founding members of the Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival.

Book: www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk Tel: 0844 873 2888

Rest Upon the Wind Tuesday 10 July, 8:00pm, Unity Theatre, £12/£10 ‘A little while, a moment of rest upon the wind, and another woman shall bear me.’ Inspired by Khalil Gibran’s book, The Prophet, published in 1923 and selling over a hundred million copies, it’s the story of Middle Eastern immigrants forced through Ottoman oppression and wars seeking refuge in America. Scintillating, electric, with live music and stunning visual imagery. Written by Nadim Sawalha. 16+ Book: www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk Tel: 0844 873 2888

1979

Thursday 12th July, 8pm, Unity Theatre £10/£8 1979, Iraq and Iran lead by Saddam Hussein and Ayatollah Khomeini engage in a devastating Gulf-war. A million Iraqi and Iranian soldiers and civilians are estimated to have died. In an installation-dance-performance, two artists born during that war draw the audience into their memories, where a human life was worth less than a dog’s explored in new ways through the beauty of dance. A Moussem production with the support of the EU Culture programme. 16+ Book: www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk Tel: 0844 873 2888

Nadim Sawalha: An Arab Actor, for Better for Worse Monday 9 July 7.30pm, the Bluecoat £3/2 concessions The celebrated actor reflects on 50 years in British show business, stories and anecdotes.

Book: www.thebluecoat.org.uk 0151 702 5324

A Star is Born: Emerging Talent Saturday 14 July, 6.30pm Concert Room, St Georges Hall, £5/£4 Including a solo piece from ballet dancer Ayman Safiah (the Arab Billy Elliot).

Maysoon Zayid: Laughing Widely

Saturday 14 July, 8pm, Concert Room, St Georges Hall. £12.50. Group discounts. Maysoon Zayid is an actress and professional stand up comedian, you may have seen her on Comedy Central’s The Watch List, PBS’s America at a Crossroads: Muslim Comics Stand Up, and in Adam Sandler’s You Don’t Mess With Zohan. Maysoon has performed stand-up in top New York clubs, and has toured extensively in the USA as well as Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. In April 2001, she founded Maysoon’s Kids, a scholarship and wellness program for disabled and wounded refugee children and orphans in Palestine. A great night of comedy from a unique lady. Find out more at www.maysoon.com Book via Liverpool Philharmonic Hall: 0151 709 3789

DEBATE, TALKS, WORKSHOPS & POETRY

Freedom Hour 7, 8 and 14 July 2 – 3pm 9, 10, 11 and 12 July 5.30 – 6.30pm the Bluecoat, FREE Daily debates on current affairs, freedom and change in the Arab world. We hear from some who are directly involved; with daily debates on current affairs, freedom and change. Listen and speak up at this open forum with artists and commentators from Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival.

Fleeing Words Tuesday 10 July, 5pm, the Bluecoat, FREE An anthology of Tunisian fiction, poetry and articles; freedom of speech after the revolution.

Maysoon Zayid Workshop (Arab Comedy Festival)

Friday 13 July, the Bluecoat Come and take part in this fantastic workshop where you’ll learn the basics of stand up and how to pursue a career in it.

Book: www.thebluecoat.org.uk 0151 702 5324

Sufi Dance Workshop Wednesday 11th July 4-6pm, MDI £4.50/£4 Come and join us for this exciting dance workshop, open to all levels from beginner to advanced. Explore the technique of Sufi dance from Iraq led by esteemed performer Duraid Abbas, also performing in the dance piece 1979 as part of the festival. Don’t miss out on this unique experience to engage and develop skills directly from Arab performance and culture. To Book: 0151 708 8810 www.mdi.org.uk

Bidisha: Reading and Conversation followed by Freedom Hour Monday 9th July, 5.30pm, the Bluecoat FREE Bidisha is a writer, critic and broadcaster. She presents the arts and culture series on BBC radio and TV, and has written extensively. Join us for a reading from her fourth book, Beyond the Wall: Writing A Path Through Palestine “an unflinching portrait of life in the West Bank in the 21st Century.” (The Observer). She will be discussing the impact of military occupation on ordinary people.

Reem Abdelhadi: Laughing at the Government Sunday 15th July, 3.30pm, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, FREE Part of the Afternoon Symposium. Reem discusses the history of Arab political humour and the art of drawing cartoons. With an insightful overview of the development of this art form and how it deals with the human condition in social, economic and political terms; learn more about the role of political cartoons in influencing and reflecting the mood of the people. When cartoons say what journalists are afraid to, this is a fascinating event for all. 

