The Alehouse Sessions: A Unique Blend of Music and Atmosphere

Strategic Insights -

Bjarte Eike's Alehouse Sessions have become a unique and sought-after concert experience, inspired by the music of late-17th-century London. The Norwegian violinist and founder of Barokksolistene brings together his love of beer, Henry Purcell, and anglophilia to create a flexible and engaging show that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. From sold-out performances in prestigious concert halls to more informal settings like beer festivals and gay clubs, the Alehouse Sessions have proven to be a winning formula.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Alehouse Sessions have been a huge success, with five consecutive UK tours selling out and concerts in Europe's top concert halls, including the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg and the Konzerthaus in Vienna.
  • The show's format is adaptable to different venues and audiences, with Eike using his musical knowledge to create engaging and relevant performances.
  • The Alehouse Sessions are inspired by the music of late-17th-century London, when Oliver Cromwell closed the theatres and musicians set up informally in taverns.
  • The shows often feature a mix of classical and folk music, with Eike and his musicians drawing on a broad range of sources, including Henry Purcell's works.
  • Eike and Barokksolistene are also working on a new version of Purcell's one-act opera Dido and Aeneas, which will feature new arias and a more expansive performance.
  • The opera will be presented as a full evening of entertainment, with the performers acting as well as playing music.
  • Eike believes that the UK has a rich musical heritage that is often overlooked, and is passionate about celebrating English culture and values.

Statistics:

  • 5 consecutive UK tours sold out, with 20-30 year-olds making up the majority of the audience ("That was part of a five-concert [UK] tour and all five concerts were completely sold out, and they were all standing-only").
  • 2,000 capacity at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, which was sold out for Barokksolistene's performance ("We sold out at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, with a capacity of 2,000 or something").
  • 20-30 year-olds made up the majority of the audience at the Camden Town show.
  • The Alehouse Sessions have been adapted for different venues and audiences, with Eike using his musical knowledge to create engaging and relevant performances.

Sources:

  • "I think we have one hour, then a small break, then half an hour at some time between midnight and 2am" (Bjarte Eike).
  • "My guys and girls have never [allowed any] compromise when it comes to the quality of the music. And then the story ... well, it happens to be a good one" (Bjarte Eike).
  • "Music was back in fashion under Charles II but they couldn't build theatres fast enough. So the back rooms of alehouses were turned into music rooms" (Bjarte Eike).
  • "And that one's by Henry Purcell, who also writes, you know, the Funeral Music for Queen Mary ..." (Bjarte Eike).
  • "It's not about turning Dido into a sort of pub session or making it cheap. But it will be more true to what I think Purcell is about" (Bjarte Eike).
  • "I think you're on to something. If you take the field of folk music, it's always the Scottish or the Irish, never the English, right? But you have a strong English tradition" (Bjarte Eike).
  • "But you have a lot to be proud of in England. It doesn't always have to be about having a bad conscience about various things you've done in the past" (Bjarte Eike).