7 Star Arts presents a diverse range of unique and original productions. Our popular mixed-genre concerts combine music, words and art to create intriguing and engaging aural and visual experiences.
Designed for festivals, arts centres and small-scale venues, 7 Star Arts offers events for every occasion ranging from the intimate life stories of the great composers to dazzling cutting edge musicians of the younger generation.
For further information about 7 Star Arts, please contact Yvonne Evans
Classic Gershwin
The moving story of the life and music of composer George Gershwin brought to life in this mixed-genre production featuring narration, live music and visual projections. Performed by Viv McLean (piano) and Susan Porrett (narrator).
Classic Gershwin weaves the vibrant music of the ever-popular composer George Gershwin with his fascinating life story from birth in the colourful, teeming New York of 1898 to his tragically early death in 1937.
With prize-winning pianist and renowned Gershwin interpreter Viv McLean and RSC, National Theatre and TV actress Susan Porrett as narrator, this mixed-genre concert presents an intriguing, eclectic mix of Gershwin’s music from the much-loved Rhapsody in Blue, I got Rhythm Variations, The Man I Love and Swanee to the rarely-played Three Preludes.
Specifications
- Full Length: 95 minutes plus interval
- Lunchtime/Coffee Concert : 50 minutes
- Optional free postconcert talk/Q&A (30 minutes)
- Minimal set with chair for narrator
- No mics needed
- Standard theatre lighting
- Optional screen and projector for projected images
- Tuned grand piano
Divine Fire
Performed by Viv McLean (piano) and Susan Porrett (narrator) and featuring some of Chopin’s loveliest piano works, Divine Fire traces the relationship between Fryderyk Chopin and the authoress George Sand, from their first meeting in Paris in 1836 until their parting in 1849.
The story unfolds through a compelling, dramatic narration of events by the RSC, National Theatre and TV actress Susan Porrett, interspersed with fiery Scherzos, heartrending Ballades, intimate lyrical Nocturnes and stirring Polonaises, performed by acclaimed concert pianist Viv McLean.
absorbing, moving and beautifully presented
– The Cross-Eyed Pianist
Specifications:
- Full Length: 95 minutes plus interval
- Lunchtime/Coffee Concert : 50 minutes
- Optional free postconcert talk/Q&A (30 minutes)
- Minimal set with chair for narrator
- No mics needed
- Standard theatre lighting
- Optional screen and projector for projected images
- Tuned grand piano
Chekhov’s Grand Piano
A multi-genre production interweaving the words of the great Russian writer Anton Chekhov with music by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Scriabin and Prokofiev, and art by Klára Smith. Performed by Anthony Hewitt (piano) with Susan Porrett (reader). Complemented by artwork and visuals by Klára Smith.
There are many parallels between the works of Anton Chekhov and the music of his compatriots. Chekhov’s writing is filled with allusions to music, especially the piano, and Shostakovich noted that Chekhov’s short stories were written in sonata form. Chekhov corresponded with Tchaikovsky whom he revered and his friend Rachmaninoff played the piano in Chekhov’s summer home The White Dacha at Yalta.
Specifications:
- Full Length: 95 minutes plus interval
- Minimal set with chair for narrator
- No mics needed
- Optional screen & projector for projected images
- Tuned grand piano (any size)
Sweet Harmony
A celebration of Shakespeare’s genius in music, words & art – a multi-genre production featuring International concert pianist Viv McLean and RSC/National Theatre actress Susan Porrett, complemented by art by Klára Smith.
Music by Prokofiev, Medtner, Rachmaninov and Schubert, plus original compositions by David Le Page. Speeches from ‘Hamlet’, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, ‘The Winter’s Tale’ and ‘Antony and Cleopatra’ read by Susan Porrett. Original artwork by Klára Smith, including a multi-media projected display with paper cut shadow play and puppetry.
a feast for the senses
a thrilling and unique experience
Specifications
- Running Time : Approx 100 minutes excluding interval (2×50 minutes)
- Tuned grand piano (any size)
- Minimal Set/Chairs for readers
- Projector/Screen
- Basic Stage Lighting
Optional Extras:
- Free pre/post-concert Q & A
- Complementary Art Exhibition
Cabaret Beyond Borders
Elena dtm Lorenzi – vocals
Stefano Marzanni – piano
The Cabaret was born in Paris, the artistic and cultural centre of Europe at the beginning of the 20th century. Cabaret immediately became a vehicle for telling stories – from lyrical romance and love to exposing the living conditions of the poorest and voiceless, dark biting satire, politics and existentialist reflections on the meaning of life. In the Cabaret we find the essence of art that denounces, that tells, that expresses its own time without filters and without veils. The world of Cabaret is constantly changing, following different ways. In Germany it found its maximum expression, but the Cabaret is exported throughout Europe, changing and evolving in cities such as Vienna, Budapest, London, Zurich and Moscow.
Elena Lorenzi and Stefano Marzanni bring to life songs made famous by Edith Piaf and Dalida, from the satire of Mischa Spoliansky to the revolutionary spirit of Kurt Weill.
Pictures At An Exhibition
Clara Rodriguez – piano
Susan Porrett – narrator
Klára Smith – art
In Pictures at an Exhibition, inspired by paintings by Viktor Hartman, bells toll, gnomes and witches lurk in the shadows, and chicks dance in their shells. Mussorgsky’s magical world, drawn from a place deep in the Russian imagination, is brought to life in this multi-genre productions of music, words, and art.
Specifications:
- Full Length: 95 minutes plus interval
- Minimal set with chair for narrator
- No mics needed
- Optional screen & projector for projected images
- Tuned grand piano (any size)