Nottingham’s festival of music and the moving image returns in March 2019 with a thrilling line-up of events across the city
FEATURING
The Hallé Film Music Concert
Mark Kermode & The Dodge Brothers
Soumik Datta and City of London Sinfonia
Reflektor: Der Golem
Family Orchestra: Let’s Make a Soundtrack!
Game City Nights: Soundstage Special
Pixelheads: Create Your Own Gaming Music
Able Orchestra
Family Movie Matinee: Walt Disney’s Fantasia
Soundstage Festival Fringe
VENUES
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall
Metronome
Nottingham Lakeside Arts
Broadway Cinema
Jam Café
The Angel Microbrewery
Monday 11 – Sunday 17 March 2019
This March, Nottingham will come alive with the sounds of flaming dragons, Bollywood fairy tales, fearsome creatures and femme fatales on the run, as SOUNDSTAGE – Nottingham’s Festival of Music and the Moving Image – returns to venues across the city.
Supported by Arts Council England, Nottingham’s 2019 SOUNDSTAGE Festival runs from Monday 11 to Sunday 17 March, giving audiences across the city a chance to immerse themselves in the soundtracks that bring the fantastic worlds of film, TV and videogames to life. Highlights will include a blockbuster evening of fantasy film, TV and gaming scores from the world renowned Hallé Orchestra, BBC film critic Mark Kermode performing with rockabilly band The Dodge Brothers, film screenings with live accompaniment, free fringe events, and participatory activities, including the opportunity for families to create a new film score for a classic silent film with musicians from the BBC Philharmonic.
Neil Bennison, Music Programme Manager at the Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall, said, “Nottingham is well-known as an extraordinarily creative city, particularly for its musical and visual culture, so it’s exciting to be able to bring these together in Soundstage. Music plays a vital part in setting the emotional direction of visual dramas, whether on the big screen and on TV, and is an increasingly important element of videogames, many of which feature lavish orchestral scores. The festival ranges widely across this vast terrain of soundtracks, sometimes spectacularly, sometimes irreverently, but always aiming to open up a fascinating world to audiences in entertaining ways. We’re also thrilled this year to have so many iconic Nottingham venues as part of the festival, from established players like Broadway Cinema and Nottingham Lakeside Arts to the city’s newest musical destination, Metronome, and to welcome the remarkable Able Orchestra to the line up for the first time. From Disney’s Fantasia to the Killer Bees turning Sci-Fi scores upside down in the Festival Fringe, there really is something for everyone.”
Full details of all events are available at www.trch.co.uk/soundstage
SOUNDSTAGE EVENTS: WHEN AND WHERE
ORCHESTRAL CONCERT
Saturday 16 March, 7.30pm
THE HALLÉ FILM MUSIC CONCERT: FANTASTIC WORLDS
Royal Concert Hall
Join the world-renowned Hallé Orchestra on this musical journey to extraordinary worlds, meeting the legendary heroes and monstrous foes that have populated the greatest fantasy films, TV series and video games. This concert features many of the scores that have accompanied these timeless adventures, and with 80 amazing musicians giving it everything, there is enough fire to rival Daenerys’ dragons. The Hallé’s spectacular programme includes music from Game of Thrones, Final Fantasy, Lord Of The Rings, Highlander, Harry Potter, Planet of the Apes, Star Wars, How To Train Your Dragon, X-Men, Halo, Pirates of the Caribbean, Spiderman and World of Warcraft.
Tickets: £15.50 To £36.50
Booking: www.trch.co.uk and 0115 989 5555
Free Pre-concert Talk, 6.30pm in the Auditorium: Conductor Stephen Bell discusses performing great fantasy scores in this informal Q&A session.
Free interval Music: Head up to the level 4 Foyer to hear famous fantasy songs from the Lunchtime Voices.
CINECONCERTS
Wednesday 13 March, 7.30pm
REFLEKTOR: DER GOLEM
Djanogly Theatre, Nottingham Lakeside Arts
The 1920 silent horror film Der Golem was inspired by the fantasy figure of the Golem in Jewish legend. When the Holy Roman Emperor issues a decree expelling Jews from the ghettos in 16th-century Prague, Rabbi Loew moulds a life-size figure of the Golem from clay and invokes the spirit Astaroth to bring the figure to life in order to protect the Jewish people. As astrological movements shift, the Golem’s behaviour becomes dangerous and threatens nearly everyone he meets.
