his visceral, boundary busting ensemble makes a unique type of music – a music that effortlessly mutates elements of contemporary classical, improvisation, theatre, thrash, cartoonary and ensemble playing in manner that screams irreverence, joy and virtuosity.

Think a mutant cocktail of Han Bennink and the Instant Composers Pool, Zappa and Icebreaker but with a heavy dollop of Beefheart, Ornette Coleman or John Zorn. They have performed all over the world to widespread critical acclaim headlining at some of the worlds leading contemporary jazz/music festivals including the Bath International Jazz Festival and The National Library of Congress, Washington. They even picked up the prestigious Radio 3 Jazz Award for their cut up reimagining of Ivor Cutlers poetry. The BIE reformed last year for our festival, and are ready to take it up another notch this year! This is a rare opportunity to hear a band that truly “scares the bejabers out of the diehards” (Sunday Times) – not to be missed.

“The Brian Irvine Ensemble isn’t an orchestra, really. It’s more of a traveling explosion…all while making some of the most exhilarating and imaginative music you’ll ever hope to hear” Washington Post

“Brian Irvine’s body of work is an example of the musical treasures half hidden in the cracks between the categories” The Guardian

Roman mints (violin) James Allsopp (sax/clarinet) Richard Mawhinney (sax) David Liddell (trombone) Julie Kjær (alto Sax/flute) Matthew Bourne (piano) Phil Smyth (bass guitar) Bill Campbell (guitar) Steve Davis (drums & percussion) Andrew Lavery (drums & percussion) Hannah Marshall (cello) Alex Bonney (trumpet) Brian Irvine (conductor/composer)