The Bowes Museum is transforming its elegant Jubilee Room into one of the North East’s most exciting new music and cultural spaces. With under 100 seats, the ‘In Concert at The Bowes Museum’ series offers audiences the rare chance to experience world-class artists up close, in an intimate setting unlike anything else in the region.
Following sold-out shows earlier this year, the programme now forms part of a longer-term vision to bring international-quality performances to Barnard Castle.
This month’s line-up blends acclaimed musicians with leading contemporary artists, promising a month of unforgettable experiences.
A highlight is St Catherine’s Child, the performing name of Ilana Zsigmond, appearing on Sunday 12th October. One of the most exciting new voices in Americana and indie-folk, Zsigmond was recently welcomed into the Recording Academy as part of their “Class of 2024”. Her debut album, ‘This Might Affect You’, has won acclaim for its deeply personal songwriting, combining British wit with transatlantic musical roots. This Bowes date is a rare opportunity to see an artist on the rise in an intimate UK setting before larger stages inevitably beckon.
Turner Prize–nominated artist Nathan Coley appears In Conversation as part of the series Saturday 11th October, giving audiences a chance to hear from one of the UK’s leading contemporary art voices as The Bowes Museum celebrates art across disciplines.
On Saturday 1st November, audiences can experience Chris Difford, best known as the co-founder and lyricist of Squeeze. Difford has written some of the most enduring songs of the last forty years, from ‘Cool for Cats’ to ‘Up the Junction’. An Ivor Novello Award winner and one of the UK’s most respected songwriters, he brings his songs and stories to The Bowes in a way few audiences will have experienced – stripped back, personal, and immediate. With demand expected to be high, it is a rare opportunity to see a genuine icon of British music in such close quarters.
Looking ahead, November continues the momentum with Fyfe Dangerfield (ex-Guillemots) on Saturday 15th November, the passion of flamenco master Juan Martín on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd November, and the spellbinding voice of Nerina Pallot on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th December.
With pre-concert suppers available in the museum café, a welcoming and intimate setting, and free on-site parking, In Concert at The Bowes Museum is as much about the experience as the performance.
For further information and tickets, head to thebowesmuseum.org.uk.