Festival Guide 2013

Cumbria

The beautiful English Lake District provides the stunning backdrop for the 9th annual Ulverston International Music Festival.

Founded by acclaimed pianist Anthony Hewitt, the Festival aims to bring world class performers to this beautiful, rural setting, and who this year include Emma Johnson, Dimension Trio, Sam Haywood, Manchester Camerata, and Orpehus Sinfonia. The Festival will also be showcasing up-and-coming talent through its inaugural Young Artist series - look out for the prodigious gifts of Romanian pianist Alexandra Dariescu and Bulgarian cellist Michael Petrov. Whilst predominantly classically-based, each year the Festival also explores new musical avenues, and this year we head to the Tango Cafes of Buenos Aires with two concerts by Bandoneonist Eduardo Garcia. Additionally, a Diamond Jubilee special presentation 'Bach to the Beatles' features guitarist Carlos Bonnell performing arguably the most popular exponents of British popular music of Queen Elizabeth's reign.

For tickets call 01229 587140 10am to 4pm Mon - Sat or book on-line: www.coro-hall.co.uk/ulverstonmusicfestival

Dorset

Sherborne Abbey Festival offers five days of glorious music performed by both nationally acclaimed artists and gifted young musicians from the many fine schools around Sherborne. Twenty-two performances in all include concerts by The Tallis Scholars, The London Concertante, violinist Ruth Rogers, pianist Francesco Attesti, soprano Lesley Garrett and clarinettists Emma Johnson and Richard Hosford. Sherborne Festival Chorus will perform Mozart’s Great Mass in C minor, there will be an organ recital by Simon Bell, a percussion workshop and concert by BackBeat and a talk by Michael Wright of La Folie fame. Something for everyone.

For more information and tickets:

France

The shared enthusiasm of two men: Renaud Capuçon, a violinist of immense talent and Dominique Bluzet, Director of the Grand Théâtre de Provence, along with the support of the Crédit Mutuel-CIC bank, partner for the next five years, led to the creation of a major new event in the heart of beautiful Provence : Aix-en-Provence Easter Festival.

The programme for the 2013 edition includes twenty concerts performed by world-renowned artists: Radu Lupu, Hélène Grimaud, Gidon Kremer… young stars such as Daniil Trifonov and Khatia Buniatishvili and world class orchestras: the Mariinsky Orchestra of Saint-Petersburg, the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester.

St Helier, Jersey

Rub shoulders with stars from across the world at one of the British Isles’ most original and exclusive boutique music festivals - the Liberation Music Festival - celebrating Jersey’s freedom from occupation.

See opera stars, chamber music, concertos, and jazz in intimate, unusual and stunning settings. Stars perform in medieval castles, and at beautiful heritage sites in the breathtaking countryside.

Award winning artists for 2012 include Philip Dukes, Michael Collins, Philip Dukes, Sitkovetsky Trio, Guy Johnston, and Anton and Erin from BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.

MACHYNLLETH A CENTRE FOR INTERNATIONAL STARS

Machynlleth is the centre for an exceptionally starry cluster of artists in the 2013 Festival at the Tabernacle this August. Artists from Russia, France, Ukraine, Switzerland, Netherlands, Australia and the UK will feature.

Evening highlights include the fabulous young Russian violinist Alina Ibragimova with pianist Cédric Tiberghien in a wonderful programme of Beethoven Sonatas (Saturday 24 August), the Razumovsky Ensemble of international soloists in an intensely romantic programme of string music (Thursday 22 August) and an evocative evening including Vaughan Williams’ On Wenlock Edge, sung by tenor James Gilchrist (Friday 23).

Contemporary world jazz has a major spot on Wednesday 21 August when award-winning pianist Zoe Rahman and her brother Idris Rahman on clarinet/saxophone present an evening of their music inspired by influences from across the world and their own Bengali/UK heritage.

