Bird Tunes: Miranda Rutter, Sam Sweeney & Rob Harbron

What is Bird Tunes about?

Bird Tunes is a live folk and chamber music performance inspired by birdsong, presented as part of the Sheffield Chamber Music Festival at the Playhouse in Sheffield city centre.

The concert features a newly composed suite by Miranda Rutter, created from fragments of birdsong recorded during woodland walks. These field recordings are woven into the music, creating an atmospheric blend of live performance and natural sound.

Who is performing?

Miranda Rutter is joined by two of the most respected musicians on the UK folk scene:

• Sam Sweeney, described by BBC Radio 3 as “the fiddler with the golden ear”

• Rob Harbron, praised by The Guardian as a “concertina wizard”

Together, they combine fiddle, viola and concertina with birdsong recordings to create a rich, immersive listening experience.

Why is this concert special?

As well as celebrating the beauty and complexity of birdsong, Bird Tunes reflects on the pressures faced by migrating birds in a rapidly changing, human-dominated world. The result is a thoughtful and emotionally resonant concert that connects music, nature, and environmental awareness.

Miranda Rutter explains:

“I follow in a long line of musicians from prehistory who’ve been inspired by birdsong – it being such an enchanting wonder of the world! For me, listening deeper, discovering intricacies and learning to recognise birds by their song has made me care even more about birds and their habitat. As so many species are struggling in this rapidly changing, human-dominated world, I hope that my contribution can help spark intrigue, spread awareness and in turn, generate action to turn the tide of fortune for these awe-inspiring creatures.”

Who is this event for?

This concert will appeal to:

• Folk and acoustic music fans

• Chamber music audiences

• Nature and wildlife enthusiasts

• Anyone looking for thoughtful, cultural things to do in Sheffield

🎟 Tickets and full event details:
https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/bird-tunes-miranda-rutter-sam-sweeney-rob-harbron