FILM

Films at FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology) and Kazimier are in partnership with the Arab Film Festival, curated by Omar Kholeif at FACT.

Pre Launch: Double Bill Tuesday 12 June 6.30pm, FACT

I Want to See (15) (Je Veux Voir) (Liverpool Premiere) FACT £5/4 Poignant road movie. French screen icon Catherine Deneuve journeys through war- torn Lebanon, with the enigmatic actor Rabih Mroué as her guide. I Want to See is a stunning homage to cinema, that transcends the devastation of conflicted histories. Information and booking: 0871 902 5737

Incendies (15) 8pm, FACT £5/4 French and Arabic with English subtitles Oscar nominated adaptation of Wajdi Mouawad’s play Scorched is one of the greatest films of the last decade. It is a powerful tale of family ties, duty and the inescapable links between past and present. Following the death of their mother, twins Jeanne (Melissa Desormeaux-Poulin) and Simon (Maxim Gaudette) are shocked to discover that they have a brother and that the father they believed to be dead is still alive. Their mother’s final wish is that they should deliver sealed letters to the two men.

The Three Disappearances of Soad Hosni (PG) (Liverpool Premiere) Friday 6 July 9pm The Kazimier Outdoor Screen, FREE , Arabic / English subtitles An award-winning elegy to the richest era of film production in Egypt, seen through the work of one of its most revered actresses. Pieced together from footage of her films, it tells the story of Hosni’s life up until her death in 2001. The film follows the LAAF festival launch and is an experience not to be missed! Information and booking: www.fact.co.uk 0871 902 5737

Ghussoun Saturday 7 July 1pm, the Bluecoat, FREE A moving and intimate fly on the wall documentary about a young Iraqi woman in Jordan. followed by Freedom Hour discussion.

Book: www.thebluecoat.org.uk 0151 702 5324

Caramel Sunday 8 July, 7pm, the Bluecoat, FREE Make sure you’re there for this great romantic comedy about five Lebanese women living in Beirut. Book: www.thebluecoat.org.uk 0151 702 5324

Double Bill: Nomad’s Home + From Palestine with Love (PG)

Monday 9th July, 6.30pm, FACT, FREE – Booking Essential (UK Premiere)

Nomad’s Home (PG)

Supported by the DIFF Dubai Film Connection. Winner of Best Arab Documentary at the Dubai International Film Festival. An Egyptian filmmaker’s journey to the militarised Sinai Peninsula Information and booking: www.fact.co.uk 0871 902 5737

From Palestine With Love (PG)

Maya is a dancer living in the occupied Palestinian territories. She plans a life with her Swedish boyfriend in Stockholm, where she wants to study. But the road from dream to reality is filled with obstacles – in the shape of her family’s expectations and the Swedish bureaucracy. Warm and subtly romantic. Information and booking: www.fact.co.uk 0871 902 5737

Axis of Light (PG) Monday 9 July, 8.30pm, Fact, £4/£3 Northwest Premiere.

A poignant and absorbing observation of the changing contemporary art scene in the wider ‘Middle East’. This is Pia Getty’s third film project and features: Jananne Al-Ani, Ayman Balbaaki, Mona Saudi, Mona Hatoum, Etel Adnan, Youssef Nabil, Rachid Koraichi and Shirin Neshat. Information and booking: www.fact.co.uk 0871 902 5737

VHS Kahloucha (15) Tuesday 10 July 6.00pm, FACT £5/4 UK Premiere.

An explosive documentary on amateur filmmaker Moncef Kahloucha -- a North African Ed Wood, tells the kitsch and campy story of one of Tunisia’s underground film icons. Information and booking: www.fact.co.uk 0871 902 5737

El Shooq/Lust (15)(UK Premiere) Wednesday 11 July 6.30pm FACT, £6/5 Selected as Egypt’s official entry for the Academy Awards in 2011. We enter the lives of the inhabitants of a marginalised street in Alexandria before the revolution.

Information and booking: www.fact.co.uk 0871 902 5737

Okay, Enough, Goodbye (12) Thursday 12 July 6.30pm, FACT, £5/£4 UK Premiere with Cornerhouse, Manchester In the city of Tripoli where family bonds run deep, a forty-year-old lives with his elderly mother and has given up on becoming independent. One day she suddenly leaves him and he is left with nothing but the company of the small city. Dark, melancholic and yet with a wistful comedy this is an adult man’s coming of age. The debut feature from two exciting filmmakers on the international film circuit, dubbed by the Guardian as filmmakers putting Arab cinema on the map. Information and booking: www.fact.co.uk 0871 902 5737

Lion of the Desert Saturday 14 July 12noon, the Bluecoat, £3/£2 This movie classic starring Anthony Quinn and Oliver Reed is set between two worlds wars and depicts the struggle for freedom in the African desert.