Plus, real Welsh singing (Sunday 18 and Tuesday 20 August), lunchtime and late night concerts, lectures, masterclasses for young musicians, and characterful introductions from Christopher Cook, all at the Tabernacle, Machynlleth, Powys, Sunday August 18 – Sunday 25 2013.

Pembrokeshire

Set in the stunning surroundings of the Cathedral valley, St Davids Cathedral Festival will once again be hosting concerts by some of the UK’s most talented musicians. With appearances by wonderful vocalists such as Wynne Evans, James Bowman and the BBC Singers, the Festival continues to live up to its reputation as one of the greatest classical music festivals in Wales. The BBC National Orchestra of Wales return once more, and we are delighted to welcome the talented young instrumentalists of the Lawson Trio.

Tickets available 1st March. Priority postal booking, for Patrons only, lasts until 14th March; general postal booking opens after that date. Please apply to the Bookings Secretary, Melanie Northall – email: festival.bookings@btinternet.com for ticket enquiries, and to the Administrator, Sophie Davies (contact details below) for any other information.

The St Davids Cathedral Festival is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Wales.

8 – 14 October 2013

Our Chopin Festival is based in the picturesque village of Banyalbufar overlooking the sea on the glorious north coast of Mallorca, close to where Chopin spent one of the best known periods of his life, with his lover, Baroness Dudevant, better known as George Sand. Pianist Tim Horton performs in three recitals, Cellist Gemma Rosefield will join him for one as well as giving her own solo recital and the classical guitarist Morgan Szymanski will perform a programme of Spanish music. Concerts are given at the Carthusian monastery at Valldemossa and in the church in Banyalbufar

Price from £1566 for six nights including flights, accommodation with breakfast and dinner, two lunches, five exclusive Kirker concerts, a full programme of sightseeing and the services of Barry Cheeseman, the Kirker Tour Leader.

9 June - 3 July 2013, Lugano

The Martha Argerich Project, organised by the Lugano Festival, RSI Rete Due and BSI, will be held from 9 June to 3 July 2013. It will once again bring together some 50 artists around the great pianist, who will alternately take the stage in duos, chamber groups or with the Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana.

Pianists will include Stephen Kovacevich, Lilya Zilberstein, Gabriela Montero, Nicholas Angelich, Sergej Babayan, Polina Leschenko and Alexander Mogilevsky, while the line-up of violinists will feature Renaud Capuçon, Ilya Gringolts, Julian Rachlin and Dora Schwarzberg. Cellists Mischa Maisky and Gautier Capuçon will also perform.

There will also be an appearance by trumpeter Serge Nakariakov, who will perform at the evening concert in honour of Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner. The concert has been organised to celebrate the bicentenary of the birth of the two composers, with a programme based on instrumental arrangements of their works.

Lastly, the centenary of Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" will not be forgotten, with an arrangement for four pianos and percussion.

Co.Galway, Ireland

The medieval town of Galway on Ireland’s west coast provides the perfect venue for this small festival, known for its excellent and innovative programmes.

This year’s festival, ‘Social Harmony: When Tradition and High Art Meet’, looks at what happens when tunes played at a peasant’s wedding find their way into the music at a castle feast, when hurdy-gurdy and bagpipes become the fashion at court, and when baroque harp discovers New World rhythms. Concerts feature François Lazarevitch and Les Musiciens de St-Julien, Andrew Lawrence-King and The Harp Consort, and Coracle.

A foot-tapping weekend of simple melody and complex harmony in the liveliest medieval town in Europe!

“One of the world’s best value music Festivals” Frommer’s “…an unmissable event…” BBC July 2012

Against the spectacular backdrop of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, you can feast both ears and eyes for this welcoming week. In its 44th year, the 2013 Festival programme includes celebrations of the works of Benjamin Britten and Francis Poulenc. Orchestral concerts showcase performances by The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of Welsh National Opera and the National Youth Brass Band of Wales. Other highlights include Peter Donohoe, Graffiti Classics, Dante Quartet, Gary Griffiths with Joseph Middleton, Tony Jacobs and Friends, Tenby Male Voice Choir, Dyfed Choir, St.David’s Cathedral Singers, Daniel Cook, Tim Kliphuis, Johannes Möller and Young Musicians' Platforms.

