Lancaster Arts has unveiled an ambitious lineup of live events for its spring season, themed around the concept of Dissent. The program includes a diverse range of performances, music, dance, and exhibitions, featuring a world premiere and works that will not be seen elsewhere in the north-west of England or, in some cases, the entire country.
The spring season kicks off on January 31 with the world premiere of BALANCE, a collaborative effort between artists Adam York Gregory and Gillian Jane Lees. This unique performance allows audiences to witness a sculpture being created live in the Peter Scott Gallery. This marks the first time in decades that the gallery will focus on sculpture, presenting three distinct exhibitions throughout the season.
In a noteworthy contribution, Tony Heaton OBE, a multi-award-winning sculptor and Lancaster University alumnus, will showcase Serial Dissenter. This exhibition features artworks that are rarely or never seen by the public, providing an exciting opportunity for art enthusiasts. The season will conclude with the exhibition Microtonal, presented by the renowned artist collective, Invisible Flock. This installation will feature 200 borindos, traditional clay flutes from Pakistan, creating a soundscape that serves as a form of gentle resistance and cultural preservation.
The concert series begins on February 13 with the esteemed Hanover Band, performing for the first time in northern England. This concert will feature a repertoire that spans the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras, played on period instruments by a group of 15 of Europe’s finest specialists. Classical music aficionados can also look forward to the Mansutti-Repini Duo, who will present A Century of Sonatas on clarinet and piano. The Manchester Camerata will return to Lancaster Arts on May 8 for a performance titled Beethoven, the Original Disruptor, held in the picturesque setting of Lancaster Priory. The season will wrap up on June 11 with a performance by the string quartet Ensemble Échappée, featuring works from composers known for their innovative approaches.
In addition to music, the Nuffield Theatre will host an eclectic lineup of theatrical performances. The season will commence with Ontroerend Goed, a Belgian theatre company renowned for their immersive productions. Their show, Handle with Care, invites audiences to engage in a unique theatrical experience that places the control entirely in their hands.
As part of its ongoing collaboration with Litfest, Lancaster Arts will feature a conversation with author Alan Hollinghurst, the 2004 Booker Prize winner for The Line of Beauty. This event will take place on February 26 and will be moderated by Andrew Barker from Lancaster University Library.
March will spotlight contemporary dance, with two significant performances scheduled. VERVE will present a Triple Bill on March 24, showcasing new works from three acclaimed choreographers, performed by 18 graduate dancers from the Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Following this, Annie Hanauer Dance will make its debut in Lancaster on March 27 with A Space For All Our Tomorrows, a celebration of the creativity and resilience of disabled artists. This performance will be particularly special as it marks the last opportunity to see the show globally, as it will not be performed again.
This spring program underscores Lancaster Arts’ commitment to presenting work that is artistically adventurous, relevant, inclusive, and engaging. The organization has also planned additional events, including Artists in Conversation sessions, with more details to be announced soon.
