We’re delighted to be working with our close neighbours at Petworth Festival to co-present this very special evening with Lizzie Ball and The James Peason Trio, an all-star quartet of musicians celebrating the music of the inimitable George Gershwin, and some of his fellow composers who influenced his unique and enduring style. They will be exploring how Gershwin’s legacy had a direct impact on both classical and jazz artists alike, including Stephane Grappelli and Yehudi Menuhin. 

For eight years Lizzie Ball was Nigel Kennedy's handpicked concertmaster. Then Jeff Beck took her across America - where she stole the show from one of the greatest guitarists alive. "She lit the place on fire," wrote the San Francisco Chronicle. Rolling Stone called the audience mesmerised. Brian Wilson wanted her too. Lizzie is one of Britain's most electrifying performers.

James Pearson is Artistic Director of Ronnie Scott’s - the world's most famous jazz club. And the critics don't hedge. "Pearson is in shattering form," said the Sunday Times, ranking the trio's live album Swing the Club at No.6 in its albums of the year. The Observer called them "a joy to listen to" - three outstanding players with poise, balance and swing. New York agreed: four sold-out nights at Birdland.

And Pearson isn't just a jazz man. He's played Rachmaninoff with the Philharmonia, Gershwin on BBC Radio 2, and shared stages with everyone from Elvin Jones and Johnny Griffin to Robbie Williams, Nigel Kennedy and Jeff Beck. The Sunday Times summed him up as Messiaen's harmony fused with George Shearing's pulse.

Making up the James Peason Trio are Misha Mullov-Abbado (bass) and Matt Skelton (drums).