Saffron Hall is delighted to be opening its doors again for live concerts from 9 October following a number of successful pilots and members events, becoming one of the few venues in the country to host regular concerts for live audiences.
Both local and international musicians that regularly perform at Saffron Hall from the worlds of classical, jazz and folk music will come together to form an extensive programme of one-hour concerts to socially distanced audiences across the autumn.
The first weekend (9-11 October) will feature tenor Mark Padmore performing with pianist Julius Drake (10 Oct pm) and also with players of the London Philharmonic Orchestra in a performance of Britten’s Serenade for tenor, horn and strings (11 Oct). BBC Young Musician winner, pianist Martin James Bartlett will perform courtesy of the Thaxted Festival in association with Saffron Hall (10 Oct pm). Jazz group Libby Key Trio and Shackleton Trio open the weekend (9 Oct). The second weekend (23-25 Oct) features Britten Sinfonia (SH Resident Orchestra) performing a family friendly programme (25 Oct am) and a programme that pays homage to composer Arvo Pärt in his 85th year (25 Oct pm), local jazz star vocalist Joanna Eden in association with Fairycroft House (23 Oct) and composer, producer and guitarist Justin Adams in collaboration with Italian musician Mauro Durante (24 Oct). Tickets for the first two weekends go on public sale on 2 October.
Further weekends across October and November will include Jess Gillam, London Community Gospel Choir, Sir Mark Elder, Roderick Williams, Kathryn Tickell, the Castalian String Quartet, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, recorder player Tabea Debus and Nicola Benedetti.
Saffron Hall’s Schools and community programme continues throughout the Autumn. Jess Gillam will take part in Together in Sound online, Saffron Hall’s music therapy sessions for people living with dementia and their companions delivered in partnership with the Cambridge Institute of Music Therapy Research at Anglia Ruskin University. Saffron Hall will also launch a new online project for primary schools featuring specially created resources and filmed performances from Tabea Debus and other artists performing across the autumn.
To allow for social distancing and to create an intimate atmosphere, the auditorium seating bank has been retracted and replaced with tables and chairs. Other measures introduced in line with government guidance include reducing the capacity of the Hall from 740 to 150, contactless digital ticketing, mandatory face coverings (unless exempt), reduced duration of performances and staggered arrival times. The recently announced curfew does not affect performances that start before 10pm.
Angela Dixon, Chief Executive, Saffron Hall said, ‘Following hugely successful pilots from Britten Sinfonia and folk group Honey & the Bear, and members events with Aurora Orchestra and Nicola Benedetti with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, we feel confident that we can deliver a safe experience for audiences and performers. Serving the community is at the forefront of our mission. Despite receiving no regular funding, our model means we can open when other halls remain closed and we feel it is imperative we open our doors and continue to make music and the arts available to all at this uncertain time. We aim to be a beacon of hope for performers, musicians, orchestras and other arts venues across England. It’s very clear that the arts are needed now, more than ever.’
To find out more about Saffron Hall and to book tickets visit www.saffronhall.com