It is that time of year again – WildKat PR are looking for an intern to join our team in London for 3-6 months starting in January.

Any applicant will need to be passionate about classical music, culture and the performing arts, and a second language is definitely a bonus, but not essential! An interest in new media and knowledge of social networking platforms is also important.

This is a great opportunity for someone considering a career in arts PR or marketing who is seeking to gain first-hand experience. You will assist with researching and reporting on new developments in the classical music world, writing press releases for clients and blogs for the WildKat PR website, researching press opportunities, as well as general tasks such as keeping the office in top running order.

The successful candidate needs to be self-motivated with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Good computer skills are vital. You will need to be confident and able to take on responsibility, as well as being organised, able to prioritise and meet deadlines.

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to london@wildkatpr.com before 5pm on December 19^th.

(Written on December 8, 2011 )

Tonight at London’s Southbank Centre, the London Sinfonietta launch Exquisite Labyrinth: The Music of Pierre Boulez.

Pierre Boulez – avant-garde figurehead since the 1940s, musical giant on the world stage and author of some of the key progressive works in musical modernism – is celebrated over one weekend. As well as hearing the composer himself conducting a special performance of his masterpiece Pli selon pli, with the esteemed Ensemble InterContemporain – which he founded in the 1970s – there is an opportunity to hear almost all his piano works played during one day by Pierre-Laurent Aimard and Tamara Stefanovich.

You can hear pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard, composer Nico Muhly and Gillian Moore, Southbank Centre’s Head of Contemporary Culture, discuss Exquisite Labyrinth in the Southbank Centre’s podcast:

Exquisite Labyrinth: The Music of Pierre Boulez by southbankcentre

(Written on September 30, 2011 )

We are currently advertising two positions with WildKat PR’s London office. We are looking for an Account Manager with a couple of years’ experience in press or marketing, and a Junior Account Manager – an ideal position for someone who has completed an internship and gained some experience, but is now looking for their first career in classical music.

For both positions it is desirable that applicants speak a second language, ideally German, but this is not essential.

Details of the positions are below. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 13th July and interviews will be held in 19th and 20th July. Please apply by emailing us your CV and covering letter.

Junior Account Manager – WildKat PR, London

A dynamic and forward-thinking classical music PR agency are looking for a Junior Account Manager to join their London team.

The role will involve working with the Director and Account Managers on creative PR campaigns across the classical and contemporary music industries.  The successful candidate will undertake a Junior Account Manager role, looking after promotional projects under the supervision of the Senior Account Managers, and liaising with the press and journalists to generate media coverage for clients. The role wil be ideal for someone with approximately 6-months experience as a press or marketing intern, who is looking to further their career in cultural PR.

Key objectives:

- Assisting Account Managers in the co-ordination and execution of international PR campaigns.
- Liaising with press to secure coverage for artists.
- Assisting with the conception of unique, creative campaigns to promote our artists.
- Writing press releases.
- Researching and reporting on new developments in the classical music world.
- Monitoring new online tools which might benefit our artists.
- Creating and maintaining online profiles on behalf of artists.
- Executing the distribution of promotional materials.
- General running of the WildKat PR London office.

Skills required:

The successful candidate will be self-motivated with excellent written and verbal communication skills, a creative mind, and an interest in new media.

Marketing or PR experience is advantageous but not necessary, and a second language (preferably German) is desirable.  Good computer skills are vital and a passion for culture, classical music and PR is essential.

Other information:

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to london@wildkatpr.com.  The application deadline is 13th July at 5pm.  Interviews will be held on 19th and 20th July.

Account Manager – WildKat PR, London

A dynamic and forward-thinking classical music PR agency are looking for an experienced Account Manager to join their London team.

The role will involve managing and developing creative PR campaigns across the classical and contemporary music industries.  You will be responsible for liaising with the press and journalists to generate media coverage for clients, leading promotional projects, working with the Director and other Account Managers on innovative social media campaigns, and overseeing the work of the Junior Account Managers.  The role will involve meeting and pitching to potential clients, writing proposals and press releases, artist and journalist liaison, and organising showcase events.

Key Objectives:

- Creating and executing international PR campaigns.
- Liaising with press to secure coverage for artists.
- Creating unique campaigns for artists which utilise new and online media.
- Meeting with potential clients.
- Writing proposals and press releases.
- Hosting and securing artists for Showcase events.
- Co-ordinating press attendance at events.
- Overseeing the distribution of promotional materials.
- Monitoring new developments in the classical music world and online tools.

Skills required:

The successful candidate will have approximately 2 years’ experience in a PR or marketing role, demonstrateable knowledge of UK and international press, and a solid understanding of the process of a successful press campaign.

