International Concert Series 2020-21
“Improvisations that join an affectingly hooky melodic knack to a rich and freewheeling impressionism as his speculations open out... '' (The Guardian) describes this evening's sharing of music written by acclaimed jazz pianist and composer, Alex Hutton. Brought to life by the Alex Hutton Trio, Magna Carta Suite offers a musical journey of ideas exploring the layers of history and landscapes from 1215 to 2015. Described as a “A Happy Hybrid [of jazz and classical]" (Observer), the suite highlights the worldwide influence of Magna Carta and was composed as a celebration of the 800th anniversary. We are excited to be able to share this jazz-fusion suite with you, with behind-the-scenes footage of the recording process and how the suite came about.
About the performers
After a brief year studying music history and performing art in New York, Alex Hutton decided to turn his focus fully to Jazz piano. and soon won the appraisal of the late Ronnie Scott who described Hutton as a ‘great British talent and a wonderfully natural pianist’. Moving to London during the mid 90’s, Hutton won a full scholarship to the Guildhall school of music and drama and since that time has worked in almost every major venue around London, most notably Ronnie Scotts, The Savoy, The Ritz, Café de Paris and his favourite venue the 606 club. Alex has recently performed a ‘history of jazz piano ‘ duet with Ronnie Scott’s house pianist at this years Steinway Festival. It is the different Styles of the piano that has always been an attraction and has led to performing music as diverse as Stride, Salsa, modern jazz, classical and pop. Read more.
One of the most interesting and sought-after jazz double bassists in Europe, Yuri Goloubev has toured nearly 60 countries across continents appearing at such venues as Carnegie Hall in New York, Suntory Hall in Tokyo, Barbican Centre in London, Sydney Opera House, Berlin Philharmonie, Theatre des Champs Elysees in Paris and festivals as Montreux Jazz Festival, Umbria Jazz, London Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz, Festival of Perth, Jazzahead, Boheme Jazz – to name just a few. His collaborations include various household names – Bob James, Till Brönner, Kenny Werner, Ralph Towner, Billy Kilson, Julian Arguelles, Norma Winstone, Wolfgang Muthspiel, Paolo Fresu, Enrico Pieranunzi, Gwilym Simcock, Pablo Held, Tim Garland, Rosario Giuliani, Rick Margitza and others. Read more.
Born in Israel, Asaf Sirkis started his professional career as a drummer in the late 80's and played with some of Israel's Jazz luminaries such at Harold Rubin and Alber Beger. A few years after the recording of his first solo album 'One Step Closer' Asaf relocated to the Netherlands, France and finally settled in London around 1999 where he soon became one of the most active Jazz drummers around. During that time Asaf became a founder member of Gilad Atzmon's ‘Orient House Ensemble’ and started his long time collaborations with renown saxophonist Tim Garland and pianist Gwilym Simcock. Read more.
How can I watch it?
Our streamed event can be viewed on this page, or on our dedicated Department of Music YouTube channel for 30-days after premiere (link embedded).
Further information
Open to all. Our digital events will be premiered at the stated start time and will be available to view for one-month.