What’s On For Families In Warwickshire

Yesterday I published my Birmingham round up of music and music-based events that are suitable to attend with the family – though obviously, different shows are suitable for your very young children, than those suitable for, say, you and your 14 year old to attend together! Today it is the turn of events in Warwickshire and if you are looking for events in Birmingham, then you might want to click on the post below:

May What’s On For Kids In Birmingham

Now, as this roundup can get quite long, I include below a list of the venues and shows that I cover in this post, so feel free to click on the shows/venues you are interested in on this list and it will take you straight there, or have a browse of the whole list of events. For each venue I give you a link to their own What’s On/booking information page and the listings follow on from this. At the time of writing I the shows below have ticket availability, though that may change between the time I write this post, and the time you read it. Always check with the venue in question before making plans. You may notice that some of the events noted in this list have a coloured background on their write up, this denotes shows that are free of charge, though many still require booking to guarantee your place.

Warwick Arts Centre

Warwick Arts Centre is a multi-purpose arts centre based at the University of Warwick, that is actually based in Coventry rather than Warwick. It hosts music, drama, comedy, dance performances and more along with a number of different workshops and arts classes for the local community.

What’s On page and booking information: Warwick Arts Centre

Mini Creatives on every Tuesday at 10.30am

Drop in for weekly multi-sensory sessions from 10.30am – 12pm in this creative space for babies, toddlers and their adults.

Experience artist led creative activities designed to inspire imaginations, encourage curiosity, and support development. From music making and singing to sensory arts, come and start a lifetime of creativity with us by making, learning and playing together.

Through Summer term we continue to work with singer and multi-instrumentalist, Beth Hopkins. Beth has a natural affinity with little people and is musical director of participatory children’s theatre company Cloud Cuckoo Land.

Armed with her banjo, clarinet, flute and an array of noise makers, Beth is experienced at weaving responsive musical play with song, movement and sensory surprises. She loves sharing songs and exploring international and intercultural music!

Baby Book Club

Don’t forget to join us for Baby Book Club!

On the first Tuesday of every month from 11.45am – 12pm, after Mini Creatives, you can stay for a delightful story session led by our Creative Learning Assistant or Library Staff Member.

Borrow a stack of books for a month of family reading at home and bring them back to the next session. This is a collaboration with Coventry Libraries and the perfect introduction to the joys of joining the library!

Free event.

Jazz Fridays on 1, 8 & 22 December at 5.30pm

We are delighted to bring back our weekly foyer programme of live jazz, hosted by The Aaron Moloney Trio plus special guest musicians.

As always, this event also features an open jam session for local musicians in the second half. Come and Play!

Free event.

UoW Chamber Choir on 1 December at 6.30pm

As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, this programme, presented by the University of Warwick Chamber Choir, explores numerous composers’ endless fascination with the latter part of the day.

With choral music inspired by the evening and night-time, there will be some well-known favourites alongside some lesser-known gems, with a couple of wintry and Christmassy numbers thrown in. Something for everyone.

NYJO & Tim Garland on 1 December at 7.30pm

NYJO joins forces with award-winning saxophonist Tim Garland to play the ground-breaking music of Chick Corea.

Garland’s work on Corea’s The New Crystal Silence album won him a Grammy in 2009 and makes him the best collaborator to honour the virtuoso composer. Joining him on stage is an 18-piece NYJO orchestra, directed by Mark Armstrong.

Regarded as one of the best improvisational jazz musicians of all time, American composer, keyboardist, and bandleader, Chick Corea is better known for his unforgettable works ‘Spain’, ‘500 Miles High’, and ‘La Fiesta’, which made him a jazz fusion pioneer.

This night of celebration is an opportunity to see an 18-piece jazz orchestra of up-and-coming talent in UK jazz commemorating the great Chick Corea!

About Tim Garland

Throughout an international career starting in the late 1980s, Tim Garland has become known as a unique polymath in the UK’s music scene. His first break as saxophonist was joining Ronnie Scott’s band age 23.

Later he was to join Chick Corea as a regular member of several globe-trotting projects over a seventeen-year period including The Vigil.

His concert works continue to celebrate the fertile ground between modern composition and jazz.