The successful candidate will be confident and self-motivated with excellent written and verbal communication skills, a creative mind, and an interest in new media.  Good computer skills are vital and a second language (preferably German) is desirable.  A passion for culture, classical music and PR is essential.

Other information:

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to london@wildkatpr.com.  The application deadline is 13th July at 5pm.  Interviews will be held on 19th and 20th July.

(Written on July 1, 2011 )

We are sad to say that we will soon be losing the wonderful Fleur, who is returning to university in Leeds to complete the final year of her degree (wish her luck). As such, we are looking for a music-loving and enthusiastic individual to join our team in London for 3-6 months. The internship will involve assisting on creative PR campaigns across the classical and contemporary music industries. You will need to demonstrate a passion for classical music, a creative mind, and an interest in new media.

This is a great opportunity for someone considering a career in arts PR, who is seeking to gain first-hand experience. You will assist with researching and reporting on new developments in the classical music world, writing press releases for clients and blogs for the WildKat PR website, researching press opportunities, as well as general running of the office.

Skills required:

The successful candidate needs to be self-motivated with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Good computer skills are vital and knowledge of other languages is a bonus, but not essential. You will need to be confident and able to take on responsibility, as well as being organised, able to prioritise and meet deadlines.

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to london@wildkatpr.com. We are accepting applications until June 3rd 2011.

…and in case you needed more reason to consider working with us, here is a photo from our weekly Cupcake Friday tradition!

(Written on May 12, 2011 )

This November sees the launch of a 12 day UK tour for Ivor Bolton conducting the Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra. The tour begins on the 17th November, with the first performance at St David’s Hall in Cardiff.

The 91-strong orchestra builds on the inspirational artistic leadership of principal conductor Ivor Bolton (appointed in 2004), whose musical versatility and high artistic standard has earned him engagements with leading orchestras, opera companies and baroque ensembles worldwide. He is one of the most highly acclaimed and internationally active British conductors. Ivor regularly appears at opera houses around the world including Covent Garden, Madrid, Paris and New York.

Pianist Freddy Kempf will be the soloist throughout this tour. Freddy Kempf is one of today’s most successful pianists, performing to sell-out audiences all over the world. He has built a unique reputation both as an explosive and physical performer not afraid to take risks as well as a serious, sensitive and profoundly musical artist.

TOUR DATES AND VENUES:

17 November - St David’s Hall, Cardiff

18 November - Corn Exchange, Cambridge

19 November - St George’s Hall, Bradford

20 November - The Sands Centre, Carlisle

21 November - Venur Cymru, Llandudno

22 November - City Hall, Hull

23 November - Town Hall, Middlesbrough

25 November - Cadogan Hall, London (sold out!)

26 November - Warwick Arts Centre, Warwick

27 November - City Hall, Sheffield

28 November - Cliffs Pavillion, Southend

For more information, visit Ivor Bolton’s website, facebook page and twitter.

(Written on November 1, 2010 )

This week’s Industry Idols interviewee is Sarah Derbyshire, the Executive Director of Live Music Now.

What are the first, most important steps a young artist needs to take when they embark on their career as a performer?

Be open to as many opportunities to perform as possible (even if they don’t pay well!) and explore your music’s power to communicate, both in and outside the concert hall.

What was your first job in the music industry?

PA to MD of Faber Music

What skills do you think are needed to succeed in the music industry?

Flexibility, imagination, tenacity.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learnt during your career?

You are not indispensable (works both ways).

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The creativity and commitment of my colleagues, working with such talented and generous spirited young musicians, seeing the amazing power of music to connect and change lives.

On a typical working day, what’s the first thing you do when you get into the office?

Check yesterday’s to do list before allowing emails to rule my day!

Do you think there is anything in the classical music industry that needs to be changed? If yes, why?

Where to start?! Better balance between fame and genuine talent; more open and accessible concert formats without falling in to the gimmick trap.

Are there any young musicians, emerging venues, exciting companies, composers… etc that you are keeping your eye on?

LMN’s wonderful musicians!

Where do you read about classical music?

I’d rather listen.

Where is your favourite place in the world for classical music?

Harder to answer than I’d expected…. London for the rich variety on offer every night of the week. Berlin: I’ve never been without going to a really memorable concert or opera.

(Written on October 27, 2010 )

What? Wimbledon Music Festival 2010 – Claire Martin and Sir Richard Rodney Bennett

Where? Wimbledon Synagogue, London

When? Tuesday 16th November, 19.30 (click to purchase tickets!)

