Could you journey from Athens to the Edinburgh Festival surviving solely on your artistic talent? Could you trade your skills in return for food, accommodation and travel? Could you make the 4000 kilometer journey in just five weeks… and then put on a show / exhibition at the end?

If you are a chutzpah-fueled cultural adventurer who believes in the power of art, we’d love to hear from you.

Illuminations Television is looking for four contributors for a forthcoming Sky Arts series, The Art of Survival.

Two pairs of Artistes and Artists and Musicians will compete against each other – and the winners will be the couple who make the most money from touting their work and skills.

You’ll need available from 30th July to 5th September 2010, over 18 and from the United Kingdom. Males and females wanted. Auditions will take place in London, the week beginning 19th July. Contributors will audition separately, not as teams.

We’ll even pay you for this. In return for going hungry and probably sleeping all over Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and France, we’re delighted to offer a fee of £5000 to each of the four contributors. The winners will claim the equivalent value of the fee again.

To apply, please email:  artsurvival at illuminationsmedia.co.uk

with the following before Monday 19th July:

· A CV, detailing performance / exhibition history and qualifications

· A link / profile video, demonstrating their work / performance skills

· A photo

· A phone number

Dionne Farley
Assistant Producer
“Art of Survival”
Illuminations Media

Tel: 0207 288 8404

The quartet plays in prestigious venues such as the Royal residence, Lancaster House, the Israeli Embassy, the Tate Gallery, the Royal Society of Medicine, the Dover Street Arts Club, the Polish Embassy, the Silverstone Race Track and the Royal Opera House, and in some of the finest hotels in the UK and abroad such as the Savoy, Claridges, the Landmark, the Langham Hilton, the Dorchester, the Berkley, and the Park Lane.

All I Ask of You

Arioso

Et Dodim

They have also played for major international charities such as Amnesty International, Hospice UK, CRISIS, MIND, B’Nai Brith, JAMI, JNF and Hadassah, and for countless corporate events running the gamut from Lexus Sports Car Launch to the memorial service for Estee Lauder.

Petit Four has played in the presence of such celebrities as Lord and Lady Winston, the Earl and Countess of Wesses, King Constantine of Greece, the British Ambassadors to Luxembourg and Australia, the Ambassador from Israel, the Polish Ambassador, STING, Salman Rushdie and his Royal Highness, Prince Charles.

La donna e mobile

Ode To Joy

Sunrise Sunset

Miriam (lead violinist) won the United Kingdom’s Jewish Performer of the Year 1995. She gave her debut recital at the Alice Tully Hall in New York’s Lincoln Center with a rapturous review from THE NEW YORK TIMES, who said that Miriam was, “a gifted young violinist who proved a soulful performer showing flair and temperament, fine sensitivity and warmth.” She has performed in the Theatre Champs Elysees with Phillipe Herreweghe, Barbican Hall with Adrian Leaper, Queen Elizabeth Hall with David Josefowitz and Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center with Alexander Schneider. Her many recitals have taken her to Cardiff’s St David’s Hall, the London Palladium, the Purcell Room, the Swaledale and Ryedale Festivals, and the Dartington Festival where, in addition to master classes and solo recitals, she performed as soloist with the Dartington Festival Orchestra under the baton of Diego Masson. Miriam’s debut recital at London’s prestigious Wigmore Hall drew further praise from the critics. STRAD magazine stated, “the intensity and rich allure of Kramer’s performance was nothing short of spellbinding.” A re-engagement with great success followed. Miriam has broadcasted with the BBC Concert Orchestra as soloist in the Beethoven Triple Concerto, on Classic FM, Radio 3, Radio Prague, Paris Radio Classique, and on BBC-TV to name a few…

Katie (violinist) studied the violin at the Royal College of Music in London. Since graduating in 2002, she has enjoyed a varied career, performing with some of the UK’s leading orchestras and travelling worldwide as a chamber artist. Katie has toured the UK with West End shows including Chicago and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. She has toured the UK arenas with Jeff Wayne and his musical production of The War of the Worlds, and as a commercial musician, Katie has performed with Teatro, Hayley Westenra, All Angels and has toured the UK with Britain’s Got Talent winner, Paul Potts and Natasha Marsh.