Book: www.thebluecoat.org.uk 0151 702 5324

EXHIBITIONS

Reading Emotions 6-29 July, Thomas Steers Way, Liverpool ONE , FREE Love, rejection, joy, fear, thinking, forgetting, compassion, belonging, contentment, courage, patience, peace. Children’s visual presentation of emotions through a series of photographic artwork and Arabic calligraphy. Produced as part of Liverpool Arabic Centre’s Education Project for Children and young people exploring messages to the Five Ways to Health and Wellbeing in partnership with the Community Development Team, Liverpool PCT and The Haven Project for Asylum and Refugee Children and Young People, Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.

Laughing at the Government 6-15 July, 10am-5pm Daily Walker Art Gallery, FREE A glimpse of the very important and ever-changing art of satirical cartoons from the Arab World. Rich with political and social humour, these cartoons reflect the laughter and pain of a nation more honestly than most other art forms. Rolling digital slide presentation with comments and explanation. Curated by Reem AbdelHadi. See ‘talks’ for special seminar on Arab cartoons.

HIGHLIGHT EVENTS & FOOD

The Arab Street Saturday 7 July 1pm-9pm, the Bluecoat/City Centre, FREE Includes discounted & free events. Street dance, music, food, performance and film.

Family Day Sunday 8 July 12.30-5.30pm, Sefton Park Palm House, FREE A fantastic, ever popular event that’s not to be missed; join us and indulge in a sensory experience of the Arabic world with an afternoon of colour, live music, dance, workshops, stalls and food suitable for all.

Come to Kasbah Monday 9 July, 3pm and 5pm, Kasbah £4.99/head From tasty tagines to stuffed aubergines, Kasbah offers a delight of Moroccan treats; see how these exceptional dishes are prepared and enjoy some lovely samples to whet your appetite. Limited capacity. Booking essential.

Please quote ‘Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival’ when booking: 0151 707 7744.

Syrian Cuisine Wednesday 11 July, Sahara Restaurant 8pm £13/head Come and sample the unique delights of Syrian cuisine and learn all about creating some interesting dishes for yourself a tantalising feast for the taste buds.

Yemen Day

Friday 13 July, 5pm, Liverpool Arabic Centre, FREE A vibrant day of music, film, food, Yemeni culture and more, all in the heart of L8. Come and join us for a vivid and exciting afternoon for all to enjoy. Please see www.arabicartsfestival.co.uk for more details.

The Big Saturday Saturday 14 July, 12:00 noon, the Bluecoat FREE and paying events. A day of music, debate, film, poetry and food including Libyan poet Khaled Mattawa and live music in the garden. Includes two fantastic one hour Belly Dance workshops introducing the basic movements and music of Egyptian Raqs Sharqi given by Sirocco Academy of Egyptian Dance (SAED) teachers. Please see www.arabicartsfestival.co.uk for full highlights of the day.

MUSIC

Afternoon Symposium: Khyam Allami with Maurice Louca and TamerAbu Ghazaleh In Conversation Sunday 15 July  1.30pm Rodewald Suite, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Free to ticket holders for the evening concert. Join Khyam and the musicians of the Alif Ensemble for a wide ranging discussion. How does tradition inform contemporary composition in his music? What influences are at play to create a sound so contemporary and bewitching? And how have the extraordinary changes in the Arab world affected its artists and their work? A great lead into the evening’s performance.

Alif Ensemble

Sunday 15 July, 7.30pm, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, £15/£22.50 World premiere. New music conceived by Iraqi oud player Khyam Allami, with a band of musicians from traditional and contemporary Arabic music disciplines from Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan and Palestine. The core of the Alif Ensemble features composer of alternative Arabic music, oud & buzuq player and vocalist Tamer Abu Ghazaleh and Egyptian electronica composer and pioneer Maurice Louca.

The premiere in Liverpool is presented by Liverpool Philharmonic as part of Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival 2012 and the London 2012 Festival. Created for BT River of Music, part of the London 2012 Festival, which is supported by National Lottery Funds through the Olympic Lottery Distributor and Arts Council England, and produced by Serious. Book: www.liverpoolphil.com Tel: 0151 709 3789.

