Hailed Britain’s very own Harry Connick Jr, Joe Stilgoe makes a welcome return to the Ipswich School Festival of Music this year.
Having played in 2013, he’s one of the most talked about acts since the festival began seven years ago and will kick things off in the Great School concert hall on October 6.
“I’m delighted we have another great line-up of top professional musicians joining us at Ipswich School this October. We hope they will entertain audiences and inspire young musicians with a diverse range of musical styles, from jazz, to a cappella vocals, to classical strings,” said Sion Parry, Ipswich School’s director of music and the festival’s artistic director.
“As well as offering our special early bird reduction of 10% on many tickets bought before the beginning of July, we have maintained our £5 student tickets. With three sell-out concerts last year, I would encourage people to book their tickets as soon as possible, ready for some memorable concerts in the autumn.”
The line-up for the Seven Telematics sponsored event also includes award-winning a cappella vocal group The Swingles and this year’s popular Big Band evening features the Ipswich Musicians’ Union Big Band alongside the Ipswich School Big Band.
The school has reteamed with the Ipswich Chamber Music Society for a performance by the Solem Quartet. The Royal College of Music Strings, whose virtuoso playing was much admired at last year’s event, will bring the week to a classical close.
People planning to attend the Family Concert is invited to bring a teddy bear with them to join in the fun, as it will include a performance of Paddington Bear’s First Concert, along with popular film and TV themes.
The Ipswich School Festival of Music wouldn’t be complete without its education programme and this year is no exception. Young people will get the chance to learn from top professional musicians with STOMP workshops, vocal sessions with The Swingles and a strings day led by the Royal College of Music.
Warwick Dunnett, Managing Director of Festival sponsors Seven Telematics, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Festival of Music once again. The chance to hear top quality music here in Ipswich is very exciting, and I hope many people will come and see what the Festival has to offer.”
The festival - also supported by Christchurch Veterinary Surgery and the Old Ipswichian Club - runs from October 6-11. Tickets go on sale May 9. Click here for more details.
THE LINE-UP
October 6: Joe Stilgoe, 7.30pm, Great School.
October 7: The Swingles, 7.30pm, Great School.
October 8: Ipswich Chamber Music Society presents Solem Quartet 7.30pm, Great School; non-members of the society very welcome.
October 9: Family Concert, 2pm, Great School.
October 9: Festival Evensong, 6.30pm, Chapel.
October 10: Ipswich School Big Band and Ipswich Musicians’ Union Big Band, 7.30pm, Great School.
October 11: Royal College of Music Strings, 7.30pm, Great School.
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