Music / through the noise
noisenights back with world-class music in atypical spaces
Trailblazers through the noise are returning to Bristol with an autumn programme of classical-inspired music performed in unusual spaces.
The project brings world and orchestral music to venues more typically associated with guitar bands and clubnights.
The gigs are also unique in that they are crowdfunded, planned and promoted but ultimately only going ahead with sufficient audience support – even in the city’s biggest venues.
is needed now More than ever
Last year’s season saw world-class cellist Abel Selaocoe bring his African music trio Chesaba to a packed-out crowd at the Marble Factory, DJ Mag’s 11th best club in the world.
Chesaba stunned the crowd with their high energy virtuoso performance
Selaocoe is more usually found in venues like the Albert Hall and the informal setting brought in a different demographic, while standing room only enabled attendees to move freely to the music.
It was a vibrant night, the increasingly frenzied audience responding delightedly to the group’s dynamic performance that included wailing vocals, fervent otherworldly cello and ovation-provoking solos.
2024’s second season of noisenights, taking place in 22 towns and cities across the UK and Europe, features international classical soloists and world music ensembles.
“Live music needs your backing more than ever,” says the initiative’s mission statement. “Backing a noisenight means getting tickets to hear the world’s best performers in grassroots venues and being part of a community working for a positive future for live music.”
Shunya, aka Alan Keary, played bass with Chesaba at Bristol’s last noisenight and will appear at Strange Brew in October for an improvised music night with Seb Rochford and Dudu Kouate
The first lineup to hit Bristol is an improvised show from multi-instrumentalist Shunya, acclaimed drummer Seb Rochford, formerly of Polar Bear, and Senegalese percussionist Dudu Kouate.
Three musicians well known for their experimental approach – Shunya with distorted violins, Rochford playing with solo drums and Kouate inventing new instruments that play to the tune of alien birds – they’ll reimagine preexisting material and combine their sounds into something new.
The night at Strange Brew on October 13 promises ‘unhinged electronics, free jazz, meditative sound worlds, contemporary classical compositions and West African grooves’.
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Later in the season, SWX is privileged to be a part of the first outing of Kora master Seckou Keita’s Homeland project, which stops at the venue on November 12.
Bringing together seven of West Africa’s greatest living performers, the show includes original compositions, poetry and sacred prayers that revere and rework ancient traditions in an exploration of modern global citizenship rooted in musical heritage and culture.
Through the noise co-founder and artistic director Jack Bazalgette said “We’ve pulled out all the stops for this season, which will see us host a selection of the world’s greatest soloists and ensembles across a very busy three months later this year.
“We’re always trying to find ways to give new and diverse audiences access to the magical world of global classical music and this release does just that.”
There are further noisenights in the season to be announced. Find all listings at www.throughthenoise.co.uk/noisenights
All photos: Ursula Billington
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