His creative arranging skills have won praise from diverse artists including Jean Luc Ponty, John Patitucci, The Royal Holloway and Westminster Choirs, the Catalan National Cobla Group, the LPO, and the London Session Orchestra.

His work is often inspired by, but not limited to, the jazz idiom, whilst his celebrated virtuosity as a saxophonist maintains his position as one the UK’s most unique and authentic jazz voices.

He has won awards from The Parliamentary Jazz Awards, The Worshipful Company Of Musicians, BASCA’s British Composer Awards and won CD of the Year 2016 from Jazzwise for his album One.

About NYJO

NYJO is a registered charity, whose mission is to empower young jazz musicians and inspire audiences across the UK, through engaging participation projects and impactful live performances.

Founded in 1965, NYJO has grown from a single jazz orchestra to a multifaceted organisation that is committed to supporting and developing musicians of all styles and standards. Whether you want to become the next emerging artist or simply play for fun – they’re here for it.

Throughout all its activities, NYJO are actively seeking to create a dialogue; between the established and the experimental – the past, present, and future – to build bespoke programmes which cater to old and new jazz fans.

Family Sundays on every Sunday at 1.30pm

Free creative activities for families.

Every Sunday, drop-in for creative workshops led by our featured artists-in-residence. Working across visual arts, dance, drama, spoken word and music, we invite you to come and spend time together as a family making, exploring and having fun.

The Summer season starts on Sunday 5 May when we will welcome our new artists a residence, watch our social media for announcements!

Look out for Musical Picnics and Family Singing on select Sunday mornings too, so you can make a day of it at Warwick Arts Centre.

Free event.

Lunchtime Concert Series: Lawrence White and Rupert Jeffcoat on 9 May at 1pm

We welcome baritone Lawrence White and pianist Rupert Jeffcoat to our series this month.

Lawrence Rupert explore themes of patriotic and romantic love, as depicted in the early 20th century by some of England’s most beloved song composers.

The programme includes Butterworth’s beautifully evocative Songs from A Shropshire Lad, as well as Quilter’s irresistible To Julia, and a selection of Peter Warlock’s finest romantic miniatures.

Lawrence has enjoyed a varied career in vocal music for over twenty years. His solo recording credits include works by Mozart and Bach, as well as cante flamenco and the chant of the Knights Templar, while concert performances include the War Requiem at Coventry Cathedral, St. Matthew Passion at Birmingham Symphony Hall, and singing songs by Dire Straits on the Acropolis in Athens.

Since graduating from Cambridge, Scottish-born keyboard whizz Rupert has become well known as an accompanist of distinction for singers and instrumentalists. Also a prize-winning organist, he has broadcast with the BBC Singers and recorded as continuo player with Emma Kirkby.

Lawrence and Rupert cemented their professional relationship by discussing song repertoire and parenting hacks over a post-concert pint.

Afterwards there will be an opportunity to meet and talk to the artists over a free hot drink.

Open Mic: Words & Music: Spring/Summer 2024 on 9 May at 6pm

Our Open Mic sessions are open to everyone.

If you’re a singer, instrumentalist, poet, MC or any other kind of musical performer then this is an opportunity for you.

No need to pre-book, just sign up on the night, but do it early to avoid disappointment!

Free event.

The Indian Saxophone on 9 May at 7pm

From a mixed-race background of Indian and white British heritage, Jesse is a world-renowned Indian classical saxophonist and sought-after composer, who has written for the Hallé Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and City of London Sinfonia.

In this interactive concert, Jesse will present some Indian Classical ragas blending the melodic Indian musical system with the sonorous sounds of the saxophone, accompanied by Narinderjit Singh Lallie on the tabla.

This concert has been organised in collaboration with GSA.

MTW: Godspell The Musical on 9 – 11 May at various times

Society is fractured, divided into individuals who refuse to listen to others or compromise on their views.

There is nothing to unify the people or to make them see a different point of view. This all changes when a bright, colourful man arrives and begins to build bridges between them.

Through scenes, songs, and storytelling parables from the Bible, a community forms. Those previously living as individuals form friendships and open up to each other.

However, this cannot last forever, and their community becomes threatened. The group must deal with a shocking internal betrayal, leaving them left to decide whether the community is worth fighting for.

This is a student performance presented by the Music Theatre Warwick society.

Please note, this show is recommended for ages 12+.

