A major coup for this year's festival is a very rare live performance by John Metcalfe of his stunning new album TREE (Real World Records)
Producer and arranger for the likes of U2, Coldplay, Blur and Peter Gabriel, John Metcalfe is "one of the UK's best, most consistently brilliant artists” - Drowned In Sound
Coupled with gorgeous visuals from Jony Easterby, the music reflects an imagined 24-hour cycle in the life of a tree experienced by observing the ever-shifing interplay of light, colour and sound whilst exploring the intense and mystifying effect trees have on us all; our relaatonship with their physicality, their essence, and their importance to the future of our planet.
Joining John on stage are some of the UK’s finest string players who have played on countless Hollywood film scores and with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé and Coldplay.
"Bold. Sweeping. Majestic. Wonderous." Higher Plain Music
"staggeringly beautiful" Mary Anne Hobbs - BBC 6 Music
Video:John Metcalfe - Root to Leaf (Live at King's Place)
Born in New Zealand but made in Manchester, John was a member of cult post-punk band Durutti Column and alongside Tony Wilson launched the pioneering Factory Classical on Manchester’s legendary Factory label whilst simultaneously cutting his clubbing teeth at the great city’s Hacienda.
Alongside his solo output he has collaborated with a huge range of artists from the worlds of music, dance and film including artists such as U2 and George Michael. He has also performed and recorded with the Max Richter Ensemble.
A classically trained violist, John has toured worldwide and recorded with his own Duke String Quartet. With his band, he has performed at major festivals and released 6 solo albums on labels such as Real World.
