Turner Sims, the University of Southampton’s world-class music venue, is set to embark on its 2024 autumn programme in celebration of its 50th anniversary. Featuring an international programme packed with exciting performances, the quality lineup spans jazz, classical, contemporary, global and folk music.
A key highlight of the programme is the 50th anniversary concert (19th November) which includes the in-person premiere performance of extracts from Voyages of the Heart by renowned composer and kora virtuoso Tunde Jegede. Originally performed virtually during the pandemic, this 50-minute version of the piece will be brought to life by a diverse ensemble of musicians. Voyages of the Heart is a unique blend of various musical disciplines, including Indian classical, Folk, and Reggae. It weaves together different cultures, creating a unique synergy of different techniques and sounds.
Voyages of the Heart (2021), part of Southampton’s Mayflower 400 programme, is supported by Arts Council England, Heritage Lottery Fund, Southampton City Council and University of Southampton.
Located on the University of Southampton Highfield campus, Turner Sims is widely acknowledged as one of the finest concert halls in the UK. Across 2024 and beyond the venue has big ambitions to contribute to building an inclusive world through the joy of live music. As part of this ambition, the 2024 autumn programme seeks to create space for people to experience live music together.
Integral to that is an innovative engagement programme, which welcomes young people as leaders to co design events with the team.
Autumn 2024 at Turner Sims will provide opportunities to experience performances from renowned artists, discover new and emerging talents, and be involved in a variety of cultural events to stimulate and enhance an appreciation of music for all.
Highlights include a performance by Angela Hewitt, 26 September – this year’s autumn programme kicks off with a mesmerising evening of Scarlatti, Bach and Brahms from one of the world’s leading pianists, Angela Hewitt.
Another highlight is Courtney Pine’s 60th birthday celebrations, 29 September – Jazz Saxophonist Courtney Pine (pictured top) marks his 60th birthday year with a special edition of his award-winning project House of Legends. It celebrates the influence and contributions to the UK from the many varied people of the Caribbean. Audiences can expect an exhilarating mix of Merengue, Ska, Mento and Calypso as played through the lens (saxophone) of a UK-born artist with strong, proud Afro Caribbean roots.
The programme also includes Will Gregory Moog Ensemble – Archimedes on 10 October. Presented in surround sound by Turner Sims’ Future Producers in a one-off performance, Will Gregory, one half of pop duo Goldfrapp, will lead an extraordinary 10-piece ensemble of analogue synths. The line-up will also include Portishead’s Adrian Utley and composer Graham Fitkin. Together they will perform works by Bach, John Carpenter, extracts from A Clockwork Orange, and new music from their first album, Heat Ray (released on Mute, June 2024). The piece will explore the extraordinary ways of combining monosynths whilst demonstrating their versatility.
Black British Folk Song with Angeline Morrison comes to the venue on 19 October. The singer, multi instrumentalist, and songwriter Angeline Morrison will bring music from her powerful album The Sorrow Songs: Folk Songs of Black British Experience to the Turner Sims stage. She is joined by blues and folk musician Clarke Camilleri, who will support the performance.
The Sultan Stevenson Trio will be performing on 31 October. A Londoner with roots in the Caribbean, Sultan is a product of both Tomorrow’s Warriors and the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy. With the addition of Jacob Gryn on bass, and Joel Waters on drums the Sultan Stevenson Trio, renowned for their mesmerizing jazz performances, is also set to grace the stage at Turner Sims in October. This performance promises an unforgettable evening of virtuoso piano, soulful bass, and dynamic percussion.
Rising star N’famady Kouyate, the energetic master musician from Guinea, brings his joyful fusion of Mandingue African, western jazz, pop, indie, and funk on November 14. Throughout the show N’famady will play balafon and guitar amongst his band multi-layered band.
Renowned cellist Natalie Clein comes to the venue on 17 January. Since her first appearance at Turner Sims in 1995, Natalie Clein has gone on to perform with the top orchestras and conductors around the world. Alongside pianist Marianna Shirinyan, she will perform three dramatic masterpieces for the cello.
Trios will also take centre stage in the programme, renowned UK jazz vocalist and multi-award winner, Claire Martin OBE, will perform with her accomplished Swedish trio Martin Sjöstedt, Niklas Fernqvist and Daniel Fredriksson. The Norwegian pianist and composer Tord Gustavsen will also be joined by his trio to perform music from his new album that blends jazz and ‘Nordic’ reflective moods.
Also on the programme audiences can explore both traditional and contemporary sounds by incredible artists including: Ensemble Molière, Seckou Keita, Adam Brown, The Rheingans Sisters, Erland Cooper, Elias string quartet with Robin Ireland.
Families can experience the charm of the wind quintet during a fun concert for 7 to 11-year-olds by joining the Toot! Ensemble. Towards the end of the year, University of Southampton Voices and GreenMatthews will bring the winter season to life in a riot of sound and colour, great for families to enjoy the tradition of festive music. Free tickets are available for 8–25-year-olds to selected chamber music concerts – for more information click here.
Kevin Appleby, Concert Hall Manager at Turner Sims, says: “As we celebrate the 50th birthday of Turner Sims, we are thrilled to present a diverse array of exceptional musicians from all corners of the world. Our programme, comprising both interpretations of timeless classics and innovative works to an exceptional standard, has something for everyone to listen to this autumn.’’
Jessica Santer, Head of Engagement and Participation at Turner Sims, adds: “Our young Vibe Collective and Future Producers are adding fresh ideas and perspectives to our 50th celebrations. They’ve encouraged us to explore new genres and formats and are working with us to welcome new audiences to share the next 50 years with us.”
For the full programme click here.
- In Common is not for profit. We rely on donations from readers to keep the site running. Could you help to support us for as little as 25p a week? Please help us to carry on offering independent grass roots media. Visit: https://www.patreon.com/incommonsoton