Halle Orchestra on 10 May at 7.30pm

As Sir Mark Elder’s tenure as Hallé Music Director (which began in 2000) reaches its grand finale, our programme acknowledges a core Hallé tradition of English music.

He is joined – as he was in his first season as the orchestra’s Music Director – by Sir Stephen Hough, an undisputed ‘keyboard colossus’ (The Guardian) who performs Brahms’ monumental First Piano Concerto.

Beginning life as a sonata for two pianos, Brahms’ composition grew in ambition over several years. The final work is an absolute tour de force, which is now one of the best-loved and most frequently performed piano concertos in the world.

This celebration culminates with Butterworth’s orchestral rhapsody A Shropshire Lad, his heartfelt postlude to his songs setting A.E. Housman’s poems, and Elgar’s affectionate Enigma Variations.

These masterly vignettes of Elgar’s ‘friends pictured within’ is the work that best encapsulates Sir Mark’s magnificent legacy with the Hallé.

Pre-Concert Talk

Before the concert there will be a pre-concert talk for £5 (£2.50 for Orchestral Package bookers). If you’d like to attend, you can book this directly via Box Office. More details about the talk to follow!

Kate Rusty: Sing Songs Sessions Tour on 11 May at 7pm

Forever proud to call herself a folk singer, Kate Rusby’s vocals never fail to connect the heart of a song to that of her audience.

Named as one of the Top Ten Folk Voices of the Century, a Mercury Prize Winner, 6-times BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Winner and a warm, Yorkshire sense of humour to boot, Rusby has achieved an unprecedented cross-over appeal.

Despite stepping into a more contemporary production on her last few albums, she has stayed true to her roots. Her cover of Manic Monday (Hand Me Down2020) featured on the BBC Radio 2 playlist.

The guests on 2022 album 30: Happy Returns is testament to Rusby’s wide appeal and include the likes of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, KT Tunstall, and Beth Nielson Chapman.

Celebrating over 30 years of touring and 22 albums including her latest beautifully stunning Christmas album, Light Years, released in December 2023, Kate and her band of merry and very talented men will be visiting us in her 50th birthday year with songs old and new.

Musical Picnics: Spring & Summer 2024 on 12 May at 11 am

A wonderful monthly series of original, participatory family performances continue.

Come and enjoy making music with an eclectic mix of incredible musicians, musical styles, cultures, instruments and personalities.

Free event.

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac 2024 on 15 May at 8pm

Chas Cole for CMP Presents Rumours of Fleetwood Mac 2024.

Personally endorsed by Fleetwood Mac founding member, Mick Fleetwood, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac is the ultimate tribute to one of rock and roll’s most remarkable groups.

Channelling the spirit of Fleetwood Mac at their very best, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac offers a unique opportunity for fans, both old and new, to rediscover the songs and performances that have ensured Fleetwood Mac’splace as one of the most loved groups of all time.

Kenny Thomas: Him Tour 2024 on 16 May at 7.30pm

British soul legend and multi-platinum singer-songwriter Kenny Thomas and his all-star band will be hitting the road on a 9-leg UK tour.

Kenny will take his soulful flair and greatest hits such as ‘Thinking About Your Love’, ‘Best of You’ and ‘Outstanding’ to some of the most historical theatres across the country.

“Live gigs are one of the most enjoyable aspects of being a musician and it’s where my fans come together for a night of Soul-music and serious partying… it’s an opportunity for us to play songs from my third album ‘Him’ which was never commercially released. Over three decades on from when I first started out, this tour demonstrates that Soul Music is here to stay. ” – Kenny Thomas.

The Shires: The Two Of Us Tour win 17 May at 7.30pm

Join Ben & Chrissie for an intimate acoustic performance.

The Shires achievements speak for themselves: three consecutive UK Top 3 albums, four #1 UK Country albums, 100 million+ streams, two Gold-certified records, and countless sold-out headline shows.

Their authenticity saw them embraced by the Nashville scene immediately, leading to two CMA Awards.

Please note, this show is recommended for ages 14+.

Met Opera: Madama Butterfly on 18 May at 1pm

In her Met debut, Asmik Grigorian tackles the demanding role of Cio-Cio-San, the trusting geisha at the heart of Puccini’s tragedy.

