Beth Orton arrives at the Howard Assembly Room for her first performance in the venue, bringing a career spanning over thirty years to the heart of Leeds. Since her debut with Trailer Park in 1996, Orton has remained a singular presence in British music – a songwriter who has consistently evolved her sound from the early days of folktronica through to more traditional rock and acoustic influences. This performance centres on her latest album, The Ground Above, which builds upon the foundations of her critically acclaimed 2022 record Weather Alive. Where her previous work was often noted for its ethereal, atmospheric textures, this new collection is more direct – an urgent exploration of survival, renewal, and the process of looking back through the lens of time. Across the set, Orton bridges the gaps between folk, spiritual jazz, and the Great American Songbook. Working as both producer and bandleader, her current approach is deeply collaborative – focusing on complex, personal themes like identity and ageing, while always returning to the importance of human connection. Presented in partnership with Future Sound.

Description supplied by the event organiser.