This spring, Nottingham’s arts venues are coming together to present a unique celebration of music composed for film, TV, and video games. Soundstage, Nottingham’s Festival of Music and the Moving Image is presented by the Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall and multiple partner organisations taking audiences across the globe, along famous railway routes, into far off galaxies, and deep into the imagination.
From epic cineconcerts to intimate jazz performances, the city will be filled with unforgettable music in celebration of the soundtracks that shape our screens and showcasing Nottingham’s emerging creative talent.
Lakeside Arts, part of the University of Nottingham, is delighted to take part once again in Soundstage Festival. Committed to supporting local creatives, student musicians and researchers, Lakeside regularly works with young composers and artists to create extraordinary multimedia experiences across artistic genres, so it is fitting that they are contributing to this rich festival programme.
Lakeside will explore this year’s theme of ‘Journeys’, inviting film and music lovers – and families – to travel through time and across the globe.
Experience Riding the Rails with pianist Neil Brand (24 March), a journey through early silent films including “The General” set in the American Civil War; discover the magical world of cinematic theatre by The Paper Cinema (30 March), where intricate paper illustrations bring Dorset legends to life; or take an exhilarating musical trip to India with the infectious rhythms of Bollywood Brass Band (26 March). Student instrumentalists, composers, and filmmakers from Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham will collaborate with the BBC Concert Orchestra, gaining exceptional access to one of the UK’s most exciting and innovative professional ensembles.
The festival will also showcase Nottingham’s young musicians, who will hold a feel-good free outdoor concert (29 March) performing well-loved themes from stage and screen.
Catherine Hocking, Head of Music at Lakeside Arts said:
“The Soundstage Festival is a brilliant opportunity to work with partners across the city to deliver a rich programme celebrating music of the moving image. I am so pleased Lakeside Arts is contributing several events this year, from a live performance on our Steinway Spirio piano to Buster Keaton’s classic silent film ‘The General’, to the irrepressible joy of Bollywood film music, and showcases of Nottingham’s young musicians next to the lake at Highfields Park. There is something for everyone to enjoy.”
Tickets are now available at lakesidearts.org.uk/SoundStage or by calling Lakeside Arts’ Box
Office 0115 846 7777
Posted on 05 March 2025