Saxophonist and composer Jan Kopinski with pianist Steve Iliffe, performing as ‘Reflektor’, provide moving, dramatic and achingly beautiful live music for this special Soundstage screening.
Tickets: £16 (£14 concessions, £10 restricted view, £8 students)
Booking: lakesidearts.org.uk and 0115 846 7777
Friday 15 March, 7.30pm
KING OF GHOSTS: SOUMIK DATTA AND CITY OF LONDON SINFONIA
Royal Concert Hall
Immerse yourself in an atmospheric Indian soundscape as sarod star Soumik Datta and City of London Sinfonia perform a double bill of music for Indian film. Oscar-winning director Satyajit Ray’s cult film Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne, will be projected on a large screen with a reimagined live cinematic score (King of Ghosts) that features the haunting sounds of Soumik’s sarod (19 stringed fretless lute), Cormac Byrne’s Irish folk rhythms and City of London Sinfonia. The film, which follows the magical journey of two unlikely heroes, Goopy and Bagha who are granted three wishes by the benevolent yet terrifying King of Ghosts, will take you on a breathtaking and magical journey across rural India – a vintage superhero film at its best.
In the first half of this double bill, Around India with a Movie Camera presents some of the earliest surviving footage from India, as well as enchanting travelogues, intimate home movies and newsreels from British, French and Indian filmmakers, drawn exclusively from the BFI National Archive’s early film collection. Commissioned by BFI, Soumik Datta provides his original music as a live soundtrack with percussionist Cormac Byrne and al McSween on piano. Taking in maharajas and viceroys, fakirs and farmhands, as well as personalities such as Sabu and Gandhi, this film by award-winning filmmaker Sandhya Suri explores not only the people and places of over 70 years ago but asks us to engage with broader themes of a shared history, shifting perspectives in the lead up to Indian independence and the ghosts of the past.
Tickets: £13.50 to £17.50
Booking: www.trch.co.uk and 0115 989 5555
Free Pre-Concert talk, 6.30pm in the Nelsons Studio: Soumik Datta in Conversation.
Sunday 17 March, 2.30pm
BEGGARS OF LIFE WITH LIVE MUSIC BY THE DODGE BROTHERS AND NEIL BRAND
Broadway Cinema
This intense and entertaining silent movie tells the story of oppressed and desperate people on a dangerous journey through the dark underworld of pre-depression America. Cinema icon Louise Brooks plays a girl on the run after killing her lecherous adoptive father. Dressed in boy’s clothes, she navigates through the dangerous tramp underworld with the help of a handsome drifter and encounters the hobo legend, Oklahoma Red. Loaded with stunning visuals and empathetic performances, this dark, realistic drama is Brooks’ best American film and a masterpiece of late-silent era feature films. Its rollercoaster of a story is given extra edge by the live soundtrack, composed and performed by skiffle/bluegrass combo The Dodge Brothers, featuring silent film pianist Neil Brand and BBC Film critic Mark Kermode on double bass.
Tickets: £15 (£13 concessions and Broadway members)
Booking: broadway.org.uk and 0115 952 6611
SOUNDSTAGE FOR FAMILIES
Saturday 16 March, 1pm
(Rehearsal Day: Sat 9 Mar)
LET’S MAKE A SOUNDTRACK: GEORGES MÉLIÈS: AN ADVENTUROUS AUTOMOBILE TRIP WITH THE NOTTINGHAMSHIRE FAMILY ORCHESTRA
Metronome
Ever wanted to create your own soundtrack? Now’s your chance, as the Nottinghamshire Family Orchestra and Chorus join players from the BBC Philharmonic, for a special performance at Metronome.
Together you will create a new musical soundtrack to Georges Méliès’ 1905 silent film, An Adventurous Automobile Trip. The new piece will be created in just one day, on Saturday 9
March, where most of the ideas will come from the orchestra, and then be developed with help from the BBC Philharmonic team and animateur, Richard Taylor. This session will be informal, inspiring and, most importantly, fun! Then there is a rehearsal on the morning of Saturday 16 March, when it all gets put together, before a public performance at 1pm.
