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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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