Words and Music - A Concert for Ratlinghope Church

The Corndon Singers with Chris Eldon Lee

Friday 28th June - 8.00pm

The popular Corndon Singers, directed by Fred Averis, perform songs both serious and lighthearted, from near and far, old and modern. BBC Radio producer, theatre director, playwright and one third of 'Three Men in a Bow Tie' – Chris Eldon Lee joins them, bringing his wit and wisdom to the evening along with extracts from his new play about sheep and shepherding - ‘Sheep’s Tales’ ; an added bonus - this will be the Shropshire premiere!

Tickets: £6.00 (to include a glass of wine)
Tickets from Leasowes Bank only

Jazz Supper

Shropshire Youth Jazz Ensemble

Saturday 29th June - 7.00pm

The best youth jazz band around! Join them for their annual jazz concert and supper at Leasowes. Great music! Great Food! Always a sell-out. Book early!

Tickets: £7.00 (adult) £4.00 (under 18)
Tickets from Leasowes Bank only

'Somewhere Towards Love'

Ian Shaw - piano and vocals Peter Ind - double bass David Preston - guitar

Saturday 6th July - 8.00pm

A stunning opening to the 2013 series. Ian is one of the U.K.'s finest jazz vocalists and his exciting, technically awesome and theatrically witty talent will be a treat for the Leasowes audience. Accompanied by the legendary Peter Ind, who played at the first Music at Leasowes in 1981, and guitarist David Preston, Ian will play and sing standards and original pieces charting the twists and turns, the highs and lows, the heartaches and happiness of love. Unmissable!

“the contemporary scene’s class act” The Guardian

Tickets: £12.00 (adult) £7.00 (under 18)

‘Garden of the Gods’

Jill Kemp (recorders) and Aleksander Szram (piano)

Wednesday 10th July - 8.00pm

Jill Kemp is a spellbinding, virtuosic ambassador for the recorder and is justifiably regarded as one of the finest players of her generation, proving that the recorder is an exciting and versatile solo instrument in its own right. She and Aleksander have given recitals throughout the UK and abroad and have broadcast on Classic FM and BBC Television. Tonight's concert spans six centuries of music - including J.S. Bach, Handel, York Bowen and Malcolm Arnold, culminating in 21st century pieces specially written for Jill and featuring the premiere of 'Garden of the Gods' by Gregory Rose.

“………………….a musician of depth, true to her art and able to captivate her listeners. Her’s is a name to look for well into the future.” Recorder Magazine

Jill Kemp will be conducting workshops for local recorder groups prior to her concert.

Tickets: £10.00 (adult) £6.00 (under 18)

Festival Commission Concert

Shabaka Hutchings with The Ligeti String Quartet

Saturday 13th July - 8.00pm

A concert featuring the upcoming younger generation who are making waves and breaking down musical barriers. Classically trained clarinettist, saxophonist and composer Shabaka Hutchings is fast becoming the name to look out for. A BBC Radio 3 New Generation artist, in November 2012 he joined forces with the BBC Concert Orchestra in an acclaimed concert featuring his work at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Ligeti Quartet is establishing a reputation as a leading exponent of contemporary music. The quartet was selected as Park Lane Group Young Artists for 2012-2013, and gave a concert in the Southbank’s Purcell Room in January. Shabaka is a keen interpreter of the work of American composer Morton Feldman and the musicians will play his 1983 work ‘Clarinet and String Quartet’. But the highlight will be the premiere of the Festival Commission awarded to Shabaka, a composition for the same musical forces. Expect surprises!

“……. Dazzlingly adventurous” The Guardian

Tickets: £12.00 (adult) £9.00 (under 18)

ZUM3

Adam Summerhays - violin Chris Grist - cello Eddie Hession - accordion

Wednesday 17th July - 8.00pm

They’re back! Seductive beats, chilled grooves and pumping rhythm. ZUM3’s spectacularly innovative new genre weaves tunes and traditions from around the world. The fire and brilliance of Eastern European gypsy fiddle music combines with the hot blooded passion of Argentinian tango. Enticingly unique – a beautiful sound world. Book early!

‘ ….fiery, passionate and intriguingly beautiful … A delight to hear and a treat to watch’ BBC

Tickets: £12.00 (adult) £9.00 (under 18)

The Baritone Band

John Williams - baritone saxophone, recorder, bass clarinet Chris Biscoe - baritone and alto saxophones, alto clarinet Jay Craig - baritone saxophone, clarinet Karen Sharp - baritone and tenor saxophones John Horler - piano, Tom Mark - bass, Trevor Tomkins - drums

Saturday 20th July - 8.00pm

Four baritone saxophones and a great deal more besides! John Williams’s popular band playing the music of Gerry Mulligan, Harry Carney, Pepper Adams and Jimmy Giuffre blended with original pieces and some unexpected arrangements, celebrate the range and diversity of this, the most noble member of the saxophone family. A great finale to 2013 season.

“Don’t pass this one up, it is jazz as good as it gets” Jazz Journal

Tickets: £13.00 (adult) £9.00 (under 18)