Tumbalalaika

Winter

Yesterday

Susan (cellist) is an honours music graduate of York University, and her post graduate studies were at the National Centre of Orchestral Studies. Susan played with a number of orchestras including the New Mozart Orchestra, BBC Radio Orchestra, English Philharmonic Orchestra, Aurelian Chamber and Symphony Orchestras and the Orchestra Kameralna of London. She worked as both principal and rank and file cellist under Clive Fairbairn, Adrian Leaper, George Hurst, Sir Simon Rattle, and Kurt Mazur. Susan was a member of the virtuoso Brittania Orchestra in its definitive and highly acclaimed EMI recording of English string music.

Helen (violist) began learning the violin at the age of 9. She took up the viola aged 14. She was awarded the Fishmongers Beckwith Scholarship and a John Lewis Award to study at the Royal College of Music, where she studied with Roger Best, Ivo-Jan Van der Werff and Andriy Viytoviych. Whilst a student she won the coveted Kathleen Long Chamber Music Prize. Since graduating, Helen has worked with some of the country’s leading orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. She is also constantly in demand as a soloist and chamber musician.

Client Comments
Dear Miriam

Thank you to you and the rest of the ensemble for entertaining everyone with your beautiful music, you gave the finishing touch to a wonderful evening. The only constructive feedback we could possibly give is that your performance ended before our evening did, therefore next time we book you, we will have to ensure we book you for the entire evening.

We look forward to hearing you again!

With thanks
- Spiral Software

Your playing is so powerful that on occasion, it sent shivers up my spine, surely the test of any performer!
- Polish Embassy, Mr. P.F.

We are still floating. Thank you all so much for making the chupah so special. Everybody said that it was the most beautiful chupah that they had been to and nearly everyone was in tears at the end.
- New West End Synagogue St. Petesburg Place, Mr. M.T.

The superb contribution you and the other members of your quartet made to enhance our daughter’s wedding yesterday was very greatly appreciated. We are indebted to you. We know how much our guests enjoyed the musicand we have received so many favorable commentsfrom family and friends. I feel sure you will be hearing again soon from some of them seeking your services for their weddings etc. My wife and I therefore wish to thank you all very much for your expert performances.
- Inner Temple, Mr. S.D.

I have to tell you again that your playing was beautiful.
- Royal Majestic Room, Mr. D.B.

Thank you for making their wedding so fantastic. They have asked me to tell you how thrilled they were on the day and still are. All the guests talked about the beautiful music and said it was just wonderful – magical!
- J.van S.

You personally and you as an ensemble were really terrific on Sunday. You created a fabulous atmosphere and people really enjoyed your music.
- Mrs. C.W.

Your music was beautiful – just perfect. I know we will see each other again in the future, so, until then, thank you again for making our day so very special.
- Stockbrook Manor Mrs. G.B.

Thank you so much for your brilliant contribution – the music for the chupah was lovely and the music for the Israeli dancing was great. We will recommend you to all of our friends.”
- Barcelona, Mrs. E.L.

Repertoire List
Pop & Rock…
Van Morris
STING
Elton John

Show Music….
Andrew Lloyd Webber
My Fair Lady
Sound Of Music

George Gershwin
Cole Porter
Jerome Kern
Hoagy Carmichael

Hits of…
Frank Sinatra
Ella Fitzgerald
Andrea Bocelli

Jazz standards…
Fly Me to the Moon
When I Fall in Love
It Had to be You
Someone to Watch Over Me
Misty
How Deep Is Your Love
Cant Help Lovin’ That Man
Stars Fell on Alabama
Smoke Gets In You Eyes
Makin’ Whoopee
Lullabye of Birdland
Take Five
Autumn Leaves

