Strum – Jessie Montgomery (Gildas Quartet)

Starting with a tentative pizzicato (plucked) section, later developing into a cascade of interchanging melodies, this piece is stunningly complex with gorgeous harmonies and diverse layers of sound from each instrument in the string quartet.

This gorgeous piece will be performed by the Gildas Quartet on Thursday 25 September – the very first event of the season!

Iron Man – Jazz Sabbath

This song is a thrilling jazz rendition of Iron Man by Black Sabbath. The original song was released in 1970 in Black Sabbath’s second studio album, Paranoid.

Jazz Sabbath are a jazz trio that play jazz covers of Black Sabbath songs. They have a hilarious (fictional!) backstory of how they were at the forefront of the jazz scene in the late 60s, but had their music stolen by Black Sabbath after their band leader ‘Milton Keanes’ suffered a heart attack. According to very reliable sources, the original tapes of the jazz trio were rediscovered recently and the band reunited to perform their music at venues like Turner Sims! Catch them live on Friday 7 November!

All I Have – Beth Nielsen Chapman

This season we feature two amazing singer songwriters – Beth Nielsen Chapman and Judie Tzuke. This catchy pop ballad with an 80s feel features singer-songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman’s rich vocals.

Catch her and Judie Tzuke together on Saturday 8 November.

Near but Far Away – Quercus

Opening with a cascade of saxophone arpeggios with delicate vocals, this captivating song has a calming  feel. The blend of June Tabor’s warm vocals, Iain Ballamy’s soft saxophone sounds and the clarity of Huw Warren’s piano playing create a magical sound. The 3-piece band Quercus create a seamless blend between traditional folk music and jazz styles, giving them a sound that is uniquely theirs.

To hear more of this beautiful interweave of jazz and folk, catch Quercus on Friday 28 November.

Kurunba – Rokia Koné

This song has an infectious beat and powerful grooves coupled with powerful vocals from Rokia Koné. Her music is known for having soaring griot-infused vocals to Malian guitar and a West African percussive pulse.

Hear Rokia Koné live on Thursday 16 October!

Check out our Autumn 2024 season brochure here.

Will Gregory Moog Ensemble – Bouyancy Theory

The combination of quirky sounds from analogue synths and orchestral recordings from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales create a unique tune. Like the name suggests, the song has a floaty and lively quality to it, with moments of urgency and tension.

Angeline Morrison – Go Home

‘Of all The Sorrow Songs, this is the only one that is not specifically rooted in a particular time, place or individual’s story.  This song is for all the people who have ever been made to feel unwelcome in the place they have chosen to call home.’ Angeline Morrison

The Sorrow Songs: Folk Songs of Black British Experience is an amazing album that turns the (previously) unsung stories of black ancestors living in the UK into traditional folk songs. Angeline Morrison’s deeply beautiful voice combined with the melancholic, brooding tone of this song portrays both past and current experiences of prejudice.

Welsh National Opera Orchestra – Josef Strauss Delirien (Delirium) Waltz

With an opening full of dramatic suspense that turns to a lighter mood once the waltz is introduced, Strauss’ Delirien Waltz will bring excitement to the new year with Welsh National Opera’s Performance of this stunning piece. My favourite moment is the playful yet graceful flute solo towards the beginning that segues perfectly into a grandiose tutti orchestra.

Natalie Clein – Brahms: Cello Sonata No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 38: I. Allegro non troppo

I was hard pressed to not include one of Brahms’ most beautiful sonatas. This expressive yet moody, haunting yet romantic piece is captured by the richness of Natalie Clein’s playing.

David Hurlock Box Office Assistant

My first pick is Olivia Chaney. One of our Front of House Managers, Maggie created some season playlist CDs to play in the foyer. I was listening to Circus of Desire and fell in love with her vocals.