A runaway hit of our 2021-22 season, the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain scored with audiences with its unique, energetic blend of arrangements from pop to classical, humor, and, of course, lots and lots of expert strumming. This ensemble of a dozen-plus plucky artists are "the best musical entertainment in the country," according to the Independent. "Nothing is spoof proof," added The Times.
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, that's the one founded by George Hinchliffe and Kitty Lux, has already enjoyed touring in the United States many times. For those who have not yet encountered it, the essential point is that it is an original musical ensemble featuring only ukuleles of various sizes and registers, accompanied by just the natural voices of the performers.
Harsher critics have stated the opinion that the Ukulele Orchestra formed their repertoire based on any music considered inappropriate for the instrument, with a "shopping trolley dash through genres" and musical history. In Europe and America, the Orchestra is best known for playing versions of famous rock songs and film themes, sometimes changing these so that the expectations of the audience are subverted. Sometimes a rock song will be changed into a jazz idiom, or sometimes several songs which are known from different genres are combined in one "soup of contrasts."
The founding brief for the group was to have fun and "not to lose money." Incredibly, throughout its thirty year career, the group has succeeded in both not losing money AND incidentally making millions of dollars. It has been seen worldwide by audiences including members of the British Royal Family and other crowned heads of Europe, at the Houses of Parliament in London, and by many millions of television and online viewers.
Program to be announced from the stage.
$90/75/60.