Wedding Favorites…
Pachelbel Canon
Purcell Trumpet Voluntary
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
Vivaldi Four Seasons
Handel Largo
Bach Air
Handel Watermusic
Russian & Gypsy Folk Songs
Tangos
Klezmer Spanish and Italian
Irish and Celtic
Besame
Mucho
Come Back to Sorrento
Greensleeves

Popular operatic arias…
O Mio Babbino Caro
O Sole Mio

… also Special Requests and many others

The performance of these lovely ladies at your dinner or party will bring down the house… The girls give a stunning performance which includes gorgeous harmonies and solo numbers. Depending on the scale of your event and budget they can be perform in full format with the four voices, or reduced down to three or even two to enchant at smaller functions.

Can’t help lovin dat man

I could have danced all night

Nessun Dorma

Meet the Ladies…

Sara, soprano (the fiery red head) earned her Masters Degree with Departmental Distinction in Vocal Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Her operatic lead roles have included Gretel in Hansel and Gretel and Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro, and she has performed in many venues such as Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House and Painters Hall.

Cath, soprano (the sassy blond) recently completed her studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Her performances include Cinderella in Steven Sondheim’s Into the Woods and she has performed on the Palladium stage, at The Royal Albert Hall, The Palace Theatre and Westminster Abbey.

Ksynia, mezzo soprano (our statuesque brunette of short chestnut locks) is currently completing her Masters at the Royal Academy of Music. She has sung roles such as Cherubino, Hansel, Nancy, Dorabella and Carmen for a variety of companies including Raymond Gubbay, the Buxton Festival, Northern Chamber Opera and Philharmonia Voices in venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and the Barbican.

Lisa, mezzo (our petite brunette of luscious long curls) completed her Masters of Performance in Opera at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. She has sung as a soloist at the Tri-nations Rugby League, the Design Awards, and for audiences including the Australian Prime Minister at Angel Place Recital Hall in Sydney.

…But then if you are feeling a bit sorry for the ladies in the audience, perhaps missing Nessun Dorma, or just want to …add on a bit of surprise for sheer fun, the act can also appear ‘Hot Opera Plus” when half way through the performance appears the fifth ‘lady’ ….our not-so-punctual and always-looking-for-a-reason-to-dress-in-drag-tenor, Russell, whom will burst in mid-performance to add his lyric tones and adding some of the fantastic tenor repertoire to the show.

Client Comment
“We all enjoyed ourselves and your singers will be on the lips of everyone for quite a time, you were all excellent.”
-Graham

Repertoire List
The Flower Duet
Habanera
That’s Amore
Il mio cuore va
(My heart will go on)
All that Jazz
Can’t help lovin’ dat man of mine
I could have danced all night
Time to say Goodbye
O mio babbino caro
You’ll never walk alone
Barcarolle
Pie Jesu

Offering an imaginative alternative to the popular electric string quartet format, Flight are a classical-crossover act that uses electric flutes and backing track. This exciting, vibrant and versatile ensemble can provide music for any occasion, from gentle background ambience to a dynamic fully choreographed set complete with virtuosic performances and visual effects.

Classically trained at the Royal College of Music and Guildhall School of Music and Drama, performers are award winning instrumentalists and have recorded and performed with Katherine Jenkins, Blake, Jethro Tull, Sir James Galway, Nigel Kennedy, G4 and Katie Melu. They play on handmade 9K and 18K gold flutes and a specially made Crystal Pearl Flute encrusted with over 8,000 SwarovskiTM crystals.

Click here for audio
Flight Web Track

The group offers the option of booking an elegant background set during dinner, followed by an explosive 20 minute stage show featuring well known classical and pop covers to get everyone in the mood for the evenings late night entertainment.

Dear Friend of Music,

We are a music string producer in Germany. We are specialising in E-Bass, E-Guitar and Acoustic Guitar. All strings are gold plated and we guarantees full protection against corrosion, easy playable and a brilliant sound.

These strings are available in chromenickel, too. Additional we have strings for stringed bowed- and plucked instruments.

