Hidden Notes Records present a special double bill featuring 2 of the UK's leading contemporary chamber acts; neo-impressionist chamber quartet Spindle Ensemble and violin and cello Klezma duo Fran & Flora.
SPINDLE ENSEMBLE
Since their formation in Bristol in 2016, Spindle Ensemble have garnered much praise for their innovative take on contemporary classical music. Their distinctive sound is a combination of composer Daniel Inzani’s idiosyncratic modern-impressionist pieces and the deft musicianship and unorthodox instrumentation of piano and harp (Inzani), violin (Caelia Lunniss), cello (Jo Silverston), marimba and vibraphone (Harriet Riley). The ensemble are renowned for their beautiful use of melody and harmony and their unique narrative style which transports listeners into an inner-realm of imagery and storytelling.
Spindle Ensemble’s acclaimed latest album Inkling received features and reviews in the likes of the Big Issue, Electronic Sound, BBC Music Magazine, Louder Than War, Loud and Quiet, Joyzine and A Closer Listen and was listed in the Guardian’s 10 Best Contemporary Albums of 2021. They will also be performing works from their collaboration in Canada with the legendary Evergreen Club Contemporary Gamelan.
“Such a rich live feel” Gideon Coe on BBC Radio 6
“Sumptuous, broad ranging and beautiful.” Joyzine
“Beautiful sounds, definitely a band to watch” Fiona Talkington on BBC Radio 3, Late Junction
FRAN & FLORA
Multi-award nominated experimental-folk violin and cello duo Fran & Flora are celebrating the release of their self-produced 2nd album, 'Precious Collection’ (Hidden Notes Records, April 2024). Fran & Flora research and reinvent traditional Eastern European Jewish melodies and songs, infusing source material gleaned from archival recordings, recovered manuscripts and studies with traditional masters with improvisation and electronics to create a 'border-defying' aesthetic (Mojo).
Following the release of their debut album 'Unfurl' in Feb '19 (‘beguiling beauty’ - The Wire; ‘brave and classy’ - The Guardian; ‘indisputable virtuosity’ - Songlines), 'Precious Collection' explores the depths of Ter-Berg and Curzon's 10 year collaboration, featuring unique arrangements and self-penned tunes pushing their ground-breaking project to new heights.
Known for their dynamic live performances they have sold out venues including Kings Place and Cafe Oto, and have performed at festivals worldwide including Hidden Notes, London Jazz Festival, Smugglers, Fire In The Mountain, Shtetl Neukolln (Berlin), Ancienne Belgique (Brussels), and KlezKanada (Montreal).
"A string duo bound for glory..." Max Reinhardt, BBC Radio 3 Late Junction
"Brave and classy" The Guardian, Contemporary album of the month