Tenor Jonathan Tetelman is the callous American naval officer Pinkerton whose betrayal destroys her. Mezzo-soprano Elizabeth DeShong is the steadfast maid Suzuki, and baritone Lucas Meachem is the American consul Sharpless. Acclaimed maestro Xian Zhang makes her Met debut conducting Anthony Minghella’s vivid production.

Please note, this film is rated 12A.

Family Singing: Spring & Summer 24 on 19 May at 11.30am

Perfect for first timers and regulars, you will learn songs to get you singing, moving, and dancing, with a healthy dose of creativity thrown in.

Open to all ages, you just need to bring yourself and your willingness to have lots of fun!

An opportunity for all the family to sing together.

Free event.

Alexander O Neal: Time to Say Goodbye on 19 May at 8pm

After nearly five decades in the business, it is with great excitement that legendary singer Alexander O’Neal heads out on his Time to Say Goodbye: Farewell World Tour.

The beloved soul star is hitting the road one final time, with farewell dates to extend until mid-2024. Time to Say Goodbye takes the audience on a wonderful journey through his incredible career.

Including never-before-seen photos, testimonies and tributes, all set to the tune of some of Alex’s most beloved songs from his legendary catalogue including “Criticize,” “Fake” and “If You Were Here Tonight.”

Accompanied by his exemplary 9-piece live band, there won’t be a dry eye in the house as audiences come together to celebrate the legacy of Alexander O’Neal.

Boasting a soulful yet tough voice noted to have the same grain and range as that of Otis Redding, Alexander O’Neal is comfortable with pumping dance floor burners and slinky couch-cuddlers.

The strength of his material and his robust vocals can be heard on his many chart-topping releases including 1985’s eponymous debut Alexander O’Neal,1987’s smash hit album Hearsay, 1991’s All True Man, and 1998’s Lovers Again.

Jools Holland & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra on 22 May at 7.30pm

Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra returns to Coventry with special guests Imelda May and Toby Lee. Featuring Gilson Lavis, with guest vocalists Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka.

Jools Holland OBE DL is a composer, pianist, bandleader and broadcaster.

From playing pubs in the East End docks as a teenage greaser, to leading his rhythm and blues orchestra and selling millions of records this century, it is his passion for music that has made Jools Holland into a doyen of the music scene.

Jools was awarded an OBE in 2003 for his services to the British music industry.

Tunde, Voice of Lighthouse Family on 23 May at 7.30pm

Performing Lighthouse Family favourites such as Lifted, High and Ocean Drive, as well as previewing Tunde’s new collection of 1970’s songwriter era inspired recordings.

Expect to hear songs from singer-songwriters such as Bill Withers, Elton John, Van Morrison and more.

Tunde Baiyewu (born Babatunde Emmanuel Baiyewu, 25 November 1968) is a British singer-songwriter of Nigerian descent and is a member of the multi-platinum selling, Lighthouse Family.

Tunde was born in London, but moved to Nigeria at the age of five. Ten years later he returned to Britain, attending the University of Northumbria in Newcastle upon Tyne, and obtained a degree in accounting.

He subsequently met Paul Tucker who was also studying at university in Newcastle and also working in the bar scene – their partnership began and they formed Lighthouse Family.

The duo released their debut album ‘Ocean Drive’, with the lead single Lifted reaching the top five on the UK Singles Chart.

‘Ocean Drive’ was certified six-times platinum by the end of 1997, selling more than 1.8 million copies in the UK alone and spending 154 weeks on the UK Album Chart.

Lighthouse Family’s follow-up albums, ‘Postcards from Heaven’ achieved similar status in 1997, reaching 6 times Platinum status, and ‘Whatever Gets You Through the Day’ also receiving Platinum status. They subsequently sold over 15 million albums throughout their career.

Tunde’s first self titled solo album, was released in 2004, with his second solo album, ‘Diamond In A Rock’, released in 2013.

In 2019, Lighthouse Family released a new album ‘Blue Sky in Your Head’. It was the group’s first album in 18 years and was supported with two sell-out UK tours.

Over the past few years, Tunde has been working on a new collection of recordings, inspired by the artists and the singer-songwriter era of the 1970’s.

Reunited with Lighthouse Family producer Mike Peden, they have recorded a selection of Troubadour influenced songs.

