THURSDAY 29TH DECEMBER THE VORTEX JAZZ BAR DALSTON HACKNEY GILLETT SQUARE N16 8AZ 8.30PM DOORS 7.45 Two Jazz cellist/vocalists Kate Shortt and Rupert Gillett take on the world of jazz standards, infused with a classical twist, Latin American music plus originals. From Bebop to the Blues and Bach again!

Acclaimed cellist Alisa Weilerstein takes the title role in Richard Strauss's Don Quixote. Jordan de Souza conducts the Philharmonia Orchestra.

Truls Mørk is the soloist in Prokofiev's Sinfonia Concertante, with the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by his former cello pupil Tabita Berglund.

Julian Lloyd Webber gives a masterclass with three talented cellists on Arnold's Fantasy for Cello - a piece dedicated and written for him by the composer in 1987.

Trailblazing cellist Shirley Smart performs music from her acclaimed album 'Long Story Short' at this delightful venue in North London. Drawing on a mixture of influences from 10 years spent living in Jerusalem, jazz and a strong classical training including studies with Raphael Wallfisch and Janos Starker, Shirley is recognised as one of the UKs most innovative string players. " Shirley Smart can now be considered one of the best improvising cellists in the UK" The Jazzmann "...some of the most inventive use of the cello I have heard for some time.." Kind of Jazz 'As a cellist-composer she morphs seamlessly from Stephane Grappelli like swing and Bird-like bebop...a charming kaleidoscope and jazzy showcase of her global folk music-inspired compositions' Jazzwise 'Intense, lyrical and full of energy....A thrilling range on technique on display...Smart's cello singing, snarling or pumping out bass lines....fascinating listening, and thought-provoking entertainment for the open-eared" The Arts Desk "Smarts playing is particularly remarkable….she readily demonstrates a wide range of techniques incorporating an understanding of improvisation drawn from a jazz background and her extensive knowledge of Arabic maqam..." Songlines

Two cellist/jazz singers join forces to express their take on the world of standards, Latin, originals plus more. Kate Shortt, cellist, singer songwriter, cabaret artist/comedien-ne is known for her avant garde improvisations and off the wall humour. Rupert Gillett, multi instrumentalist, singer, composer and jazz bassist is also experienced in rock, blues and Eastern European styles. Sit back and enjoy this cellicious ride from bebop to the blues and Bach again! ‘...Shortt’s solo took the honours. It was an unusual but impressive juxtaposition of overtones, atonality and snatches of delicate folk melodies...’ Ian Mann Jazz reviewer ‘...The stand out performance came from Rupert Gillett. Great cellist with comical side and songs that were instantly playing in your head...’ Fiona Jarvis - Blue Badge Style

Superstar cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason embarks on his season as Featured Artist with the Philharmonia Orchestra with both Haydn Cello Concertos, conducted by Marin Alsop. Following the concert he gives a free Insights Talk.

Trailblazing cellist Shirley Smart performs music from her acclaimed album 'Long Story Short' at this delightful venue in North London. Drawing on a mixture of influences from 10 years spent living in Jerusalem, jazz and a strong classical training including studies with Raphael Wallfisch and Janos Starker, Shirley is recognised as one of the UKs most innovative string players. " Shirley Smart can now be considered one of the best improvising cellists in the UK" The Jazzmann "...some of the most inventive use of the cello I have heard for some time.." Kind of Jazz 'As a cellist-composer she morphs seamlessly from Stephane Grappelli like swing and Bird-like bebop...a charming kaleidoscope and jazzy showcase of her global folk music-inspired compositions' Jazzwise 'Intense, lyrical and full of energy....A thrilling range on technique on display...Smart's cello singing, snarling or pumping out bass lines....fascinating listening, and thought-provoking entertainment for the open-eared" The Arts Desk "Smarts playing is particularly remarkable….she readily demonstrates a wide range of techniques incorporating an understanding of improvisation drawn from a jazz background and her extensive knowledge of Arabic maqam..." Songlines