The Suzie Sainsbury is a graceful, welcoming theat...

The Suzie Sainsbury is a graceful, welcoming theatre with excellent acoustics, offering an exciting proximity to the performers. Most importantly, it is an arena for listening to the brilliant student talents being nurtured in this amazing environment. This was all on show in Friday's concert, involving Kit Downes' piano trio, performing some intricate modern grooves, in the first set,and then, after, the interval, an explosive tribute to Kenny Wheeler, in which the students' Big Band, under Nick Smart's baton, rocked the hall with their well honed ensemble playing, the impressive brass attack sending shivers down the spine, and the inspired soloists setting out their stall with great fluency. Stan Sulzman, Norma Winstone and Evan Parker, generously guesting with the band, were the icing on the cake in an immense concert, which filled my heart with joyful optimism all the way home. Thanks for a great display of superb musicianship, which honoured Kenny's memory.
Add a photo