Global Sounds is a three-year project produced in partnership with Tower Hamlets Arts and Music Education Service (THAMES) with support from City Bridge Trust. The first incarnation of this project was led by Arun Ghosh and culminated in a performance at BT River of Music in July 2012.
BT River of Music, part of the London 2012 Festival, was one of the most ambitious musical events ever staged in London.
On July 21/22 2012 over 100,000 music fans were entertained by over 1500 musicians representing all 204 Olympic and Paralympic nations at six iconic venues along the Thames, including the Tower of London and Trafalgar Square. Alongside world-class stars, like Scissor Sisters, Zakir Hussain and Baaba Maal, the festival included a massive participation programme.
Through the participation programme, which spanned three years, Serious developed new collaborations and grew existing relationships with partners across the UK.
Some 2,000 people took part in the participatory programme, ranging from primary school pupils to pensioners. Across the country professional artists worked alongside amateur musicians and participants, many for whom this was their first experience of an arts project.
Next Friday 19 October the Metropolitan Black Police Association bring their annual Celebration of Life Concert to the Royal Festival Hall once again. To get your tickets, go to http://ticketing.southbankcentre.co.uk/find/music/classical/tickets/naturally-7-guests-68051
Chris Corbishley grabbed five minutes backstage with Beats & Pieces Big Band leader Ben Cottrell before their album launch at Ronnie Scott's on Monday 20 February. He also caught up with some enthusiastic audience members post-gig.
Beats & Pieces Big Band are on tour now. Visit www.serious.org.uk for more info.
Last month, we ran a competition on the Serious blog (www.serious.org.uk), asking Beats & Pieces Big Band fans to propose a pop song to be scored for big band. The winning song was performed at the band's album launch at Ronnie Scott's on Monday 20 February. Can you guess what the song is? Email seriouscompetitions@gmail.com, and be entered into a competition to win a signed copy of the new album Big Ideas (out Monday 12 March).
Ahead of their BT River of Music performance as part of the London 2012 Festival, we caught up with Naturally 7 to provide you with a little taster of what's to come!
If you can't wait till July to catch Naturally 7 in action, they will be performing in Manchester at the RNCM on Mon 6 Feb and in London at the Barbican on Tue 7 Feb.
Taking place on Sat 21 and Sun 22 July, BT River of Music is a spectacular weekend of live music held at iconic sites along the River Thames, featuring performers from all 205 Olympic and Paralympic nations. Alongside Naturally 7, the line-up includes: Scissor Sisters, Angelique Kidjo and Wynton Marsalis.
http://www.facebook.com/youngandserious
Young & Serious is a year round programme run by live music producers Serious, which offers 17 - 25 year olds the opportunity to learn more about the music industry.
Short video filmed at the launch party for the 2011 London Jazz Festival. A brief introduction, in the words of some of the people involved, to what our Festival is about.
Internationally renowned vocal ensemble Le Mystere Des Voix Bulgares blends traditional songs with contemporary arrangements. Formerly known as the Bulgarian State Radio & Television Female Vocal Choir, the group was created in Bulgaria by Philip Koutev, aka 'the father of Bulgarian concert folk music.'
They'll be in tour this autumn. Visit www.serious.org.uk for details
Interpret & Translate was produced by Serious as part of its work with Black Routes, a touring network that supports the development of African and Caribbean music, supported by Arts Council England.
www.serious.org.uk
www.blackroutes.org.uk
www.artscouncil.org.uk
Take Five - the professional development scheme for creative emerging musicians - is designed to give some of the UK's most talented young jazz musicians the opportunity to take 'time out' to develop their craft. Hear the story so far in this short film premiered during last year's London Jazz Festival.
Serious developed this scheme in 2004, in partnership with the Jerwood Charitable Foundation and PRS for Music Foundation, and have gone on to run six more successful editions, involving some 48 musicians aged under 35. For Editions V and VI additional funding was received from Arts Council England and the Musicians Benevolent Fund.
Go behind the scenes as Soul Noel prepares to bring you Christmas with an African and Caribbean twist. Fronted by the incredible South African singer Sibongile Khumalo and British soul star Ola Onabule. Also featuring the London Community Gospel Choir.
Go behind the scenes as Soul Noel prepares to bring you Christmas with an African and Caribbean twist. Fronted by the incredible South African singer Sibongile Khumalo and British soul star Ola Onabule.
Ayanna talks about her music and the new trio at the Serious office. Her sound is multi-layered with strong soul and jazz grooves singer & cellist Ayanna has collaborated with the likes of Nitin Sawhney, Soul II Soul, Courtney Pine and 4-Hero.
Kinoteka Polish Film Festiwal, 4 Mar-13 Apr 2010, London. Featuring Tomasz Stanko playing the music of Komeda, the new Brothers Quay animation 'Maska' and much more...
BT River of Music - Participation Programme highlights
MetBPA present Celebration of Life Concert 2012: Peter Hunnigale meets Chaynce Gaynor-Mighty
Beats & Pieces Big Band - UK tour
Beats & Pieces Big Band - Live at Ronnie Scott's
BT River of Music - Naturally 7 trailer
Serious and Black Routes presents: Interpret & Translate
Interview with Richard Thompson
Soul Noel - On Tour December 2009 - Live & Interviews
Soul Noel - On Tour December 2009 - Rehearsals
Ayanna Witter-Johnson at the Serious office July 2010.wmv
trailer_kinoteka_wyborowa_720_480_x264.mp4
Sweet Billy Pilgrim as part of Cycle EAST
Kami Thomspon - "Screw you guys" - Cafe Oto for Song EAST
Kami Thompson at Cafe Oto as part of Song EAST (2)
Music For A Found Harmonium - by Music From the Penguin Cafe
