A first ever folk festival is among the highlights of the spring season at Turner Sims, which includes everything from renowned classical musicians and genre-defying jazz artists to global folk traditions and boundary-pushing contemporary voices.
The Turner Sims Folk Weekend, from May 1-3, is a three day celebration bringing some of the very best folk artists to Southampton, including Lisa Knapp & Gerry Diver, Malin Lewis and The Furrow Collective, alongside free performances and family-friendly activities.
Other season highlights at the University of Southampton’s intimate music venue include stunning saxophonist, flautist and composer Jasmine Myra who returns with Rising, the radiant follow-up to her critically acclaimed album Horizons.
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A vibrant tribute to one of the twentieth century’s most powerful and influential voices, Lady Nade celebrates the enduring legacy of Nina Simone.
Drummer, percussionist and composer Sarathy Korwar makes his Turner Sims debut with music from his latest album There is Beauty, There Already. Blending Indian folk traditions with jazz and minimalism, Korwar creates a mesmerising, trance-like sound world built on circular rhythms and flowing textures.
Known for their work everywhere from Glastonbury Festival to care homes, Manchester Camerata are one of the UK’s most adventurous orchestras. They present a programme that bridges centuries and styles. From Anna Meredith’s gently immersive Lanolin to the rhythmic playfulness of Scrying, the concert explores contemporary sound alongside Beethoven’s inventive String Trio in D and his much-loved Septet.
Ngoni master Bassekou Kouyate and revered griot singer Amy Sacko perform as a duo, drawing on ancient texts and new stories sung in Bambara and Peul. This deeply personal performance offers a unique opportunity to experience the heart of Mali through sound.
Colourful, energetic and full of joy, saxophonist Jess Gillam returns with a programme that reflects her boundless musical curiosity. Joined by pianist Zeynep Özsuca and bassist Sam Becker, Gillam moves effortlessly between jazz, baroque and folk-inflected repertoire, from Phil Woods and Sidney Bechet to Corelli and Gershwin.
Brought together by a shared love of the iconic Scottish singer-songwriter, six piece band of respected leftfield and folk artists The John Martyn Project have established a huge national following for a sound that blends blues, rock, jazz and folk.
Book at turnersims.co.uk
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