Brighton Unitarian Church: Events in May/June 2024
Brighton Unitarian Church is delighted to be hosting an eclectic mix of events during May and June, many of them part of Brighton Fringe and Brighton Festival. From jazz and poetry to circus performance, from yoga, meditation and dance to a local makers fair, from Indian-inspired workshops to concerts showcasing some of the most talented youngsters of the city - you’ll be amazed at the treasure trove of music, events and experiences you can enjoy in our beautiful Grade II listed building. All are listed below, along with where/how to purchase tickets where applicable.
BUC Friday Lunchtime Concert: Fri 3 May 12.30-1.15pm
Throughout May we are delighted to present a series of Showcase Concerts featuring some of the most accomplished young musicians to have performed at Springboard – Brighton & Hove Performing Arts Festival, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year.
Pianists Nelly Zhang, winner of the Springboard 2024 Senior Championship, and Peter Ostrovsky, winner of the Senior Recital, will be performing a programme of Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt and Kapustin.
Doors open at 12 noon with refreshments served in the church hall. Free entry to concert (suggested donation £5 - cash or card on the door)
This event is the winner of Brighton Fringe's Encore Insure Bursary.
How Circus Saved My Life: Sun 5 May 8.30pm
(Also Sat 1 June 3.30pm)
Tickets £15 (£10 concessions) available from:
Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting world of EMOTION IN MOTION, a spectacular showcase of circus acts, dance, and live percussionists brought to you by ARCANIC.
ARCANIC is a Brighton based Community Interest Company (CIC), that represents a community of performance artists who collectively provide unforgettable experiences for events and festivals across the UK.
This unique production is not just a show; it's a transformative journey that explores the profound impact of circus on the lives of those who dare to go against the grain and push the boundaries of human potential.
EMOTION IN MOTION unfolds as a tapestry of human emotion, skilfully woven together by awe-inspiring circus performances and mesmerising dance routines. Each act is a testament to the power of the circus to change lives and leave an indelible mark on the performers and the audience alike.
BUC Friday Lunchtime Concert: Fri 10 May 12.30-1.15pm
Throughout May we are delighted to present a series of Showcase Concerts featuring some of the most accomplished young musicians to have performed at Springboard – Brighton & Hove Performing Arts Festival, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year.
Award-winning Brighton-born siblings Berniya and Riya Hamie delighted audiences at Springboard from an early age with their musicality and skill. Today they present an exciting programme of cello and piano music.
Doors open at 12 noon with refreshments served in the church hall. Free entry to concert (suggested donation £5 - cash or card on the door)
Water from an Ancient Well: Fri 10 May 8pm
Tickets £16 (£14 concessions) available from:
https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/water-from-an-ancient-well/
A stellar jazz sextet performs a musical tribute to the jazz sound of South Africa and pianist Abdullah Ibrahim (Dollar Brand). Experience a joyous celebration of this unique jazz style and musical voice with performances of his classic standards, plus interpretations and new arrangements. The band is fronted by Mark Bassey (trombone) and Alex Bondonno (saxophone) and Jack Kendon (trumpet) who will lead the audience through a story of magical music: Cape Town, apartheid, struggles and eventual musical successes.
This all-star band re-ignites the magic of one of jazz’s greatest and most unique musicians. Hardened jazz fan or not, this evening will entertain and delight.
The Brighton Jazz Mafia collective return for their fifth Fringe show in this small band format after sell-out shows at all their previous festival performances.
"Charming, touching and quirky."
"A rich and multi-textured experience."
Jazzy Jewels & Peppery Poems: Sat 11 May 3pm
Tickets £8 (£7 concessions) available from:
https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/jazzy-jewels-peppery-poems/
Jazz vocalist & poet Lou Beckerman, with composer & pianist Joss Peach, invite you to sit back and allow the songs and poetry to take you on a journey. Their show has been described as ‘"unexpected and memorable travels through the human condition. Poignant and witty, with an emotional depth guaranteeing wide-reaching appeal. An intimate performance - warm, vibrant and entertaining, lifting the spirit."
The poems are from Lou’s 2023 collection: ‘Welcome to the Now’. Her jazz repertoire covers best-loved standards to contemporary, including her own compositions and vocalese; and with two recorded albums: ‘My Gift to You’ and the jazz-influenced ‘Into the Blue’.
Joss Peach is a BAFTA award-winning pianist and composer - one of the UK’s most in-demand event performers. His facility to play in different styles - giving familiar songs new life with fresh interpretations, and his warm manner have made him a firm favourite.
Four accomplished musicians all sharing a wonderful atmosphere of bonhomie - nearly all the famous songs (Summertime, a Foggy Day, The Man I Love etc.) are covered but this show also explores many of Gershwin's not so well known works, including the intriguingly long-titled 'When You Want 'Em, You Can't Get 'Em, When You've Got 'Em, You Don't Want 'Em,' (penned by Gershwin at seventeen) and lost gems you're not so likely to have heard of such as 'Some Wonderful Sort of Someone.'
