2023 in 10 events
Feature
We asked Head of Artistic Planning Rosie Chapman to introduce 10 Kings Place events she will not be missing this year… read about her choice of folk and classical shows, from American stars to Scottish talent, a special edition of Folk Weekend, Bach with astrophysics and with dancers, Soundscape shows and a Scandinavian trio.
©Omar Cruz
‘‘Stunning’ ’
Mon 30 Jan
‘I came across singer-songwriter Aoife O’Donovan through The Goat Rodeo Sessions (featuring Chris Thile and Yo-Yo Ma), one of her many cross-genre collaborations. Her critically-acclaimed album ‘Age of Apathy’, for which she has had 3 GRAMMY nominations, had stunning hints of Joni Mitchell with jazz and classical influences, making it a favourite of mine for 2022. This exclusive solo performance will be spine-tingling.’
©Orlando Gili
Stick In The Wheel
Sound Unwrapped
Fri 28 Apr
‘When we decided to curate Sound Unwrapped, this contemporary folk band were one of the first I thought of to help us explore spatialised performances. They use sound and lighting in such creative ways, I knew they’d be able to put together an incredible show. Prepare to be taken on a spatialised pyschogeographic voyage, a folk gig with a difference.’
‘'Three quality talents, two exceptional pipers and a rhythmist supreme! Bring it on!'’
Sun 23 Apr
‘One particular joy of my job is working with regular collaborators. For our annual Folk Weekend we work with stellar music agency Alan Bearman Music.This year we’ve put together an instrumental feast. A particular highlight is the formidable piper Brìghde Chaimbeul‘s collaboration with Ross Ainslie and Steve Brynes. Their highly accomplished album LAS was a 2022 favourite. Also on offer is a Morris dancing class from female troupe Boss Morris, Raga fusion workshop and further performances from Ímar, Leveret (+ workshop), Sam Sweeney and Tamsin Elliott Trio.’
‘'This captivating program of baroque music, intertwined with the human condition of wonder, was enlivening indeed.'’
Bach, the Universe and Everything
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
Sun 29 Jan, 19 Feb & 29 Mar
‘I’ve loved watching this series grow, bringing a wonderful community of Bach and science lovers together on a Sunday morning. Inspired by the church services for which Bach composed many of his cantatas, musicians from OAE bring a modern take, incorporating Bach’s beautiful works with enlightening talks from eminent scientists and thinkers, helping us understand our place in the cosmos. Next up, the legendary Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, who discovered the first pulsar!’
The Breath
Sound Unwrapped
Sat 28 Jan
‘The new Soundscape system being installed in Hall Two represents a creative opportunity for artists working in all genres – and few have grasped its dynamic possibilities as imaginatively as one of my favourite folk bands, The Breath (Stuart McCallum & Rioghnach Connolly). I’m incredibly excited about witnessing their music in this immersive, intimate in-the-round setting.’
D&B Soundscape Performance
Thu 11 May
‘I feel like not enough people know about Eric. A blues legend with a heart of gold and voice like honey, he’s a regular on my Sunday morning playlist. With my cup of coffee in hand, his songs act like a comfort blanket as the day slowly begins. I can’t wait to have that feeling in Hall One and see the effect his music will have on the lucky audience members.’
© Elly Lucas
‘'Harp and strings blur the border between worlds' ’
Wed 8 Mar
‘Scottish singer-songwriter Rachel Newton will always hold a special place in our hearts after her impressive weekend curation for Venus Unwrapped in 2019, shining a light on the role women play in the folk scene. She’s quickly established a distinctive identity and is a much-needed direct presence in this arena. I can’t wait to welcome her haunting vocals and beautifully crafted songs back to the stage.’
Fri 31, Sat 1 & Sun 2 Apr
‘Bach Weekend is back! This year, we celebrate Bach’s music through the prism of dance. Along with The Complete Brandenburg Cantatas, Harpsichord Partitas, Bach Solo Violin and Bach Cello Suites, we have an exciting collaboration with dancers from Images Ballet Company accompanying the Feinstein Ensemble for The Musical Offering BWV1079. Bach’s effortless canons and fugues have dance in their DNA – this is sure to be a very moving experience.’
Wed 24 May
‘I’ve loved following Lady Nade’s career, slowly but surely gaining the reputation she deserves. We’re so lucky to have secured this exclusive look at what she and singer-songwriter/producer Boo Hewerdine came up with during their song writing session in lockdown – a period which seems to have garnered a wealth of creativity from artists.’
Fri 2 Jun
‘Whenever I put on a Dreamers’ Circus track I smile. This Scandinavian folk trio sure can play, and it’s a privilege to be hosting their London debut. If you’ve been to Blazin’ Fiddles or Talisk here at Kings Place, you’ll know some bands make it hard to stay in your seat – I expect the same from this band!’