Music concerts and performance

Lunchtime live concerts Wed 1-2pm summer 2010

David Mowat, is a jazz musician and founder of Bristol Eco Show. Curator of Saint Stephen’s music programme, he says:

“I’m delighted to welcome you to another summer season of music in this sacred place. Once the church authorities commanded our presence and obedience. Now the buildings they put up beguile us with their harmony and charm us with their peace, away from the commands of consumer religion. May the beauty of the place and the gentle play of the sounds you hear give you rest and sustenance each Wednesday lunch time.”

(see end for the May 2010 programme)

July 2010

July 7 Royal Court Players

A string quartet with continuo and a wind instrument, the Royal Court Players are the backbone of the Saint Stephen’s music programme. For each concert they research collections of Baroque music, including both familiar and unfamiliar composers.

The audience are asked to be mindful of noise disturbance in these baroque music concerts. Parents with toddlers, who are most welcome, might wish to be seated near to an exit just in case of a temporary disturbance.

July 14 Elemental Resonance

Elemental Resonance explores the way sounds bring us to an uplifted plane, in a sacred place. The ensemble of musicians – Celia Beeson, Chris Bowles and Marilyn Morris – work with the healing and meditative powers of resonant sound and silence. Through harmonious vibration, Elemental Resonance explores qualities of earth, water, fire, air and ether. Their performances are improvised using voice, gongs, singing bowls and other instruments, and can be experienced as a performance or as a meditation.

July 21 Ali Farnon, with Phil and David

Singer-songwriter, Ali Farnon, presents an eclectic mix of raw and intimate songs about the many shades of love, reminiscent of Billie Holiday.

Ali Farnon relocated to Bristol from London several years ago where she recorded and performed mainly dance music. Since her move to Bristol she has rediscovered her love of jazz standards, bossa nova and Bert Bacharach.

With some songs by Saint Stephen’s music curator, David Mowat, and Phil Arnold, on keyboard. A music graduate, Phils is often found playing trad jazz keyboard at The Old Duke.

July 28 Moussa Kouyate and the Bristol Ecoshow

Moussa Kouyate is a Senegalese Master Kora player descended from a famous griot or bard family. The Kouyate are advisors to kings and holders of the anthology of the music of the Mandinka people since 1235. The rhythm of Moussa Kouyate’s music is taken from these roots. Expect excerpts from music specially composed for the Bristol Ecoshow to be performed at Saint Stephen’s church on Friday 30 July at 7.30pm, and at Bristol Harbourside festival Saturday 1 August. With music and narration the ecoshow will tell a new story of Brigstowe, the place of the bridge, so it’s fitting that a griot introduces it.

May 2010

May 5 Juan Gabriel’s Healing with Sound
Juan Gabriel’s music taps into shamanic traditions from around the world which use the vibrational qualities of sound to bring about transformation. Expect Mongolian overtone and Tibetan throat singing, and Native American chanting amongst other things. Juan supports Saint Stephen’s critical.mass every Thursday with his music. Last November’s concert here was a knock out.

May 12 Royal Court Players
Baroque music evolved just before the arts began to leave the almost-exclusive province of the church. Set in a late-medieval building designed for worship, the harmonies and melodies of Baroque music as played by these great musicians fit the acoustics perfectly. The audience are asked to be mindful of noise disturbance in these baroque music concerts. Parents with toddlers, who are most welcome, might wish to be seated near to an exit just in case of a temporary disturbance. Also playing 7 July.

May 19 The two Dans and Laura
Singer, Dan Curtis, and pianist, Dan Phelps, are joined by pianist and singer, Laura Coyne. At their first appearance last year, the two Dans impressed with their enthusiasm and repertoire of standards. The two Dans come from the branch of jazz which prioritises entertainment above musical introspection, when audiences are sometimes lost. They sing both their own compositions and well-known tunes, and are joined by the equally excellent Laura Coyne who appears with the BBC National Chorus of Wales.

May 26 Organist, Philip Wilby, with tenor, Gordon Pullin
By popular request, an organ feature by Professor Philip Wilby, a composer for the Black Dyke Mills Band amongst others. Philip is joined by the distinguished tenor, Gordon Pullin.

Free event, donations welcome