Songs recorded are gems written by Elton John, Crosby, Stills & Nash, James Taylor, Leon Russell, Cat Stevens, Van Morrison, America, David Gates, Bill Withers, Todd Rundgren and Barry White.

Sing It Loud: Community Choir on 25 May at 7pm

Join Sing it Loud, supported by The Coventry City of Culture Orchestra and a specially formed massed community choir of 200 voices, as they celebrate the joy of singing together.

They’ll be performing everything from choral classics, to contemporary gems. There will be something for everyone!

Established in 2014, Sing it Loud was formed on three pillars: making new friends and benefitting from the support of the community, learning how to sing and musically develop as a choir, and raising money for charity.

In the last 10 years, we have continued that mission with 90 members in the choir, winning multiple choir festival awards, and raising over £25,000 for charity.

Royal Spa Centre & Town Hall

A multi-purpose arts venue in Leamington Spa. Please note, any shows or events taking place at the Pump Rooms will also feature in this section.

What’s On page and booking information: Royal Spa Centre

Amici Della Musica, Royal Pump Rooms on 2 May at 7.30pm

Mahler Piano Quartet movement in A minor

Schulhoff Duo for Violin and Cello

Smetana Polkas de salon Op 7 Nos 2 & 3

Smetana Caprice bohemien in F Op 12

Dvořák Piano Quartet in E flat Op 87

Raphael Wallfisch, a favourite and regular Festival performer, brings his newly formed group to Leamington. Both French violinist Philippe Graffin with Raphael, and Australian pianist Piers Lane with Tasmin Little, thrilled audiences here some twenty years ago, while Raphael’s wife Elizabeth has more often been heard in memorable concerts in Warwick.

The programme sets off the Festival themes admirably with Mahler’s powerful and rare foray into chamber music, Schulhoff’s atmospheric duo from 1925, followed by piano solos from Smetana in his big year, ending with a glorious Quartet by Dvořák, one of his most attractive chamber works.

Philippe Graffin violin

Elizabeth Wallfisch viola

Raphael Wallfisch cello

Piers Lane piano

Martin Kasík, Royal Pump Rooms on 3 May at 12pm

Smetana Bagatelles & Impromptus

Dvořák Suite in A Op 98

Chopin Ballade in G minor Op 23

Chopin Nocturne in D flat Op 27 No 2

Chopin Scherzo in B flat minor Op 31

Concert given in memory of Iain Smith (Leamington Music Chairman, 2006-15) and Teresa Halikowska-Smith.

Iain Smith had a special regard for the leading Czech pianist Martin Kasík, following performances for Leamington Music as well as the Wigmore Hall, in the Leamington Hastings concerts, and the Festival in Stratford. Martin Kasík was Director of the Chopin Festival in MariánskéLázně, which Iain and Teresa Smith attended in 2008 and greatly enjoyed. The Fryderyk Chopin Society is based in this Czech spa town where Chopin spent the summer of 1836.

Guarneri Piano Trio, Royal Pump Rooms on 3 May at 7pm

Suk Elegy

Smetana Trio in G minor Op 15

Dvořák Trio in F minor Op 65

The Guarneri Piano Trio, founded in 1986, is one of best in the world and has given several memorable concerts in Leamington over the years. The Trio’s stunning interpretation of Smetana’s masterpiece on previous visits absolutely had to be programmed again, but all Czech repertoire captivates audiences in their performances.

Čeněk Pavlík violin

Marek Jerie cello

Ivan Klanský piano

Kukal String Quartet, Royal Pump Rooms on 4 May at 11am

Coffee Concert – includes coffee, available from 10.30am in the Conservatory

Schulhoff Five Pieces

Sylvie Bodorová Shofarot

Smetana Quartet No 2

Dvořák Cypresses – a selection

The Kukal Quartet is making its UK debut on this visit, having been specially chosen by The Czech Centre. Named after a leading Czech composer, Ondřej Kukal, the Quartet, founded in 2020, was winning prizes at the Prague Spring Competition within a year. The Quartet brings a programme that embraces many of the Festival’s strands, whetting the appetite for Sylvie Bodorová’s première later in the day and building it around Smetana’s last chamber music work, premièred in 1884.

