<img src='' title='Event Category: Music' alt='' id='templ_icon_' width='' height='' /> Event Category: Music

Pulman & Stilgoe: Hooray for Hollywood

Some of the best loved songs of our movie-musical lives. 

The Wizard of Oz to Wicked, West Side Story to La La Land -  and many many more

The Hollywood musical feels like it’s been with us forever. Starting with the Jazz Singer in 1927, almost 100 years later audiences are still flocking to the box-office to watch the big screen come alive with singing, dancing, comedy and romance.  Liza Pulman and Joe Stilgoe’s combined love and exhaustive movie knowledge is on technicolour display here as they bring some of these great movie-musical songs to life on the stage. No big screen, only big talents, great harmonies and lots of music and laughter. So, bring your popcorn as they bring you the magic of the movie musicals 

‘Joe Stilgoe and Liza Pulman are show business royalty…’ LondonTheatre1★★★★

‘Ooooh it’s SO good…’ Dawn French

‘…a slick chemistry… sprinkled with sumptuous harmonies…’ Theatre Weekly ★★★★★

‘Stunning vocals and impeccable talent…’  All That Dazzles ★★★★

 

Photo Credit: Matt Crockett

Brian Clemens Jazz Orchestra featuring Francesca Confortini – Songs of the silver screen

Join Los Angeles–born pianist, composer, and bandleader Brian Clemens for an evening of music and glamour as he leads his Big Band in Songs of the Silver Screen — a vibrant & nostalgic journey through cinematic musical hits from the Golden Age of Hollywood, James Bond, The Pink Panther, Grease, and more, all brought to life by a roaring 13-piece big band featuring some of London’s finest. 

After an acclaimed and energetic debut at Wilton’s, the show returned last spring to a sold-out house and has since toured theatres across the UK. Praised by The Spy in the Stalls as “a whirlwind ride through the music world,” the production stars the powerful and charismatic Francesca Confortini, one of Europe’s leading jazz voices, who has performed alongside legends like Cat Stevens and Rod Stewart. Together, she and Brian showcase their electrifying musical chemistry, taking audiences on a whirlwind journey through timeless film classics and culminating in a rousing sing-along finale of pop favourites, Motown, R&B hits, and more. 

Now, the show returns to the magical hall where it first debuted, for an unforgettable evening of show-stopping entertainment you won’t want to miss. 

“When she gets there, she scorches.”  
“Brian Clemens is her perfect accompanist: pianist, arranger and bandleader extraordinaire.” 
“Symbiotic collaboration of voice and music… The combination works so well.”
— The Spy in the Stalls

Steve Pretty (and Friends) On the Origin of the Pieces

Ever wondered why music works the way it does? Or how sound can make us feel, move or connect in ways we can’t quite explain? 

Join Steve Pretty – musician, composer and host of the acclaimed podcast On the Origin of the Pieces – for a show that helps you to hear, understand and enjoy music in new ways.  

Best known as the leader of brass pioneers Hackney Colliery Band (‘one of the greatest live bands that we have in this country’ – BBC Radio 2), Steve will be joined by some very special guests drawn from across the sonic map for a musical variety show like no other. From Tony-Award winners to Carnatic percussionists, from choirs to comedians and even the occasional musical astronaut, the guests will be as eclectic and fascinating as the music itself. 

Blending live music, surprising stories, comedy, conversation and sonic experiments, this one-of-a-kind night explores the origins and evolution of musical ideas – and the role sound plays in our lives, cultures, and brains. 

Whether you’re a musically curious shower singer, a seasoned musician or anything in between, this ‘wide ranging and insightful’ (Guardian) show will leave you ‘better informed and happier about the world’ (Whatsonstage). 

Steve Pretty (and Friends) On the Origin of the Pieces Kids

Why do drums make us want to dance? Can a seashell become an instrument? And what happens if you try to play a trumpet underwater? 

Join musician and composer Steve Pretty (leader of Hackney Colliery Band, described by BBC Radio 2 as ‘one of the greatest live bands that we have in this country’) for a live show packed with live music, discovery and brilliant special guests. 

