Alan Dotchin Blog

Fauré’s Requiem
2025-02-16 19:30 - 21:30 UTC
Peace. Serenity. Simply Divine.
Who’s on stage
Royal Northern Sinfonia and the Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia are headed up by choral specialist conductor Sofi Jeannin.
What they’re playing
A feast of Fauré, with his ever-popular Requiem alongside the melancholy Pavane, the suite from his opera Pelléas et Mélisande and Cantique de Jean Racine.
What’s happening in the music?
Unlike other Requiems, Fauré’s isn’t about hell, retribution and damnation. It’s more about comfort and serenity in the face of death rather than about the terror of judgement. It’s a piece full of powerful choral melodies and simply beautiful solos, not least the famous Pie Jesu (pious Jesus). Fauré was also a church organist and listening to the piece you can easily conjure up the atmosphere of an ancient, tranquil, incense filled cathedral. Unmissable.
Presenter – Alexander Armstrong
The Faure concert on Sunday 16th Feb is going to be sublime. A 3pm start and beautiful mellow programme. The Cantique de Jean Racine, the entire Requiem (it’s a relatively short Requiem and yet packs in so many glorious tunes) and then the Pavane and Pelléas et Mélisande Suite. A really spoiling feast of Faure. Fabulous soloists too. I’d travel a long way to hear Roddy Williams and Hilary Cronin!

Grab a cuppa, hop in your favourite comfy chair, sit back and relax with a performance of Fauré’s Pavane with none other than conductor Sir Simon Rattle and Berliner Philharmoniker.

Defence Lecture: Defending the UK in unprecedented times by General Sir Patrick Sanders
2025-02-13 17:30 - 18:30
General Sir Patrick Sanders KCB CBE DSO, former Chief of the General Staff
Date/Time: Thursday 13 February 2025, 5.30pm
Venue: Curtis Auditorium, Herschel Building, Newcastle University

All our events remain free and open to all, but pre-booking is required. Bookings for this lecture will open at 10.00am on 6 February.
To reserve your place click the booking link below or telephone our booking voicemail line 0191 208 6136.

Heads of the military and of the intelligence agencies agree that 2025 is a year of unusually serious and multilayered challenges. How the country chooses to deal with them – with low economic growth and with urgent demands on public spending elsewhere – is yet another.
Biography
Born in Tidworth Garrison military hospital and raised in Norway, Gibraltar and Iraq, General Sir Patrick Sanders was commissioned in 1986 and spent his early service as an Infantry Officer in The Royal Green Jackets in Germany, Norway and the UK. He has commanded on operations in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.
His staff appointments have been in operational and strategic roles. He has been a member of the Directing Staff at the Joint Staff College, Pol/Mil adviser for the Commander of Coalition Forces in Iraq in 2003-4, Colonel Army Strategy, Chief of Defence Staff’s Liaison Officer to the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Operations) in the MOD.
His higher command appointments were 20 Armoured Brigade, the 3rd (UK) Division and the Field Army. He was promoted to General in May 2019 and commanded UK Strategic Command until May 2022. He became Chief of the General Staff in June 2022.
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Piano Greats – Elisabeth Leonskaja plays Beethoven
2025-02-02 15:00 - 16:30
Mysterious. Transcendent. Songfully, with utmost feeling.
Who’s on stage
Legendary pianist Elisabeth Leonskaja. She wowed us with Beethoven’s ‘Emperor’ piano concerto alongside Royal Northern Sinfonia in September 2023. We’re ecstatic she’s back.
What they’re playing
Beethoven’s final three sonatas for piano. An unmissable trio.
What you’ll hear

Ludwig van Beethoven Sonata No. 30 (21′)
Ludwig van Beethoven Sonata No. 31 (20′)
Ludwig van Beethoven Sonata No. 32 (27′)
Who’s playing it

Elisabeth Leonskaja piano

What’s happening in the music?

