The full line-up for BRASS 2015 has been announced, with every type of brass music from traditional to funk on offer during four packed days of entertainment.
But this year, it’s not just about the music – audiences are invited to celebrate all things brass, with poetry, photography, mobile apps and cartoons also featuring in the programme.
And for the first time, the festival, which runs from Thursday, 16 July to Sunday, 19 July, also has its own official Fringe, with acts arranged by Durham’s arts collective, Empty Shop.
Developed and delivered by Durham County Council, BRASS festival is an annual celebration of the county’s musical culture and tradition.
BRASS is known for its commitment to supporting new and local artists and, as such, this year’s commissions and co-commission include new work by Lucy Pankhurst, Pete Churchill, Ian McMillan, young photographer Rob Bowman, artists Haroon Mirza and Pete Evans, sculptor Rob Olins and composer and sound artists Ryan Cockerham.
Local musicians are also well represented in this year’s programme, with the Reg Vardy Big Band, Durham County Youth Choir and Durham Youth County Big Band all performing. And Gala Big Band, established in 2014 to encourage North East musicians from all backgrounds and of all ages to play together, will perform classics from Count Basie and Duke Ellington as well as music by band leader Paul Edis.
Innovative and bold, BRASS 2015 will show off the stunning city of Durham by presenting performances in many varied spaces from Gala Theatre to the Cathedral and in the streets. I hope people will come from near and far to join together in enjoying the buzz, the energy and a lot of fun.”
Tickets, and full listings, for BRASS 2015 are available at www.brassfestival.co.uk or by calling the box office on 03000 266 600.
