'New' festival blooms in the Spring
Posted on 22 April 2010
They want to establish the event, which starts on 12 May and features a huge range of new music, as an integral part of York’s festival calendar.
Hosted by the University of York Concert Series, the festival is based at the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall on the Heslington campus but also includes venues across the city.
The programme features nationally recognised performers such as the Elysian String Quartet as well as showcasing the wealth of local talent.
Festival Manager Martin Scheuregger says: “York is recognised for its annual array of festivals, and we really want the Spring Festival to become a key part of this calendar.”
Though the event has featured in the University calendar for many years, last year’s was the first to be run by students, and it proved so successful that the Concert Series decided to stick with the same format in 2010. The committee have spent a year planning the event, doing everything from designing the festival brochure to building the website and managing the concerts.
I think our enthusiasm and determination actually gives us an edge over more traditionally run festivals
Martin Scheuregger
“Having the festival run by undergraduate and postgraduate students is a double-edged sword. We are all busy students in one of the busiest departments of the university, so time-management is important,” Martin adds.
“However, everyone has put in so much work, and I think our enthusiasm and determination actually gives us an edge over more traditionally run festivals.
“We have created a diverse programme which will cater for all tastes. We are also taking the festival out of the traditional concert hall venue, and people will be able to see events at places you may not associate with a 'classical' festival. We hope the people of York, the region and from further afield support the Spring Festival to help it to become a key part of the York festival calendar.”
It will feature a new collaboration between students from the Universities of York and York St John in Dance Together: a showcase of original dance pieces. The festival also involves students from universities across the UK taking part in two days of discussions, workshops, concerts and talks.
Martin says: “These events are free to the public, and will be a fascinating incite into new music for scholar and enthusiast alike. This event builds on the success of the 2009 collaboration day which saw over 80 students come to York from across the UK.”
Tickets are available from the University box office: Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, Department of Music, University of York, YO10 5DD, Tel: 01904 432439 or online at http://www.YorkConcerts.co.uk/.
More information at http://www.yorkspringfestival.co.uk/.
Notes to editors:
- Highlights of the festival include:
12 May – local group Good Dog Happy Band bring their blend of traditional American folk music, country, and original material to St. Helen's Church for a 1pm concert.
12 May - Elysian String Quartet spice up the chamber music tradition in a vibrant display of new works at the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall 7.30pm.
13 May – Universities of York and University of York St John students showcase their original dance pieces in Dance Together at the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall 7pm.
13 May - City Screen Basement Bar hosts an evening of music that breaks barriers between the worlds of pop and classical, with Laura Moody headlining 9.30pm.
14 May – Lunchtime concert (1pm) of classical music at the National Centre for Early Music featuring pianist Catherine Laws as well as but also toy dogs, toy cars and more!
14 May - American soprano Marja Kay presents a programme of contemporary Finnish song at the National Centre for Early Music 7.30pm.
15 May - Virtuoso and theatrical local group 'Black Hair' in concert in the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall 7.30pm.
16 May – Jazz at Kennedy's Bar with The Timecraft Project, a new outfit from young York-based musician Dave Smyth 8pm.
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