The cabaret duo Claire Martin and Sir Richard Rodney Bennett will be performing at the Wimbledon Music festival, which is held from November 13th to 28th. This performance is for all you jazz lovers and for those of you who want to thank Sir Richard Rodney Bennett for composing scores for some legendary British films such as Four Weddings and a Funeral. He is also no stranger to appearing in jazz duos as he has demonstrated his skills as a jazz pianist and singer with Marion Montgomery, Dames cleo Laine, Mary Cleere and Annie Ross. Claire Martin is his latest partnership and since Sir Richard has been a New York resident since 1976, it will be a few years to have an opportunity like this arise again.

Extra:

As this instalment of Unmissables is for November 15th-30th it is worth suggesting that you check out the Wimbledon Music Festival, as mentioned above. It runs November 13th-28th and there are music events of all kinds for you to enjoy. It’s a good chance to socialise with your friends and to see a vast array of talent.

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What? Juice Vocal Ensemble

Where? Handel House Museum

When? Thursday 18th November, 18.30 (click to purchase tickets!)

The Handel House Museum has featured in the Unmissables before, it is an intimate setting and a must see for classical music lovers, as you will get to see inside the famous composers home. Juice Voice Ensemble (who performed at our Young Artists Showcase at The Forge) are a unique, experimental and most importantly fun, a cappella trio. Their musical leanings vary from world music, jazz, folk and pop, fused with their alternative-classical style performances. Their programme will no doubt be adventurous and innovative and they will also be premiering a new work by Composer-in-Residence, Duncan MacLeod.

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What? Badke Quartet - Hattori Foundation Rush Hour Recital

Where? 1901 Arts Club, SE1 8UE

When? 22nd November, 19:00 (click to purchase tickets!)

Hattori Foundation was established as an Educational Trust by the Hattori Family and granted charity status in 1992. The aim of the Foundation in the field of music is to encourage and assist exceptionally talented young instrumental soloists or chamber ensembles who are British Nationals or resident in the UK and whose talent and achievements give promise of an international career. After the concert guests are invited to join the artists in the Club’s exclusive bar.

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What? Youtuba- Tuba Quartet

Where? The 1901 Arts Club

When? Tuesday 23rd November, 19.30 (click to purchase tickets!)

The 1901 Arts Club is based in Waterloo, it is an intimate performance space which offers the audience a wonderful experience, as this is a Tuba quartet this will really be something to see in this space. YouTuba are  a highly acclaimed and young tuba quartet, founded in 2006 and are highly talented fun to watch. This concert will feature Saint-Saëns Carnival of the Animals, arranges by Hepple, with the recognisable pieces and the funny orientation of this ensemble, it will be hard to not continuously smile throughout this performance.

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What? Nicola Benedetti with the RPO - The Great Classics: Elgar, Bruch, Holst

Where? Royal Albert Hall

When? Thursday 25th November, 19:30 (click to purchase tickets!)

Although he composed several choral and orchestral works, Bruch’s fame today rests largely on one phenomenally successful piece – Violin Concerto No.1 in G minor. Richly melodic and sumptuously orchestrated, this enchanting work is beloved of performers and audiences alike. The Concerto is framed by two English masterworks – Elgar’s unashamedly romantic celebration of London and Holst’s extraordinary The Planets. The Suite embraces the martial, the magical and the mystical, with its terrifying visions of war in Mars and the rollicking Jupiter, which gave to the world the song I Vow to Thee, My Country.

(Written on October 11, 2010 )

What? Khatia Buniatishvili, piano

Where? Wigmore Hall

When? Monday 1^st November 13.00 (click to purchase tickets!)

This light, lunchtime concert will be a cultural way to begin your month and first week of November. The repertoire offers the pianist, Khatia Buniatishvili a BBC New Generation Artist and winner of the 2010 Borletti-Buioni Trust, the opportunity to demonstrate her technique and interpretive skills. This concert will let you enjoy classical music in a calm environment and also let you see young, talented musicians. She will be performing:

Schumann, Fantasy in C major for piano

Liszt, Mephisto Waltz no.1

Stravinsky, Pétrouchka (3 movements played)

What? Nigel Kennedy

Where? Royal Albert Hall

When? Wednesday 3rd November 19:30 (click to purchase tickets!)

For over twenty-five years, Nigel Kennedy has been acknowledged as one of the world’s leading violin virtuosos and is, without doubt, one of the most important violinists Britain has ever produced. His virtuoso technique, unique talent and mass appeal have brought fresh perspectives to both the classical and contemporary repertoire. He is the best selling classical violinist of all time.Nigel Kennedy returns to the Hall for an evening of Vivaldi. The programme will include Vivaldi concertos and Kennedy’s legendary interpretation of The Four Seasons.

What? Pocket Caravan

Where? The Forge, Camden

When? Wednesday 3rd November 19:00 (click to purchase tickets!)

