All the festivities are over and the January blues is now upon us with an undoubtedly busy and stressful second term ahead. However in the world of the arts here at Lancaster University there are many delights making an appearance in the Live at LICA programme this Lent Term to keep your spirits up. The Autumn line up of brilliantly talented and accomplished musicians, actors and dancers that we were so lucky to have here in our Great Hall and Nuffield Theatre brought in and dazzled audiences across the university and beyond and caused some pretty competitive ticket sales. The canvases, sculptures and wonderful colour that lined the Peter Scott Gallery as well equally had people in awe and it’s safe to say that LICA is now an important home of professional contemporary art. The Spring season of the academic year is looking even more tasty, so here’s what’s in store over the next few months.
From richly colourful orchestral and choir performances to powerful big bands and virtuosic solo artists, the Great Hall always welcomes a fabulous array of musicians, with Thursday evenings being the regular time for music. Spring 2013’s debut performance comes from string ensemble “Chroma” on 24th January. A contemporary eight piece group who thoroughly entertained crowds here last year have an excellent programme lined up that promises to be quite experimental and enlightening so make sure you’re there for some real character to start the season. Following this February sees the “Beats and Pieces Big Band” take to the stage to stun us with the contagious energy that live big bands always deliver before March plays host to some phenomenal soloists including pianist Gabriela Montero and trumpeter TineThing Helseth with a homely treat from the Lancashire Sinfonietta on the 14th March. A truly indescribable programme in store which springs two to words to mind; play on.
In the Nuffield Theatre this Spring Lancaster succeeds again in setting out a juicy programme. Highlights include “Imitating the Dog: The Zero Hour” at the end of January written and directed by our very own head of LICA Andrew Quick who Scan writer Sophie Barrett will be interviewing about the ideas behind this breath-taking play. Also lined up is the intriguing performance of Michael Pinchbeck’s “The Beginning” which explores the beginnings of important life experiences for us all including careers and relationships. In Dance, the unmissable 2013 Dance Cuts Showcase will be taking place on 2nd March involving all sorts of new dance works from across the North West to please all audiences wherever your dance enthusiasm lies. There’s something for everyone in our little black box this Spring so grab your seat for the best innovative theatre around.
Last but certainly not least the Peter Scott Gallery will be introducing two exhibitions this term; Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard’s “Jumpers” and “In Residence”. The former is a newly commissioned video installation by the British artists which documents a live experiment in manipulation and compliance which should be a thought provoking experience for all. The latter is one exhibition of a series of events which will display residency-generated material leading smoothly into the Curate the Campus programme of next term.
As you can see this action packed season of art here at Lancaster is not to be missed so go ahead and indulge yourselves in some awesome creativity that’s waiting for you on your doorstep! You can also find out more about performances by going to www.liveatlica.org/whats-on.
