Bristol has a long history of classical music, with new talent emerging year upon year thanks to students at Bristol University’s prestigious department of music. The largest classical music performances see complete orchestras performing at St George’s Hall where natural acoustics continue to wow audiences of over five hundred guests. Contemporary solo performances have found home in Colston Hall’s second room, The Lantern. St Stephen’s church and the Victoria Rooms in Clifton are also essential venues for classical music and orchestras in Bristol.
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What our editors say
“Performed by six dancers, including Seeta Patel herself, the South Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam, with its intricate rhythmic footwork, geometric and dynamic movements and expressive prowess, transforms Igor Stravinsky’s iconic ballet. Normally seen as a solo dance form, Seeta Patel Dance’s The Rite Of Spring is a rare chance to see contemporary Bharatanatyam performed in an ensemble.”
From: The Rite of Spring
“He looks at choreography as organisation and explores it using Indian classical music, here creatively informing the dramaturgy of the work. He is touring his solo work "Can This Place Be A Temple?" and working on a new production.”
From: GATHER UP: Workshop with Akshay Sharma
“Each month a different model will adopt one classical pose, taking small breaks every twenty minutes, spotlit from above to highlight all those magical contours. This format allows artists to either concentrate on one picture for the duration or move around and study the subject from various angles, whichever works best for you.”
From: Life Drawing
“The five-member Nasim-e Tarab Ensemble comprises of some of Iran’s most virtuoso musicians, regarded as the generation with the most demanding task of preserving/transmitting the classical music of Iran and, beyond that, enhancing its sustainability and creativity in, historically, one of the most challenging times of its development.”
From: Maqâm Journeys - Nasim-e Tarab Ensemble
“Will Irving (1995, UK) is a visual artist, composer and producer known for his solo electronic performances, visual work and frequent A/V collaborations. His sonic output explores beauty and emotional resonance within samples, home recordings and old melodies, morphing them into futuristic sound scapes. Utilising a wide palette of sonic textures, expect sounds across spanning experimental electronic, pop, ambient, noise and classical genres.”
From: So Much Everything X Khadija Supper club