ABINGDON: The Unicorn Theatre

Tuesday 13th February, 2024

7:00pm

Event information

We are delighted to welcome the brilliant Peter Knight and John Spiers to The Unicorn Theatre.

The exquisite explorations of the liminal space that exists between traditional and classical music is what makes the music of Peter Knight and John Spiers so compelling and beguiling, ultimately rendering genres irrelevant.

The duo has developed into one of the most thrilling exponents of traditional tunes and songs, repurposing the material as jumping-off points into the most enchanting exploration. It’s largely through touring as a duo that they’ve been able to develop what has become an extraordinary partnership, giving them the confidence to record their latest studio album, Both in a Tune. Released in 2022, it was chosen as one of the ‘10 Best New Albums from Around the World’ by the influential music journal, SONGLINES.

While Peter Knight, as part of Steeleye Span’s classic 1970s line-up, helped invent a brand of folk rock that is still influential today, John Spiers as co-founder of the almighty Bellowhead has had an equally profound impact on the landscape of traditional music over the last two decades.

The pairing of violin and melodeon is not a new one, but in the hands of Knight and Spiers, improvisation and invention meet the listener at every turn. Together they have created a musical document that resonates with history, but also something that should inspire future generations of musicians to engage with Britain’s folk dancing heritage, and the beautiful, mysterious tunes that can be found within that heritage.

These uniquely gifted musicians make a sublime pairing, and create a live performance to be remembered for a long time.

“An extraordinary collaboration between two musicians at the absolute top of their game. This is an adventure that takes in musical detours you'd be mad to ignore” - Tradfolk

“A beautiful snapshot of two musicians at the pinnacle of their craft. Listeners will find themselves lost in something magical; anyone will struggle to find something as masterful as this for a long, long time” - Bright Young Folk

Support is from Purbeck Rising winner Calum Gilligan, who some may have seen in Faringdon or Harwell in recent years.

Doors and bar at 7pm, music at 7:15pm.

Checker Walk
Abingdon
OX14 3JB

www.musicattheunicorn.org.uk