February news

Spring is upon us with a lively series of duo concerts this month. Kathryn and Peter feature at the Customs House, South Shields (13th Feb) going on to Salford Quays, Lichfield, Totnes, Birmingham and Colchester later in the month (see ‘Performances’ section for full details). Several concerts are nearing capacity so do book as soon as you can. The full Kathryn Tickell Band have sneaked in a performance just at the end of February (29th) at Liverpool University. This concert has not been widely publicised but tickets are available to the general public via 0151 794 3266 or email enquiries to concerts@liv.ac.uk

Kathryn continues work on spnm’s ‘Folk from Here’ project, with workshops and rehearsals alongside Kuljit Bhamra, Marie Fielding, Jonathan Mayer and Julian Sutton. The project showcases new work by emerging composers and repertoire created by the artists involved. It culminates in selected UK performances during May – July. Full details of live dates have yet to be announced however you can read more about the project at www.spnm.org.uk

Kathryn’s new website

Seasonal greetings to all and warmest wishes for a very happy 2008. We hope you like the new website! There will be further developments and news updates so do check in from time to time. A link to Kathryn’s blog is on the homepage where you can also leave comments.

In late November Kathryn Tickell and Peter Tickell played two great concerts in Avilés and Bilbao, Spain. Follow this link to see atmospheric photos from the Bilbao concert Quickly re-packing suitcases, the Kathryn Tickell Band made off for Italy for concerts in Venice and Brindisi. Home now, for a relaxing Christmas before all the New Year’s activities begin.

New management for Kathryn Tickell

With an ever-increasing touring schedule, as well as composing, lecturing, TV and radio work, Kathryn Tickell has brought Genevieve Martin on board to manage her performance and project work. Genevieve comes from a background of touring, venue programming, and most recently project management for Dance4 and manager of international performance festival nottdance (Nottingham, UK).

The past year or so has seen Kathryn playing to capacity audiences throughout the UK, including a memorable concert attracting a 2000+ crowd at The Sage, Gateshead. Channel 5 broadcast Kathryn Tickell’s Northumbria twice over. Sir Peter Maxwell Davies composed Kettletoft Inn for Kathryn, dedicated to her re-awakening of Northumbria’s musical heritage. In recognition of her exceptional contribution to the region, Kathryn was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Northumbria in July 2007. Lecturing for the University of Newcastle and artistic directorship of the north’s young ensemble Folkestra are all part of her continued investment in young musicians.

2008 sees Kathryn Tickell Band and duo concerts throughout the year and the further development of a spoken-word project with harpist and singer Corinna Hewat (Bachué, The Unusual Suspects) using field recordings and landscape as inspiration. With over 20 years’ touring and composing, Kathryn Tickell continues to captivate and inspire audiences and fellow musicians alike.