Article posted by Musicmafia

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Musicians announced for 'In Conversation With Paul McGann'

Musicians announced for In Conversation With Paul McGann at St Georges hall Liverpool

With the much anticipated ‘In Conversation With Paul McGann’ event only two weeks away, producers Karen Podesta and Gemma Aldcroft of Little Atom Productions are delighted to announce the musicians performing the Liverpool-born actors choice of five favourite songs in the Concert Room at St George’s Hall on Saturday 4 February.

McGann’s eclectic taste will be reflected in the songs performed in the stunning Concert Room ranging from Baroque choral music to jazz to early 20^th century folk classical.  However as seen at previous renowned events, some of the songs will be getting the special ‘In Conversation’ treatment.

Little Atom’s Karen Podesta said “Paul’s choices are pretty unusual and although beautiful in their original format, they also lend themselves really well to reinvention.  We’ve been able to approach musicians we’ve wanted to work with for a long time to give some of Paul’s favourite music a really unique and contemporary twist.”  

The musicians include folk singer/songwriter Lizzie Nunnery who, as well as releasing a critically acclaimed album (one of Radio 2 folk guru Mike Harding’s Top 10 albums of 2010), has performed in and composed for the hugely successful Irish Sea Sessions at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.  She will be performing a song by early 20^th century composer George Butterworth about the young men lost in World War One and will be accompanied, somewhat unusually, on vibraphone by long term collaborator Vidar Norheim.

Vocalist Jo Steele from Sense of Sound Singers will perform a Billie Holiday number while the choral music will be sung by The Amadeus Choir from the Wirral, directed by Merchant Taylor School Head of Music, David Holroyd.

Co-producer Gemma Aldcroft said “We were a bit daunted when Paul said he wanted a choir to sing a piece by Henry Purcell, but we like a challenge and we had found the choir, contacted David and booked them by the end of that night.  As soon as we saw on their website that they’ve sung at St. Peter’s in Rome we knew they were the choir for us!”

Another of Paul’s favourites, a little known jazz number called ‘Lush Life’ will be performed by Liverpool vocal legend Thomas Lang and his band. 

Gemma Aldcroft continues “We’ve been hoping that one of our interviewees would choose a song that would suit Tom’s voice as we’ve been dying to work with him, he has one of the finest voices in the industry so we were extremely flattered when he actually approached us to perform for Paul.”

The last of the five songs is a David Bowie number and both Karen and Gemma admit that they are actually still looking for just the right act to perform it.

Karen Podesta added “Anyone who has been to an In Conversation event will know that we like to use them to showcase new talent, so we are looking for a new, young, fresh and dynamic group to give the song the energy it deserves.  After all it was a song that Paul used to dance round his bedroom to as a teenager apparently so it only seems right!”

Paul McGann is the latest in an impressive 'In Conversation' interview list which has included Mike McCartney, David Morrissey, Janice Long and Peter Serafinowicz and will talk about his life and career in the beautiful surroundings of St George’s Hall Concert Room.

The interview will also include clips and photographs of Paul's life and work on a large screen and be followed by a Q&A from the audience.   This will be a fascinating insight into one of the city’s best loved performers and a hugely entertaining evening of fabulously eclectic musical performances.

LISTING DETAILS

IN CONVERSATION WITH PAUL MCGANN

Date: Saturday 4 February 2012, 7pm (7.30pm start)

Prices: Online/pre-booked tickets £15 (No booking fee) - £18 on the door

How to Book: Online bookings via www.clubgeekchic.co.uk or call 07775 567192/07792 197573.

St George’s Hall Concert Room

North Entrance

William Brown Street

Liverpool

L1 1JJ

www.stgeorgesliverpool.co.uk

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One of the worlds finest chamber orchestras returns to St Georges Hall

Conducted by Harry Bicket

Featuring guest soprano soloist Helen Massey

(Concert dedicated to the memory of Henry Bicket)

In aid of

THE GUILLEMOT TRUST

A Merseyside Charitable Trust.

In just four weeks time the magnificent St George’s Hall will play host to one of the finest chamber orchestras in the world – The English Concert – and in turn will provide Liverpool with one of its top calendar highlights of 2011.

The exceptional 9 piece orchestra will deliver a string of Baroque classics by composers Vivaldi, Bach, Handel, Albinoni and Purcell in St George’s Concert Room.  The evening is conducted by the highly praised Artistic Director of The English Concert, Harry Bicket and will also feature soprano soloist Helen Massey. All profits will go to The Guillemot Trust charity.

It has been two decades since The English Concert last played in Liverpool and the North West underlining the importance and indeed, rarity of the upcoming visit on Sunday 2^nd October 2011. This is a unique opportunity to attend an evening of inspiring performance and enjoy listening to a group of world-renowned and internationally acclaimed musicians.

