The Royal Albert Hall launch ‘Albert Sessions’
On 23 May, the Royal Albert Hall’s exciting new initiative – The Albert Sessions will launch with Liverpool’s hottest new band, The Wombats. The uniqueness of this scheme is twofold: it is designed to support new and breaking artists, whilst giving invaluable experience and advice back to students from some of London’s most disadvantaged schools.The Albert Sessions give bands a once in a lifetime opportunity to perform in one of the world’s most prestigious venues. At a reduced rental rate of 50%, bands who at this point in their careers wouldn’t usually perform in the 5,200 capacity Royal Albert Hall, are given the rare chance to play in front of their fans and join the ranks of great artists such as The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Jay-Z, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones who have all graced this famous stage. Ticket prices are capped to enable younger audiences to purchase tickets and experience their favourite artist in this renowned venue.
In return, bands are asked to take part in an educational session designed to encourage younger fans and music enthusiasts to get involved in the event. Working with schools from local boroughs, the Royal Albert Hall will invite kids from some of the most disadvantaged schools into the venue on the afternoon of the show to enjoy a variation of exciting educational activities. The students will be given the opportunity to learn more about what it takes to be in a band and make music through a Q&A Session with the artist as well as a chance to watch their sound and get tickets to their performance.
This initiative is another step in cementing the Royal Albert Hall’s status as both an inclusive and accessible venue and one with the versatility to transcend the cultural generations. The Albert Sessions joins the hush series launched earlier this year, to become another impressive manifestation of the charity’s philanthropic commitment and dedication to new artists.
Tickets are priced £14 - £17.50 and are available from Royalalberthall.com.