Matthew Herbert, a unique figure in modern music, will headline a major concert at the Barbican Centre in celebration of the 75^th anniversary of the British Council on Monday 26 October 2009.

The first half of the evening will feature three exciting international encounters especially created for this event:

Guillemots vs Penguins – avant-indie band Guillemots working with ArthurJeffes of Music from the Penguin Café.

Karine Polwart and Ruba Saqr – Scottish vocalist Karine Polwart meets Jordanian singer Rub Saqr.

Justin Adams – a new collaboration to be announced.

The second half of the evening will feature the Matthew Herbert Big Band, and community choir with singer Eska Mtungwazi, in a performance specially created for the celebration.

Follow them at http://twitter.com/britishcouncil75