Talented and beautiful soprano, Helen Massey, who originates from Cheshire, has performed to critical acclaim all over the UK and Europe.  Recent concert appearances include Haydn's St. Nicholas Mass and Beatus Vir by J. C. Bach in Glasgow Cathedral, Handel’s Messiah in Truro Cathedral, Mozart’s Exultate Jubilate in Grantham and Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana at Eton College.

Conductor and Artistic Director, Liverpool born Harry Bicket, is internationally renowned in his field and especially noted for his interpretation of Baroque and Classical repertoire. He has led tours of The English Concert in the UK, USA, Europe and the Middle East, as well as conducting symphony orchestras all over the world, including Liverpool’s own Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in 2008, when he conducted the world premiere of Kenneth Hesketh's oratorio "Like the sea, like Time".

Harry Bicket commented: “I remember well growing up in Liverpool and seeing St George's Hall as an iconic landmark of the city, but one which was sadly boarded up and not open to the public, so it is an enormous pleasure to be returning many years later to perform in a building that is not only now open, but restored to its former glory. The English Concert and I are thrilled to be returning to Liverpool after many years, and performing the music of the most celebrated Baroque composers of their day.”

The prestigious event is being organised for the Guillemot Trust charity, in order to raise the profile of the services they offer.  The charity operates from the Royal Mersey Yacht Club and uses their premises, moorings and facilities. The Guillemot Trust was set up in close association with the Yacht Club and many of the club’s members volunteer their services to the Trust in order to ensure its smooth running and long term survival. The Trust deed stipulates that the Guillemot vessel should serve a wider population. Giving people of all ages; especially the young and less advantaged, and non-members of the Yacht Club the opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of learning to sail.

Captain Hugh Daglish LVO JP Royal Navy, Chairman of the Guillemot Trust, explains: “Being afloat, you quickly come to respect the natural forces of wind, weather and tide, and learn to work with them. In a sailing boat, you discover something about yourself and the pleasures of good teamwork. From our great river you see the Liverpool and Wirral waterfronts in one sweep of the eye. The Guillemot Trust aims to make these life enriching experiences available to people who would not otherwise have the opportunity. The Trust is very new, so we are most grateful to the concert organisers, and we are honoured that The English Concert is performing in Liverpool to raise awareness and funds for our cause”.

The special event at St George’s Hall will be held in the stunning Concert Room – the perfectly opulent setting for this glittering, sensational musical performance. In line with an event of this calibre is an exclusive VIP package for a limited number of people. The package includes premium positioned seating, an event programme, pre-show and interval drinks and canapés in a VIP private suite.

The Concert Room at St George’s Hall was designed by the architect Charles Cockerell and is widely considered to be one of his finest creations. The stage has been host to more than a few famous names; Charles Dickens gave many readings there and described it as a perfect venue.

The Guillemot Trust is a registered charity - Registered number: 1141765. Patron Dame Lorna Muirhead DBE

PERFORMANCE DETAILS

THE ENGLISH CONCERT

Conducted by Harry Bicket

Featuring guest soprano soloist Helen Massey

Sunday 2^nd October 2011 @ 7.30pm

St George’s Hall Concert Room, North Entrance, William Brown Street, Liverpool, L1 1JJ

PROGRAMME

Harry Bicket - director/harpsichord

Helen Massey - soprano

Katharina Spreckelsen - oboe / oboe d’amore

Hannah McLaughlin - oboe

Vivaldi - La Folia

J. S. Bach - Concerto for oboe d’amore

Handel - Cantata ‘Crudel tiranno amor’

Albinoni - Concerto in C for 2 oboes

Handel - Trio Sonata in F major op 2 no 4

Purcell - Suite from Fairy Queen

PRICES

VIP Package - £60.00 – Price includes - Premium positioned Seat, programme and pre-show and interval drinks reception (including canapés) in a private suite.

Stalls and Curved seating - £37.50 (E/B Discount £35.00)

Balcony Seating - £27.50 (E/B Discount £25.00)

Early Booking Discount: Book and Pay by 31^st July 2011 and receive £2.50 off per ticket (EXCLUDES Premium Seats)

Group Bookings: 1 in 10 goes free

How to Book – All bookings are processed through the Philharmonic Hall Box Office

Online at http://boxoffice.liverpoolphil.com. By telephone on 0151 709 3789. By post/in person - Box Office, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BP (Opening Hours, Monday to Saturday 10am - 5.30pm).

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Martin Rossiter (ex Gene) Liverpool St George's Hall September 29 & 28 September Bristol St George's Hall

Ceremony-Concerts presents...

