The Sage pays tribute to musical greats

Jan 6 2009 by Barbara Hodgson, The Journal

From the anniversary of Mendelssohn’s birth to 1,000 years of popular music, plus Grace Jones and a spot of dance in between, The Sage Gateshead has it covered this month, as Barbara Hodgson reports.

JANUARY is a time to look ahead but there’s no harm in giving an appreciative nod to the past too – as in The Sage Gateshead’s January programme with its tributes to some musical greats.

After a couple of days’ closure during maintenance work, it’s now back to business at the venue.

And tomorrow kicks off the celebratory spirit with Newcastle International Chamber Music Society presents Dante Quartet – the winners of the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society Award for Chamber Music in 2007.

The concert celebrates the birth of Mendelssohn, 200 years ago, with music discovered posthumously amongst his papers; and the 50th anniversary – in 2008 – of the death of Vaughan Williams, with a rare performance of his second quartet.

In between comes Mozart’s anniversary tribute to a friend and fellow musician, and another to Haydn, the father of the string quartet, in the 200th anniversary year of his death.

Haydn’s anniversary is also marked as part of Thursday’s concert by regular favourites Northern Sinfonia – when Stravinsky’s popular The Firebird will be another highlight.

Other Northern Sinfonia dates include Sir Thomas Allen sings Mozart on January 17.

One of the greatest baritones of our time, Sir Thomas will sing some of Mozart’s greatest arias, while Northern Sinfonia teams up with music director Thomas Zehetmair.

Northern Sinfonia with Zehetmair has been described as one of the most daring Mozartian orchestras in the country, so this promises to be quite a night.

In Hall Two on the same evening is The James Taylor Quartet, whose jazz funk sound is familiar in TV and film themes, such as the soundtrack for Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.

And how’s this for variety: Anton and Erin – Cheek to Cheek on January 19.

TV’s Strictly Come Dancing stars Anton du Beke and Erin Boag will glide through a mix of dance styles from the tango, rumba and chacha-cha to waltz and foxtrot as music and songs take the audience back to the golden age of Hollywood and the world of Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern and George and Ira Gershwin as well as the some live Latin grooves.

Then the inimitable Grace Jones takes to the stage on January 21.

The iconic former model, actress and comeback queen, will no doubt give us a night to remember, with a taste of her new album Hurricane – her first in 19 years.

January 23 brings us a chance to reflect on our musical heritage as Richard Thompson: marks 1,000 Years of Popular Music.

At the forefront of the folk-rock scene for over 30 years as a songwriter and guitarist, Thompson’s trademark humour promises to be evident in his selection of the greatest songs of the 1,000 years, with a musical journey from the ballads of the early middle ages on to artistes ranging from Nat King Cole to The Who.

On January 25, Opera North offers a rare chance to hear Strauss’s Elektra, exactly a 100 years since its premiere, and promising a star-studded cast in the tale of the vengeful daughter of Klytemnestra who, together with her lover, murdered husband, Agamemnon.

There’s plenty more in store too, including country and bluegrass from Grammy award-winning singer Kathy Mattea, joined by The Wilders on January 22; gospel-powered, blues with Marlena Shaw on January 28; and music fun for children.

At the end of the month comes Lark Rise to Candleford: The Lark Rise Band.

Made famous in the recent TV series, Flora Thompson’s story recalling the rural England of late 19th Century was formerly a play and Ashley Hutchings of The Albion Band created the music. Now he’s back with a new Lark Rise Band on January 31.

He’ll face some stiff competition from Hall One which, on the same day, hosts an event called Come and Sing – an invitation to all.

Anyone who can read music will be led through some vocal training from 2.30pm on January 31 in readiness for a performances at 7.30pm.

Literally something for everyone.

For details of the full programme visit www.thesagegateshead.co.uk or call (0191) 443-4661.