Conservatoire Folk Ensemble
The Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, 200 Jennens Road, B4 7XR
£15
£10 over 60s, under 16s
FREE TICKETS FOR BCU STUDENTS AND STAFF
Use your BCU email address at the checkout to automatically activate your complimentary ticket. Subject to availability. No promo code is needed, unless otherwise communicated. If you have any queries regarding your booking, please contact the Events Team.
Wheelchair users are entitled to concessionary priced tickets with a complimentary companion seat.
Assistance dogs are welcome at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire venues. If you wish to bring an assistance dog or wheelchair, please let the Events Office know by calling 0121 331 5909.
Global Traditions: Conservatoire Folk Ensemble
A concert series of folk music from around the world
The UK's biggest folk band, The Conservatoire Folk Ensemble, will be taking the 50-piece line-up of the band on the road for the 27th year in 2025, but here in their home venue they present the full 85-strong ensemble for two full sets. This has to be seen to be believed.
"Truly the most joyous noise I have ever heard and re-affirming my faith in the potential of the human race." Jon Bens
Formed in 1997 at Birmingham’s prestigious Conservatoire by fiddle player and arranger Joe Broughton (The Urban Folk Quartet, The Albion Band, Joss Stone), the Conservatoire Folk Ensemble have established a reputation for creating energetic and powerful shows, everywhere from the Royal Albert Hall to New Street Railway Station. Their increasingly popular live appearances - especially at such festivals as Cropredy, Green Man, Shambala and Kendal Calling - have left audiences ecstatic and even (at Towersey) moved to tears.
Still based at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, the personal influences of each member shapes the set-list, as traditional English and Celtic reels slide into full-on rock grooves, funk, jazz, hip-hop, ska and reggae. Eastern European and Asian flourishes can also be heard, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the group.
This is very much 21st century folk.
This is ‘Power Folk’.
“Varied and brilliant… one massive sound” Frank Hennessy, BBC Radio
“There’s subtlety, poignancy, variety and more than a soupçon of talent. You’ll like this, like it lots I know you will.” fRoots
“This album is utterly mind-blowing.” Mick Tems - Folk Wales Online Magazine