Inspired by William Blake’s epic and revolutionary text The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, the Ashmolean’s January LiveFriday will bring the visionary artist and writer to life through a programme of live music, performances, illusions, workshops and talks.

Sofar Sounds will present an intimate gig in the beautiful Mallett Gallery, with local bands including Balloon Ascents and The Balkan Wanderers premiering their unique arrangements of Blake’s ‘The Tyger’ and ‘London’. Six acts/bands will perform and also explain a little bit about their interpretation.

Schola Cantorum will be singing choral arrangements of Blake’s poems by composers ranging from Vaughan Williams to Tavener and Parry. Meanwhile The Beatroots will provide some heavenly jazz a cappella, and elsewhere visitors can discover how Blake has inspired modern musicians such as Bob Dylan and Patti Smith from a silent radio station played through wireless headphones.

More information at www.ashmolean.org/livefriday/2015-01