Music at Wainsgate
Friday, 10 March 2023
A new season of concerts at Wainsgate Chapel kicks off on Sunday, 26 March at 3pm with a double-header concert given by Alyssium and The Ruth Gardziel Trio. This promises to be a delightful afternoon of highly contrasting music - with both groups taking advantage of Wainsgate Chapel's superb acoustic.
Alyssium (pictured above) is a 6-member acapella group based in the Calder Valley, brought together by singer, choral director and composer Alison West. Her music is atmospheric, evocative and sometimes humorous, inspired by the natural world. Birds and folksong are particular inspirations, and feature in this programme of original and complementary music. Expect a compelling sound with rich, harmonic textures and be captivated by the interweaving of contemporary choral music with poetry, brought to life by each unique voice.
The Ruth Gardziel Trio brings together two of the most experienced musicians in the Valley to showcase the remarkable voice of Ruth Gardziel. Ruth, who has previously fronted rock bands The Fevertrees and ZefR, now turns in a new direction - bringing her powerful sensuous vocal talents to a different repertoire, ranging from cool jazz to blues and soul. Ably supported by the respected jazz pianist Dave Nelson and the highly versatile guitarist Les Gillon, Ruth Gardziel brings her unique interpretation of classic songs made famous by artists ranging from Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald, to Diana Krall and KD Lang. Guesting with the Trio will be highly-acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Peadar Long.
The Wainsgate Concert series continues on 23 April with Anglo-Alaskan duo Mike Freeman (guitar, percussion, vocals) and Tania Opland (violin, vocals - and a host of world-music instruments) who have been on the road together since 1995 in a unique collaboration which combines their distinctly separate musical backgrounds, bringing their exuberant music and wild tales to audiences around the world.
Then on 20 May, Wainsgate Chapel welcomes the extraordinary singer/ songwriter Sarah McQuaid. Born in Spain, raised in Chicago, holding dual Irish and American citizenship and now settled in rural England, she brings the eclecticism of her background to her "captivating, unorthodox songwriting" (PopMatters) and choice of material, spanning genres and defying categorisation.
Wainsgate Chapel, Wainsgate Lane, Old Town, Hebden Bridge HX7 8SU £8/ £6 / £2 (18 and under) - tickets available online and on the door
More details about these and other concerts can be found on the Wainsgate website.
Tickets available from: Ticketsource