You’ll hear amazing instruments from around the world, learn to hear like a musician, meet world class musicians from a range of diverse genres, and help create brand new sounds on the spot — all while exploring how music works and why it’s such a powerful part of being human. 

Based on Steve’s hit podcast (‘wide-ranging and insightful’ The Guardian), this new family format of his much-loved live shows launches with a joyful, interactive performance at Wilton’s. Expect sonic surprises, musical experiments and the kind of joyful energy that means ‘you’ll leave better informed and happier about the world’ (Whatsonstage). 

James Joyce’s The Dead

Presented by The Fourth Choir

“I really hope this superb show becomes an annual event from The Fourth Choir  it’s so, so beautiful.” Scott Matthewman, The Reviews Hub

We didn’t need to be told twice! Last year’s surprise hit is back for three more performances. But don’t wait to book – last year’s performances sold out a month in advance.

Set at a New Year’s party in Dublin in 1907, James Joyce’s masterpiece, The Dead, was hailed by T.S. Eliot as one of the greatest short stories ever written. The story tells how a casual overhearing of an Irish folk song triggers memories so powerful that the dividing line between those who have died and those that remain becomes vanishingly thin.

The Fourth Choir, London’s queer classical choir, explores how unaccompanied singing can add layers of emotion to a powerful story. The music includes Irish folk songs, an exquisite Tudor Ave Maria, works by contemporary Irish composers, Áine Mallon and Rhona Clarke, and an arrangement by The Fourth Choir’s Music Director, Jamie Powe, of Bid Adieu, the only known song for which Joyce wrote both the words and the melody.

“James Joyce’s The Dead brought vividly to life by this exceptionally polished LGBTQ+ choir.”  ★★★★ The Guardian

Image: Night, Trinity Churchyard by Victoria Garland

Instagram: thefourthchoir
Facebook.: TheFourthChoir

The Swingles: Behind the Curtain

Behind The Curtain
An inside look at The Swingles
1-hour presentation with Q&A

Join the current lineup of The Swingles for an intimate and engaging conversation that pulls back the curtain on one of the world’s most iconic vocal groups. Whether you’re a dedicated fan, educator, or aspiring musician, this is a rare opportunity to discover the group’s rich history, creative process, and life on tour.

Ask anything — from their approach to arranging and collaboration to the realities of life as touring singers.
This relaxed session offers honest insights and the chance to connect with the artists behind the music.

Social Media links of The Swingles are available by clicking this link.

Also available via the group’s website: theswingles.co.uk

The Swingles: Voices Through Time

For over sixty years, The Swingles have led the way in vocal innovation, collecting five Grammy® Awards and earning global acclaim as one of the world’s most iconic and visionary vocal ensembles.

Voices Through Time
A journey through a history of vocal music

Embark on a vibrant vocal journey where Bach meets Broadway and tradition meets innovation. This programme spans more than six decades of The Swingles’ evolution, showcasing Ward Swingle’s masterful reinventions of Bach classics, incredible folk songs from around the globe, and stirring pop and musical theatre arrangements of the 21st century. With their signature amplified a cappella sound, beatboxing, and cutting-edge live-looping techniques, The Swingles deliver an unforgettable performance celebrating the group’s remarkable history. Prepare to be swept away as they transcend time, genre, and expectations to reveal the extraordinary power of the human voice.

Social Media links of The Swingles are available by clicking this link.

Also available via the group’s website: theswingles.co.uk

The Tiger Lillies – Serenade from the Sewer

The legendary death-oompah band The Tiger Lillies return to Wilton’s Music Hall with a brand-new album and concert celebrating the weird, macabre and those that society has abandoned.

Olivier award-winning and Grammy nominated, The Tiger Lillies have toured the world for over 35 years and released scores of critically acclaimed albums. They have starred in some unforgettable theatre productions from their West End smash Shockheaded Peter to this year’s A Macbeth Song which ran from three months in Barcelona.

