Music for International Women’s Day
In his weekly That’s Entertainment column, Andy Tyler looks at what’s coming up in the West Norfolk arts scene...
Friday is International Women’s Day and I recommend the excellent selection of musical compositions being broadcast on BBC Radio 3 all day and in the evening, by well-known, and not so well-known, female composers. Pieces by Clara Schumann and Fanny Mendelssohn are included of course, but Amy Beach, Hildegard of Bingen and many others are being broadcast. If interested do make time to listen or catch up on BBC Sounds.
Highlights of this year’s King’s Lynn Festival were announced last week, which takes place between July 14 and 27. The full programme will be announced in early April. Public booking opens on May 13. Events featuring The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Bollywood Brass Band, Skampa Quartet, Emma Johnson, Alim Beisembayev, and The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain are included in a packed menu of musical delights and, of course, exhibitions, walks, talks, and films will feature. Sir James MacMillan will engage in a Question and Answer session with the Festival’s Artistic Director, Ambrose Miller. Foden’s Band will open the Festival and the popular Early Music Day at St Nicholas’ Chapel will be held.
Why not become a Festival Friend or Patron? Benefits include access to priority booking. For further information contact: 01553 767557 or visit: www.kingslynnfestival.org.uk
I must not fail to mention the virtuoso recital given by pianist Patrick Hemmerle of Three Operatic Transcriptions at the Festival Programme Launch. A fitting conclusion to the exciting newsworthy event.
Not to be forgotten is, of course, our other major Lynn Festival: Festival Too, and I notice they are presenting an evening of singing and dancing with Cecil Farayi and Local DJ on the evening of Friday, April 5 from 7.30pm until Midnight. North Wootton Village Hall is the venue. There will be a licensed bar. Tickets can be obtained via Bridget on 07795236616.
This year’s Diana Bullock Annual Memorial Lecture is to be given by Dr John Alban, Hon Senior Lecturer at UEA, and his subject is Henry Despenser Bishop of Norwich - Aspects of a Military Career. Wednesday, March 20 is the date for your diary, and the venue is King’s Lynn Town Hall. The lecture starts at 7.30pm. Book online at www.kingslynntownguides.co.uk or call : 01553 776632 or the TIC on:01553 774297.
My movie recommendation of the week is ‘Bob Marley: One Love’. The movie is a biopic, but presented in an entertaining way. Showing currently.
My book recommendation this week has to be any one of The Marlow Murder Club series by Robert Thorogood, simply because I used to live there, and a TV series is showing on Drama and UKTV Play. I don’t recall any murders happening when I was a Marlow resident, however!
True’s Yard Museum is always presenting excellent events and exhibitions. On March 21 they join with The College of West Anglia, in a special 1940s dining experience, with appropriate entertainment. The event takes place between 6pm and 8pm at The Novus Restaurant in the CWA. Adam Burns, CWA Novus chef, has devised the menu and museum curator Lindsey Bavin will be the guide. For further information contact the museum on: 01553 770479 or The Novus Restaurant on: 01553 815464. If you visit or contact the museum, why not enquire about becoming a friend?
The Arts Society of King’s Lynn is holding lectures on March 14, April 11 and May 9. Professional Guide Ian Swankie will give the lecture on March 14, entitled: The World’s most Expensive Art - where Leonardo meets Picasso. The talk will start promptly at 2.05pm, West Winch Village Hall. For details regarding attendance, lectures and membership visit theartssocietykingslynn.org.uk
Music in the Burnhams is holding its last Winter Music Supper Club on Tuesday, March 19 at 6.30pm. The singer and comedian Callum Adkins will provide the theatrical and musical entertainment. The menu is chicken or vegetarian curry with toffee pudding. A feast indeed! Booking is essential; ring 07989 177079 now. Full details of the 2024 music series are available at: www.musicintheburnhams.com
Lastly, looking forward, believe it or not , you can book for the fairest Panto in the land, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs being performed at Hunstanton’s Princess Theatre from Saturday, December 7 now by contacting the box office on: 01485 532252!
