Music inspired by dance

A CONCERT of music inspired by dance comes to Warrington next month – with two top regional ensembles joining forces.
The North Cheshire Wind Orchestra and big band Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats will present “Tangos and Fandangos” at the Parr Hall on February 7 at 7.30pm.
The first half of the concert includes vibrant repertoire by leading contemporary composers.
Eine Kleine Yiddishe Ragmusik, from the pen of Adam Gorb, head of composition at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, draws on ragtime and Jewish folk music recalling 1930s Berlin.
Dominic Muldowney’s Dance Suite portrays a variety of dance forms, from the ancient Hey to a thoroughly modern Break Dance. Roberto Sierra’s Fandangos, included at the First Night of the Proms in 2002, provides Mediterranean warmth. Finally, Michael Gandolfi’s Vientos y Tangos vividly evokes the passion of the tango.
After the interval, the big band will present a tribute to jazz clarinettist Benny Goodman’s famous 1938 Carnegie Hall concert which will have everyone dancing in the Parr Hall aisles just as they did in New York seventy years ago. With favourites such as Sing Sing Sing and Stompin’ at the Savoy alongside lesser known numbers, the Cats with vocalist Jo Howarth will get the joint jumping.
Conductor Catherine Parsonage, who will also take the role of Benny Goodman, said: “This programme is an excellent antidote to the post-Christmas and New Year blues, especially for those experiencing withdrawal symptoms from Strictly Come Dancing”.
Tickets are available at credit crunch busting prices too – £8/£7 concessions/£3 children from the Parr Hall Box Office 01925 422345 and on the door.