Wigmore Hall unveils ‘Wigmore Lates @ 36’, a diverse collection of intimate late night concerts at the Hall, No. 36 Wigmore Street.
Featuring a wide range of programmes, from madrigals by Monteverdi to Damnalot (Faust the musical), this summer, there is a taste of something new, as hour-long concerts in the Hall at 10pm are followed by free late night musical soirees in the Wigmore bar from 11.15pm until late,” notes Director of Wigmore Hall, John Gilhooly. This new and eclectic series presents Schubert Lieder favourites as well as a world première which fuses the Indian sarod with a Western orchestra. Audiences can also look forward to a special focus on improvisations which will bring themes suggested by listeners on the night to Wigmore Hall's Steinway.
Young Californian pianist and composer Timothy Andres begins the late night series with his Wigmore Hall debut recital on 8 June, focusing on his own compositions, crossing stylistic boundaries and defying categorisation. Then at 11.15pm acclaimed clarinettist Julian Bliss, still in his early 20s, joins us in the bar to explore the legacy of the great Benny Goodman with his "King of Swing" project.
On 15 June the internationally renowned sarod virtuoso Amjad Ali Khan concludes his year-long residency at the Hall when he is joined by Britten Sinfonia to give the world première of his concerto for sarod. The Dorian Ford Trio, a favourite at Ronnie Scott’s, then concludes the evening at the bar with a stylish tribute to jazz legend Bill Evans.
Wigmore Hall Learning’s resident ensemble Ignite joins the series on 22 June for ‘Time at the Bar’, an informal gig which brings together innovative new music from young and established composers. Expect flourishes of improvisation and a whole spectrum of musical influences.
Founded at Oxford University in 1986, the vocal group I Fagiolini, directed by Robert Hollingworth, focuses on Renaissance and contemporary repertoire, and has recently branched out into staged productions. The group are in concert on 13 July with a programme of vocal extremes and comic erudition. Afterwards Carl Joseph, pianist extraordinaire, joins us in the bar as he moves from his classical roots through popular song, show tunes and everything in between.
Internationally renowned for her visionary musical interpretations and unique improvisational gifts, Gabriela Montero returns to the Hall for a 10pm concert with an exciting twist on 20 July. Later that evening, we are joined by critically acclaimed countertenor Yaniv d’Or and Ensemble NAYA for a mesmerising exploration of musical traditions from around the world.
On 27 July The Prince Consort, a versatile ensemble of outstanding singers, all graduates from the Royal College of Music in London, performs a wonderful collection of Schubert Lieder with pianist and founding director of the ensemble Alisdair Hogarth.
Rounding off Friday evenings in style, these atmospheric late night events promise to be perfect musical nightcaps - a great way to finish the week; a great way to start the weekend.