Echoes from the Birdcage takes us on a sonic journey through King’s Cross, exploring the diverse and dynamic character of this iconic London area. In the first half, a collection of short pieces curated by Jill Jarman captures the varied atmospheres of King’s Cross, from the meditative echoes of Bach’s Prelude for solo cello, to the vibrant multiculturalism reflected in a Jarman composition and Ian East’s pieces inspired by Balkan folk dance and jazz fusion. Vincent Ho’s Sandman’s Castle explores the duality of city life, while Reich’s Clapping Music and Glennie and Sheppard’s Orologeria Aureola embody the energy of the area’s regeneration.

The second half features Echoes from the Birdcage, a captivating composition by Jill Jarman in collaboration with Dame Evelyn Glennie, born from Glennie’s residency as the PRS Foundation and King’s Cross Musician in Residence. Through six distinct movements, this piece tells the evolving story of King’s Cross, drawing from its unique landscapes, cultural diversity, and community voices. Movements like In Motion, Global Chant, and The Spaces In-Between depict the flow of travel, the rich blend of cultures, and the serene hidden corners, creating a vivid portrait of a place where history and modernity intersect, and every sound narrates a tale of transformation and connection.