North Tyneside Council presents Kathryn Tickell and The Side
Kathryn Tickell and The Side
Channeling their diverse musical experiences into a powerful new sound The Side stay true to the spirit and essence of Kathryn’s own Northumbrian folk tradition whilst unleashing the talent and creativity of each individual musician. Evocative slow airs that could break your heart move seamlessly into life-affirming jigs and reels; Amy storms into a clog dance; Kathryn’s dizzying rapid-fire piping contrasts with the richness of the cello and Ruth’s sparkling harp playing melds it all together – a very special evening is in store in the company of Kathryn and The Side.
Kathryn Tickell - Northumbrian pipes, fiddle
Ruth Wall - harp
Amy Thatcher - accordion, clog dancing
Louisa Tuck - cello
Kathryn Tickell is the foremost exponent of the Northumbrian pipes, a composer, performer, educator and recording artist whose work is deeply rooted in the landscape and people of Northumbria. Kathryn works collaboratively across many genres, making her work contemporary and exciting. In 2009, she received The Queen's Medal for Music, awarded to those deemed to have made an outstanding contribution to British music. In 2013 she was awarded "Musician of the Year" in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Kathryn has released 15 of her own albums to date and has also recorded and performed with The Chieftains, Penguin Cafe Orchestra, Jon Lord, Evelyn Glennie, Liverpool Philharmonic, London Sinfonietta and many others. Kathryn is the founder of The Young Musicians Fund, which has raised over £100,000 for young people in the North East. In 2015 she became a Deputy Lieutenant of Northumberland.
Amy Thatcher is an accordionist and clog dancer who has worked with Kathryn on various projects including ‘JigHop’ a multi-genre spectacular commissioned for the 2012 Olympics celebrations. Amy is also a member of The Shee and The Monster Ceilidh Band. Classically trained Scottish harpist Ruth Wall performs as a soloist and in some of the most exciting ensembles and bands (Goldfrapp, Fitkin) as well as working extensively with composers, orchestras, electronic and visual artists. Louisa Tuck is Section Leader cellist at the Royal Northern Sinfonia, a position she has held since 2007. She is a regular guest principal with many UK orchestras including the John Wilson Orchestra and the CBSO. Louisa plays a rare Italian cello dated 1752 by Jacobus Cordanus.
“I can’t remember feeling so exhilarated by such a match of music and landscape.” Richard Morrison, The Times
The Side album reviews:
“...blissfully intuitive and empathetic mix of styles … Magnificent!” fRoots
“musical exuberance and regional rootedness that endow her music with originality, power and joy.” Songlines
“An elegant, beautifully played fusion.” The Observer
TICKETS ARE ON SALE FRIDAY 15TH MAY AT 10 AM, FROM THE BOOKING HOTLINE 0844 248 1588 ONLINE, OR FROM THE PLAYHOUSE BOX OFFICE IN PERSON.