*this event comprises three separate identical 45-minute concerts starting at 2pm, 3.30pm & 5pm*
the performers:
London Symphony Orchestra Percussion Ensemble
the programme:
Reich Music for Pieces of Wood + Locke Her Sanctuary + Corea Duet Suite + Simcock Barber Blues
about the music:
As well as music by the one and only Steve Reich, this programme features music by jazz legends Chick Corea and Joe Locke, and jazz-classical fusion composer Gwilym Simcock.
Steve Reich’s Music for Pieces of Wood is one of the most famous pieces of music for percussion. It is all about rhythm and pulse: each player has to stay exactly in time with the group. Once you think you’ve understood what each player is doing, subtle shifts in the patterns begin change the overall sound and bring out different sounds. It’s almost impossible to hear why, so we recommend you just sit back and let it happen.
Joe Locke’s Her Sanctuary follows. The performers move to vibraphones, marimbas and piano, layering individual fragments of melody to create a hypnotic, tuneful and jazz-inspired piece arranged especially for this group by Locke himself.
Next up is Chick Corea’s Duet Suite, arranged for this ensemble by member Simon Carrington. This version for four percussionists has all the groove of the original vibraphone-piano duet. With only a maximum of eight hands available to play at any one time, this is also a great opportunity to see these percussionists put their skills to the test.
Last is Gwilym Simcock’s Barber Blues, a piece inspired by the American composer Samuel Barber. A friend of and frequent guest in the LSO Percussion Ensemble, Simcock knows how to get the best out of this group. Look out for blues bass lines, jazz-inspired harmony, and some skillful solos.
It’s worth saying that these pieces are amazing to watch as well as to listen to. Take every chance you can to see this live. You won’t regret it.
about the performers:
The London Symphony Orchestra are, simply put, one of the best in the world. Appearing on countless soundtracks for films such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, Braveheart, Notting Hill, and The Shape of Water, they regularly perform in London and abroad with the world’s greatest conductors.
The LSO Percussion Ensemble comprises of members of the orchestra’s percussion section, and who best to introduce them than the principal percussionist, Neil Percy:
the venue:
This may just be our ideal through the noise venue. The LSO’s latest performing space is their own storage warehouse in Tottenham, converted to include a stage and socially-distanced seating.
The venue just so happens to neighbour Beavertown Brewery’s taproom. This event - for the first time ever - will see the two industrial units linked, so that you can enjoy a pre-concert drink on the forecourt in an allocated outdoor seating area just for LSO audiences.
Once you’ve booked ticket for your preferred time, head down the hour before the concert to sample Beavertown's selection of beers: just tell the friendly Beavertown staff you're there to see the LSO.
You can bring your drink into the warehouse when it's time for the concert, and if you want to keep drinking afterwards, the Beavertown Taprooms are just next door, where you can join the queue for a table or buy some tins to takeaway. Bosh.
the price:
FREE (ticket required)
