Feel the music: London Jazz Festival

Ana — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:00:18 +0000

We cannot speak about the UK without considering music and we cannot think about music without the London Jazz Festival. This event began in 1992 and celebrates its 17th anniversary this year.

Southbank Centre is the primary location for the festival, it is running until this Sunday, 22nd November. There are also concerts at the BBC Radio Theatre (Oxford Circus), Cafe Cargo (Old Street), Greenwich West Community, Arts Centre (Greenwich) and 60 small cafes around London.

This annual initiative, supported by institutions such as BBC Radio 3, Mayor of London and Arts Council England, has its roots in the Camden Jazz Week, beginning in 1970. Nowadays the event is one of the main attractions in the city.

Artists such as composer and saxophonist Anthony Braxton and pianist Brad Mehldau have performed in previous years. This year, the high standards continue, mixing well-known musicians Brazilian Gilberto Gil with trendsetter Madeleine Peyroux.

Despite it being a British initiative, the international mix of sounds is the key point that adds to the festival a global flavour with bands from Poland, Sweden, America to name a few.

Everyone is invited. So go, listen and relax.

More info:

www.londonjazzfestival.co.uk

Photo from Flickr by view from 5'2''

BBC Proms – Classical Music Festival

Zuzanna — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 13:05:51 +0000

The famous BBC Proms have had a long tradition of bringing classical music to people in a more casual way. A beautiful concert hall – Royal Albert Hall – every summer hosts a series of classical concerts with world renowned artists. The tickets start from £5 for standing places on the arena (or sitting on your own cushion . You just need to come earlier and get your place in the queue.

There are Family sessions, Introductory where you can find out more about the music you are about to listen to, and Film music. Also, you can join Proms in the Park on 12 September. Come with a basket full of food and drinks to Hyde Park and enjoy entertainment for 5 hours.

The famous Last Night of the Proms is not that easy to get into. Special procedures apply but if you are really determined you can stand in a queue to guarantee your place. Apparently, the queue officially starts the day before at 4 pm!

Find out more:
BBC Proms Last Night

Proms in the Park

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Feel the music: London Jazz Festival

BBC Proms – Classical Music Festival