After having to put our plans on hold in 2020 to present the works of these composers, we're excited to finally share their music! New compositions this year come from Alicia Gardener-Trejo, Natalie Mason, Ryan Trebilcock and Xhosa Cole, performed by musicians from Surge Orchestra.

Join us for an afternoon of performances celebrating folk, roots and groove music. You'll hear music from Scottish folk group Eabhal, Welsh jazz and folk fusion from Burum and high energy Irish folk from Surge Orchestra.

Join us for a unique performance by Japanese Ainu artist Mayunkiki and musicians from Surge Orchestra. Following a week long residency and cultural exchange, this event includes new works and re-imaginings of Mayunkiki’s music.

Acclaimed Palestinian viola player and composer Samer Rashed returns to Birmingham on 25 June with his band to perform ‘Tales of the Gypsy Jazz’. This is his second album that follows his unique path of putting the viola at the centre of his work.

Boasting a stellar line up of special guests, the musical force of Surge Orchestra is back with a celebratory concert giving life to previous collaborations as well as presenting exciting new work and arrangements.

A two trombone front line is an exciting and slightly terrifying prospect, especially when the two trombonists are Richard Foote and Kieran McCleod, the leading lights of the Young Pilgrims marching band. The quintet is completed by Andy Woodhead on piano, Olie Brice on bass and Andrew Bain on drums.

This event is supported by and presented in collaboration with TDE Promotions.

From Birmingham to Virginia, Katie and Aaron join musical forces with a plethora of interests and instruments to hand. Prepare to hear Appalachian fiddling, Irish fluting, balkan clarinetting and melodies from around the world in between.

Nifeco Costa will premiere his brand new trio working alongside pianist David Austin Grey and drummer Johnno Gaze.

This event is supported by and presented in collaboration with Celebrating Sanctuary Birmingham.

The mighty Krar Collective serve up a mind-blowing feast of exuberant Ethiopian song and dance tunes.

A tightly knit group, which rehearses and performs a varied repertoire, from the 16th Century to the avant-garde and specially commissioned works.

This event is presented in collaboration with Services for Education Music Service.

B:Music’s Jazzlines Ensemble supports young musicians between 11-19 years old from Birmingham to develop their ensemble playing skills and learn more about jazz and improvisation.

This event is presented in collaboration with B:Music.

Cheng Yu and Liu Qing will play a duo set, performing their take on traditional Chinese music.

Switch are a talented group of young musicians who write, produce, record and perform their own material. Their songs advocate for equality, women’s rights, peace and openly talk about special educational needs and disability.

Two long standing Surge collaborators come together in a new duo collaboration especially for the festival.

Rihab is a talented London-based Syrian oud player who first worked with us as one of our Surge New Works composers.

Bosnian-born Swiss accordian maverick Mario Batkovic mixes classical and contemporary sounds to create his own unique approach, exploring the sonic possibilities of his instruments to create challenging, hypnotic and grandiose music.

Supporting is Hyelim Kim, a bamboo flautist who is opening up new possibilities for Korean music.

We're excited to present Shropshire-based duo Ruth Angell & Sid Peacock who will come together to play a heady blend of traditional and original tunes. For this special intimate performance they will be collaborate with Ireland-based Congolese musician Niwel Tsumbu who brings his own distinct fusion of new jazz, rhumba, flamenco, rock, soukous and classical styles.