The Family Orchestra and Chorus is made up of musicians and singers of all ages – mums, dads,
brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins or grandparents. Everyone is welcome, from seasoned
performers, to those who have never played in an orchestra before. And it’s all FREE! To join, you just have to bring at least one other member of your family with you. If any of your family members do not play an instrument, then that is fine too, as they can join the Chorus or play percussion.
To sign up for the Family Orchestra and Chorus, please fill in the online form at bit.ly/familyorch
For more information about the event, please contact george.matthews@nottinghamcity.gov.uk or visit www.trch.co.uk/soundstage
Admission to the performance is free – no booking required
Saturday 16 March, 1.30pm
PIXELHEADS – SOUNDSTAGE SATURDAY
Royal Concert Hall
You’ve played the games, you’ve heard the theme tunes, but do you dream of composing your very own videogame music? Now you can, with the national Videogame Museum. Bring your superstar DJ dreams to life and be inspired by our expert composers and musicians in an afternoon of music, play and excitement for all the family.
1.30pm – 4pm:
Create a banana piano or compete with your family and friends in a musical battle with our MakeyMakey and Johann Sebastian Joust. Or play the incredible creations of Pixelheads’ Beeston Saturday Club as they exhibit their fantastical musical adventure game.
2pm – 3pm:
Algorave the afternoon away with Ryan Kirkbride, who unveils the secrets of Live Coding. Ryan will guide you in creating your own improvised music, working as a team to create musical sequences.
3pm – 4pm:
After a crash-course in basic music theory and a quick imagination warm-up, Blake “PROTODOME” Troise will guide you in composing and programming your musical ideas, before you perform your masterpiece with pianist Yshani Perinpanayagam.
Admission to all sessions is free, but please book in advance.
Booking: thenvm.digitickets.co.uk
Suitable for ages 7-14 and their families.
Saturday 16 March, 2pm
FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE: WALT DISNEY’S FANTASIA
Broadway Cinema
Still one of Disney’s greatest achievements, Fantasia is a magical series of eight animated shorts inspired by classical music, and performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra under legendary maestro Leopold Stokowski. The most famous of these is The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, in which Mickey Mouse steals a wizard’s hat and animates a mop and bucket to clean the floor – until he oversleeps and it all goes badly wrong. But Fantasia is much more than Mickey’s star turn. Beginning with Bach’s Toccata and Fugue, the orchestra haloed by multi-coloured lights, it journeys unforgettably through the tunes of Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky,
Beethoven and more.
Tickets: £3.90, with a free family-friendly introduction to the film from Neil Bennison
Booking: broadway.org.uk | 0115 952 6611
SOUNDSTAGE FRINGE
Monday 11 March, 7.30pm
MOON BOOGIE: THE KILLER BEES
Theatre Royal, Dress Circle Foyer
Outrageous rock ’n’ roll outfit The Killer Bees will bring a unique twist to a collection of science-fiction favourites. With classics carefully selected from soundtracks such as The War Of The
Worlds, Back to the Future, Flash Gordon, Star Wars and many more; this otherworldly trio of auditory astronauts are perfect for a singalong. There will be costumes, there will be audience participation and these are the droids you are looking for!
Tickets: £10, no concessions
Booking: www.trch.co.uk and 0115 989 5555
Tuesday 12 March, 12.30pm
LUNCHTIME SINGALONG-A-DISNEY
Royal Concert Hall, Level 4 Foyer
Make it a more musical lunchtime with this fun singalong of Disney favourites, joining our Lunchtime Voices. This drop-in session is open to all, both seasoned singers and first-timers.
Admission free – no booking required
Tuesday 12 March, 6.30pm
ABLE ORCHESTRA AND SOUNDTRACK ENSEMBLE
Metronome
Able Orchestra is an inspiring ensemble that brings together disabled young musicians, with members of the Hallé Orchestra and young musicians from Portland Academy to create new music compositions in real time, using laptops to create wonderfully immersive soundscapes and spectacular visuals. Following Able Orchestra, Inspire Youth Arts’ Soundtrack Ensemble perform their original soundtrack to a new short film on a fantastic worlds theme.
