Wigmore Hall focusses on the local for spring concerts
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Over 200 UK-based musicians will perform 40 live-streamed concerts starting from 22 February
Photo: Benjamin Ealovega
In anticipation of the government's announcement of a roadmap out of lockdown next week, Wigmore Hall has unveiled its spring series, which will run from 22 February until 3 April.
More than 200 UK-based musicians will perform in the series. Every weeknight concert and most of the matinee concerts will be streamed live on HD on Wigmore Hall's website. Concerts will last 60-90 minutes in length with no interval, performed behind closed doors.
Performers will include Ian Bostridge, the Carducci Quartet, Julius Drake, Kirill Gerstein, Steven Isserlis, Sean Shibe, and Tenebrae.
John Gilhooly, director of Wigmore Hall said: ‘As the anniversary of UK’s first national lockdown approaches, the livelihoods of most musicians remain hugely precarious.
'Compounded by uncertainty over European travel in the next few months, it is more important than ever that Wigmore Hall plays a part in providing refuge for musicians in these impossibly challenging circumstances.'
Gilhooly also pointed out that, since the Hall started streaming concerts on 1 June last year, it has received nearly £1 million in donations.
He said: 'I cannot emphasise enough how vital every single contribution has been in enabling us to put on concerts to support musicians.’