Martin Rossiter

**Tender acoustica from the singer-songwriter**

St George's Hall, Liverpool
Thursday September 29 -  8pm
&
  St George's Hall, Bristol Bristol

Wednesday  September 28  - 7.45pm

Price: £15 (plus booking fee) www.seetickets.com

Martin Rossiter returns to the live arena as a solo artist with a handful of gigs in September. The former front-man with indie pop sensation Gene has had a self-enforced absence from the music industry. Now the singer/songwriter, based in Brighton, has an album’s worth of new songs ready to perform live before being putting to tape.

This solo material shows off his impassioned and unique voice teamed with achingly tender songs. Martin is one of the most eloquent lyricists of his generation and his new work will continue to both break and mend hearts. His live performances in the past have garnered him a reputation as a consummate showman and the forthcoming live dates will marry this with his new, style of intimate, delicate songs.

Part of the Welsh diaspora, Martin was raised on the melodies of Charles Wesley and the gritty glamour of Shirley Bassey. From 1991 to 2004, he was the singer of Gene – a group who drew not only from classic British indie-pop, but also from the soulful rock of The Small Faces, the working-class punk of the Jam and the driving stomp of Motown.

Based in Brighton and having been away from the music business for the past 6 years, Martin is brim full of new songs just aching to be put to tape, and is spending the next 6 month writing and recording 10 pieces comprising vocals and piano with producer Russ Keffert.

Gene formed in the summer of 1993, quickly melding a waspish chemistry from the base components of Steve Mason (guitar), Martin Rossiter (vocals), Kevin Miles (bass) and Matt James (drums). Writing songs together and honing their live profile, their influences were culled from bands such as The Jam, The Clash and the Small Faces.

As Gene’s emergence coincided with the rise of the burgeoning Britpop movement, they are often misleadingly described as a ‘Britpop’ band. However, eschewing the self-consciously fey approach of Suede, the uncouth voyeurism of Pulp or the ‘new lad’ abrasiveness of Oasis, Martin’s songs were dominated instead by a wholly unromantic cast of characters inhabiting a down-at-heel, broken world with little hope of redemption.

The late 90s were illuminated with his heartfelt, powerful songs such as ‘Be My Light, Be My Guide’, ‘Sleep Well Tonight’, ‘Olympian’ and ‘We Could Be Kings’. Gene disbanded in 2004, having accumulated 10 Top 40 singles, 3 Top 10 albums, over a million record sales and a devoted international fan base.

Their debut release, the double a-side “For The Dead”/”Child’s Body”, released on the fledgling Costermonger label in May 1994, set out a distinct musical agenda. Single Of The Week and Month awards followed from New Musical Express and Select magazines, with the limited 1,994 pressing selling out within two days after it was play-listed by BBC Radio 1. A strong reaction was also gained as support to Pulp at London’s Forum, where Rossiter’s stage presence illuminated Gene’s performance.

August brought a second single, this time promoted as a “triple a-side”, featuring “Be My Light, Be My Guide”, “This Is Not My Crime” and “I Can’t Help Myself”. Gaining pole position in the UK independent poll, and reaching number 54 in the UK charts proper, the band set out on their first headlining UK tour.

Following further positive press, the band signed a major label recording contract with Polydor Records. A third single, “Sleep Well Tonight’, followed an appearance at the Reading Festival, and the band also played mainland Europe for the first time with Elastica and Oasis. Select”s description of the single, “ace crooning and rock and roll iridescence”, came closest to cornering Gene’s appeal. It saw them break the UK Top 40, as they featured highly in various end of year polls for brightest newcomers. The release of “Haunted By You” in February 1995 prefigured a debut album proper, produced by Phil Vinall.

With less direct, even nebulous material sandwiching the energy of the singles, there was much for critics to reflect on. Eschewing the self-consciously fey approach of Suede, the uncouth voyeurism of Pulp or the “new lad” abrasiveness of Oasis, Rossiter’s songs were dominated instead by a wholly unromantic cast of characters inhabiting a down-at-heel, broken world with little hope of redemption.

The 1996 release To See The Lights compiled b-sides and live recordings, acting as a stop-gap for the accomplished Drawn To The Deep End, released in early 1997, with the band displaying a greater musical diversity to back-up Rossiter’s lyrical dramas. Revelations was another occasionally inspired collection, although critics bemoaned the fact that Gene still seemed unable to successfully translate their excellent live sound onto record. The band was released from its Polydor contract at the end of the year. The following summer they recorded a live album at Hollywood’s legendary Troubadour club called Rising For Sunset. Their last studio album, Libertine, was released in October 2001 and after many more tours the band split in 2004.

