upfront
AMSER JAZZ TIME
CAN’ T wait until August’ s Brecon Jazz to get your jazz fix? Good news: The Royal Welsh College Of Music And Drama have announced their very own three-day festival offering a diverse programme of jazz performances. Established with the support of The Arts Council Of Wales and the Colwinston Charitable Trust, Amser Jazz Time boasts an impressive lineup featuring some of Britain’ s best jazz musicians from Fri 10-Sun 12 May. There are six concerts in total arranged over the three days. With performances from the likes of the legendary jazz singer Norma Winstone and British jazz / funk foursome the James Taylor Quartet, the festival bill promises a high calibre selection of performances. For 25 years the James Taylor Quartet have established a reputation for awesome live performances, and whether you love the Celtic jazz tones of Neil Yates’ Five Country Trio or are curious to experience the dark and chaotic Kit Downes Quintet – pianist and composer Kit Downes’ new project – there’ s plenty of variety to choose from. Tenor saxophonist Mark Lockheart will also be showcasing his new project Ellington In Anticipation which sees him deconstruct and rearrange some of Duke Ellington’ s best-loved compositions including Take The A Train and Mood Indigo. Alongside concerts by established jazz musicians, the college will also be running a series of free performances in which their yooung ensembles will have an opportunity to showcase their talents and to entertain a wide audience. Hosted in the atmospheric surroundings of the Richard Burton Theatre and Dora Stoutzker Hall, the festival provides the perfect opportunity for jazz enthusiasts to catch some exciting and evocative concerts. Whether you’ re familiar with jazz or not, Amser Jazz Time offers a wide range of performance to suit even the most eclectic of tastes. With the promise of fresh talent and an opportunity to see some real jazz legends, this three-day festival promises a hearty helping of high-class jazz to tide you over until summer. ELLEN DAVIES
Amser Jazz Time, Royal Welsh College Of Music And Drama, Cardiff, Fri 10-Sun 12 May. Info: 029 2039 1391 / www. rwcmd. ac. uk / jazzfestival
THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN FESTIVAL
THE Vale Of Glamorgan’ s annual festival is once again upon us with another multinational collection of classical musicians performing in a series of concerts, talks and discussions spread across nine gorgeous venues throughout the Glamorgan Vale. The 10-day celebration of classical music runs from Thurs 9-Sat 18 May, presenting productions in variety of ways both formal and informal, in traditional venues and those more modern. Every venue has been specifically chosen to compliment the music which will be performed within, attempting to enhance the sound of each individual classical piece. The Vale Of Glamorgan Festival is fortunate enough to provide the platform for the debut of four musical compositions, including work by Aaron Kernis, to celebrate the 50th birthday of festival regular Graham Fitkin and the first public performance of a new percussion concerto by the BBC National Orchestra Of Wales’ Composer In Residence, Mark Bowden. As well as the opportunity to experience new music from prestigious composers, the festival provides its audience with the chance to get under the skin of the music through a series of talks and workshops in which the composers will be sharing their stories and revealing the inspiration behind the new pieces which are to be unveiled, providing the opportunity for insight and context to their work. The classical festivities will spread across a variety of venues, from beautiful and traditional castles and churches such as the old library in Fonmon Castle where the Solstice String Quartet will perform, to the impressive modern concert venues such as the Hoddinott Hall at the Wales Millennium Centre. Artists from Mexico, Lithuania, Estonia and France, as well as many celebrated musicians from the UK, are also set to perform, and for those who enjoy classical music, and even those new to the form, the Vale Of Glamorgan Festival is sure to provide an impressive listening experience. BECKY GILLARD
The Vale Of Glamorgan Festival, various locations, Thurs 9-Sat 18 May. Tickets: £ 10- £ 91( festival pass). Info: 08448 700887 / www. valeofglamorganfestival. org. uk
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