Archive for year: 2023

It’s been 10 years since Richard Durrant invited young singer Amy Kakoura to join him on his UK Christmas Tour – and he has not looked back since…

The first time Richard heard Amy sing he knew we could create something magical.

’Here was a voice that combined an early music vibe with a folky, Pagan purity and a Christian message of hope for us all. It made me reach for my guitar.’

Says Richard

Richard has created his own unique brand of musical winter magic over the years, carefully avoiding the more commercial aspects of Christmas. 

Embracing both the Christian and Pagan landscape of these islands, his music hypnotises his audiences until they really do believe in Father Christmas!

Since 2023 Richard has brought another fascinating twist to his continuing wintry saga with the involvement of his family.

While Daisy Durrant has contributed songs to previous tours, this is her first time on the road singing and adding new instrumental colour with accordion, fiddle, whistles, piano and hammond.

His daughter Daisy and oldest son Django both bring new songs and instruments to the midwinter table.  They are a duo not to be underestimated.

Younger brother Django is now on his fourth Christmas tour offering his distinctive new songs, singing, playing drums and keyboards. He is currently studying music and music psychology at Leeds University.

But it is perhaps at Christmas that Richard Durrant’s musical gift shines brightest. Catch him and his musical mates on the Christmas tour if you possibly can.

RICHARD DURRANT’S CANDLELIT CHRISTMAS CONCERTS
9-22 December 2023

• Ropetackle Arts Centre
• Theatr Brycheiniog
• Wilmington Church

Richard’s next French Guitar Adventurers 22-28 April

This popular residential guitar course takes place each April in a beautiful, secluded location in the Charente region of France.

• Daily study on classical guitars
• Grade 5 to advanced level
• Five days’ group practice
• Culminating in a public concert
• Magnificent location

This is a chance to effect real change in your playing under Richard’s careful guidance.

‘We will thoroughly explore standing to play whilst spending time on breathing techniques and key awareness – all part of getting the most from your daily practise and moving your playing on.’

Says Richard

There are currently just three spaces remaining (plus partners – more player spaces available if sharing a room). 

Book now to avoid disappointment

Richard has been busy recording and filming the two tracks of Love Song for Europe in time for the Autumn Equinox Concerts…

There is a solo guitar version and also a trio version featuring Richard with Gareth Huw Davies (double bass) and Stephen Hiscock (percussion) from The Burning Deck.

The new recordings will be available on all digital download platforms at the moment of sunrise in Sussex on Autumn Equinox: 6.26am on Thursday 21st September

All streaming proceeds will go to UNICEF

The two tracks in hi-rez audio (96-24 ALAC or FLAC) are ready to purchase now in Richard’s online shop.

Richard’s Autumn Equinox Concert Series will include Love Song for Europe. The concerts will begin in the beautiful church of St Michael’s, Lewes this Thursday.

‘These gigs all begin with music from Spain and South America but then head north for suitably autumnal British folk and my own homespun works.’

‘I’m looking forward to singing ‘The Ant and the Grasshopper’ as the leaves begin to fall and the evenings draw in.’

Says Richard

There is just one final concert at the Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham on 28 July with a musical celebration to begin the summer holidays…

Richard says: 
‘Thanks to all who came to see me during my Music for Midsummer Tour 2023.  It was a dusty, sun-drenched adventure of satisfyingly diverse gigs. I travelled through some of the most beautiful countryside of any tour so far and met some remarkable people on the roadside and at the shows.‘

‘After the ride from North Wales to South Devon via Manchester, Lincolnshire and Ross on Wye, I returned home to play my last shows in and around Sussex. Here I am under the spotlight at the Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells:’

‘Two shows were played with my quartet The Burning Deck. Corin Buckeridge, Stephen Hiscock, Gareth Huw Davies and I gathered around the Bicyclatter and played some tracks new and old including Triskellion from Rewilding and the recently re-released Wilbury Summer. The picture at the top is us at the Brighton Open Air Theatre...’

‘Before I get my deck chair out, I have one last concert at Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham on Friday 28th July – a musical celebration to begin the summer holidays. I’ll be joined on stage by some old mates including Stephen and Gareth from The Burning Deck.’

Don’t forget to listen to Richard’s re-release of Wilbury Summer!

Meanwhile, have a great summer yourselves!

The sun shone brightly for Richard Durrant’s first week of concerts as he cycled through North Wales, Manchester, The Midlands and Herefordshire…

‘It’s so wonderful to be out and about playing this beautiful music to so many people. Also nice to have a mention by Petroc Trelawney on BBC Radio 3.’

Says Richard

Above: Richard at the Theatre Clwyd
Below: all set and ready to go and performing at the Stoller Hall, Manchester

Below: with schoolchildren from St. Margaret’s Primary School in Stoke Golding

The tour continues to Malmesbury Abbey in Wiltshire before south west venues in Taunton and Newton Abbott, and then over to a series of concerts in the South East.