Pocket Caravan explores the fascinating rhythms and fiery dances of the world. The inspiration for the ensemble came from British guitarist Peter Michaels’ research into the historic route of the Gypsies across the continents. From Flamenco to Manouche Jazz, this is the unique music of people absorbing what they find into their own culture. In Brazil the same process was occurring. Styles such as Samba, Baiao and especially Choro are the result of African cultures colliding with European and native sounds. Peter began playing with musicians from around the world who had made their homes in London. He worked with Spanish guitarists and North Indian singers, as well as exploring his own Eastern European heritage. After a chance encounter with South Brazilian musician Felipe Karam, they quickly realised they had a shared interest in learning from other cultures.

Tonight they are celebrating the launch of their album on Forge Records

What? Vanbrugh String Quartet

Where? Cadogan Hall

When? Monday 8th November 19:30 (click to purchase tickets!)

Complete Beethoven String Quartet Cycle 5
Beethoven: String Quartet Op.18 No.3
Beethoven: String Quartet Op.135
Beethoven: String Quartet Op.130

Although it is numbered third, Op.18, No.3 was the first quartet Beethoven composed; as he began writing the Op.135 quartet, Beethoven knew it would be his last. Op.135, begun in 1826, was dedicated to Johann Wolfmayer just a few days before his death. Beethoven sent a note to the publisher along with the final manuscript: “Here, my dear friend, is my last quartet. It will be the last; and indeed it has given me much trouble. For I could not bring myself to compose the last movement.” It was not ultimately his last movement. Beethoven wrote one more. His last movement was the replacement finale for Op.130, replacing the gritty grosse fuge, which will be played in the next concert; this much shorter and lighter finale was Beethoven’s final movement.

What? The Music of Edward Elgar- Cadogan Hall

Where? Cadogan Hall

When? Tuesday 9^th November 19.30 (click to purchase tickets!)

This is for the English patriots who love classical music, a whole concert dedicated to the music of Edward Elgar. The evening is hosted in Cadogan Hall which features on our Unmissables frequently, and rightfully so as they hold a variety of events and evenings to attract all ages. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing some of Elgar’s most recognisable and significant works. Mezzo-soprano Christine Rice also joins RPO for this evening of nationalistic music.

The Serenade for Strings

Chanson de Matin

Sea Pictures

‘Enigma’ Variations, featuring Nimrod variation.

What? London Mozart Players & Francesco Piemontesi

Where? Fairfield Hall

When? Saturday 13^th November 19:30 (click to purchase!)

Another BBC New Generation Artist, Francesco Piemontesi, pianist will be gracing Fairfield Halls with the acclaimed London Mozart Players. He will be performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.25 with the London Mozart Players, conducted by Gérald Korsten. LMO are a unique ensemble based in the Croydon area, with Fairfield Halls hosting regular events with them, it is definitely worth viewing their website to see their upcoming concerts.

Last Chance:

What? Faust

Where? Young Vic, Waterloo

When? 25th September-30th October 19.45 (click to purchase tickets!)

Although this production has already started and doesn’t run into November when the rest of our selection is, we thought we would add this to our list as we missed it out before. Faust is a brand new opera production direct from Iceland, portraying the story of a man who sells his soul to the devil. Do not expect your stereotypical opera, this is an exciting infusion of glam-rock, soulful ballads, acrobatics and humour. The Young Vic is also an exciting venue to check out, it has various types of productions, including theatre, dance and contemporary . It’s name derives from the nearby Old Vic which is an popular venue with the famous actor; Kevin Spacey as Artistic Director.

(Written on September 27, 2010 )

May saw Alban Gerhardt traveling across Europe at a rather frantic tempo: three concerts in Milano, three in Vienna, one in Prague, one in London (his long-awaited debut with the Philharmonia Orchestra!) and two in Zürich… His performances of Dvořák’s cello concerto, Shostakovich’s cello concerto and Prokofiev’s Sinfonia Concertante enthused public and critics alike. In the Wiener Zeitung, Gerhard Kramer notes Alban’s “noble, slender but sustainable tone, brilliant technique and secure intonation” whilst Werner Pfister from the Zürich-See Zeitung found Alban’s playing “tremendously intensive” and called him a “singer on four strings”. Guy Dammann from the Guardian awarded the Philharmonia and Alban a stunning 5-star review, not only mentioning Alban’s “ravishing performance”, but also the artist’s unpretentious way of joining the orchestra’s cello section for the works which did not contain a cello solo…something Alban also did in Vienna. On his blog, Alban wrote down his impressions of his European tour. Next on Alban’s busy schedule are Mexico City, Leverkusen, Berlin, Munich, Chicago and the Stresa Festival. We will keep you posted!

(Written on June 2, 2010 )