Mike Hatchard presents "Rhapsodising in Blue - the music of Gershwin": Sat 11 May, 7.30pm
Tickets £15 (concessions £13) available from:
https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/rhapsodising-in-blue-the-music-of-gershwin/
Kate Daniels has a beautiful voice perfectly suited to the elegance of Gershwin, as well as an enchanting way of dropping nuggets of biographical detail.
Nils Solberg, as well as being a brilliant guitarist and a specialist in music of the era, also has a fine voice.
Well known to Brighton audiences, Mike Hatchard sings, plays violin and piano. His acuity on the latter will be particularly on display as he plays Gershwin's most celebrated composition 'Rhapsody in Blue' on the superb Steinway at the Unitarian Church.
1884: Mon 13 May 1.30pm & Tue 14 May 12.30pm
Tickets £15, Festival Standby £10 available from: https://brightonfestival.org/whats-on/#series=251
Welcome to Wilhelm Street. Make yourself at home! Settle in with your new family and begin to forge new traditions and memories to last a lifetime.
Somewhere nearby, though, there's a very important meeting going on, with very important people making very important decisions about your lives. But you're not invited... nothing to worry about.
Created by theatre-maker Rhianna Ilube and BAFTA-winning game-makers Coney, 1884 is an immersive show inspired by the legacy of the 1884 Berlin Conference, an often-overlooked turning point for the African continent and the world.
2hrs 30mins, with interval
Part of caravan assembly: a biennial event that presents contemporary performance made in England to an audience of international programmers and collaborators. The performances are open to the public as part of Brighton Festival and sit alongside a series of industry conversations and discussions for those participating in the assembly.
caravan assembly is delivered by Farnham Maltings in partnership with Brighton Festival.
Afternoon in Paris featuring Mike Hatchard: Sun 19 May, 7.30pm
Tickets £15 (concessions £13) available from:
https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/afternoon-in-paris-featuring-mike-hatchard/
Chanson and the music of Django Reinhardt and more, lots of swing, shmaltz and sophisticated joie de vivre.
Afternoon in Paris featuring Susanna Warren (clarinet, bass clarinet, vocals and melodica), Mike Hatchard (piano, vocals and violin), Jeremy Young (guitar) and Oz Dechaine (bass). Four skilled musicians who convey their love of music with joyful mastery.
Mike Hatchard is well known to Fringe audiences, able to play just about any instrument under the sun and possessing a rich baritone voice his commitment to fine music making is only parelled by his extraordinary adeptness at comedy.
Piano Playtime with John Mann: Thu 23 May 2pm
Tickets £12 available from:
https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/piano-playtime-with-john-mann/
The Max Miller Appreciation Society presents John Mann, Britain's No.1 organist-pianist-entertainer provides 90 minutes of cheerful music of yesteryear with memories of Charlie Kunz to Russ Conway to Chopin and classics and great tunes to join in with.
BUC Friday Lunchtime Concert: Fri 24 May 12.30-1.15pm
Throughout May we are delighted to present a series of Showcase Concerts featuring some of the most accomplished young musicians to have performed at Springboard – Brighton & Hove Performing Arts Festival, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year.
Gigi Casey (soprano) won the Springboard Dame Felicity Lott Recital competition in 2023. She currently studies at the Royal Northern College of Music and has won a scholarship to the Master’s programme at the Royal College of Music. She will be joined by this year’s winner, her sister Kitty Casey, a student at the same institution. They will be performing a variety of opera classics by Mozart, Massanet, Dvorak and Gilbert & Sullivan.
Doors open at 12 noon with refreshments served in the church hall. Free entry to concert (suggested donation £5 - cash or card on the door)
Innocence & Wisdom: The Path to Joy: Sun 26 May 4pm
Free entry but please book in advance at:
https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/innocence-and-wisdom-the-path-to-joy/
Brighton: A city of spontaneity and vibrance – the very name implies shining brightness and exudes the childlike qualities of innocence and wisdom that attract seekers of truth.
We may cover our innocence – but it is still there. By awakening this inner quality, we feel joy in our heart.
It is innocence that helps us regain our connection to the mother earth and act in harmony with her. By reawakening this quality, we feel our own inner joy, and can express it through music, art, dance, and poetry.
Forty-four years ago, Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi visited Brighton and shared the experience that reawakens innocence and connects us to the all-pervading power that surrounds us. Since then, thousands of seekers of truth throughout the world have received their self-realisation and experienced the joy that gives complete inner satisfaction putting their feet on the path of spiritual evolution and wisdom.
Join us for an evening of music, dance, poetry, and meditation. Re-awaken your own joy.
BUC Friday Lunchtime Concert: Fri 31 May 12.30-1.15pm
Throughout May we are delighted to present a series of Showcase Concerts featuring some of the most accomplished young musicians to have performed at Springboard – Brighton & Hove Performing Arts Festival, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year.