Armed with a brand-new album, telling the stories of those on the margins of society, they will also perform fan favourites and songs celebrating the spooky season based on the works of Lovecraft, Poe and more.

Lead singer and writer Martyn Jacques says:
‘A major theme of the many hundreds of songs I have written are the people living in the margins. When I moved to Soho in the 1980s I spent many hours just looking out of my window. And I watched the drug dealers and the prostitutes and the drug addicts and the gangsters. And I learned what they did and why they did it. It wasn’t always as straightforward as you might imagine. But it was before the yuppies arrived. Serenade from the Sewer presents some memories of that time. It was a happy time for me. But it was tragic for many of the people I knew and watched from my window.’

‘Martyn Jacques is a charismatic focus. Trudging between his piano and accordion like a man weighed down by supernatural dread – yet his voice is a molten cascade. The execution is impeccable throughout. Phenomenal.’  ★★★★★  The Guardian 

‘It’s not surprising that their cult following is worldwide – a Tiger Lillies gig is a journey into wild emotion which passes right through melodrama and out the other side into bizarre beauty.’  London Evening Standard 

Songs from the Sea

21st century sea shanties, Songs from the Sea, celebrating maritime classics that we all know and love, including Bound for Australia, Blow The Man Down, Drunken Sailor and many more, alongside well-crafted similar themed original tunes.

A great entertaining night which will appeal to all ages.

The Salts are one of the most exciting and energetic concept bands around, performing original material alongside interpretations of traditional songs.

The band feature five seasoned musicians collectively performing a mixture of instruments as well as great harmonies, creating what is becoming one of the most exciting and energetic folk concepts of recent times all guaranteed to get the audience singing and dancing along.

Their highly acclaimed album ‘Live in London Town’ was recorded at Wilton’s in 2023.

Chatty Pianist – Three Musketeers – A Classical Piano Recital narrated by Emir Gamsız

Chatty Pianist – Three Musketeers
A Classical Piano Recital narrated by Emir Gamsız
Presented by Jeux d’Art and DigiHouse London

 

In his London debut at the historic Wilton’s Music Hall, “Chatty Pianist” will play a fantastic repertoire and share tips with the audience on how to act like they know classical music very well.

Pianist, composer, and writer Emir Gamsız began playing the piano at the age of 20 after quitting his career as a successful basketball player for Beşiktaş in the Turkish National League. He became a sensation in New York after creating and performing “Chatty Pianist” concept—a virtuoso piano recital format that offers a new way of communicating classical music. After a concert at Lincoln Center, one of the New Yorkers in the audience summed up Emir’s concept as follows: “It’s not a lecture, but we learned a lot about music. It’s not a comedy show, but it was witty. And it was definitely a virtuoso piano recital.”

In the first part of the programme, Chatty Pianist explains why Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven are the “Three Musketeers” of classical music and performs compositions by these composers. In the second part, he chats with the audience about the “D’Artagnan” of classical music and gives examples from romantic composers such as Schubert, Mendelssohn, Chopin, and Liszt.

“Pianist, composer, and writer Emir Gamsız brings his widely acclaimed stage concept Chatty Pianist to London, following successful performances in New York and Istanbul. Blending classical music with humor and an educational touch, Chatty Pianist is more than just a recital.”
Londra Gazete

Get your tickets soon for this engaging and illuminating concert experience.

 

CONCERT PROGRAMME :
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
KV 331 – Rondo Alla Turca from Piano Sonata No.11 in A Major
KV 265/300e – 12 Variations on “Twinkle, twinkle little star” in C Major

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
WoO 80 – 32 Variations on an Original Theme in C Minor

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
BWV 903 – Chromatic Fantasy & Fugue in D Minor

– INTERVAL –

Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849)
Op.64, No.2 – Waltz No.7 in C# Minor

Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
D.935 – Impromptu No.3 in Bb Major – Theme & 5 Variations

Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Op.14 – Rondo Cappriccioso in E Major

Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
S.244 – Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 in C# Minor

Emir Gamsız (1973)
Op.2, No.4 – Heybeli Variations in C Minor