Everyone welcome to celebrate music at BBC Proms at The Glasshouse
Friday 26 – Sunday 28 July
The Glasshouse is welcoming BBC Proms for a packed weekend of music this July. And remaining true to its name as a place where music lives and grows, the venue will be alive with new music as a free BBC Introducing stage is announced.
A three-day programme of free music, soundscapes, public artwork and even a soundbath in the public spaces overlooking the River Tyne will ensure The Glasshouse is buzzing throughout a weekend already packed with incredible artists as tickets sell fast for concerts already announced in its two unique gig spaces.
The programme is curated in partnership with BBC Introducing and BBC Open Music, and has the theme Made in the North. It is a fantastic opportunity to put the spotlight on a range of North East artists from the worlds of neo-soul, jazz and folk and give them space to shine at the Proms.
Audiences don’t need a ticket to come and explore the concourse programme. Curious folk who want to drop in, can come and feel a part of the celebration of music and sound through this free curated programme.
The free programme of events:
From Friday to Sunday there will be Soundscapes, designed by the next generation of sound artists in Open Music and a public art installation which invites visitors to leave a memento of their experience.
On Friday (26th July) evening, the Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia gives a free performance on the concourse. And everyone is invited to come and discover what a digital soundbath is, led by Open Music in the Northern Rock Foundation Hall.
Saturday’s (27th July) concourse programme stretches from early to late into the night.
One of the big attractions on Saturday will be the BBC Introducing take-over of the concourse stage, the perfect warm-up for Proms concerts from Jordan Rakei and Royal Northern Sinfonia (Saturday 27 July, 7.30pm) and the special BBC Introducing – Live at The Proms featuring Theon Cross with support from Knats, hosted by BBC Radio 3’s Soweto Kinch (Saturday 27 July, 10pm). North East natives Knats are an inspiring addition to the Proms, making dance music influenced by the jazz, drum & bass, house and gospel the young members grew up surrounded by.
On the concourse stage, The Glasshouse and BBC Introducing will be showcasing the next wave of independent North East artists including: Rivkala, whose journey from the Yiddishe shtetl to the UK’s stages is a testament to her resilience and talent; Newcastle’s SwanNek, formed in 2020, redefining jazz with their collaborative spirit; Dilutey Juice, formed during the pandemic, brings an infectious energy with their unique blend of Afro-Beat, house, techno, free jazz, and punk rock; Proud Northern outfit, the Abbie Finn Trio, led by drummer and composer Abbie Finn, delivers contemporary jazz with originality and vitality; hailing from the East Midlands, Sharifa captivates audiences worldwide with his unique fusion of hip-hop and alt-pop; and Malunga, a vocalist whose soulful sound draws inspiration from icons like James Morrison and India Arie.
This BBC Introducing Stage is free to enjoy and the Late Opening Party with DJs Westy and Santa Leticia taking the music through to 1.30am.
Sunday (28th July) welcomes folk musicians from the North East including The Early Purple, Ernie and previous Glasshouse Artist in Residence Ceitidh Mac for acoustic performances on the concourse stage ahead of the family concert, Fantasy, Myths and Legends with Voices of the River’s Edge choir and Royal Northern Sinfonia in Sage One.
Abigail Pogson, Managing Director of The Glasshouse said: “The music scene in the North East is really exciting just now, with musicians in all genres making some of the most interesting music emerging in the UK. In partnership with BBC Proms, BBC Introducing and BBC Open Music, we want to put as many bands and artists in the national spotlight. This free programme of concerts on the Concourse stage, alongside our programme of concerts as part of the nationwide activity of BBC Proms will offer audiences coming to The Glasshouse for the weekend a chance to hear the future of music. Even if you’ve not got tickets to a gig, it will be worth coming down to the venue to hear what’s on our free stages.”
David Pickard, BBC Proms Director, said: “Last year, we welcomed almost five-and-a-half thousand people to the BBC Proms in Gateshead, over half of them new to classical music in the venue, so I am thrilled that the BBC Proms in partnership with The Glasshouse are presenting another outstanding programme featuring some of the North East’s most exciting musicians. BBC Introducing has championed many of today’s biggest names in music, from Florence + the Machine – making her own BBC Proms debut at the Royal Albert Hall later in the season – to Ed Sheeran and Little Simz. Together with our BBC Open Music trainees they have programmed an impressive three-day programme, totally free, where audiences in the North East may bear witness to the next big star.”
