John Surman

Tonight’s performance is a one-off opportunity to experience one of Europe’s most acclaimed, adventurous and inventive musicians in the setting of the magnificent Reading Room. This is sure to be a spine tingling and evocative festival experience, as the reverberant acoustics enhance the lyrical melodies and haunting tones of Surman’s work.

Playing music from his landmark recordings The Spaces in Between and Coruscating set against brooding and sensitive string arrangements of the Trans4mation String Quartet. Surman’s work has been compared to the music of Vaughan Williams and Benjamin Britten, but jazz is always a crucial component, combining improvisation with European chamber, orchestral and choral music.