Flautist Leah Hallinon performed in Springboard for many years. She is now at the Royal College of Music and will be playing pieces by CPE Bach, Dutilleux and Ganne. Classical guitarist Zoe Barnett is also studying at the RCM, where she is kindly supported by The Derek Butler Trust. She will be playing a programme featuring works by JS Bach and Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco.
Doors open at 12 noon with refreshments served in the church hall. Free entry to concert (suggested donation £5 - cash or card on the door)
This event is the winner of Brighton Fringe's Encore Insure Bursary.
How Circus Saved My Life: Sat 1 June 3.30pm
Tickets £15 (£10 concessions) available from:
Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting world of EMOTION IN MOTION, a spectacular showcase of circus acts, dance, and live percussionists brought to you by ARCANIC.
ARCANIC is a Brighton based Community Interest Company (CIC), that represents a community of performance artists who collectively provide unforgettable experiences for events and festivals across the UK.
This unique production is not just a show; it's a transformative journey that explores the profound impact of circus on the lives of those who dare to go against the grain and push the boundaries of human potential.
EMOTION IN MOTION unfolds as a tapestry of human emotion, skilfully woven together by awe-inspiring circus performances and mesmerising dance routines. Each act is a testament to the power of the circus to change lives and leave an indelible mark on the performers and the audience alike.
Inspired By India:
Workshops: Sun 2 June 2.30pm & 5pm,
Concert: 7pm
Tickets (various prices) available from:
Local musician Kate Hogg’s “Inspired by India” workshops supported by Arts Council England continue aim to inspire and develop one’s own creativity in a welcoming and non-judgemental space with a community of likeminded people. There will be individual workshops inspired by India during the day, including Bollywood dancing; Madhubani Folk Art painting; and “How to play Indian ragas on piano” led by author and musician John Pitts.
In the evening, there will be a performance from Kate’s band “The Bansuri Project”, playing traditional North Indian melodies passed down from the master flautist, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia with support from pianist John Pitts and Garima Ulrich on sitar respectively.
Unique to this project has been the opportunity to involve Mark Edwards with his extensive knowledge of jazz harmony and fluent keyboard skills to create a new type of contemporary music which brings together improvised music styles from America and India.
There will be an intense rhythmic collaboration between international jazz drummer, Darren Beckett, and the Indian tabla master, Sanju Sahai, a phenomenal musician who performs all over the world.
Underpinning these 10 and 16 beat cycles will be the low notes from one of the UK’s most in demand electric and double bass players, Arnie Somogyi and award-winning saxophonist, Josephine Davies.
“Truly gifted and imaginative.” - UK Vibe
“Full of ideas, vision and joyful improvisation.”
- All About Jazz.”
Voices from the East: Fri 7 June, 7pm (doors 6.30pm)
Tickets £15 (£12 concessions) plus £1.50 booking fee available from: https://www.wegottickets.com/event/613837
Sasha Lurje (Latvia/Germany) - vocals
Craig Judelman (USA / Germany) - fiddle
Merlin Shepherd (UK) - clarinets
Polina Shepherd (Russia / UK) - voice, piano
Klezmer music, Yiddish Songs and their cultural neighbours.
Hear the songs and instrumental music of Jewish Eastern Europe, mingled with modern traditions. Four of the world’s leading exponents in Yiddish instrumental and vocal music come together for an evening of songs, stories and culture.
Hailing from the UK, Latvia, USA and Tatarstan, this motley band of Yiddishists bring, voices, violin, clarinets and piano to make a varied and exciting collaborative programme. Yiddish songs of lament, yearning, love and spirituality. Instrumental tunes comprising of dances, sacred tunes, and ritual music.
Sasha Lurje (Riga, Latvia) is a Berlin-based Yiddish singer performing and teaching throughout the world. Her experience in traditional song, various vocal techniques, and genres adds up to a wide range that creates great performances. Her work includes projects ranging from Yiddish progressive rock with her band Forshpil to cabaret with Semer Ensemble, Helsinki Yiddish Cabaret and Cabaret Yitesh, from traditional Yiddish music expression with her trio Lebedik to historic recreations with Yale University project “Songs from the Testimonies”.
Craig Judelman (Seattle, USA) is a fiddler, composer and educator on both sides of the Atlantic. His background in classical music and composition, combined with decades of immersion in American ‘Old Time’ music cultivated a unique perspective on Klezmer fiddling. Since moving to Berlin in 2017 he has developed a singular voice in the klezmer scene. He has taught or performed at many of the major klezmer festivals.
Merlin Shepherd (Cardiff, Wales) has been a fixture in the international Yiddish/Klezmer scene, both as teacher and performer for three decades. Merlin has also worked as Music Director with several of the UK’s leading theatre companies including The RSC, National Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe and most recently at The Menier Chocolate Factory.
Polina Shepherd (Kazan, Tatarstan) is an internationally renowned singer, composer, educator and cultural activist. She brings the songs of the Steppes and the Shtetl up to date with passion and haunting soul. Her singing is deeply rooted in east European Jewish and Russian folk. Growing up in Tatarstan also placed her close to Islamic ornamentation and timbre, which can be heard in her unique vocal style and four-octave range.