Lose yourself to dance, be enchanted by the orchestra and bop to the beat of the city’s thriving music scene
Classical
Fenella Humphreys performs at Kettle’s Yard on 19 May
The halls of Kettle’s Yard will be filled with instrumental ensemble concerts this May, as its 2021-22 Chamber Music Series draws to a close. On 5 May, pianist Melvyn Tan offers a repertoire spanning Schumann and Chopin to Ravel and Dove, while on 12 May, Solem Quartet perform music by Mendelssohn and Beethoven, plus a new commission by David John Roche. On 19 May, there’s the chance to hear Fenella Humphreys, one of the UK’s most established violinists. Concluding the season on 26 May will be cellist Alexander Baillie and pianist Nigel Yandell, with music by Fauré, Ravel and Rebecca Clarke. At Saffron Hall on 8 May, Saffron Walden Symphony Orchestra presents a commission by young composer Lewis Edmunds. The orchestra will also play work by Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky. On 29 May, Miloš offers an absorbing 90-minute set of classical guitar, with music by Fernando Sor, Bach, Heitor Villa-Lobos and more. Cambridge Philharmonic also returns to West Road Concert Hall on 21 May, for what promises to be an evening of sensational music by Libby Larsen, Jonathan Dove and Rachmaninov. Over at Stapleford Granary, there’s the chance to hear works by Beethoven, Strauss, Bowen and Dukes performed by 2020 winner of the BBC Young Musician Brass Category, Annemarie Federle, alongside Dafydd Chapman on 8 May. Also at the Granary, Adrian Bradbury and Andrew West present an extraordinary programme of Alfredo Patti’s ingenious operatic fantasies on 15 May, whilst on 20 May the Dante Quartet performs Robert Simpson’s exceptional 8th quartet and Beethoven’s quartet in C sharp minor.
Eclectic mix
Whether you’re into folk, dubstep or Britpop, Cambridge Junction has something for everyone this month. On 5 May, fiddler Sam Sweeney takes the stage to stir emotions and revive English traditional music. Folk fans should check out The Grahams, a Nashville-based duo whose nostalgic and uplifting tunes are a comfort to the soul – catch them on 9 May. Ana Silvera celebrates the release of her new studio album, The Fabulist, with a concert on 10 May, where sweet melodies and poetic storytelling combine. Then, on 11 May, there’s Brothers Osborne (pictured above), who meld country and rock to create a fresh sound. For a hit of pop, don’t miss Sleeper on 7 May – after a 20-year hibernation, they’re back to give us a dose of 90s nostalgia. On 12 May, Confidence Man is serving fearlessly self-assured tunes with sassy, tongue-in-cheek anthems on tap. For surreal, dreamlike musings in musical form, Will Varley’s concert on 14 May is sure to please; or for something a little off the wall, enter L’entourloop’s wonderfully unique universe on 22 May, where two inexhaustible seniors command the stage alongside great guests. For even more variety, check out Stapleford Granary‘s full lineup this month: on 1 May, enjoy Tori Freestone and Alcyona Mick’s melting pot of musical influences ranging from jazz, English folk, and Brazilian music, to silent film, Monk and more. On 6 May, catch Siobhan Miller, a celebrated folk singer and songwriter who’s been touted as ‘one of the best Scottish traditional singers on the planet’ (fRoots). Then on 11 May, Zoe Francis performs a selection of bittersweet songs from her new album, Blue Town, with accompaniment by award-winning guitarist Jim Mullen and Ross Stanley on Hammond organ. Towards the end of the month, the Granary hosts Scottish harp virtuoso Ruth Wall, who’ll offer a medley of Gaelic songs adapted for the harp.
Big Hits
KSI performs at the Junction on 30 May
Cambridge is fortunate to welcome lots of major names to its stages every month, and May is no exception. The Junction hosts Peter Doherty on 20 May, who’ll be unveiling songs from his upcoming album, The Fantasy Life of Poetry & Crime – his most intimate and revealing work yet. On 23 May, there’s a chance to see soul singer and songwriter JP Cooper for the first time in three years, with songs from his highly anticipated second album, She. On 24 May, masters of Irish folk Dervish bring their spellbinding music to Cambridge for one of seven UK shows. They’ll showcase songs from an extensive back catalogue, including new arrangements from their latest critically acclaimed album. On 30 May, YouTube-made rapper KSI promises mind-blowing production and special guests, plus a chance to sample his latest work. Hot acts at the Corn Exchange this month include Neil Hannon, who’s touring top hits and fan favourites on 5 May, followed by Tony Hadley, celebrating 40 years in the business on 6 May. And don’t miss multi-platinum-selling vocal harmony group, The Overtones, on 30 May.
Get your tickets now for what’s shaping up to be an incredibly musical May!