Mandolin Flatwound is new in our program.

If you have interest in these strings we would be allocate the strings for testing and we send you a catalog, of course.

We would be pleased if you include OPTIMA strings in your assortment.

Thank you in advance

We look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you and best regards
Helmut Haslinger
OPTIMA Musiksaiten

The result is Strung Out.

Every Breath U Take

Here Comes The Sun

Money

Solsbury Hill

Repertoire List
Back Street Girl(Rolling Stones)
Behind Blue Eyes(The Who)
Black Dog(Led Zeppelin)
Eleanor Rigby(Beatles)
Every Breath You Take(Sting)
Fernando(Abba)
Georgia On My Mind(Ray Charles)
God Only Knows(Beach Boys)
Here Comes The Sun(Beatles)
I Feel Good(James Brown)
I Heard It Through The Grapevine(Marvine Gaye)
Money(Pink Floyd)
My Sharona(Knack)
Shiny Happy People(R.E.M.)
Solsbury Hill(Peter Gabriel)
Somebody To Love (Queen)
Stand By Me(Ben E. King)
Starman(David Bowie)
Superstition(Stevie Wonder)
Sweet Dreams(Eurythmics)
Tainted Love(Soft Cell)
Under The Bridge(Red Hot Chili Peppers)
Wild Thing(Troggs)
You Really Got Me (Kinks)

Alisa is a versatile cellist with a degree from the Royal Northern College of Music. She has extensive experience in chamber music, solo performing, orchestral work, live recordings, session work, pop backing and performing for events. She is based in London but willing to travel and has flexible hours.

British pianist Min Jung has acquired a widely-recognised reputation for her diverse range of styles and repertoire as a soloist, duo and chamber musician. Min Jung made her London solo concert debut at the age of twelve with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall. Her numerous prizes and awards include the British Young Pianist of the Year, Ettlingen International and the YMFE competitions. As a scholar at the Royal Academy of Music, in recognition of her outstanding concerto and recital performances, Min-Jung graduated with the Eric Brough and Elsie Horne prizes in her final year.

Further recognition was given in 2009 when Min-Jung was awarded the Associate of the Royal Academy of Music (ARAM), an honour bestowed to alumni of the Royal Academy of Music, who have distinguished themselves in the music profession and made a significant contribution to it in their particular field. Min Jung’s interpretations have been enjoyed in the USA, Europe and throughout Britain. She has performed at venues that include the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall, Purcell Room, St John Smith’s Square, Brighton Dome, Jersey Arts Centre and De Montfort Hall in Leicester.

She has also appeared at the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, the Cheltenham Festival, the Broadwood International Piano Festival and, most recently, at the Chichester Festival, where she performed Beethoven Concerto No.4 with the world-renowned Philharmonia Orchestra to critical acclaim. Min Jung is the pianist of choice for the masterclasses of the legendary violinist, Ruggiero Ricci, and has enjoyed successful collaborations including the Haffner Ensemble, the Molto Musica Ensemble and with Pierre Amoyal.

With the concertmaster of the Royal Opera House, Sergey Levitin, Min-Jung gave a Wigmore recital which was followed recently by a critically acclaimed performance of the Mendelssohn Double Concerto with the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Barry Wordsworth where her performance was described as ‘impeccable … there seems no doubt that young pianist Kym is destined for the big-time’. Min Jung Kym is a Steinway artist.

The Russian Choir is an a cappella choir. They sings unaccompanied music from the Russian repertoire: music for Russian Orthodox services and well know Russian folk songs. The choir is based in Glasgow, Scotland and it has performed on a national and international base.

It made 2 public appearances before the end of 2004, and has continued performing regularly since then, both in Eastwood and beyond. More recently, some well-known Russian folksongs have been added to the repertoire, and performed in concert.

This beautiful passionate music is a joy to sing, and has given huge enjoyment to those who have listened to it. Vladimir Morozov, their artistic director and conductor, has brought and taught them all this music, making for a very rewarding experience for choir members and audience alike.

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