Hereford

A 300 year old annual choral festival with an outstanding series of concerts by our Festival Chorus, the Philharmonia Orchestra and artists of international renown, supported by a daytime programme of recitals, chamber music, lectures, theatre, jazz and masterclasses. The city of Hereford will be transformed for festival week into a musical and cultural mecca!

Programme to include Haydn The Creation, Elgar The Music Makers, Fauré Requiem, Bach St John Passion, Dyson The Canterbury Pilgrims, Berlioz Te Deum and new works by Dobrinka Tabakova, Joseph Phibbs & Judith Bingham
Guest conductors: Diego Matheuz, Martyn Brabbins
Guest artists include: Dame Felicity Lott, Julian Lloyd Webber, The King’s Singers, Sarah Connolly & John Mark Ainsley

The world’s oldest and greatest choral festival!

Wiltshire

Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival 2012, 25 May – 9 June 2012, presents a wonderful array of spectacular events. Classical and world music share the limelight with international theatre, dance, film, visual arts, children’s events, free outdoor events and a full literature programme. The Festival brings the best artists from around the world, commissioning and creating work unique to the region.

Highlights for the 2012 programme include the vibrant culture of Brazil, celebrations of Olympic themes and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.

East Sussex

We are currently planning another exciting programme of literary, musical and special events.

Last year's programme included an impressive line up of speakers, performers, musicians and special events.

Classical music lovers were treated to performances from Emma Johnson, Richard Frewer, Stephen Kovacevich, Aquarelle Guitar Quartert and the Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company. The Festival staged it's first opera by Gluck and also had two world premieres by Roxanna Panufinik, performed by the Wihan String Quartet and Julie Price as well as a new composition by Paul Lewis.

Contemporary music fans enjoyed traditional Irish music by Dervish, folk and blues from Martin Simpson and Paul Lamb. The National Youth Orchestra delighted the audience with an extensive repertoire of jazz greats.

We look forward to welcoming you in 2012.

La Foce, Tuscany

La Foce hosts the 24th Incontri in Terra di Siena music festival in memory of Antonio Origo and his Anglo-American wife Iris, author of War in Val d'Orcia. Concerts are held in the verdant paradise of the La Foce estate with its celebrated gardens and in historic castles and churches of the nearby Val d'Orcia.

Under the artistic directorship of 'cellist Antonio Lysy, the eclectic chamber music programme features a line-up of internationally renowned musicians including tenor Ian Bostridge, pianist Julius Drake, soprano Nuccia Focile, baritone Vladimir Chernov, the Borromeo Quartet and the Baroque orchestra of the Pietà dei Turchini together with 'cellist Giovanni Sollima. A non-classical element is supplied by Klezmerata Fiorentina and jazz guitar legend Kenny Burrell while fringe events include garden tours, olive oil and wine tasting, lectures and exhibitions.

Festival of Music in East Kent Boughton Aluph

21 – 30 June 2013

STOUR MUSIC, the early music festival set in the heart of the Kent countryside, was founded in 1962 by the celebrated counter-tenor Alfred Deller. Performers at this year’s festival include The King’s Singers, William Christie conducting the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment with mezzo-soprano Renata Pokupić, Fretwork, in a concert to celebrate the 450th anniversary of the birth of John Dowland, The Magdalena Consort and a performance of Monteverdi Vespers with His Majestys Sagbutts & Cornetts and Brecon Baroque Players led by Rachel Podger.

Surrey

Founded in 1905 and conducted for almost 50 years by Ralph Vaughan Williams, the Festival is a unique choral event where choirs engage in friendly competition then perform together in a concert with a professional orchestra and soloists under the baton of Festival Conductor, Brian Kay. Join us at Dorking Halls to experience the Festival buzz and hear music from the world’s favourite choral composers.

