5 May 2008

Free Music in Wymondham Market Place

Wymondham has become well known for the live music in the Market Place that takes place on Saturday mornings during the summer. This year is no different - a wide variety of music, performed by local musicians, on every Saturday when there isn’t a Farmers’ Market. And it’s all free!

This coming Saturday, 10 May, there will be a performance by the ever popular Wymondham Area Schools Brass Band. On subsequent Saturdays, there’ll be music from a skiffle group, young saxophone and brass ensembles, African drumming and a swing trio. This year there’s also a special treat - the Sheringham Shantymen, one of the best known and most highly regarded maritime singing groups in the UK.

John Wood, Chairman of the Festival’s organizing committee, is pleased with this year’s line-up. “We’ve got a fantastic mix of musical types during the summer. We think Wymondham is probably unique in having so much free music available - don’t forget there’s also the Midsummer Jazz Picnic, Live n Gigging and many other free events.” He expressed his gratitude to the Festival’s many supporters. “The free events cost us over £4,000 to put on. We couldn’t do it without financial assistance from our patrons, sponsors, advertisers and other supporters. Our thanks go out to them - they really help to make Wymondham a unique and special place.”

18 May 2008

Town Busking Day

One of the highlights of Wymondham’s annual Music Festival is the Busking Day. This year it will take place on Saturday 24th May, with music starting from about 10 am. 

If previous years are anything to go by, there will be a fascinating range of music on offer. There’s also sure to be lots of different instruments ranging from the common to the unusual and music styles from folk and rock to jazz and classical.

The busking day gives the town a very special atmosphere. In past years, some of the buskers have collected for their favourite charity; shoppers and visitors can then show their generosity while enjoying the music.

The Busking Day organiser, Rod Crockford, is keen to hear from anyone wanting to have a go - just give him a call on 07871 615022. Alternatively just turn up at the Wymondham Music Festival marquee in the Market Place between 9:30 and 10:00 and Rod will advise you where you can play. All ages are welcome. All that’s required is an enthusiasm to show off your talents!

Please note Rod’s telephone number - the one in our printed programme is no longer available. We apologise to anyone who was trying that number. We promise that 07871 615022 will get you to Rod!

26 May 2008

David Dunnett

The historic James Davis chamber organ that Daivid will be playing

English Baroque and the Organ

Norwich Baroque will be performing in the Abbey on Saturday 31st May, starting at 7:30 pm. Tickets are priced at £10 for adults and only £2 for children under 16. They are available in advance from the Book Fountain in Wymondham or Prelude Records in Norwich. Tickets will also be available on the door. Note that our usual discount applies - if you buy your tickets before the day of the concert, there’s £1 off these prices. Get them early is the message!

Entitled ‘English Baroque and the organ’, the programme will include Handel's Organ Concerto The Cuckoo and the Nightingale. Norwich Cathedral organist David Dunnett will play the solo part on the Abbey’s historic James Davis chamber organ. The remainder of the programme will include a John Stanley Concerto from Op.10, Concerti Grossi by Handel and Charles Avison and Purcell's Suite from Abdelezar.

Norwich Baroque was formed in 2006 to specialise in original and lively interpretations of music by popular and less well known Baroque composers. They play on ‘modern’ instruments with Baroque bows, incorporating many elements of Baroque style and string playing technique. They team up with high quality soloists to bring fresh and vibrant performances to some of the region’s most beautiful buildings.

“.... an admirable sharpness to the performance” EDP.

David Dunnett became Organist and Master of the Music at Norwich Cathedral in January 1996, a post which also involves working with the Norwich Philharmonic Society and the University of East Anglia. He is a regular recitalist and accompanist for singers and instrumentalists on the organ, harpsichord and piano and works in a variety of styles including classical and jazz.

We’ve got David Childs playing at our festival this year. He’s acknowledged as one of the world’s greatest euphonium players, so we’re delighted to have been able to book him for the 2008 WMF. In 2000 David was the first ever euphonium soloist to win the BBC Young Musician of the Year, and has continued to wow audiences with his astonishing technique, extrovert musicality and engaging stage presence.

For those not familiar with a euphonium, it’s the smaller brother of the tuba. It’s one of the most sweet-toned of the brass instrument family and, in expert hands, has an amazing four octave range.

David and his quartet are playing in Wymondham Abbey on Saturday 21st June. Click here for more details.

Even better, he’s going to do a workshop for us. If you’re grade 3 or above and play any brass instrument, this is for you. It’s in the morning of Saturday 21st June, so you can go to the workshop and then find out what the Master can really do in the evening!. For more details of the workshop, click here. To download a booking form and accompanying explanatory letter, click here.

7 June 2008

Calling all brass players! 

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