Concert Programme
William Walton
Belshazzar's Feast
Walton's vibrant and jazz-inspired cantata is scored for large orchestra and chorus, as well as two brass bands, organ and baritone soloist.
George Gershwin
Concerto in F
We are delighted to announce that internationally acclaimed concert pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason will join the Feast. She has chosen to play Gershwin’s Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra, a fitting choice for a venue that champions music in all its rich diversity and rhythmic energy.
Two new commissions
The concert programme will feature the world premieres of two commissioned works by composers with strong links to Bristol and the West Country. Tom Green’s piece ‘Blow, blow thou winter wind,’ takes snippets from ‘Belshazzar’s Feast’ and transforms them into a different setting. And Liz Lane’s piece ‘Precious Stones’ for brass and percussion sparkles with jewel-like tonal light and colour.
Our Charities
Help Musicians - a charity for professional musicians of all genres, both in work and in retirement. They help at times of crisis, but also at times of opportunity, giving people the support they need at the crucial stages that could make or break their career.
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Bristol Music Trust - a cultural organisation promoting music and the arts. It’s responsible for developing a vibrant programme of music and events at Bristol Beacon, and for supporting young people through music education activities in Bristol and the South West.
Meet the Performers
Isata Kanneh-Mason
Piano Soloist
Pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason offers eclectic and stimulating recital programmes with repertoire encompassing Haydn and Mozart, Fanny Mendelssohn and Clara Schumann, Chopin and Brahms to Gershwin and beyond.
Isata is in high demand from concert halls and orchestras worldwide. In July 2024, she was invited to perform at the First Night of the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and conductor Elim Chan, a performance which resulted in stellar reviews in the mainstream press.
Isata is an ambassador for Help Musicians.
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Read more about Isata here.
Gavin Carr
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Baritone Soloist
Gavin Carr was a choral scholar in the choir of King’s College, Cambridge, before commencing an international career as a baritone, singing lead roles with English National Opera and appearing as a soloist all over the world in concert, recital, and opera.
Since 2001 conducting has been his main focus, and he is now recognised as one of the UK’s leading choral conductors.
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Read more about Gavin here.
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Chris Hill
Conductor
As a full time amateur musician Chris is in the lucky position to be able to indulge in his passion for music of many kinds. His first conducting role was age 10 in front of even younger players. His teacher said "you can beat time, stand up and do it". After leaving the electricity industry he had conducting lessons with Huw Gareth-Williams. He has conducted orchestras and choirs in Pembrokeshire, Manchester, Gloucestershire and Bristol. Chris runs the Celli Peppers, a cello octet, gives regular recitals and spent 25 years in the Bristol Bach Choir.