Doors Open 45 minutes before performance
Non-members - £12
Members - £10 under 18s - £5
In the wordless communication that passes between Orcadian fiddler Catriona Price and Peebles harpist Esther Swift as they perform, the strength of their decade-long musical partnership, friendship and shared humour is evident. It’s this depth of connection, and tangible desire to have fun, that gives Twelfth Day its extra edge.
In their own words, this is not so much a duo, but a two person quartet. Their two distinctly different voices, with the fiddle, and the pedal harp, build layer upon layer of a complex and ever-evolving sound, rich with rhythm, harmony and texture.
Twelfth Day are happy to be hard to define. Classically trained, they bring outstanding technical ability as well as an adventurous mix of folk, jazz and classical influences to their compositions and arrangements – blended with the folklore and inspirations of their respective Scottish Highland and Lowland upbringings.
A number of string quartets from the RNCM have performed at the Heron over the years. Some continue to work together, going on to great things in the music world.
On this occasion we shall be entertained by The Mowbski Quartet, a young and enthusiastic ensemble formed in 2016,comprising recent graduates from the RNCM, winners of the Hirsch prize for chamber music.
| JOSEPH HAYDN | String Quartet in B flat major Op 76 No 4 ‘Sunrise’ |
| GYÖRGY LIGETI | String Quartet No 1 ‘Métamorphoses Nocturnes’ |
| FRANZ SCHUBERT | String Quartet in D minor No 14 ‘Death and the Maiden’ |
Following their great success when last at the Heron in April 2015, Café Society, a four piece band specialising in Jazz, Dixieland and hot 20's music, return to perform once more guiding the audience on a musical meander down Memory Lane. This includes jazz standards, some rather unusual, rarely heard, tunes plus The Charleston and The Pasadena, in addition to tributes to such stars as Al Jolson, Noel Coward and even George Formby.
Trio Volant was formed in 2010 and played at the Heron when all three members were studying at the Royal Northern College of Music. The Trio regularly give formal recitals and lunchtime concerts in and around Manchester and the North West as well as further afield from Wales to Essex. Past engagements have included recitals for Buxton Festival, Huddersfield Music Society, Harlech Concert Society, Lincoln International Chamber Music Festival and Maldon Festival of Arts amongst others. The Trio particularly enjoy the opportunity to perform the lesser known reed trio chamber music repertoire.
The individual members have a wealth of solo, chamber music and orchestral experience between them, including performances at The Bridgewater Hall, Symphony Hall, Snape Maltings and Cadogan Hall.
The Name? That comes from a Mrs Doyle comment in Father Ted (no more clues...you go find it!). The lads think the nature of the split personality of their songs fall into the category of either 'Hiroshima' (introspective, confessional, concerned, melancholy), or 'Twinkie’ (stupid, daft, funny and vulgar) and they like it that way.
Hiroshima Twinkie's sets are electro-acoustic alternative folk rock in nature, leaning towards Americana. Their eclectic taste has led to an eclectic style and great variety in lyrical theme, pace of performance and format of delivery. Expect passion, energy, humour, pain......shaky things and a polka about a dead tortoise!
Following their visit in Spring 2015, Ann Bond (harpsichord) and Louise Latham (baroque violin) make a welcome return. They are joined on this occasion by Rosy Williams, a talented and versatile young mezzo-soprano in ‘an intriguing classical mixture’ shedding vivid light on this lovely music.
Acclaimed musicians Chris Green and Sophie Matthews (with special guest Jude Rees) present a festive romp through 600 years of Christmas music, songs and carols.
Beginning in the Middle Ages and ending in the 20th century this is a whistle-stop tour of the origins of our midwinter festivities. Featuring long-forgotten songs and tales as well as some familiar and well-loved carols, a show guaranteed to delight the hearts of young and old.
Taking in 600 years of music and featuring music and songs played on archaic instruments such as cittern, shawm and rauschpfeife, as well as more familiar instruments such as guitar, flute, oboe and accordion, all helped along by GreenMatthews‘ trademark wit and humour, ‘A Brief History of Christmas‘ is the perfect show for anyone looking to recapture the simple Yuletide delights of fellowship, laughter and good cheer
http://www.greenmatthews.co.uk/shows/abriefhistoryofchristmas/
To call the BOX OFFICE telephone 015395 64283
To hire the theatre for meetings, lectures and local events telephone 01524 824885
