We are proud to announce that on 12 May, 2018, Andy Eastwood performed the world premiere of his new composition SpaceScape for ukulele and string quartet. Accompanying Andy was the renowned Didsbury String Quartet.
The quartet is just such a well loved and perfect sound canvas to work with and there is a long history of adding an ‘extra’ instrument to it – eg. flute, clarinet, oboe, piano, voice, etc to create new textures. I really felt it was time the uke was added to explore the way it can combine with traditional bowed strings – I’m quite excited about the way the sonorities will combine.
Having played in quartets over the years I’m quite well acquainted – in my imagination – with the way these sounds are going to interact, and I feel it’s going to be really effective. Also there’s a bit of me that feels that the uke deserves to be united with its wider string ‘family’ instead of being the distant relative that never gets involved. I think it’s a genuinely exciting idea.
Andy studied classical violin and piano and taught himself ukulele, guitar and singing. He made history as Oxford University’s only musician ever to give his degree recital on the ukulele. Andy is considered one of the instrument’s foremost exponents and is in demand internationally.
The legendary Ken Dodd gave Andy his break into theatre in 2002. Since then his tour schedule of major theatres and cabaret venues worldwide has prompted The Stage to call him ‘the busiest man in showbusiness’. As well as performing his award-winning solo act, Andy has worked as actor, musical director, recording artist and support act for many of the great names in Light Entertainment.
© 2019 :: Grand Northern Ukulele Festival