An orchestra of ‘fretted’ instruments, top ten indie rock band The Twang and the much loved Classical Fantasia are all part of the great musical variety at artsfest 2010 (Friday 10– Sunday 12 September 2010).
Other highlights at the UK’s biggest free arts festival include the popular BBC Big Band, the first ever Folk Dance Fest and a special appearance from the Grammy nominated Musical Youth.
Following a hugely successful performance last year, the Midlands Fretted Orchestra return to artsfest and the Waterhall Gallery on Saturday 11 September (11.30am). This year’s show will be recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 3. The ensemble consists of more than 25 musicians of all ages, abilities and styles. Their instruments include mandolins, banjos, classical and acoustic guitars, mandolas, bass guitar and cello banjo.
The much loved Classical Fantasia, which brings together the combined talents of the Birmingham Royal Ballet, Birmingham Opera Company and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO), returns to Centenary Square on Saturday 11 September (8pm onwards). Amongst the highlights the CBSO will be performing excerpts from well known classics, including the William Tell Overture, Dvo?ák’s ‘New World’ Symphony and the Dam Busters March. They will also be performing well-known film themes (including Jaws and Star Wars). The show climaxes with a choreographed fireworks display.
The acclaimed BBC Big Band, who have accompanied a diverse range of artists from Tony Bennett to Amy Winehouse, will be at the Town Hall on Friday 10 September (8pm) as they join forces with Birmingham- based community big band The Notebenders. The unique collaboration and celebration of Jazz will be recorded for a BBC 2 Big Band Special.
Birmingham’s crowd pleasing indie-rock band The Twang will be headlining a packed Kerrangfest on Sunday 12 September. Their debut album ‘Love it When I Feel Like This’ reached number 3 in the album charts in 2007 and the single ‘Either Way’ peaked at number 8 in the same year. Their second album ‘Jewellery Quarter’ was released in 2009, several of the tracks will be recognizable after being used on television, most notably Twit Twoo which has appeared on Match of The Day.
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Media officer: Amrit Sahota
Email: amrit.sahota@birmingham.gov.uk
Tel: 0121 303 8795/07967 648 869
Press/photo accreditation will apply, so please contact media officer above for a press pass if you would like to attend artsfest. Images will be available on request.
The full programme for artsfest is available on the website, or to request a printed copy please contact the media officer above.
artsfest is organised by Birmingham City Council with support from sponsors, partners, arts organisations and volunteers. For more information go to www.artsfest.org.uk or contact the artsfest team on 0121 464 5678.
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