Eliška Kukalová & Klára Lešková violins

Daniel Macho viola, Filip Rufer cello

Martinu String Quartet, Royal Pump Rooms on 4 May at 7pm

Martinů String Quartet

with Vilém Veverka oboe

and Martin Kasík piano

Mozart                                Oboe Quartet in F K370

Sylvie Bodorová               Psalms and Exhortations for Oboe Quintet (Première)

Dvořák                                Piano Quintet in A Op 81

The Martinů Quartet returns to Leamington for three concerts, two of them with the leading Czech oboist Vilém Veverka with whom the Quartet often works.Mozart’s Oboe Quartet is a gem to be followed by the commission from The Dvořák Society of a new work by Sylvie Bodorová. Martin Kasík joins the Quartet after the interval for Dvořák’s much loved and evergreen Quintet.

Lubomír Havlák & Adéla Štajnochrová violins

Martin Stupka viola, Jitka Vlašánková cello

Simon Wallfisch and Iain Farrington, Royal Pump Rooms on 5 May at 12pm

Mahler Lieder einesfahrende Gesellen

Suk Životem a snam Op 30

Haas Four Songs on Chinese Poetry

Ullmann Two Chinese Songs

Korngold Der Kranke Op 38 No 2

Janáček Two works for piano

Dvořák Gypsy Songs Op 55

Simon Wallfisch returns to Leamington for the first time since 2016, for this recital and to repeat his memorable performance of Terezín Ghetto Requiem. In 2022, for BBC Radio 3, he curated and sang in a programme of works by Terezín composers at the Barbican. Last year he made his debut at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden and Deutsche Oper Berlin, where he now lives. Leamington Music is delighted to welcome the distinguished pianist and composer Iain Farrington here for the first time.

Warwickshire Music Advanced Musicians Concert, Royal Pump Rooms on 5 May at 2.30pm

Warwickshire Music – Advanced Musicians concert

A platform which again showcases the cream of Warwickshire Music’s students from across the county. The programme will reflect the Czech theme of the Festival.

Martinu String Quartet with Vilém Veverka and Martin Kasík, Royal Pump Rooms on 5 May at 7pm

Martinů String Quartet

with Vilém Veverka oboe

and Martin Kasík piano

Bohemian Pot Pourri

Martinů                Quartet for oboe, violin, cello & piano H315

Haas                     Suite for oboe and piano Op 17

Klein                     Wiegenlied

Smetana              From My Homeland

Dvořák                 Silent Woods Op 68

Dvořák                 Humoreske Op 101 No 7

Dvořák                 Terzetto in C Op 74

Martinů                Mazurka-Nocturne H325

Imagine being part of a relaxed Sunday evening in a spacious drawing room in a palace in Prague and enjoy, with the Festival’s Czech musicians in residence, an eclectic mix of works ranging from Dvořák’s ever popular Humoreske to discovering some lesser known Martinů and other well-chosen bonbons.

Lubomír Havlák & Adéla Štajnochrová violins

Martin Stupka viola, Jitka Vlašánková cello

Ben Goldscheider and Richard Uttley, Royal Pump Rooms on 6 May at 12.30pm

Ben Goldscheider horn

Richard Uttley piano

Kalivoda               Introduction & Rondo

Kofron                  Horn Sonatina

Mahler                 Urlicht from Des Knaben Wunderhorn

Janáček                On an Overgrown Path selections

Punto                   Adagio from Horn Concerto No 5

Beethoven          Horn Sonata in F Op 17

Ben Goldscheider’s stunning performance in the final concert of the 2023 Festival, plus his family’s Czech background, made an invitation to return inevitable. Finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year Competition in 2016, he plays regularly now in leading continental concert halls and with major orchestras, including his BBC Proms debut in 2022. Richard Uttley, Ben’s regular recital partner, comes to Leamington for the first time.