Details on the timings can be found on The Glasshouse website and its social channels. And all the concourse activity is unticketed so people can plan their weekend or be entirely spontaneous.
For those still keen to wrap in a ticket to either Sage One for the full promming experience, or the more intimate concerts in Sage Two there are some tickets still available for most concerts.
The full line-up can be seen here:
/ENDS
Media contacts:
For press enquiries please contact Susie Gray, Premier Scotland
+44 7834 073 795 / Susie.Gray@premiercomms.com
Or Jackie Thompson, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music
Jackie.thompson@theglasshouseicm.org
Notes to editors:
Free programme and Concourse Stage listings:
Friday 26th July
6.30 – 6.55pm Pre-concert talk featuring Dr Jacob Downs
7 – 7.15pm- RNS Chorus performance concourse
9.30 – 10.30pm Digital soundbath led by Open Music, NRFH
Saturday 27th July
Young Composers workshops, Make Music Centre (free sign-up required)
12 – 7pm BBC Introducing stage – featuring Rivkala, SwanNek, Dilutey Juice, Abbie Finn Trio, Sharifa, Malunga and DJs. Hosted by BBC Introducing North East’s Shakk.
11.30pm Late opening party with DJs Westy and Santa Leticia til 1.30am, concourse
Sunday 28th July
11am – 2.30pm – Acoustic performances – Ceitidh Mac, The Early Purple and Ernie perform.
BBC Introducing Concourse Stage Artists:
Rivkala
Soulful. Captivating. A musical storyteller.
Rivkala’s journey from the Yiddishe shtetl to the UK’s stages is a testament to her resilience and talent. Winner of Drake Music’s Emergent Artist of 2023, she blends melancholic jazz with raw storytelling inspired by Nina Simone, Carole King, and Amy Winehouse. Her debut single “Zip Lock Teeth” has garnered radio play and acclaim, and her upcoming EP “Crushed Velvet” is highly anticipated. Don’t miss her soulful performance.
Ceitidh Mac
Captivating. Melodic. Folk sounds with a progressive twist.
Ceitidh Mac is a unique alt-folk singer and cellist known for her stunning voice and innovative blend of live and electronic elements with folk influences. Originally from Pembrokeshire and now based in Newcastle, she has released several EPs, including “I Reach for the Pen” and “Seabird,” with support from BBC Radio and Amazing Radio. Awarded the Drake YolanDa Award in 2022 and Artist in Residence at The Glasshouse, she tours extensively and performs at major festivals like Shambala and Green Man. Ceitidh has shared the stage with alt-folk hero Rachael Dadd, progressive jazz sensation Alabaster Deplume and Dublin folk legends Lankum, cementing her status as a dynamic force in the music scene.
SwanNek
Innovative. Dynamic. A combustion of musical talent.
Newcastle’s SwanNek, formed in 2020, is redefining jazz with their collaborative spirit. Led by Findlay Hewitson on keys, the collective includes talented musicians like Mollie Birmingham on vocals, Jake Baines on bass, Bailey Rudd on drums, Jacob Egglestone on guitar and trumpet, Ruby Oldknow on flute and Olly Styles on tenor sax. Their debut release “Lucid Dreams” earned them BBC Introducing’s track of the week. With a vibrant live presence and a growing fanbase, SwanNek’s performance is a must-see.
Dilutey Juice:
Energetic. Eclectic. Music to make you dance.
Dilutey Juice, formed during the pandemic, brings an infectious energy with their unique blend of Afro-Beat, house, techno, free jazz, and punk rock. Featuring Billy Bradshaw on trumpet, Ben Fitzgerald on Drums, Thomas Dixon on Saxophone and Lewis Wilkinson on sousaphone, they’ve electrified audiences and supported acts like TOO MANY ZOOZ. Their dynamic street performances are a highlight you won’t want to miss.
Abbie Finn Trio
Original. Vibrant. Proud Northern spirit.
The Abbie Finn Trio, led by drummer and composer Abbie Finn, delivers contemporary jazz with originality and vitality. Featuring Harry Keeble on saxophone and Paul Grainger on double bass, their latest album “Stotties for Three” has earned praise from Jazz FM and performances at top UK festivals. Dubbed ‘The one to watch’ by Jazzwise magazine, Abbie Finn’s trio promises a captivating set.
Sharifa
Playful. Genre-Blending. Retro-futurism.
