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If you haven’t yet discovered the delightful gem that is the 1901 Arts Club, now is the time to do so….

7 Star Arts present a trio of concerts at the 1901 Arts Club this autumn featuring leading musicians, including pianist Viv McLean and up-and-coming soprano Sofia Kirwan-Baez, in a range of imaginative programmes of music from Nadia Boulanger to George Gershwin and Benjamin Britten – and much more besides. These concerts are in support of English National Opera’s Benevolent Fund

Housed in a converted schoolmaster’s house a stone’s throw from Waterloo Station, the 1901 Arts Club is an intimate, convivial chamber music venue whose ethos, ambiance and decor is inspired by Europe’s ninteenth-century Salon culture. It’s the perfect place to enjoy music with friends, and it boasts an elegant upstairs bar for pre- and post-concert socialising. And at these concerts with 7 Star Arts, you’ll have the chance to meet the artists as well.

Tuesday 24 September HIDDEN GEMS OF FRENCH SONG with Sofia Kirwan-Baez

Hotfoot from her recent appearance at Longborough Festival Opera, soprano, pianist and songwriter Sofia Kirwan-Baez takes you on a journey through French song, from Nadia and Lilli Boulanger to Edith Piaf and Barbara. Plus a few surprises along the way…

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Wednesday 30 October ALICE NEARY cello and VIV McLEAN piano

Two of our finest musicians perform much-loved sonatas for cello and piano by Debussy, Britten & Franck.

The pianist Viv McLean seemed exceptional….he astonished us with his musical maturity and extraordinary sonority

Le Monde, Paris

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Wednesday 4 December CLASSIC GERSHWIN with VIV McLEAN piano & SUSAN PORRETT narrator

7 Star Arts most popular words and music production makes its 1901 Arts Club debut. This “glorious celebration of Gershwin’s life and music” weaves the vibrant music of the ever-popular composer with his fascinating life story from birth in the colourful, teeming New York of 1898 to his tragically early death in 1937. Programme includes Gershwin favourites The Man I love and Rhapsody in Blue as well as lesser-known works.

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7 Star Arts promotes exciting and eclectic performances by a vibrant collective of musicians, actors, writers and artists, including acclaimed pianists Anthony Hewitt and Viv McLean, violinist David le Page, actress and writer Susan Porrett, jazz ensembles Partikel and the Liam Stevens Trio, and artist Klara Smith.

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Performances often take place in smaller, more intimate venues and feature mixed-genre programmes combining music and words, and music, words and pictures to create unique and accessible concerts which offer unexpected insights into the music being performed.

I have been involved with 7 Star Arts for several years now on an ad hoc basis, as an occasional publicist and performer, but I recently took over managing the 7 Star Arts website and am now responsible for producing publicity material and promoting events via social media.

Christmas 2016 saw the launch 7 Star Arts has a residency at The Jazz Room at The Bull’s Head in SW-London with a sell-out performance of ‘Classic Gershwin’, a wonderful celebration of the life of George Gershwin in music and words. Known as the “suburban Ronnie Scott’s”, the Jazz Room at The Bull’s Head is now an established part of the London jazz scene and host to many acclaimed jazz musicians and singers.

In addition, we are also hosting events at the hidden gem that is Dorich House, the splendid and wonderfully eclectic Art Deco former home of Russian artist Dora Gordine.

Forthcoming events

11th February 2017 – Classic Gershwin, St Michael’s Chiswick. Back by popular request, the hugely successful life of George Gershwin told in music and words, with pianist Viv McLean and actress Susan Porrett.

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14th February 2017 – Valentine’s Extravaganza with Liam Stevens and Friends at The Jazz Room at The Bull’s Head, Barnes. The Liam Stevens Trio is one of the most exciting young groups on the jazz scene today. Led by the dextrous piano playing of Liam, who displays a deep understanding and passion for music, winning increasing plaudits from audiences and respected musicians alike. This cutting-edge trio features Liam Stevens, keyboard, JJ Stillwell, bass and Joe Dessauer, drums, along with some very special guests for this one-off Valentine’s show.

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3rd March 2017 – Chekhov’s Grand Piano. The premiere of a new multi-genre production celebrating the artistic life of the great Russian writer Anton Chekhov, with piano music by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev and le Page, performed by pianist Viv McLean and violinist David Le Page, with readings by Susan Porrett and Nesley Joy.

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7 Star Arts on Facebook

Twitter: @7StarArts

The great strength of this format is the subtle interweaving of words and music. Susan’s text brings to life the personalities of Chopin and Sand through letters between them and their friends, and contemporary accounts. The readings set the tone, and the music reflects it, each piece sensitively rendered by Viv with expression and commitment, from the tenderest, most intimate Nocturnes (Op 9, No. 2, Op post. In C sharp minor) to an intensely poignant Mazurka (Op 17 No 4). …..Viv’s understated, modest delivery always allows the music to speak for itself, while Susan’s words lend greater focus, encouraging us to listen to the music even more attentively.

(from my review of ‘Divine Fire’)

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7 Star Arts promotes exciting and eclectic performances by a vibrant collective of musicians, actors, writers and artists, including acclaimed pianists Anthony Hewitt and Viv McLean, violinist David le Page, actress and writer Susan Porrett, jazz ensembles Partikel and the Liam Stevens Trio, and artist Klara Smith.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Performances often take place in smaller, more intimate venues and feature mixed-genre programmes combining music and words, and music, words and pictures to create unique and accessible concerts which offer unexpected insights into the music being performed.

From December 2016, 7 Star Arts has a residency at The Jazz Room at The Bull’s Head. Known as the “suburban Ronnie Scott’s”, The Bull’s Head is now an established part of the London jazz scene and host to many acclaimed jazz musicians and singers.

Forthcoming events

Classic Gershwin at The Bull’s Head – 24th December 2016

The vibrant music of George Gershwin is interwoven with his fascinating life story from birth in the colourful, teeming New York of 1898 to his tragically early death in 1937. Performed by Viv McLean, piano and Susan Porrett, narrator in the intimate Jazz Room at The Bull’s Head, Barnes, London SW13

“Vividly illustrated…. rapturously received.. highly recommended.”

Aydenne Simone & Liam Stevens Trio – 5th January 2017

Join the incredible vocalist Aydenne Simone plus amazing pianist Liam Stevens and his trio.

Rowan Hudson with JJ Stillwell – 10th January 2017

Further information and tickets

The great strength of this format is the subtle interweaving of words and music. Susan’s text brings to life the personalities of Chopin and Sand through letters between them and their friends, and contemporary accounts. The readings set the tone, and the music reflects it, each piece sensitively rendered by Viv with expression and commitment, from the tenderest, most intimate Nocturnes (Op 9, No. 2, Op post. In C sharp minor) to an intensely poignant Mazurka (Op 17 No 4). …..Viv’s understated, modest delivery always allows the music to speak for itself, while Susan’s words lend greater focus, encouraging us to listen to the music even more attentively.

(from my review of ‘Divine Fire’)