Martinu String Quartet with Simon Wallfisch and Gemma Rosenfield, Holy Trinity Church Leamington on 6 May at 7pm

Martinů String Quartet

with Simon Wallfisch baritone

and Gemma Rosefield cello

Schulhoff                            String Quartet No 1

Tauský                                 Coventry

Sylvie Bodorová               Terezín Ghetto Requiem

Schubert                             String Quintet in C D956

The Festival’s final concert includes Vilém Tauský’s Coventry, written in 1940 after visiting the recently ruined cathedral, and Sylvie Bodorová’s Terezín Ghetto Requiem (premièred in Holy Trinity Church in 1998) will be played here for the fourth time, after numerous performances in England, North America and on the continent. Simon Wallfisch was the impressive baritone soloist last time, in 2016, and Gemma Rosefield also returns to play Schubert’s masterpiece with the Martinů Quartet.

Join us after the concert for a celebratory glass of wine!

Lubomír Havlák & Adéla Štajnochrová violins

Martin Stupka viola, Jitka Vlašánková cello

Showaddywaddy, Royal Spa Centre on 17 May at 7.30pm

This tour celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Showaddywaddy.

‘The Greatest Rock & Roll Band In The World’ is a bold statement, but Showaddywaddy have lived up to that title for the last 5 decades!

Formed in Leicester in 1973 from an amalgamation of several local bands, Showaddywaddy have gone on to sell more than 20 million records and tour all four corners of the globe.

Their 50th Anniversary shows will be dynamic and uplifting, featuring all their greatest hits, many of which reached number one in the pop charts across Europe. ‘Under The Moon of Love’, ‘Three Steps to Heaven’, ‘Hey Rock & Roll’, ‘When’, ‘Blue Moon’, ‘Pretty Little Angel Eyes’ and many, many more.

So come and join the ‘Dancin’ Party’… ‘You’ve Got What It Takes’!

Stratford Playhouse

A theatre in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon hosting a variety of events on its stages.

What’s On page and booking information: Stratford Playhouse

The Simon and Garfunkel Story on 3 May at 7.30pm

Attention Stratford upon Avon! 📣 📣 The international hit show, ‘The Simon & Garfunkel Story’ is BACK! 😍🎉

Following a weeklong run in London’s West End, a SOLD-OUT Worldwide tour and standing ovations at every performance, we are now heading to Stratford PlayHouse on 3rd May🥳

Join us as we celebrate all the hits including Bridge Over Troubled Water, Mrs Robinson, The Sound of Silence and many more! 🎶

Stratford Jazz – Elliott Rooney on 8 May at 8pm

Elliot Rooney plays the music of Oscar Peterson and Nat King Cole

Steeleye Span on 10 May at 7.30pm

Folk Rock Pioneers
Steeleye Span
The 55th Anniversary Tour 2024

Together for fifty years now, Steeleye Span changed the face of folk music forever by taking it into the world of gold discs and international tours. New album the Green Man Collection brings together tracks from their recent releases with new versions of three classics (including a reworking of ‘Hard Times’ featuring Status Quo’s Francis Rossi), a cover of Elvis Costello’s ‘Shipbuilding’ and the title track, a previously lost Bob Johnson song from the 1980s. The band will undertake a full UK tour in support, their first live dates of the year, where they will be joined by new violinist Athena Octavia. As ever – and with such a rich history to choose from – the night will offer a selection of songs from across the years and firm fan favourite

Oh What A Night! on 17 May at 7.30pm

OH WHAT A NIGHT! takes you back in time on a musical journey through the incredible career of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

Valli’s unmistakable voice dominated the airwaves for more than two decades with classics such as Sherry, Let’s Hang On, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, My Eyes Adored You, December 63 (Oh What A Night), Bye Bye Baby, Who Loves You and many, many more.

OH WHAT A NIGHT! combines infectious personalities, amazing vocals, slick harmonies and even slicker dance moves to deliver a show full of energy and nostalgia which will leave you wanting more!

Don’t miss the ultimate celebration of one of the world’s greatest Rock & Roll bands!

Babyballet Twinkle and Teddy’s Grand Adventure on 19 May at 11.30pm

Come and see our babyballet Movers and Groovers dance on stage in our babyballet show “Twinkle and Teddy’s Grand Adventure”. Twinkle, Ted, Flutterstar the Fairy, Chuck the Cowboy and Grandad Jack will entertain you all while you watch your little stars with pride!

