SHEFFIELD: The Greystones

Wednesday 22nd March, 2017

7:00pm

Event information

Northumbrian piper and composer Kathryn Tickell performs with her long-time collaborator Amy Thatcher (accordion, clog dancing). Evocative slow airs that could break your heart move seamlessly into rapid-fire jigs and reels. Amy’s clog steps provide a joyous percussive element. A very special evening is in store with this sparkling duo.

Kathryn Tickell is widely acclaimed as the foremost exponent of the Northumbrian pipes. She is a composer, performer, educator and recording artist whose work is deeply rooted in the landscape and people of Northumbria. She has released 15 of her own albums to date and has also recorded and performed with Sting, The Chieftains, Penguin Café Orchestra, Jon Lord, Evelyn Glennie, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, London Sinfonietta and many others. In 2015 she was awarded the OBE for services to folk music.

Amy Thatcher is a professional accordionist and composer based in the North East of England. Her reputation as one of the UK’s leading folk accordionists is garnered from working with legends such as Kathryn Tickell, Sting and the Royal Northern Sinfonia. Amy is a key member of several well known folk acts in the UK including Kathryn Tickell’s The Side, The Shee, and The Monster Ceilidh Band. Amy’s musical upbringing owes a lot to Stockport’s famous “Fosbrook’s Folk Education Trust” with whom she trained from the age of eight on accordion, fiddle, piano and clog dancing. During this time Amy was taught by, and recorded with, accordion virtuoso Murray Grainger. She continued her musical education in Newcastle on the prestigious Folk and Traditional Music degree course.

“I can’t remember feeling so exhilarated by such a match of music and landscape.” Richard Morrison, The Times (on Northumbrian Voices).

“Kathryn’s musical exuberance and regional rootedness… endow her music with originality, power and joy.” Songlines