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Review - Day Three - Soundcity 2011

The closing day of Soundcity is upon us. So,as not to feel to down-hearted, we started the day at the Australian free BBQ to feast on some gorgeous sausages and burgers whilst watching Seekae and experiencing some experimental, ambient sounds direct from their hometown of Australia.The 3 members transfixed in their knobs and buttons and switches and levers,hardly came up for air to deliver a well received set. Upstairs, in stark contrast to the chilled out sounds, The Brazilian Showcase was in full effect with Black Drawing Chalks beating out a testosterone filled set. With lots of hair whipping and guitar thrashing, this was good old heavy rock in the house and pretty darn great it was too, even though it left my already tender ears a little worse for wear.

The evening session of the final day took us firstly to Studio 2 to see Forza. The Norwegian band mix rap with indie with classical violin. This may sound like an odd mixture but it works.These guys are pretty big in Norway and I was glad to see them perform in Liverpool and good to see them in a venue like Studio 2. The stark comparison from the audience reclining on chairs and sofas to the intensity of the performance on stage was amazing. 

All too quickly though, it was off to the o2 Academy for the re-located Bella Union Showcase. We were there to see Marques Tolivier. This guy,not so long ago, was busking in the streets and sleeping on sofas and now he is playing Soundcity and you can see why. This talented young man commands the stage armed with his violin. His clear angelic voice drifting across the o2 causing silence to descend amongst the audience. His fingers plucking at the violin strings like his life depended on it. His set was 30 minutes long. I could have sat and watched him for 2 hours.

Then across to the St Georges Hall for the headlining act Sound of Guns. Supporting them were the excellent Fly with Vampires. Good to see homegrown talent being recognised and showcased in the glorious hall.

Fly with Vampires were in fine form. Playing a mixture of their old songs and some new ones they filled the hall with energy and enthusiasm. Without having to do anything,they had the crowd enraptured. Clapping along and stamping their feet. I have only ever seen the guys in small venues but they fit just as easily into a venue this size and probably bigger.Next year these guys have got to headline.

But not this year. This year belongs to Sound of Guns. Their meteoric climb, from when we first witnessed them in a small bar Manchester, has been rapid. The venue may have changed but the energy and talent we first saw in that bar has not. Lead singer, Andrew Metcalfe, taking control of the stage from the onset. Belting out the songs that the audience want to hear. Reaching forward to touch the hands of the fans and grabbing photographers cameras in order to take pictures of them from the stage. A true showman. Hearing "The Architects" being sung by the crowd was truly a spine tingling moment. The only question I have is why aren't these guys bigger than they are? Hopefully the up and coming tour supporting The View will sort out that once and for all.

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Review - Day two of Sound City

Day two is upon us and we're off to tread the streets again in search of bands dotted all over the city centre in venues wide and varied. Tonight's first port of call was to St Georges Hall for some pre Miles Kane music by Morning Parade, a five piece band from Essex. On entering the magnificent venue, you were blasted out with the sounds of guitar rock riffs and a very mature sounding lead singer, Steve Sparrow. All in all a very good start to what was meant to be a good night in the Hall, unfortunately, the bureaucratic security at St Georges Hall were to scupper us, as after popping out for some fresh air, they decided press had to re queue to enter and by now the queue was pretty big. So massive apologies to Mr Kane, but blame St Georges Hall for the lack of media attention from us.

So onto the Bombed Out Church instead for us, to catch Outfit, who were warming up for Clinic, I have to admit the first few songs were a little lacklustre for me and seemed to never end and I did find my attention wandering around the atmospheric surroundings. Once the lead singer had stopped staring off into space during songs and the upped the tempo with synthesised sounds and a catchy bass line, they did actually sound pretty impressive.

Then came Clinic, a band who apparently, rarely play Liverpool, even though they are based here, and who I've only seen on the Letterman Show, a few months back, so I was still fairly undecided about them. With rhythmic lyrics and heavy guitar riffs during the chorus of the opening track, "Lion Tamer" made me think this looked to be a promising set. The set carried on in this form, with lead singer, Ade Blackburn's vocals drifting across the Bombed Out Church in a crystal clear way that everybody in there was enthralled by them. I have to admit, I found them a lot better than anticipated but I really don't think the surgical look does much for them!!!

