There’s a great season of entertainment to be enjoyed at The Stoller Hall, an acoustically perfect new performance space at Chetham’s School of Music. From chamber music to spoken word, the 2017 / 2018 line-up has something for everyone. The Stoller Hall opened earlier this year to huge acclaim. Here are some music – and music-themed – Wire picks for September. Book now.
BBC Radio 2 ‘Folk Artist of the Year’ Chris Wood
Songwriter Chris Wood (Sat 9 Sep, The Stoller Hall, Hunts Bank, Manchester M3 1DA. Tel: 0333 130 0967, 7.30pm, £10–13, www.stollerhall.com) embraces the world of traditional English dance music, from musical parables to riverside folk songs. He has plenty of accolades to his name, including Folk Singer of the Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, and tour support for Joan Armatrading. His latest album ‘So Much to Defend’ includes reflections on minor league football, empty nest syndrome and learning to swim. This is a rescheduled gig, and those originally due to attend his May date will be reissued tickets.
Fringe-conquering comedy: Kieran Hodgson’s Maestro (pictured)
Last year, Kieran Hodgson stormed the Edinburgh Fringe with ‘Maestro’ (Tue 12 Sep, 7.30pm, £12–£15, www.stollerhall.com), a comedy show about love, Mahler, and a failed attempt to write the next great symphony. This followed a sell-out tour and a BBC radio adaptation of his 2015 show ‘Lance’ – both shows have been nominated for Edinburgh Comedy Awards. You may recognise Hodgson from his appearances on BBC2’s ‘Upstart Crow’ and ‘We’re Doomed! The Dad’s Army Story’. Don’t panic – the only weaponry at his disposal tonight will be a
A match made in heaven: acclaimed violinist Tasmin Little & Australian pianist Piers Lane
One-time BBC Young Musician of the Year finalist, Tasmin Little (Tue 26 Sep, 7.30pm, £16–£21, www.stollerhall.com) is now an internationally acclaimed violinist. She won the Critics Award at the Classic Brit Awards, and comes to The Stoller Hall tonight to celebrate her partnership with Australian classical pianist Piers Lane. She will explore four sonatas for violin dating from 1886 to the early part of the 20th century. As an added bonus, Little will follow this performance with a masterclass that’s free to students (Wed 27 Sep, Carole Nash Hall, 2.30pm, £6 / £5 / free, www.stollerhall.com).
Veteran guitarist & songwriter Martin Simpson
World-renowned guitarist, singer and songwriter Martin Simpson (Thu 28 Sep, 7.30pm, £11–£14, www.stollerhall.com) has reason to celebrate: he releases his 20th solo album in 40 years in September. ‘Trails & Tribulations’ spans everything you could want in guitars – acoustic, electric, resonator, Weissenborn lap steel – as well as a five-string banjo and a ukulele. Simpson is the most nominated musician in the history of the BBC Folk Awards, and has worked with the likes of Jackson Browne, Martin Taylor, June Tabor and Richard Hawley. He even once opened for Steeleye Span. Tickets on sale now.
- Words:
- Wire Editor
- Published on:
- Wed 16 Aug 2017
