The full programme for Brass: Durham International Festival 2014 has been announced.
The annual celebration of the county’s musical past, present and future returns to Durham next month, with innovative new commissions, a great line-up of live music and fantastic free family events running from Friday, 11 to Sunday, 20 July.
This year’s event will include three spectacular world premieres – chart-topping indie rock band British Sea Power’s Sea of Brass (17 July, Gala Theatre); Steamsong, a multimedia opera from John Kefala Kerr inspired by the locomotive Mallard’s record breaking run (12–13 July, Gala Theatre); and Fractal Sparks, featuring stunning visual effects accompanied by music from Jo Hamilton and a brass-inspired performance from Lanterns On The Lake with the Durham County Youth Big Band (18 July, Durham Cathedral).
Other highlights include performances by jazz trumpeter extraordinaire Jon Faddis, Onyx Brass, The BBC Big Band, The Brighouse and Rastrick Band and The Stars from The Commitments.
Cllr Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “BRASS is one of the highlights of our cultural calendar here in Durham. It always offers a fantastic choice of live music to suit all tastes, covering everything from unique collaborations by established and new artists to lively and colourful performances on the city’s streets.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the festival once again bringing our area to life and attracting music fans from far and wide.”
BRASS 2014 also welcomes the return of family favourite Streets of BRASS, a fantastic free event which sees the best UK and international bands bringing a party atmosphere to the streets of Durham City.
Families are also encouraged to bring their deckchairs and a picnic to the Big BRASS Bash at Spennymoor (17 July) and Chester-le-Street (18 July), where street theatre companies and funky brass bands will be entertaining the crowds.
The BRASS Samba Blow Out! in Crook (11 July) will feature a performance by Runaway Samba, a new youth band created for BRASS by Jack Drum Arts featuring young performers from across the Durham Dales.
Once again there will also be a range of events giving children and young people, communities and local musicians the opportunity to engage with BRASS in new and inspiring ways.
The festival’s popular Community Tour returns with bands bursting into village halls and community centres across Durham on 13 July while BRASS Fusion will see street band New York Brass Band performing with Blackhall Youth Band at Castle Eden Village Hall on the same date.
The full line- up is detailed in the festival brochure. Copies are available from all BRASS venues or can be downloaded from
www.brassfestival.co.uk

BRASS launch 1