Unfortunately we didn't have time for the entire performance as we had to head of to one of favourite venues in Liverpool, the Kazimier, where the sounds bounce of the walls and reverberate around this fab little venue. First up were Pop Levi. I have to admit I really didn't know what to expect from these guys, but from the very first strum of lead singer, Johnathon Pop Levi, guitar, I was enthralled. I haven't seen such a showman in a very very long time. From the opening track, "WannaMama", which opening sounded like Led Zep's," Whole Lotta Love" I was hooked as where the rest of the crowd. With a mix of rock, funk, blues and psychedeliac thrown in for good measure, this set had so much energy it was contagious. Pop Levi cavorted around the stage like Mick Jagger, plays almost as well as Jimi Hendrix and cavorts with his guitar like Prince. With other little gems like,"Police Sign", "Blue Honey" and "Plastic Wrap" this had to be the best band of the night by far and I cannot wait to see them again.

After Pop Levi, came Kurt Vile and the Violaters, from Philadelphia, a four man collective that look like an early 1990's rock band or extras from Wayne's World. With a name like that and the look, i was expecting them to be sounding like Extreme or Pearl Jam, so it came as a bit of a surprise that appeared to more influenced by The Stone Roses or Inspiral Carpets. Even though they were plagued with sound issues during the set, which resulted in one member lighting up on stage to relieve his frustration, to the amusement of the crowd, they certainly did a stirling job and are a band full of musical surprises.

Here's hoping that the final day, will result in even more gems of music for us to let you know about and check out, but one final word, "Go and check out Pop Levi immediately!!!

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Club Geek Chic present Peter Serafinowicz Live

Club Geek Chic present

IN CONVERSATION WITH

PETER SERAFINOWICZ

MUSICIANS ARE ANNOUNCED TO PERFORM SERAFINOWICZ TOP MUSIC CHOICES. 

______________________________

It’s less than two weeks to go until another of Club Geek Chic’s renowned ‘In Conversation’ events takes place in the intimate surroundings of the Concert Room at Liverpool’s St. George’s Hall with Liverpool-born actor, comedian and impersonator PETER SERAFINOWICZ.

Friday 1^st April is the date when the ex-SFX schoolboy will talk about his incredible career which has seen him take on such varied roles as Duane Benzie, Simon Pegg’s arch-nemesis in Spaced, the USA-obsessed Tex from I’m Alan Partridge, a Tomorrow’s World style scientist in the Open University-inspired Look Around You not to mention a plethora of bizarre and hilarious characters in the self-titled sketch series, The Peter Serafinowicz Show.

The evening takes on a live ‘Desert Island Discs’ format featuring Peter’s top five song choices performed live by five separate acts.  The musicians have now been hand-picked by co-directors Karen Podesta and Gemma Aldcroft and consist of a mix of new, emerging and established Liverpool artistes.  Mesmerising performer and accomplished songwriter Laura James & her band The Lyres will perform alongside Keith Mullin lead guitarist with 90’s pop group The Farm. Rising new star and finalist in The BRITS 2010 UK Songwriting Competition, Alex Berger will also perform as well as classical guitarist and composer Neil Campbell, who will perform with Sense of Sound Choir director and vocalist Perri Alleyne-Hughes. The line-up is completed by local vocalist Gary Brown and Terry Stears, guitarist and former member of rock band Rage.

As a talented musician himself, Peter’s love of music will be only too apparent on the night in his song choices which won’t be revealed until the evening itself.

Audience members will also hope to hear some of the now infamous and scarily accurate vocal impersonations that have helped make Serafinowicz the phenomenon he is today.

Serafinowicz, who was born in the Gateacre area of Liverpool and moved to London in his early twenties, where he lives with his wife, actress Sarah Alexander and their son Sam, responded immediately to the request to be the latest addition to the line-up which has included Janice Long, Mike McCartney and David Morrissey.

Peter Serafinowicz said “I am looking forward to taking part in this unique event, it also gives me a fantastic opportunity to return to my native city, something I rarely have time to do”.

Peter will be interviewed by actor and performer Mike Neary and a question and answer session will also take place with audience members.

Serafinowicz is the latest in an impressive line-up of guests that Club Geek Chic’s Gemma and Karen have secured for the ‘In Conversation’ events and they are already in talks with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s Chief Conductor Vasily Petrenko and actors Sue Johnston and Jason Isaacs.  Future guests and dates are to be announced shortly.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS

IN CONVERSATION WITH PETER SERAFINOWICZ

St George’s Hall Concert Room

North Entrance

William Brown Street

Liverpool

L1 1JJ

www.stgeorgesliverpool.co.uk

Date: Friday 1^st April 2011, 7pm (7.30pm start)

Prices: All tickets £15 (No booking fee)

How to Book: Available via the Club Geek Chic website www.clubgeekchic.co.uk

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