2013

10th March – St John Passion

23rd March – Youth Choirs Competition

11th April – George Martin The Mission Chorales, Haydn Mariazell Mass

12th April – Parry I Was Glad, Vaughan Williams Festival Te Deum, Elgar Coronation Ode

13th April – Mozart Coronation Mass, Lauridsen Lux Aeterna

Buxton

5 – 21 July 2013

A summer celebration of the very best opera, music and literature, at the heart of the beautiful Peak District. Opera highlights for 2013 include a double bill of Saint-Saens’ La Princesse Jaune and Gounod’s La Colombe, Mozart’s La finta giardiniera, the UK premiere of Sciarrino’s The Killing Flower and all three of Britten’s Church Parables.

Literary speakers include Sandi Toksvig, Julia Bradbury, Melvyn Bragg, Antonia Fraser, Nick Robinson and the Duke of Devonshire and there’s music recitals from acclaimed soloists and ensembles, as well as late-night jazz.

Kent’s International Arts Festival

The 30th Canterbury Festival continues to deliver an exciting and diverse programme of arts events throughout the city, including performances in Canterbury Cathedral and the Marlowe Theatre. The Festival comprises over 200 events across two weeks including world music, theatre, dance, literature, comedy and visual arts.

The full programme will be announced in July but highlights for 2013 include the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra and the mesmerising Tallis Scholars. The programme also features pianist Yevgeny Sudbin, cellist Matthew Barley, opera singer Lesley Garrett with Emma Johnson and Andrew West, plus a special performance with Mikhail Rudy in the new Colyer-Fergusson Concert Hall.

London

The London English Song Festival returns to the Forge this May. Award-winning pianist William Vann will accompany ten outstanding singers, including world-renowned tenor James Gilchrist, and one oboist in performances of music written by more than twenty-five English composers.

The Festival explores settings of the poetry of William Blake and Walter de la Mare, music by female composers and songs celebrating London. There are pre-concert talks by Richard Stokes and Rhian Samuel and “bring a song” coaching sessions for amateur singers.

£15 (£12 conc.) on the door or £14 (£11 conc.) in advance. “Bring a song” sessions: £10 for a 15 minute session, £2 to watch. To book tickets online, please visit www.forgevenue.org

Glastonbury Abbey, Somerset

Orchestra in a Field is an exciting new music festival created by ‘the BBC’s pin-up conductor and resident interpretive guru’ Charles Hazlewood, bringing world-class classical music to new audiences in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. The event will feature a colourful and eclectic musical programme offering something for everyone, from Tchaikovsky to Tubular Bells by way of Opera, Hip Hop and hand bells!

Main stage concerts include Carmen; Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition; and the 1812 Overture, and a debut performance by the new British Paraorchestra. Plus, there'll be delicious food, free camping, a huge Kids Area and a Talk Tent for music-themed talks by celebrity speakers and a host of quirky but compelling acoustic performances and workshops. This is a festival like no other!

Tickets range from £18 for concession day tickets to £55 for an adult weekend ticket with 3 nights free camping thrown in. Under 13s get free entry making this a great value weekend and the perfect way to introduce kids to classical music. Tickets can be bought via the website.

Aberystwyth

This year Musicfest goes to the movies! The busy programme of concerts and recitals includes atmospheric music from well-known films, plus plenty of concert favourites, world premiere performances and more, all performed by internationally renowned musicians. Indulge yourself in a fantastic week of live music.

Performers include: Sacconi String Quartet, Tom Poster (piano), Guy Johnston (cello), Orion Orchestra, David Campbell (clarinet), National Youth Brass Band of Wales

SUMMER SCHOOL 2012: including chamber music, wind, string, composition, conducting, voice, practical psychology and harp. Bursaries are available, on application, thanks to the ongoing support of the Friends of Musicfest.

