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Lichfield Festival marks the 250th anniversary of American independence with mini-series

Holly Carter poses with a guitar

 

 

Our America250 mini-series marks the anniversary of US Independence with a focus on an eclectic mix of music from across the pond, from jazz to classical, Hollywood musicals to fingerstyle guitar-playing Americana.

 

In our flagship classical Cathedral concert, the superb BBC National Orchestra of Wales return to Lichfield to play music by three key American composers beginning with Charles Ives, who recalls historic battle sites (and a honeymoon walk) in Three Places in New England.  Glorious melodies and breathtaking virtuosity follow in Barber’s sumptuous Violin Concerto with world-renowned soloist Maria Ioudenitch, and the ballet music Appalachian Spring that Aaron Copland wrote for the Martha Graham Dance Company is a powerful and evocative masterpiece (listen out for that famous Shaker melody, Simple Gifts). (Sat 18 July, Lichfield Cathedral)

 

Over in The Hub at St Mary’s (Fri 10 July), there’s a chance to hear award-winning songwriter, fingerstyle guitarist and pedal steel player, Holly Carter.  She’s twice received Instrumentalist of the Year at the Americana UK awards and her latest album Leave Your Mark blends timeless storytelling, catchy melodies and an original take on the American folk landscape.

 

Excerpts from Dvořák’s ‘American’ Quartet feature in the opening recital of the Young Artists’ Series, played by musicians from the celebrated Purcell School (Thu 9 July, St Michael’s Church), while music by William Grant Still, Amy Beach and George Gershwin are part of an all-American programme from violinist Joel Munday and pianist Julian Trevelyan (Sat 18 July, Wade Street Church).

 

Hooray for Hollywood!  Enjoy the magic of movie musicals as the popular duo of songstress Liza Pulman (of ‘Fascinating Aida’ fame) and pianist and raconteur Joe Stilgoe team up again for an evening of music, wit and movie knowledge including songs from The Wizard of Oz to Wicked, West Side Story to La La Land and more. (Wed 15 July, Lichfield Cathedral).

 

Among Lichfield Festival’s many jazz events, GX2: The Don Shirley Trio Project (Thu 16 July, The Hub) pays tribute to the visionary American jazz pianist and composer.  Artist-in-Residence Gabriella Swallow (cello) celebrates Shirley’s Trio, joined by Mercury award-nominee Joe Webb (piano) in repertoire including pioneering recordings, spirituals and standards revealing his unique blend of classically-infused jazz sophistication.

Find out more about the full programme here.