To celebrate Richard Wagner's 200th anniversary, the British Library presents a dramatised reading of the entire Ring cycle in English in a single day. Taking a cue from Wagner's own practice of reading from the libretto to his dinner guests, this performance provides a rare opportunity to experience the richness and subtlety of Wagner's writing and to thrill to the drama of the text as poetry, in the intimate setting of the Library's Auditorium.
Wagner's writings range widely over subjects as various as race, climate, vegetarianism, aesthetics and modern science. Above all he was formulating ideas that would take dramatic shape in his operas. Distinguished musicologists, literary historians, and translators speak about Wagner's immense literary output with opportunities for discussion and debate.
A day of workshops, panel discussions and Q&As exploring approches to writing for choirs and vocal ensembles. For emerging composers, music directors and singers interested in presenting new work it's a chance to hear from leading figures in the field.
Including: BBC Singers with Gabriel Jackson (composer) and Matt Hamilton (conductor), Juice Vocal Ensemble, Howard Skempton (composer) and Synergy Vocal's Micaela Haslam.
These workshops are a chance to sing challenging pieces of choral repertoire in our Main Space, where this year we will learn movements from Rachmaninov's Vespers.
Join Chris Samuel and his Magnificent AK47 to explore the masculine side of your singing voice. You'll also learn to sob like a man, toast like a Georgian and march like a Visigoth, as well as expanding your sonic range and general hugeness.
Chris Samuel is a UK member of Aussie Festival favourites the Spooky Men's Chorale and is instigator-in-chief of Blokefest. Regardless of your previous level of experience, he'll get you singing in glorious harmony in two shakes of a mastodon's tail.
Meet the City Shanty Band, who perform a mix of original compositions and reinventions of traditional sea shanties.
The session will include performances, discussions and demonstrations of how the band give the shanties that all important 'urban twist'. Plus a chance to learn a song or two.
Bring your dads, grandads, sons and nephews and sing with Tim Rhys-Evans and members of Only Men Aloud and Only Boys Aloud.
No experience necessary.
Lawrance Collingwood was closely associated with Elgar's recordings from 1926 until 1933 and conducted the last recording with which Elgar was associated. He was employed by HMV, later EMI, as a recording supervisor from 1926 until 1959. He also conducted the famous Miniature Elgar recording in 1964.
Malcolm Walker, who later interviewed the musician and has had access to his diaries, explores Collingwood's career. Having worked in the industry for over 50 years, Malcolm is now Consultant Discographer to EMI.
This talk is presented by the London Branch of The Elgar Society.
Everybody loves to dance, and it's not just a modern craze. Long before discos and DJs, orchestras unleashed fantastic dance music. With help from the kings of rhythm, Beethoven and Piazzolla, we will take you on a whirlwind tour of the best dance music for orchestra.
Saturday Spectaculars are the most fun way for you and your family to connect with orchestral music. Come and be inspired by Southbank Sinfonia's intrepid young team of musicians.
Concerts for the Young: Peter and the Wolf
This concert is part of the new series of "Concerts for the Young" presented by the Belsize Music Academy and aimed at young listeners. Pavel Timoefejevsky will perform Prokofiev's best loved musical tale in piano arrangement with Craig White doing the narration.
Prokofiev, Peter and the Wolf, Op.67
Craig White, Actor: Narrator
