‘Gigs at Gaia’ Set To Wow Harrogate Music Festival Audiences
One of the highlights of this summer’s HACS Harrogate Music Festival are the ‘Gigs at Gaia’ – a series of concerts at St Wilfrid’s Church performed beneath Luke Jerram’s incredible Gaia installation, an awe-inspiring, illuminated replica of planet Earth.
Connaught Brass
These six evocative ‘Gigs at Gaia’ feature everything from intimate solo recitals to internationally acclaimed ensembles and incredible orchestral performances.
Orchestra For The Earth kicks things off with what promises to be an unforgettable evening on July 4. Set up in 2017 with the aim of highlighting the importance of protecting our planet, the orchestra’s Harrogate performance will revolve around classical music inspired by nature.
Conductor John Warner, its founder and current artistic director, will lead the orchestra on a musical journey that connects with the natural world through sound. The concert, titled Earth, Sea and Sky, will open fittingly with Grieg’s ‘Morning Mood’ from Peer Gynt, and also includes Vaughan Williams’ much loved The Lark Ascending, celebrating the beauty and serenity of the English countryside.
Renowned Cuban classical guitarist Ahmed Dickinson (July 6) offers a thrilling contrast, showcasing his unique blend of classical and contemporary guitar music from around the world. Seen by many as one of the leading guitarists of his generation, Dickinson’s eclectic programme ranges from Eduardo Martín’s Songs of the Calendar, which blends Cuban rhythms with classical elements, to Carlo Domeniconi’s Koyumbaba, a vibrant piece inspired by the sounds of Brazil.
The Festival has a long tradition of candlelit concerts and this continues with The Marian Consort (July 6). This much lauded British vocal ensemble is known for their innovative programmes of music from the 12th century to the present day. Their special candlelight concert in Harrogate titled ‘The Language of Flowers,’ brings together works by composers of the Spanish Renaissance alongside world premieres of new works from Hugo Bell and Nneka Cummins.
The Marian Consort. Credit Frances Marshall
Another of the ‘Gigs at Gaia’ highlights is Yorkshire-based organist, conductor and composer Anthony Gray (July 7), who will perform a suite from Hans Zimmer’s epic score from Christopher Nolan’s film Interstellar. The evening will also feature the transcendent works Pari Intervallo by Arvo Pärt and Le Banquet Céleste by Olivier Messiaen, both of which celebrate the organ’s unique emotional pull.
The following night (July 8) sees Connaught Brass take to the stage. This energetic ensemble seeks to redefine how brass chamber music is perceived and their captivating concert will take the audience on a musical journey through timeless classics including Jupiter from Holst’s The Planets, with its grand brass and sweeping harmonies.
Also performing at St Wilfrid’s as part of this year’s Young Musicians Series is Jali Bakary Konteh (July 5). Konteh plays the kora, a traditional West African stringed instrument similar to a lute or harp, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who were both legendary kora players. In his solo afternoon concert, Konteh will showcase the instrument’s distinctive rhythmic sound.
Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said: “The ‘Gigs at Gaia’ promise to be incredible. Concerts in St Wilfrid’s are always memorable and with Luke Jerram’s amazing installation they promise to be even more special.
“What’s also exciting is the wide range of solo artists, ensembles and orchestras that will be performing. These really are going to be nights to remember!”
Tickets are available from the Harrogate International Festivals website harrogateinternationalfestivals.com or by calling the Box Office on 01423 562 303.