These pieces were written in a frenzy of creativity, each an experiment. ranging from the tender and transcendent to the enigmatic and quirky. On the surface No.30 is calm, but peek beyond that surface and it’s dark and brooding. No.31 is tender and transcendent, while Beethoven’s very last Sonata, No.32, is something of an enigma. Turning convention on its head, it only has 2 movements, and contains music that’s serene, angst-ridden and quirky, with a lopsided rhythm in one spot that almost sounds like jazz

A legend

Here’s Elisabeth Leonskaja in action, playing exactly the same line up you’ll enjoy in Gateshead. YouTubers are definitely fans, describing her performance as ‘Spellbinding’, ‘Sublime’ and describing her as ‘a Legend!!!!’, though we don’t escape one of the staples of grumpy audience members, with one person describing someone coughing as ‘a crime against humanity and music’. Bit over the top maybe?

Chinese New Year
2025-02-02
Join us for a spectacular celebration as Newcastle’s vibrant Chinatown comes alive on Sunday 2nd February with the enchanting festivities of the Chinese New Year. Nestled in the heart of the city, Newcastle’s Chinatown stands proudly as one of only five in England, providing the perfect backdrop for a splash of colour, sound and taste.
The focal point of the celebrations in 2025 is the much-anticipated parade which will return to the heart of city. Starting at 11:30am at the iconic Grey’s Monument, the parade is set to sweep you off your feet with an incredible showcase of dancers, performers, and cultural displays.
From there, it will wind along the lively thoroughfares of Blackett Street and Gallowgate, culminating in a triumphant procession towards the renowned Chinese Arch at Stowell Street.
Arriving at Stowell Street you’ll experience a series of performances and displays before the iconic Lion and Dragon make their way through the businesses of the street, blessing them for the year ahead. You’ll also find food vendors and stalls lining Bath Lane at the end of Stowell Street alongside arts and crafts and fairground ries – the perfect celebration to kick-off off the lunar year with a dazzling array of activities.
It’s the perfect family-friendly activity where you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, packed with lively performances, and a unique opportunity for both locals and visitors to come together, fostering a sense of community spirit and appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultures that make up the city.
For more information on the event, head over to the official Chinatown Newcastle Facebook page.

The Sound of Space: Sci-fi Film Soundtracks
2025-01-30 19:30 - 21:30
Dramatic. Hypnotic. Out of this world.
Who’s on stage?
The galactic talents of our home orchestra Royal Northern Sinfonia and guest conductor Robert Ames.
What they’re playing
A shining supernova of songs and music from your favourite sci-fi film music.
What you’ll hear

Steven Price Gravity (7′)
Mica Levi Under the Skin: “Love” (8′)
Clint Mansell Moon Suite (8′)
Michael Nyman Gattaca for Orchestra (17′)
John Murphy Sunshine: Adagio in D minor (5′)
Bear McCreary Foundation (10′)
Max Richter On the Nature of Daylight (6′)
Harry Gregson Williams The Martian: “Crossing Mars” (5′)
Johánn Johánnsson Arrival Suite No. 1 (10′)
Jerry Goldsmith Alien: Main Title (4′)
Hans Zimmer Interstellar Symphonic Suite (8′)

Watch our friends at the Imperial Orchestra’s take on Hans Zimmer’s Interstellar.

Schubert’s Fifth Symphony
2025-01-18 19:30 - 21:30
Refreshing. Delicate. A dram of Schubert.
Who’s on stage
Our home orchestra Royal Northern Sinfonia with Artistic Partner Maria Włoszczowska directing from the violin.
What they’re playing
Schubert’s exquisite Symphony No. 5 in an intimate performance with just 19 musicians.