Admission free but please book in advance: trch.co.uk and 0115 989 5555
Thursday 14 March, 8.45pm
SOUNDSTAGE FESTIVAL QUIZ
Broadway Cinema Bar
Do you know your Howard Shore from your Hans Zimmer? Test your movie music knowledge in this wide-ranging quiz exploring great Fantasy films and games. Gather your fellowship of the quiz and venture forth into the Broadway bar for an hour and a half of competitive fun.
Admission free – no booking required.
Thursday 14 March, 7pm
GAMECITY NIGHTS: SOUNDSTAGE SPECIAL
Metronome
Video gaming’s favourite night out returns to Metronome with a Soundstage musical twist. In amongst the feisty audience participation, there is a host of exciting game music activities for you – and some super-special musical guests. Plus, there is the GameCity Nights House Band.
The GameCity Nights monthly round up is back, together with the latest news from the National Videogame Museum. The Little Professor will be proving beyond all doubt that learning is fun and there are competitions aplenty.
Tickets: £8, no concessions
Booking: metronome.uk.com
Friday 15 March, 9pm
TRUE STORIES (PG) 89m
Broadway
True Stories is David Byrne’s quirky take on small-town America, set in the folksy, fictional Texas town of Virgil. The director himself plays the narrator and there is a singing weekend cowboy, a bedridden millionaire, a voodoo faith healer and an over-the-top preacher.
Normal Broadway ticket prices apply
Booking: broadway.org.uk and 0115 952 6611
Friday 15 March, 9pm
FLASH! AH – AHHH! THE DISCO: PART 1
Jam Café
Strap on those shiny space boots, get your imperial march on and whisk yourself to Jam Cafe for a fantastical, intergalactic boogie. A galaxy hopping spread of DJs will bestow other worldly musical experiences sending you to outer space in a vortex of dance. Fancy dress is more than encouraged, Orcs, Space Raiders, Wizards, Wookiees, Jedi… you are all welcome here.
Admission free – no booking required
Saturday 16 March, 2pm – Late
I’m Not From London Presents: LOST IN SPACE
The Angel Microbrewery
Local promoters I’m Not From London are well known for their interstellar activities and have summoned four bands that they stumbled across during their galactic journeys. Luna Rosa, Moon, Revenge of Calculon and Idle Nova will supply sounds of the cosmos whilst Ignite Future will provide family-friendly scientific fun, games and experiments. B Movies will be shown in the depths of the Angel Cave Network and intergalactic DJ’s will spin weird and wonderful sounds until way past bedtime. Children are welcome until 7pm.
Admission free – no booking required
Saturday 16 March, 6.30pm
PIXEL PLAYERS: BLAKE TROISE AND YSHANI PERINPANAYAGAM
Royal Concert Hall, Level 4 Foyer
Blake “PROTODOME” Troise performs classic video game arrangements with the aid of a Nintendo Game Boy, controlling it in real-time with an electronic wind instrument (EWI). Yshani Perinpanayagam brings pianistic brilliance to some famous titles, from Zelda’s Lullaby and Shadow of the Colossus: Prologue to the ancient Land, to a virtuoso set of variations on the
Tetris theme. Two original piano works provide the finale, one synchronised to a screening of Snake gameplay and the other exploring the unique sound world of Sinclair ZX Spectrum games.
Admission free – no booking required
FESTIVAL FINALE
Sunday 17 March, 8pm
THE DODGE BROTHERS
Metronome
Every good festival should end with a party, so we are thrilled that The Dodge Brothers will be bringing Soundstage 2019 to an upbeat close with their first appearance at Metronome.
This skiffle-and-blues band performs vibrant new songs written and performed in the old style, and harking back to the days of jug-band blues and early rock’n’roll. The Dodge Brothers’ music has an authentically American tang – lead guitarist/vocalist Mike Hammond was raised in Alabama – but with a strong British accent. Mike is joined by Aly Hirji (guitars, mandolin, vocals), Mark Kermode (bass, harmonica, vocals) and Alex Hammond (washboard, snare drum, percussion).
As a live act they have played everywhere from The Roundhouse to the Royal Albert Hall, from the 100 Club to the Cropredy festival, and they regularly sell-out gigs at the Borderline and the Blues Kitchen in London. They have supported Jools Holland live and have been championed by broadcasting legend Bob Harris.
The gig starts at 8pm with a short set by Mark Kermode, followed by the full, rip-roaring show.
Tickets: £15 (under 26s £10)
Booking: metronome.uk.com