Folk Club Iona Lane on 23 May at 7.30pm

Driven by awe and wonder of the natural world Iona Lane delivers poetic songs, with subtle musical touches and contemplative melodies that link unheard stories with the world we find ourselves in today.‘Hallival’ is the long awaited debut album from Glasgow-based folk singer and songwriter Iona Lane. Having found herself fascinated by folklore and folk stories from across the UK ‘Hallival’ is inspired by natural landscapes, scientific discoveries, equality, human relationships and the supernatural, all tied together by a strong sense of place and a love for being in wild places – creating something truly special.‘Hallival’ charted at #36 in the Official Folk Album Charts and was named by Folk Radio UK as #27 in their ‘Top Albums of 2022’. The album received widespread press including in The Guardian, WalkHighlands, BBC Radio 2 and The Scotsman to name a few. In 2023 Iona toured ‘Hallival’ extensively across the UK, The Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and joined Karine Polwart on a run of her tour dates in England. Iona joined Karine on stage for a few songs, an awe inspiring opportunity for audiences to see these two artists sing together.“An intriguing debut – her sweet voice recalls Emilíana Torrini, while her lyrics and musical arrangements crackle with wide-eyed curiosity.” – Jude Rogers, The Guardian “A real talent!” – Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2 Folk Show “Iona feels like a kindred spirit with her gorgeous evocations of landscape and geeky scientific references.” – Karine Polwart “Time and tide wash through this debut… delivered in a light, melodious voice and with engaging conviction” – The Scotsman “Iona’s mesmerising, lyrical exploration of the UK’s wilderness through song lifts the spirits.” – WALK Magazine, Ramblers’ Association

Solihull Core Theatre

A multi-purpose theatre attached to the Library of Solihull and just behind Touchwood Shopping Centre, Solihull’s Core Theatre hosts many different genres of shows, with something on for pretty much everyone. Please note, that shows are not booked to take place in the Core Theatre during December, and the shows available from The Core’s Box Office are taking place in alternative venues, noted below. Please check which venue the shows will be hosted in before booking your tickets.

What’s On page and booking information: Solihull Core Theatre

Solihull Rocks with White Tyger on 17 May at 7.30pm

Originally formed in 2015 playing tribute to the greats of Classic Rock such as AC/DC, Guns N Roses, Metallica, Motley Crue, it wasn’t long before they started introducing their own songs and secured a large fanbase in the West Midlands area.

In 2023 they were voted winners of the Hard Rock Hell Rising Stars Award and burst onto some of the UK’s major music festivals such as Firevolt. During their tenure, White Tyger have performed relentlessly throughout the UK and abroad, including impressive support slots opening for the likes of Love/Hate, Vince Neil and Chris Holmes (WASP)

Their debut album ‘This Is The Life’ is a fierce mix of Old School Rock from the 70’s/80’s and early 90’s with a modern twist. The bands’ influences range from straight-up Classic Rock to Sleaze Hair Metal, Heavy Metal as well as Modern Metal styles.

Sunshine on Leith at Solihull School on 28 May – 1 June at 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Hot on the heels of their hugely successful production of Sister Act at The Core Theatre Solihull, Solihull Theatre Company will be taking to Bushell Hall’s stage with the immensely popular Sunshine on Leith, featuring the songs of The Proclaimers.

The show follows the highs and lows of Ally and his friend Davy as they search for nomality after returning home to Edinburgh from a tour in Afghanistan. Families, friendships and life are not all plain sailing in this funny and moving story about love and life.

Ally’s marriage proposal is rejected by his childhood sweetheart, a nurse disillusioned with her lot. Meanwhile, Davy gets a job in a call centre while his parents war over the discovery, years on, of father’s infidelity.

Sunshine on Leith is a jubilant, heartfelt musical about the power of home, the hearth, family and love written by Stephen Greenhorn and featuring the songs of The Proclaimers.

Please note: the Saturday matinee performance will have a sign language operative for those who are D/deaf or hard of hearing.

Sarah McQuaid on 30 May at 7.30pm

“One of the most instantly recognisable voices in current music.” —Trust The Doc

Sarah McQuaid’s lush, chocolatey voice combines with her engaging personality, “subtle mastery onstage” (Huffington Post) and “brilliant musicianship” (fRoots) on acoustic and electric guitars, piano and (occasionally) drum to create a truly immersive experience.

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.

All this is abundantly demonstrated by her new live album and video series The St Buryan Sessions — but needs to be savoured in person to be fully appreciated.

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