Lincoln Steampunk 2024
2024-08-26
Introduction
The Lincoln Steampunk Parade is a vibrant and imaginative celebration that brings the fantastical world of steampunk to life. Held annually in Lincoln, England, this event is a highlight of the steampunk calendar, drawing enthusiasts from across the globe. Steampunk, a genre and aesthetic inspired by Victorian-era science fiction and technology, is characterized by its blend of historical settings with imaginative, often anachronistic, technology. The Lincoln Steampunk Parade stands as a testament to the creativity and community spirit of the steampunk movement, showcasing elaborate costumes, inventive machines, and a sense of playful nostalgia.
The Steampunk Phenomenon
Steampunk is a genre and subculture that emerged in the late 20th century, combining elements of Victorian-era design with speculative fiction. It envisions a world where steam power is the primary source of technology and where the aesthetics of the 19th century are merged with futuristic innovations. This imaginative genre draws inspiration from authors such as Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, who crafted tales of adventurous explorations and fantastical inventions set in a bygone era.
The appeal of steampunk lies in its rich visual and thematic elements. It celebrates the elegance of Victorian fashion, the charm of retro-futuristic technology, and the whimsy of alternate histories. Steampunk enthusiasts often engage in cosplay, creating intricate costumes and props that reflect this unique blend of history and fantasy. The Lincoln Steampunk Parade is a manifestation of this creative expression, providing a platform for participants to showcase their passion for the genre.
The Evolution of the Lincoln Steampunk Parade
The Lincoln Steampunk Parade began as a modest gathering of enthusiasts but has grown into a major event that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The parade is part of the larger Lincoln Steampunk Festival, which includes a range of activities such as markets, exhibitions, workshops, and performances. The festival celebrates all aspects of steampunk culture and provides a space for fans to immerse themselves in their favorite genre.
The parade itself is a focal point of the festival, offering a dynamic and visually stunning display of steampunk creativity. Participants, often dressed in elaborate costumes that incorporate Victorian fashion with imaginative elements like gears, goggles, and mechanical devices, march through the streets of Lincoln, creating a living tableau of steampunk aesthetics. The parade also features fantastical vehicles, including steam-powered contraptions and retro-futuristic machines, adding to the spectacle.
Costumes and Creativity
One of the most striking features of the Lincoln Steampunk Parade is the elaborate costumes worn by participants. Steampunk fashion blends Victorian-era clothing with imaginative accessories and designs. Participants might don top hats, corsets, waistcoats, and flowing skirts, all adorned with gears, cogs, and other mechanical elements. The attention to detail in these costumes is remarkable, with many participants spending months crafting their outfits to perfection.
The creativity extends beyond clothing to include a wide array of props and accessories. Participants often carry intricately designed gadgets, such as ray guns, steam-powered weapons, and mechanical limbs. These props not only enhance the visual appeal of the parade but also serve as a nod to the speculative fiction that inspires steampunk.
The parade also features a range of fantastical vehicles and floats. These creations often resemble Victorian inventions brought to life, with steam engines, airships, and other imaginative machines taking center stage. The ingenuity of these vehicles reflects the spirit of steampunk, where technology is reimagined in whimsical and inventive ways.
Community and Inclusivity
The Lincoln Steampunk Parade is not just a celebration of individual creativity but also a reflection of the strong sense of community within the steampunk movement. The parade brings together people from diverse backgrounds who share a common passion for the genre. This sense of camaraderie is evident in the way participants collaborate on costumes, props, and floats, often working together to create larger and more elaborate displays.
The inclusivity of the event is also noteworthy. The steampunk community is known for its welcoming and supportive atmosphere, and this is reflected in the parade. Enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate, and the event provides a platform for people to express their creativity and imagination.
The Impact on Lincoln and Beyond
The Lincoln Steampunk Parade has a significant impact on the local community and the broader cultural landscape. For Lincoln, the parade and the associated festival bring a substantial influx of visitors to the city. This boost to the local economy benefits businesses, hotels, and restaurants, contributing to the city’s economic vitality.
Beyond its economic impact, the parade also enhances Lincoln’s cultural profile. The city’s historic architecture and streets provide a picturesque backdrop for the parade, creating a harmonious blend of past and present. The event highlights Lincoln’s role as a hub for creative and cultural activities, attracting attention from media and tourists alike.
The influence of the Lincoln Steampunk Parade extends beyond the city itself. The event serves as a model for other steampunk gatherings and festivals, demonstrating how creativity and community spirit can be harnessed to create memorable and engaging experiences. The success of the parade has inspired similar events in other cities, contributing to the growth of the steampunk movement on a global scale.
Educational and Inspirational Aspects
The Lincoln Steampunk Parade also offers educational and inspirational opportunities. The festival includes workshops and presentations where participants can learn about various aspects of steampunk culture, from costume design to mechanical engineering. These educational components provide insights into the skills and techniques used in creating steampunk art and technology.
The parade and festival inspire creativity and innovation. By showcasing a wide range of artistic and technical skills, the event encourages participants to explore their own creative potential. The imaginative nature of steampunk provides a platform for individuals to experiment with design, storytelling, and craftsmanship, fostering a sense of artistic exploration and discovery.
Challenges and Future Directions
While the Lincoln Steampunk Parade is celebrated for its creativity and community spirit, it also faces challenges. Organizing a large-scale event requires careful planning and coordination, and ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all participants is a priority. Additionally, maintaining the quality and uniqueness of the parade while accommodating a growing number of visitors can be challenging.
Looking to the future, the Lincoln Steampunk Parade is likely to continue evolving. The steampunk movement itself is dynamic and constantly changing, with new trends and ideas emerging regularly. The parade will need to adapt to these changes while staying true to the core values of creativity and imagination that define steampunk.
Conclusion
The Lincoln Steampunk Parade is a vibrant and imaginative celebration that brings the world of steampunk to life. Through its elaborate costumes, fantastical vehicles, and community spirit, the parade offers a unique glimpse into the creative and speculative world of steampunk. The event not only highlights the artistic and technical achievements of its participants but also contributes to the cultural and economic vitality of Lincoln.
As a focal point of the steampunk calendar, the Lincoln Steampunk Parade exemplifies the fusion of history, imagination, and community. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of steampunk and its ability to inspire and engage people from all walks of life. The parade’s continued success and growth reflect the creativity and enthusiasm of the steampunk community and its capacity to bring people together in celebration of a shared passion.

