PRESS RELEASE for immediate release June 2024
Music has always been a central part of Buxton Fringe’s programme, and the 2024 busy line-up of nearly 50 events features musical styles for all tastes.
Superb vocal arrangements are showcased by choral groups including Fab Choir singing the best pop songs, Buxton Community Choir (this year accompanied by a live band), Kaleidoscope Choir (conducted by folk singer Bella Hardy) and Ordsall A Cappella Singers, with a repertoire that ranges from classical to classic rock. Voices are also central to soprano Katy Allan’s Afternoon of Summer Song; VociVoces, presenting a well-known selection from the world of opera, operetta, musicals, swing and jazz; Close Enough with their classic barbershop; and Buxton-based trio The Wye offering close harmony.
Jazz comes in many sizes, from the 19-piece ensemble of High Peak Big Band, to the solo stylings of Annette Gregory, along with an eclectic mix from Basin Street Jazz & Blues and Dorset-based duo Sideways Band.
Classical music is represented by ensembles including Cheshire Chamber Collective who have two concerts (one with music including a flute quartet by Ries and Martinů’s nonet, and another featuring Mozart’s clarinet quintet and Jonathan Dove’s piano quintet). The Keld Ensemble performs an evening of classics including Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, featuring soloist Sarah Williamson, Manchester Recorder Orchestra performs works by Haydn and Vaughan Williams, and Partita performs Renaissance and Baroque music. High Peak Orchestra presents music from Debussy, Bruch and Mendelssohn, and the latter composer’s work is brought to life for all ages by Sheffield Music Academy.
Solo classical performers include guitarist Jonathan Prag, with a programme from Tarrega, O'Carolan, JS Bach and Gershwin, and oboe player Rees Webster gives a performance inspired by Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Pianist Adrian Lord presents a hand-picked selection of his calming and evocative piano pieces, while Jonathan Ellis has a concert of piano favourites including works by Mozart, Schubert, Ravel and Liszt. A late entry to the Fringe, classical guitarist Ed Billingham returns to the Burbage Institute.
The Fringe is a natural home for singer-songwriters, who this year include Charlie Moritz, with a set combining modern, trad, funny, serious and sad; Joe Bayliss, with his new album, Grace; Hannah Brine, with her original material likened to Norah Jones and Carol King, and original songs and covers from brand-new musical partnership Danielle Banks & Ian Cleverdon. From the folk tradition come Chris Milner, Ian Bowns and Dom Prag.
Rock and folk bands of various types continue to plough their own furrow through the Fringe. Gift of Crows performs new music reminiscent of minimalist composers; Dimestore Dirtbags play songs inspired by the music and landscape of Texas; Clement, Wood and Ryan join forces in a brand-new musical collaboration, while Ptarmigan presents a heady mix of prog rock electric guitar, jazz improvisation and folk style acoustic guitar, and local four-piece blues/rock band Responsibly Sauced play rock classics.
Some music acts have shows which defy categorisation. ARKAngel perform two shows inspired by the writings of Laurie Lee, while the Rough and Rowdy Collective combine rock-inspired poems with 60s and 70s standards. Fringe favourite Egriega Ensemble combines guitars, banjos, mandolins, violin and voice, as well as some unexplained phenomena, in a show around the Ghosts of people’s memories, and Johnny Dysfunctional and Doll's House invite audiences to choose between iconic pop stars from all eras. Dr Stuart Bootle combines classic songs and medical anecdotes while Burbage Band presents a concert looking back over their long history.
Robert Hazle & Helena Northcote present a tour through the songs and stories of Noël Coward while Trilogy Ensemble weave together jazz, folk and classical music with stories, art and freedom. Jon Pickard transports audiences back to times when bards played music and told stories around the fire, with the aid of his faithful harp guitar, and Rik Roberts showcases the haunting sounds of the old-time banjo and the Appalachian mountains. Finally Mr Simpson's Little Consort takes audiences on a journey through a potted history of carolling.
Carols in July? Anything’s possible at Buxton Fringe!
Fringe Marketing Officer Stephanie Billen says: “The range of music on offer at the Fringe is truly extraordinary and taken in combination with Buxton International Festival’s rich programme, it all adds up to an amazing July for music lovers in Buxton!”
The Fringe wishes to thank High Peak Borough Council, its Fringe Friends and the town’s many Fringe supporters and venues.
- ends
NOTE TO PRESS: For further information, interviews, press releases and pictures please Send message to Press
