York Minster announces top music programme for 2012

The Unthanks with Brighouse & Rastrick Brass Band, 17 August 2012

Aled Jones, 12 October 2012

Two major music acts have just been confirmed to headline an exciting musical year at York Minster. The Unthanks and Aled Jones will perform in the Nave, with The Unthanks with Brighouse and Rastrick Brass on 17 August at 8pm and Aled Jones on 12 October.

The two concerts are part of a year-round calendar welcoming international artists, talented local musicians and also composers, in the spotlight during the 8 Wonders season at York Minster.

Described by The Guardian as 'Haunting, original and magnificent' Mercury-nominated Tyneside band The Unthanks have a peerless approach to folk music. Their paradoxical journey of staunch traditionalism and sonic adventure continues with a collaboration with Brighouse & Rastrick Brass Band. The Brass Band are National Champions of Great Britain and regarded by many as the best and most consistent public subscription band in the world.

With a focus on the song-book of the coal-mining industry, The Unthanks will sing material from their past and current repertoire with arrangements re-imagined for the massed ranks of "Briggus', as well as material specially written and arranged for this project. Following a show-stealing performance at The BBC Folk Awards The Unthanks and Brighouse & Rastrick’s performance will feature new works from their soon-to-be released album.

Loved by the nation originally for his pure treble voice, Aled Jones recently celebrated over 25 years as a household name and his career is going from strength to strength. Aled currently has 29 albums to his name - selling over 6 million to date - and has been a presenter on ‘Songs of Praise’ for over 10 years.

Performing in Cathedrals has been a part of Aled’s life since his days in Bangor as a boy chorister. This tour sees Aled visit the length and breadth of the country. Despite visiting many Cathedrals regularly on Songs of Praise, this is going to be Aled’s first comprehensive live UK Cathedral tour.

Also new for 2012 at York Minster, Lunchtime Organ Promenades are being introduced for the first time in spring, allowing visitors to experience the power, but also the astonishing range of the Minster’s organ by including some surprising popular tunes. The first concert, on 27 April, features a double act of Director of Music Robert Sharpe and Assistant Director of Music David Pipe with selections of popular music. Concerts will be performed from the Minster’s organ in the Nave, allowing visitors to see the organist in action or simply listen while strolling around York Minster. The series continues every Friday at 1:10pm through 1 June and features organists from around the country.

Following on, York Minster’s popular evening Summer Organ Festival will be Jubilee-themed this year. Details on performers and music to be released soon and the concerts are scheduled for Saturdays at 7.00pm, starting 28 July through 15 September, but will include some established favourites in addition to a more experimental repertoire.

The music concerts are part of the many events, services and activities taking place in York Minster throughout the year, celebrating the 8 Wonders of York Minster. They start with the Wonder of Easter: the solemn majesty of York Minster’s traditional services, including Holy Week, with its Choral Evensong. This is followed by a week of holiday activities for families, and Tower Trips with an unusual chocolate theme.

Details of all the events and services taking place are available from York Minster’s website, http://www.yorksminster.org with regular updates also available on Facebook (www.facebook.com/yorkminster.org) and Twitter (twitter.com/York_Minster).

Tickets for The Unthanks are available now from the York Minster Box Office, boxoffice.yorkminster.org / 0844 939 0015. Tickets for Aled Jones go on sale Friday 23 March at 9am and are available from www.gigsandtours.com / 0844 811 0051 or www.ticketmaster.co.uk /0844 826 2826.

-ENDS-

For further information about upcoming events at York Minster or about the 8 Wonders of York Minster, contact Lisa Sinclair: 0844 939 0014 ext. 2480, 07785 615457.