What’s on Yorkshire: Classical music like you’ve never experienced it before – tickets on sale
With DJs joining orchestras to play specially-commissioned pieces, to classical scores re-imagined, this programme of musical concerts is set to surprise and delight.
Whether you’re a classical music expert or new to the genre, this eclectic programme of gigs in unlikely places makes classical music accessible to all.
Performances in pubs, churches, or intimate cabaret settings are designed to attract anyone who might never have connected with this music when presented in its conventional form, and those who want to experience the music they love in a different setting.
Sound Out Leeds was born out of a desire to challenge historic conventions of the classical music scene – bringing something fresh, vibrant, imaginative and relevant to today’s modern city. It is a series of concerts programmed by Leeds International Concert Season, the largest local authority-run concert season outside London.
We’ve picked out a few highlights to tell you more and whet your appetite. But for more information visit the website here. Tickets are available online from Leeds Ticket Hub or call them on 0113 376 0318.
Sound Out Leeds
Meliora Collective: Woman Power - Sun 16 Feb, 3pm at The Old Woollen, Sunny Bank Mills
Meliora Collective is a flexible ensemble, consisting of an array of dynamic, creative, and spirited young artists. They are in the unique position of performing as a dectet, formed of five wind players alongside five string players, whilst also presenting concerts with more intimate chamber groupings.
Chineke! Septet - Sun 23 Feb, 4pm at The Wardrobe
Programme features Richard Strauss Till Eulenspiegel (a joyous frolic through German folk hero Till Eulenspiegel’s merriest of pranks in Franz Hasenöhrl’s reduction for five instruments of the orchestral original), Ignatius Sancho Septet arrangements of two minuets, Franz Berwald Grand Septet, Errollyn Wallen NNENNA (the piece ends with an arrangement of the highlife song Sweet Mother by Prince Nico Mbarga, sometimes referred to as ‘Africa’s National Anthem’) and Ludwig van Beethoven Septet.
Beethoven’s Septet was one of the most popular works during the composer’s lifetime, much to his annoyance ‘that damn work! I wish it were burned!’ Thankfully it wasn’t burned as the sublime work influenced other great works on the wind/string repertoire including nonets by Louis Spohr and Louise Farrenc, and Franz Schubert’s Octet.
Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective - Sun 2 Mar, 4pm at the Clothworkers Centenary Concert Hall, University of Leeds
Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective returns to Leeds to present a sequence of music drawing on themes of dreams, hope, and spirituality, including Osvaldo Golijov’s klezmer-inspired clarinet quintet, The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind, one of the most electrifying works of the twentieth century, and Beethoven’s most otherworldly works, Heiliger Dankgesang from String Quartet Op 132.
Parable - Thu 1 May, 8pm at TESTBED
Turntablist, DJ and producer NikNak joins Chineke! Orchestra to perform this commission for turntables and orchestra, featuring responses and reflections on the graphic novel adaptation of Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower.
We asked Leeds-based artist NikNak what audiences could expect from her collaboration with Chineke!
“This commission blends turntablism and electronic music production elements with orchestral music in a way that feels fresh,” she said. Turntablism is often categorized into either hip hop (Grandmaster Flash, Kool Herc, DJ Shadow for example), or experimental music, like Shiva Feshareki’s or Christian Marclay’s works; I think both worlds are incredibly valid to each other. In my practice I pull inspiration from them to create something new and unique.
“What I’m doing with Chineke! Orchestra is creating a new piece from scratch, no pun intended, using turntables as an instrument alongside an orchestra. It’s something that doesn’t happen very often, and I’m very excited to bring this new, original work to life!”
Find out more
Sound Out Leeds is dedicated to engaging young people, bringing diverse artists into classrooms, helping young audiences see themselves reflected on stage, and making classical music more relevant and accessible than ever in partnership with Artforms Leeds.
Sound Out Leeds is supported using public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England. Find out more about Leeds International Concert Season, and book tickets here.