Located just a stone throw away from Chetham’s School of Music is The Stoller Hall. Since its opening, the £8.7 million concert hall has already seen a surge of interest and has quickly established a reputation as a home for professional artists. And this September, it’s getting even better.
Now that The Stoller Hall is in its first full season, this month’s lineup is full to the brim of musical craftsmanship and talent that is sure to make a night of entertainment. The acoustically immaculate hall has been investing in a vibrant programme of music and spoken word, resulting in a diverse sound and genre.
If this month’s lineup wasn’t impressive enough, the hall’s stunning architecture is reason enough to pay a visit. The 500 seat capacity hall, which was designed by Stephenson STUDIO, was named one of the 49 best new buildings in the countermand was even awarded a national RIBA Award. And yet architecture aside, the sheer level that you can see inside the hall is enough to make you forget, just for a second, the talent that was used to create it.
Chris Wood – Saturday 9 September, 7.30pm
To kick off September, The Stoller Hall will see Chris Wood perform on Saturday 9 September at 7.30pm. The self-taught musician has been described as “a perfect union of voice and guitar, lyrics and melody, compassion, irony, realism, wit and humanity”. Next week, the self-taught musician, song writer and composer will reveal his enviable repertoire of songs on stage for The Stoller Hall audience.
Weaving in tradition of the unofficial history of the English speaking people with his own contemporary parables, Wood’s uncompromising talent will be an event not to be missed. In addition to this, Chris’s eagerly awaited new solo album ‘So Much to Defend’ includes reflections on minor league football, empty nest syndrome, learning to swim, cook-in sauce and, not least, the gecko as a metaphor for contemporary society.
Kieran Hodgson: Maestro – Tuesday 12 September, 7.30pm
After Chris Wood’s undoubtedly charismatic performance, Kieran Hodgson will take to the stage. Armed with a violin, Hodgson tell’s a story about falling in love and attempting something far beyond your abilities. After a sell-out tour and BBC Radio 4 adaptation of last year’s Lance, Hodgon returns with a smash-hit character comedy show that was nominated for the Edinburg Comedy Award. As it turns out, “the next big laugh is never more than a semiquaver away”.
James Campbell and Jeremy Young – Monday 25 September, 7pm
Later in the month, The Stoller Hall will welcome James Campbell and Jeremy Young to an eagerly awaiting audience. Whilst the internationally acclaimed American/ Canadian James Campbell will take the clarinet, Manchester-based Jeremy Young will take to the piano. Together they will perform Brahms’ two Clarinet sonatas: No. 1 in F major and No. 2in Eb major in a night to remember.
Tasmin Little and Piers Lane – Tuesday 26 September, 7.70pm
Just a day after Campbell and Young’s performance, The Stoller Hall will welcome Tasmin Little and Piers Lane to the stage. The multi-award winning international violinist, Little, has a career that has seen international concerto and recital performances, masterclasses, workshops and even community outreach work. Continuing her longstanding partnership with pianist Piers Lane, the collaborative pair will explore the four Sonatas for violin dating from1886 to the early part of the 20th century.
If you’re feeling inspired by her performance, Tasmin Little will also give a masterclass with young violinists from Chetham’s at 2.30pm on Wednesday 27 September.
Martin Simpson – Thursday 28 September, 7.30pm
This September Martin Simpson releases his jaw-dropping 20th solo album in 40 years entitled ‘Trails and Tribulations’. The world renowned guitarist, singer and songwriter’s latest piece of work will show his most inventive playing yet and allow his virtuosity on a variety of instruments shine through. From acoustic guitars, resonator guitars, Weissenbown lap steel guitar, 5 string banjo, ukulele and last, but certainly not least, his voice.
Named as one for the very finest acoustic, finger style landslide guitar players in the world, he is the most nominated musician in the history of the BBC Folk Awards, with an impressive 31 nods. A true master of his art, Martin Simpson promises to give an unforgettable performance.
For more information on each event, to book tickets and for other general enquiries visit http://stollerhall.com/whats-on/.