Duxford Air Show
2024-06-01 08:00 - 2024-06-02 17:00
The IWM Duxford Air Show is a thrilling celebration of aviation history and skill, held at the iconic former RAF station in Cambridgeshire. Drawing crowds from across the UK and beyond, the event showcases an incredible variety of aircraft, from graceful vintage biplanes and World War II legends like the Spitfire and Lancaster, to cutting-edge modern jets. Each display is expertly choreographed, with pilots demonstrating breathtaking aerobatics, formation flying, and precision manoeuvres. Alongside the aerial action, visitors can explore IWM Duxford’s extensive museum exhibits, meet pilots, and enjoy a lively festival atmosphere filled with food stalls, traders, and family activities. It’s a spectacular experience that combines heritage, engineering marvels, and the raw excitement of flight.

Cambridge
2024-05-31 - 2024-06-03
Cambridge is a historic and picturesque city in eastern England, renowned for its world-famous university, the University of Cambridge, established in 1209. The city is steeped in academic tradition, with beautiful college buildings, libraries, and chapels that reflect centuries of scholarly excellence. The River Cam flows through the heart of Cambridge, where punting along its tranquil waters offers scenic views of the “Backs” — the gardens and architecture of several colleges. In addition to its academic prestige, Cambridge is a vibrant city with museums, theatres, cafes, and a thriving tech industry, often referred to as the “Silicon Fen.” Its blend of rich history, innovation, and natural beauty makes Cambridge a unique and inspiring place to visit or live.
