Location:   Newcastle & Gateshead
Venue:   Various
Dates: 21 April 2007 to 22 April 2007

In the streets of NewcastleGateshead, a mysterious Svengali figure searches tirelessly for his dream to create the perfect orchestra ensemble, La Banda Europa. If they can be found they will be gathered together to perform Before the Wolf.

La Banda Europa is a collaborative project initiated by musician Jim Sutherland (winner of the Creative Scotland award) and UZ Events’s Neil Butler to create a unique “Sound of Europe”. Inspired by Jim’s score for the BAFTA Award winning film Festival, an extraordinary band of virtuoso musicians has been assembled from across Europe. When they play Jim’s score the listener will hear most remarkable rare instruments in combinations that have never been heard before.

This ground braking performance will be given extraordinary dramatic moment through the collaboration with theatre maker Hilary Westlake.

Unfolding over 21 and 22 April 2007, Before the Wolf will commence with a Gathering of Musicians across Newcastle and Gateshead with theatrical performances showcasing the talents of world-class players. Musicians already confirmed include Pascal Lefeuvre considered to be the best hurdy gurdy player in the world, trombonist John Kenny ranked in the World’s Top 10 by The Observer, Ditte Anderson who is the foremost authority on the nyckelharpa and bass clarinettist Dick Lea - a multi award winning composer and past Creative Scotland Award winner.

The project will conclude with a spectacular performance and finale of The Grand Parade in Saltwell Park on 22 April with the La Banda Europa supported by a choir and drummers.

IN SITU show (UZ Events, representative in UK). European network for artistic creation in public areas, IN SITU has been financed with the support of the European Commission (Culture 2000 programme).

Before the Wolf has been commissioned by NewcastleGateshead Initiative with additional funding form the Scottish Arts Council (Creative Scotland Award) IN SITU Network, Lieuxpublics Marseilles and La Strada Festival Graz.