Looking for some live music recommendations? We’ve rounded up just some of the great events you can enjoy here at the Stoller Hall across October and November – with many more listed on our What’s On pages.
October kicks off with a performance from Budapest Café Orchestra (4 October), a quartet giving traditional Balkan, Russian, Hungarian and Romanian tunes a jazz and classical-inspired make-over to create a sound of their own.
Fusing jazz and and cross-over continues with the team-up of UK superstar vocalist Claire Martin and the Norwegian jazz giant Martin Sjostedt’s Trio (5 October). They seamlessly blend classic jazz standards, such as the title track from the movie ‘Houseboat’, with contemporary pieces by the likes of Elvis Costello, Rufus Wainwright, and Mark Winkler.
October half-term brings shows to entertain and inspire all the family. Toot! A Concert for Families (25 October) invites you to travel around the world through music, from the Scottish Highlands to the American Deep South, as it introduces children to the wind instrument family. Film and contemporary music performers Mystery Ensemble (25 October) will then rocket audiences from the baroque era to the modern day with a concert that features music from film composer Max Richter and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.
Described by The Guardian as ‘one of the adventurous masters of the kora’, Senagal-based virtuoso musician Seckou Keita (8 November) will challenge traditions and genres with his Homeland Band project, presenting a unique sound that embraces afro-pop, urban and hip-hop.
Veteran jazz ensemble Yellowjackets (2 November) will re-imagine well-known big band originals with dynamic new arrangements that feature twists and turns, moving harmonies and bold solos.
Rising stars of the folk scene TRIP (14 November) mix promise traditional sounds from across the UK and Ireland, reflecting the heritage of the band’s musicians. Their performances feature the accordion, fiddle, flute and vocals with piano, guitar, and bodhran.
And finally, folk music singer and violinist Eliza Carthy (27 November), who has been a stalwart and advocate of UK folk for over 30 years, returns to Stoller Hall with a mesmerising show to captivate audiences.
Chetham’s Library will also be hosting fun family activities this half term in Magic Makers (22 October) which includes arts and crafts, plus a Shakespeare-themed scavenger hunt. Adult groups can also explore our Medieval buildings in the evenings as Chetham’s Library After Hours returns (25 October.)