Durham Brass Festival – which will feature sounds ranging from soul to jazz to traditional brass band music to classical – is set to return to the city for the eleventh time this summer.
The festival – organised by Durham County Council – will begin on Friday July 7th and run till Sunday July 16th.
Durham Brass Festival is set to feature the BBC Big Band paying tribute to legendary jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, as well as playing the music of other jazz greats.
The festival will also see the Scottish Swing Orchestra and the Brass Broadway Chorus getting together with West End stars Matt Corner (Jersey Boys) and Kate Graham (Billy Elliot) to perform tracks from a number of West End Shows.
For the Venetian Surround Sound event, Durham Cathedral Choir will team up with early music specialists His Majesty’s Sagbutts and Cornets. Together they will deliver a performance that has been specially designed to make the most of Durham Cathedral’s acoustics and layout.
Being serenaded by @hismajsagbutts is rather nice! Great to have them in before they zip over to @stgeorgesbris pic.twitter.com/P2bIOX3HYt
— In Tune BBC Radio 3 (@BBCInTune) March 27, 2017
The music will be performed in various parts of the cathedral to provide a unique ‘surround sound’ experience.
On July 15th, there will be a coming together of two important traditions from the north east’s musical heritage – brass bands and choral societies. The Reg Vardy Band and a special Festival Chorus, drawn from leading local choirs, will collaborate on a new version of William Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast.
A Big Band Summer School will take place, aimed at young intermediate and advanced musicians, from July 14th to 16th.
Durham Brass will also be sending out street brass bands all over County Durham to perform in schools, parks and public places. During 2016’s festival, musicians performed to 17,000 schoolchildren across the county.
Wow @DurhamBRASS school programme booking has been open less than a week we already have lots booked in. Book now to avoid disappointment pic.twitter.com/kHTk1HTBan
— The Forge (@TheForgeUK) March 28, 2017
Paul Gudgin, the festival’s director, said, “We’re delighted to announce the return of Brass for 2017.”
“The festival has become known not only for offering great music and incredible entertainment, but also as a commissioner of new and exciting works and this year is no exception.”
Steve Howell, Durham County Council’s head of culture and sport, said, “Unbelievably, we are into our eleventh year of Brass in Durham, always bringing the very best of a broad range of brass music from around the world to our wonderful city.”
To purchase tickets and find out more information, please go to www.brassfestival.co.uk.
