BBC Big Band

The BBC Big Band

Musical Director Barry Forgie

Featuring soloists Julie Claire and Poppy Baker (pictured)

Widely regarded as one the world’s leading, and most versatile, Jazz Orchestras, The BBC Big Band continues to delight audiences around the world through their broadcasts on BBC Radio as well their live performances at some of the country’s most prestigious venues.

The Band’s musical collaborations read like a ‘who’s who’ of the international music scene, and have included artists as diverse as: Tony Bennett, Martin Taylor, Robert Palmer, Louis Stewart, Van Morrison, Amy Winehouse, Mel Torme, Clark Terry, Michael Buble, Dr John, George Benson, Van Morrison, Georgie Fame, and Ray Charles … to name just a few!

Within the UK, the BBC Big Band is perhaps best known for its work across the BBC’s radio channels – particularly BBC Radio 2 and Radio 3. Their performances also reach huge global audience, through its regular broadcasts for the BBC World Service, and via the BBC’s iPlayer service … making this a truly international orchestra.

Live performances have included numerous appearances at London’s Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC Proms, the ‘BBC Proms in the Park’ series in Hyde Park; as well as concerts at the UK’s premier concert venues, including venues such as Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Snape Maltings, the Glasshouse Gateshead, Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall,, and London’s Cadogan Hall.

"World-class musicians … a brilliant musical force" The Telegraph
"Sheer brilliance" The Guardian
"The best in the business" Clare Teal
"Joyous!" George Benson
"For survival, one must be versatile, for jazz, one must be ready to swing ... hard!
The BBC Big Band live both realities." Julian Joseph
"The best big band we have ever had in this Festival.
Precision, dynamics musicality - simply amazing!" Lucern World Band Festival
"One of the great European Jazz Orchestras. It would be difficult to imagine any band anywhere doing a better job" The Observer

Poppy Baker

Poppy’s unique jazz-infused songs straddle the soul, R&B and indie genres – with melodies that cut straight to the heart. And Poppy’s impressively sensitive and soulful vocals reveal an emotional intelligence beyond her years. Insightful lyrics demonstrate an innate ability to address any topic with sensitivity, whilst Poppy’s profound affection for ballads enriches her contemporary musical creations.

Julie Claire

Julie Claire is an internationally performing singer, multi-instrumentalist, and session musician with roots in classical, folk, and jazz traditions. Originally trained as a pianist and cellist, Julie completed her undergraduate degree in cello at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, before returning to study a master’s degree in jazz vocals.

Alongside an active career as a touring artist and session musician, Julie performs with a wide range of function bands and is lead vocalist with ‘Supertonic’. A core member of ‘Joe Broughton’s Folk Ensemble’ for the past decade, she has also been a featured vocalist on several of their albums. Julie is absolutely thrilled to be performing with the BBC Big Band for this special concert.

Running time approx. two hours including interval