Kathryn Tickell is the foremost exponent of the Northumbrian pipes, a composer, performer and successful recording artist whose work is deeply rooted in the landscape and people of Northumbria.
She first took up the Northumbrian smallpipes at the age of nine, learning in the traditional way from shepherd musicians in outlying hill farms near her home. All the elements of landscape, weather and stories of the people that lived and worked there were part of her childhood. Kathryn's personal evocation of this is heard through the traditional tunes and songs that she brings to audiences all over the world.
Kathryn also works collaboratively across many genres, making her work contemporary and exciting. She has released 14 of her own albums to date and has also recorded and performed with Sting, The Chieftains, The Penguin Café Orchestra, Evelyn Glennie, Andy Sheppard, Joanna MacGregor and many others.
Kathryn's BBC Proms commission for London Sinfonietta, Muzsikas and Folkestra was premiered in 2008. Then in 2009 she received the Queen's Medal for Music, awarded to artists judged to have made an exceptional contribution to British music.
Of all the richly multifarious projects encompassed by Kathryn Tickell's nearly 30-year career to date, her latest release Northumbrian Voices is perhaps the one she was born to create. Interweaving songs, tunes and spoken-word narrative, performed by a six-strong cast spanning three generations, it leads listeners on a magical, moving, humbling and often hilarious journey through the culture and lore of her family's native North Tyne Valley.
The show starts at approximately 8pm. Tickets are £17 (with £15 concessions) from the box office on 01284 75800 or via the website - www.theapex.co.uk.
