Family productions shine alongside global stars, jazz greats and classical legends
Wiltshire Music Centre is starting the new year with a burst of live performance, unveiling a Spring season that brings world-class artists, family favourites and genre-bending talent to Bradford on Avon.
Families can look forward to two standout productions. The Storm Whale arrives on 14 February, offering a beautiful musical retelling of Benji Davies’s much-loved picture book from Music in the Round.
Then, on 10 April, WMC’s flagship West of England Youth Orchestra takes to the stage to perform a live score to a screening of the film classic Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers (pictured above) – an irresistible Easter holiday treat.
From there, the season unfolds into a rich programme shaped by newly appointed Executive Director Sarah Robertson and Artistic Director Daniel Clark, who are committed to making the Centre a welcoming space where audiences can gather, discover and celebrate music in all its forms.
Major names making their WMC debut include
- Pianist Angela Hewitt, celebrated worldwide for her interpretations of Bach;
- Sir Willard White performing with The Brodsky Quartet;
- The BBC Big Band presenting the music of Gershwin;
- International cabaret icon Ute Lemper;
- Blues legend Eric Bibb;
- The Neil Cowley Trio with their inventive, Bach-inspired show. Jamie Woon also returns to the stage after a ten-year hiatus.
Classical and jazz highlights span Matilda Lloyd with the Goldmund Quartet, The Gesualdo Six, VOCES8, Nikki Iles and Claire Martin’s IG4, and exciting new sounds from Mark Kavuma and saxophonist Camilla George.
Folk, roots and blues fans can enjoy performances from Martin and Eliza Carthy, Cara Dillon, Jon Boden’s project The Remnant Kings and Josienne Clarke’s tribute to Sandy Denny.
The season also brings events that blur genres and spark curiosity. Former Royal Harpist Catrin Finch shares Notes to Self, an evening exploring music and conservation. Impressionist Alistair McGowan and comedian Chris Addison both reveal their classical passions, while the new Adventurers Film Club offers monthly screenings, including Becoming Led Zeppelin and Set the Piano Stool on Fire, the acclaimed documentary about pianist Alfred Brendel and protégé Kit Armstrong.
Introducing the new season, Daniel Clark said, “Here you’ll find a wide-ranging series of concerts from some of the most exciting voices of the past, present and future of music. From great legends of music-making to rising stars, we’re committed to bringing the best music we can to our special venue, and hope you’ll find something that will transport, inspire and delight you.”
Tickets are now on sale at wiltshiremusic.org.uk.
