HEADS UP!
ROBERT CAPA (1913-1954) was one of the leading photographers of the 20th century, defining how modern warfare was photographed. This is War!, an exhibition of over 150 images at the Barbican Art Gallery, includes some never-before-seen photos and newly discovered documents, illuminating Capa's working process and features many of the photographs that are now iconic images of war. Among them is Capa's famous image of the Spanish Civil War, Death of a Loyalist Militiaman, now known as The Falling Soldier. It was taken in 1936, one month into the Republican war against General Franco's army. Daily from 10am until 25 January 2009. Silk Street, London EC2. Tickets: £8-£3. Tel: 0845 121 6826.
9 NOVEMBER -- The High Commissioner for Canada, James R Wright, invites you to a Service of Remembrance which will be held today at the Canada Memorial in Green Park. The service will be held at 1:45pm and is open to all. To observe the historic 90th anniversary of the Armistice of 1918 -- November 11 at 11am -- the Canadian High Commission and The Canada Post encourage all with a love for Canada and our nation's enormous sacrifices in the Great War, World War II, the Korean War, UN Peacekeeping operations and the current conflict in Afghanistan to attend. The Canada Memorial is located just inside Canada Gate, off the Mall or Constitution Hill. Green Park tube. For more information, tel: 020 7258 6334.
12
NOVEMBER -- Alfred Sisley (18391899) was one of the greatest
landscape painters of the 19th century and a leading figure in the Impressionist
movement. Yet Sisley, the only 'Englishman' among the French Impressionists,
remains a relatively unknown figure to many. The National Gallery celebrates
the artist and his work with Sisley in England
and Wales, an exhibition focused entirely on his depiction of
British landscapes and bringing to the public a rare opportunity to see
the unique qualities of the British landscape rendered in an Impressionistic
style. The exhibition also features some of the only known seascapes the
artist ever produced. The paintings date from the summer of 1897 when Sisley
embarked on his final visit to Britain, which included stays in London,
Cornwall and the ruggedly beautiful coast of Wales, where his Welsh landscapes
were to be among his last works. Trafalgar Square, London WC2N. At the
Sunley Gallery, daily from 10am. Admission free. Tel: 020 7747 2885.
22
NOVEMBER -- In London during the late 17th century St.Cecilia's
Day was a most significant occasion, commanding celebrations
across the city. The stellar baroque ensemble, La Nuova Musica and international
soprano Lucy Crowe mark this festival tonight with performances of odes
by Henry Purcell and John Blow -- the finest English composers of the day,
and virtuosic Italian works by the young genius, George Frideric Handel.
At St.John's Smith Square, London SW1. At 7:30pm. Tickets: £20-£8.
Tel: 020 7 222 1061.
22-30
NOVEMBER -- Spread over two weekends, from Saturday 22 to Sunday
30 November, the London Children's Film Festival
returns for a fourth year at the Barbican Screen and at seven cinemas across
the capital. With its signature host of new films from around the world,
workshops, special events and celebrity appearances, all devoted to delighting
young film-lovers, the LCFF presents a unique chance for children to make
a day of it with their families. Doors open at the Barbican at 10.15am
for the Opening Gala Screening of Red Zora, a fabulous adventure story
based on Kurt Kläber's classic 1941 children's novel, followed by
the 1920s German animation The Adventures of Prince Achmed. The next day,
the LCFF holds its annual no-holds-barred Sing-a-long of Disney's The Lion
King. Plus, on 29 November children and their parents can step Inside the
World of Doctor Who. On 30 November, the festival closes with a gala screening
of the hilarious Madagascar--Escape 2 Africa and audience members are encouraged
to dress up as their favourite character for a chance at a prize! Films
come from across the world including Canada. Silk Street, London EC2. Tickets:
£10-£5 include various package deals. For full details, www.londonchildrenfilm.org.uk
24
NOVEMBER -- Three celebrated pianists join Europe's preeminent
chamber orchestra for an evening of pure delight. Tonight, Mitsuko Uchida
joins the Chamber Orchestra of Europe in the Royal Festival Hall to perform
two of Mozart's Piano Concertos for the first of three concerts given by
the Orchestra during the 2008/09 Shell Classic
International series. Recognised as one of the world's finest
interpreters of Mozart's music, Uchida will direct the Orchestra from the
piano in his 23rd and 24th piano concertos, both composed in the spring
of 1786. The Orchestra will also perform Stravinsky's Apollon musagète
under the baton of Alexander Janiczek. South Bank Centre, London E1. At
7:30pm. Tickets: £50-£9. Tel: 0871 663 2500 or www.southbankcentre.co.uk
25 NOVEMBER -- A very special day will be held today at the National Gallery to honour Dame Myra Hess who initiated, directed and performed in a series of legendary concerts at the National Gallery during the Second World War. This year, lunchtime and evening concerts will take place in the Barry Rooms (Room 36), where the original wartime concerts were held. This year's Dame Myra Hess concerts also acknowledge two important anniversaries: the 90th anniversary of Remembrance Day and the centenary of the birth of the composer/pianist Howard Ferguson, the 'power behind the throne' of the wartime Gallery concerts. The National Gallery remained a vital part of London life despite being hit nine times by enemy bombs during the Blitz. Although the Old Master paintings were not on show temporarily relocated to a secret location in Wales Londoners were drawn to the Hess concerts where Dame Myra organised daily concerts at the Gallery for six and a half years, from 10 October 1939 until 10 April 1946 for a total of 1,698 concerts attended by a total of 824,152. Tickets £5/£3 each concert. Places are limited, so advance booking is advised. For further details and times, tel: 020 7747 2885 or information@ng-london.org.uk
29-30
NOVEMBER -- One of the country's best Christmas Craft fairs
is back by popular demand. If the thought of braving the crowds to do your
Christmas shopping leaves you in a cold sweat, you're in luck, because
Warwick Castle's Crafts at the Castle
fair will again this year offer the perfect antidote to the usual seasonal
shopping chaos. Featuring an array of unique, handmade products and festive
gift ideas from all manner of local craftsman and traders, you'll find
everything you need for the perfect Christmas from the star for the
top of your tree to the cranberry sauce for your dining table. And you
won't have to worry about queues at the checkout either! Head down to Warwick
Castle's East Front between 10am-5pm to fill your stocking with festive
treats for all the family. For more information and directions visit www.warwick-castle.com.
Tickets: £15-£5; £36 family ticket. All daytime entertainment
is included. Advance bookings on 0870 442 2000.