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"Even on a murky February morning (2005), the first performance in July of our new commission doesn’t seem too far away. Jane Roper tells us about the composer and the composition: Howard’s way If you ever get a chance to talk to Howard Haigh about composing, take it. He has a huge range of experience, good insights into the creative process, and he communicates his enthusiasm for his work so well, I guarantee you will be both enthralled and inspired. And now he's working for us! I thought you might like to read a bit of background to his career and to his current commission. Although Howard is happily settled up north in Lancaster he trained near us; a BA Performing Arts/Music at Middlesex Polytechnic was followed by a Masters in Music/Composition at the University of London. He studied composition with Brian Dennis and David Bedford; had tutorials with Michael Finissy, George Benjamin and John Cage, and studied flamenco guitar with Paco Pena, Juan Serrano, Manuel Granados and Titi Losada. We think of him principally as a Spanish guitarist, but he also studied mandolin, keyboards, percussion, harmonica and vocal techniques. He has written for most instrumental combinations, from solo guitar, small ensembles and string quartets to bands, girls’ choirs, large choruses, electronic scores and computer music. Howard combines composing with teaching throughout the north west. He has taught guitar at Lancaster University since 2000. He is a member of the English National Ballet's Education and Community Unit, and is engaged in outreach projects in schools throughout England. The nature of this work may range from musical accompanist to residencies in which he composes an original score for a short performance. He has done similar work for Ballet Rambert and the Royal Ballet. His work has been performed at the Barbican, the Royal Festival Hall, Sadler's Wells (for the Queen) and the Purcell Room; and at festivals in Edinburgh, Brighton, Cheltenham and WOMAD. One of his great strengths is his ability to collaborate with people from a wide range of performing disciplines. I've found out that as well as working closely with singers, dancers, and actors, he has also worked with jugglers, comedians, strippers, a skiffle group, film makers and performance artists. No problem working with us then. And then add a massive list of theatre companies, musicals, community projects and commissions and it's no wonder he's always out when I call. In the 1980's Howard composed some extraordinary pieces using unusual instruments. Body Music used claps, stamps, clicks and slaps. This was followed by Kitchen Music. I bet you didn't know that Alan Titchmarsh played the saucepan in this on Pebble Mill. There was also a pre-Prom show on Radio 3 featuring unusual percussion prior to Evelyn Glennie's performance. But by the late '80s his explorations were focusing on vocal writing. Crouch End Festival Chorus gave him an exciting opportunity when they commissioned him in 1990. I heard them perform Saeta again in the Barbican last January. It was sensational. I can't even remember what the second half standard-repertoire piece was; I was still high on Howard's piece and wanted them to sing it again. "

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"Thank you Nadia! Everything was just perfect! Thank you for taking care of all my wishes. You are insanely charming, charismatic and talented! And so very stylish and sociable 🙌🏽"

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"Not only is Matt an amazing performer, he is reliable and great to work with. He is able to play a wide range of songs, which kept everyone on the dance floor! Highly recommend."

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"Just wanted you to know how much I appreciate the amazing job you did on June 24th for my wedding. The jazz music was so wonderful and I have passed your name on to many people who were interested to know more. I would absolutely love to book you again if we have another special occasion!"

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"“Darrel and his crew MADE my wedding. The service was unbelievable and incredible. Darrel was SO accommodating and attentive to not only me (Bride) but also my 7 year old daughter and our guests. I would recommend Music & More to anyone and everyone over the “bigger” names in the industry.” ~ Sara R. "

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"Dexter is absolutely brilliant - he plays range of genres. He is punctual and communications were excellent. I would highly recommend him for your event."

Reply by Dex Marchan
Hey Melina, My apologies for the late response, but yes, your event was absolutely amazing, and I want to thank you so much for having me perform at your event. Thanks again for the wonderful memories. Dex

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"It was great to work with the Vibrations Band, very professional interaction from first email, to arriving promptly at the event to post gig communication, and brilliant musicians – but more importantly they understood our event and kept our delegates entertained all evening!"

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"Lorraine Heavey is a star. It’s just as simple as that!! Having done 25 years in TV news I know a star when I see one. There is an expression for on-air talent who completely control the viewer’s attention — ‘she eats the camera’. She is that talent. She is enchanting. I wish her such good fortune as she takes London by storm. "

Reply by Lorraine And The Flames
Thank you so much Susan for your lovely review. We loved the gig at The Pizza Express Holborn. It is such a great dining venue with great sound. Lorraine Lorraine and the Flames

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"Grupo Azucar performed at my daughter's wedding. They were fantastic, with a wide range of songs to suit the age range & musical preferences of the guests. I would highly recommend booking the group for any celebration, a classy, very well attired, fabulous musical addition to an event."

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"Have known members of the Free Radicals for decades, and decided to hire them to perform at my wedding in 2014. We had some unusual requests (i.e., to perform as a marching band for a second line) and also to play some quieter "mood" music for our reception, and they were 100% game and did a wonderful job--professional musicians who know how to work a crowd with minimal handholding from event organizers! Guests really enjoyed and would recommend!"

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"Hi Guys, Just wanted to say thank you for your performance at our celebration on Thursday. We really appreciate the amazing effort and enthusiasm you put into it. It was simply wonderful! Many thanks, Laura *****"

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"WOW!!!! Yishai!! You are awesome! What a show! I still don't know how on earth you do it......😄😄 Totally amazing! Continue to inspire, amaze and make people happy!"

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"We booked Brandon for my husband's 40th birthday party, and he was a hit! His magic is up close and captivating, and we received so many compliments from our guests. Highly recommend!"

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"We invited Dupa Trio and Drumpet Disco to play in our Gala event. They made the event! The music was amazing, I can't recommend them enough, if you are looking for a DJ Drumpet Disco Is a perfect Choice for a unique DJ show!"

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"We just wanted to say thank you for the fantastic performance on our wedding day. Everyone I've talked to since has raved about the band. It was a highlight of the day. Thanks for everything!"

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