Welcome

Welcome to the spring/summer concert season at Leeds College of Music

Highlights of the season include return visits from Neil Cowley Trio and Tord Gustavsen Ensemble, both making their third appearance at The Venue, and multi-award winning alumnus Mathew Bourne who will perform works from his debut solo album, Montauk Variations, one of this years most acclaimed new releases.

Following her Carnegie Hall debut late last year, newly appointed Visiting Professor Deborah York will perform at The Venue in May. Deborah began her operatic career at Glyndebourne and her extensive discography includes over 25 CDs and five DVDs across concert, opera, and studio recordings.

We’re pleased to present the rare and exciting opportunity to hear two of the most important names in jazz-fusion and electronic music, respectably. Virtuoso percussionist Trilok Gurtu, who has over 40 years’ experience performing with a veritable who’s who of jazz and world music; and French composer Michel Chion, who will diffuse his own work as part of the Leeds International Festival for Innovation in Music Production and Composition.

New for 2012, we introduce a singer-songwriter strand to the programme, coincidently featuring two of Ireland’s most acclaimed musicians: Iain Archer – Ivor Novello winner and co-composer of Snow Patrol’s anthemic single Run – and BBC 6 Music favourite Wallis Bird who celebrates the release of her third album in March.

Leeds College of Music students continue to be at the very heart of the season, with a weekly Twilight Student Showcase, annual Gala Concert and performances from the Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra and Community Choral Society featuring guest conductors and visiting artists.

The season also sees our ensembles venture out around the city. St. Anne’s Cathedral is an appropriately dramatic setting for a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony by our Chamber Orchestra and Chorus, with special guest conductor Murry Sidlin. The award winning Leeds College of Music Big Band stays a little closer to home with a gig at The Wardrobe paying tribute to jazz composer Bob Brookmeyer who died last year.

Alongside our own programme, we continue to present concerts in association with Leeds International Concert Season – including the ever popular Wednesday lunchtime chamber concerts – and South Asian Arts UK.

Whatever your taste in music, we look forward to welcoming you to The Venue.

Box Office: 0113 222 3434