Major Commission by Mark-Anthony Turnage and Barb Jungr

Fresh from her latest successful live appearances in New York, Barb Jungr is now set for a UK Tour over the summer months. 

Including dates at major venues in Manchester, London, Cork and Edinburgh, a highlight will be the world premiere of a Southbank Centre commissioned work by Mark-Anthony Turnage and Barb Jungr to be performed in the Queen Elizabeth Hall on 15 June. The work, "About Water", one of a number commissioned by the Centre to celebrate the relaunch of the site, will be performed by Southbank Centre Associate Ensemble, the London Sinfonietta, conducted by Stefan Asbury.

The Ensemble will be joined by Jungr, as well as a quartet of vocalists, straddling jazz and classical styles. Jazz and classical instrumental soloists, including bassist John Patitucci, pianist Gwilym Simcock and cellist Gabriella Swallow will also perform.

In between movements of this commission which takes water as its theme, Jungr will perform water-themed songs, in new arrangements for ensemble and orchestra by Turnage, including Nick Drake's Riverman, Otis Redding's Sitting on the Dock of the Bay and Take Me To The River by Al Green and Davin Seay.

Mark-Anthony Turnage said: "I knew as soon as I heard Barb Jungr's voice I wanted to write for her. She is totally unique and individual. She brings an intensity to her performance that is so exciting and rare. I wanted to surround her with soloists I've worked with over the years from the great American bass player John Patitucci to the fabulous sax players Mark Lockheart and Martin Robertson, the outstanding jazz pianist Gwilym Simcock and the beautiful cello playing of Gabriella Swallow. Along with four singers and the London Sinfonietta I wanted to make a lyrical brew of my own music interspersed with arrangements of some familiar and some less familiar songs."

Barb Jungr said: "When Mark asked me if he might write something for me to sing, I was thrilled and amazed. And then I wrote some texts and we were collaborating. Working outside of one's own genre pushes the envelope - stretches the muscles. I take back to my own work new harmonic ideas and new improvisation. I hope I bring to Mark's work something new, too. It's a joy always to be in inspiring and inspired company, Mark is a terrific artist and I'm loving working with him."

London Sinfonietta, Mark-Anthony Turnage, Stefan Asbury conductor, Barb Jungr vocalist, Martin Robertson saxophone, Mark Lockheart saxophone, Gwilym Simcock piano, Gabriella Swallow cello, John Patitucci double bass, Loré Lixenberg soprano, Melanie Marshall mezzo-soprano, Mike Henry tenor, Keel Watson bass

Turnage: About Water (world premiere)

Friday 15 June - 7.30pm, Queen Elizabeth Hall, South Bank, London   

Tickets: £9 - £35

Ticket Office: 08703 800 400