Rhiannon Giddens live in Gateshead

Experience Rhiannon Giddens live on December 8th

Rhiannon Giddens is a musician celebrated for traversing a diverse range of American musical traditions. Her work prominently features folk, blues, jazz, and traditional Appalachian sounds, often re-contextualized to explore themes of history, race, and identity. Giddens is proficient on banjo, fiddle, and vocals, and frequently incorporates original compositions alongside reinterpretations of historical material. She has received numerous accolades including a MacArthur Fellowship and Grammy Awards.

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, opening in late 2023 in Gateshead, represents a significant investment in music performance and education within the North East of England. It comprises two distinct venues: a 1,200-capacity hall designed for orchestral and amplified performances with adjustable acoustics, and a smaller 450-capacity hall suited to chamber music, recitals and educational activities. The building aims to be nationally recognised for its acoustic excellence and accessibility.

The project is led by Gateshead Council and supported by funding from various sources including Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It builds upon the legacy of The Sage Gateshead – also located on the same site – intending to complement its existing programming while offering new opportunities for artists and audiences alike.