Hailing from the East Midlands, Sharifa captivates audiences worldwide with his unique fusion of hip-hop and alt-pop. Described by Robin Murray at CLASH Magazine as “melding hip-hop with an assured alt-pop sound,” Sharifa’s music stands out in today’s music landscape. His latest track “SOMEONE” dives into early pop-punk, evoking the energy and emotion of Blink-182 and Paramore, a sentiment echoed by Erica Campbell in Paper Magazine.
Malunga
Soulful. Authentic. A voice that stops you in your tracks.
Meet Malunga, a captivating vocalist whose soulful sound draws inspiration from icons like James Morrison and India Arie. As a Roundhouse Resident artist, she honed her songwriting and performance skills, delivering her debut EP ‘Exhibit A’ and the single ‘Whispers in the Dark,’ which was playlisted by Toddla T on BBC Radio 1.
Now, Malunga is poised to release her most authentic, passionate, and meticulously crafted work to date. Her new material showcases her rich, unique tone, playful melodies, and heartfelt storytelling, promising to resonate deeply with listeners and mark her as a standout talent in the music world.
Ticketed Concerts:
Friday 26 July / 7.30pm
BBC Proms – Sibelius Violin Concerto
Dinis Sousa conductor
Alena Baeva violin
Royal Northern Sinfonia
Friday 26 July / 11pm
BBC Proms – Night Tracks Live
Sara Mohr-Pietsch presenter
Hannah Peel presenter
Saturday 27 July / 7.30pm
BBC Proms – Jordan Rakei & Royal Northern Sinfonia
Robert Ames conductor
Jordan Rakei
Royal Northern Sinfonia
Saturday 27 July / 10pm
BBC Proms – BBC Introducing Live at the Proms
Featuring Theon Cross and Knats
Sunday 28 July / 2.30pm
BBC Proms – Fantasy, Myths and Legends
Ellie Slorach conductor
Voices of the River’s Edge choir
Royal Northern Sinfonia
Sunday 28 July / 3pm
BBC Proms – Daniel Pioro & Friends
Daniel Pioro violin
Ruby Hughes soprano
Clare O’Connell cello
David Gordon harpsichord
About The Glasshouse International Centre for Music
The Glasshouse International Centre for Music is a home for live music lovers.
It’s a place where you can hear rock legends or pop icons on the same night as folk trios or string quartets. Where new musicians are nurtured and showcased on the same stages as platinum-selling performers. And where youth choirs and tambourine-shaking toddlers practise in the same spaces as its acclaimed orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia.
Because as an international centre for music they’re focused on creating and celebrating outstanding music – whether that’s unearthing or growing talent from the region or bringing the world’s best artists to their stages. And as a charity they’re focused on making sure all of that is available to anyone – no matter where you’re from, how old you are, how much money you have, or what challenges you face.
Which is why every year more than 2 million people are able to enjoy top-notch gigs, concerts, and classes – in their venue at Gateshead Quays, out in communities across the North East, and through livestreamed performances and digital lessons.
Whether you’re making it up or taking it in, you’ll find music lives and grows here.
More about The Glasshouse
- From global stars to artists starting out, The Glasshouse has hosted 10,022 performances, totalling 4.7m tickets. To have seen every performance would have meant seeing one show every day for 27 years.
- It’s hosted over 220,000 music lessons for North East folk. The region’s young people have learnt to play, sing or produce with us, on over 1.7m occasions.
- Royal Northern Sinfonia perform at The Glasshouse, tour the region, and have played to international audiences on four continents, with livestreams reaching people across five.
- Like stepping stones, artists like Ward Thomas have worked their way from their free stages to selling out its big hall and getting global recognition.
- The Glasshouse regularly opens its doors to a wide range of conferences and events. Since 2004, they’ve welcome over 400,000 delegates from the likes of Greggs, NHS and British Engines, and many, many more.
- The charity is one of Gateshead’s biggest employers, and so far it’s generated £500m of economic value to the region.
- The charity has been the proud guardians of The Glasshouse for almost 20 years, safeguarding it when live music was put on hold during the pandemic.
- The centre has 630 panes of glass and stands 40m tall.
BBC Open Music
BBC Open Music brings creatives and musicians of all genres, styles and backgrounds from across the UK to the BBC; designed to develop new skills whilst exploring collaborations and ideas across orchestral and classical music broadcasting at the BBC. Trainees receive training sessions, masterclasses, hands-on experience and mentoring to develop their skills, voice and ideas across the following areas radio production, live event production, presenting, sound recording and engineering and digital production.