Westminster, London

In Olympic year the festival celebrates musical competition and the harmony of nations. Opening with revered viol-player Jordi Savall (above) and Le Concert des Nations, the programme includes the UK premier of Vivaldi's opera L'Olimpiade, the Dunedin Consort & Players in Bach secular cantatas, Harmonie Universelle in Georg Muffat, violinist Elizabeth Wallfisch and friends in Locatelli and Leclair, and finishes with some less than friendly operatic display when sopranos Rosemary Joshua and Mhairi Lawson enact Handel's 'Rival Queens' with the Early Opera Company and Christian Curnyn. The festival's annual Westminster Abbey concert features Handel's Ode for St. Cecilia's Day.

Chester Cathedral and Town Hall

Discover the finest classical and chamber music at the North West’s International Music Festival.

Brand new for 2013 is the creation of a specially formed chamber group consisting of 11 core players. Ensemble Deva will be made up of the finest soloists cherry-picked from the North West’s most prestigious orchestras.

As a result of this innovation, the Chester Music Festival will principally be a musicians’ festival, curated from within by the musicians themselves.

A 16 day programme of chamber music, celebratory concerts and lunchtime recitals.

Norfolk

The 62nd King’s Lynn Festival will mark both the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics with an exciting programme featuring top names from the worlds of classical and popular music, literature and jazz.

Leading the line-up will be the Philharmonia Orchestra, Grimethorpe Colliery Band, Endellion String Quartet, The King’s Singers, film critic Barry Norman, pianist Freddy Kempf, guitarist Craig Ogden and jazz singer Jacqui Dankworth. The Parley of Instruments, Susanne Heinrich & Lynda Sayce, King’s Lynn Festival Chorus, historian Dr. Michael Scott author and traveller Hugh Thomson, top thriller-writer Philip Kerr, and musical comedy from Instant Sunshine.

Booking opens Monday 21 May | 01553 764864

Photo: istockphoto.com

Wexford, Ireland

Since 1951 Wexford Festival Opera has prided itself in giving new life to unjustly neglected operas and introducing artists and audiences to forgotten masterpieces. It is in this charming seaside town where opera lovers can uncover a rare operatic treasure.

The 2013 Wexford Festival Opera will run for 12 days from Wednesday, 23 October until Sunday, 3 November. This year’s programme includes Il cappello di paglia di Firenze (The Florentine Straw Hat) by Nino Rota, a double bill of Thérese/La Navarraise by Jules Massenet and Cristina, regina di Svezia by Jacopo Foroni, plus afternoon ShortWorks, recitals, lunchtime concerts and orchestral concerts. In addition, a vibrant Fringe Festival offers a variety of events from art exhibitions through to singing and swinging pubs.

21 – 27 August 2013

Ideally located on the Herefordshire/Powys border, nestling in the beautiful countryside of the Welsh Marches, the Presteigne Festival has become a mecca for those seeking artistic nourishment and musical discovery. With a truly forward looking commissioning policy, the organisation works closely with composers and artists to create and curate an inspiring programme for its ever-widening Festival community.

In 2013 we celebrate the Britten centenary and David Matthews 70th birthday year. There are 8 Festival commissions, Gabriel Jackson is composer-in-residence and the fabulous array of performing talent includes Nova Music Opera, Badke Quartet, Sara Trickey, Clare Hammond, Sarah-Jane Bradley, Helen-Jane Howells, Andrew Tortise and the Presteigne Festival Orchestra.

Suffolk

At venues all over town including the magnificent apex, the 2012 Bury Festival is packed with great music. Imogen Cooper, Andy Sheppard’s Trio Libero, John Williams & Richard Harvey, Viktoria Mullova’s Peasant Girl, Britten Sinfonia, Sinfonia Viva, Clare Teal and the BBC Big Band, The Sixteen, Roberto Fonseca, Ballake Sissoko & Vincent Segal, International Baroque Players and the Honeymead Ensemble are just some of the top artists appearing this year.

Florence, Italy

The 75th Festival of Maggio Musicale Fiorentino has a main leitmotiv: the voyage from the ‘Mitteleuropa’ to South America in the year that celebrates Amerigo Vespucci, in the 500th anniversary from his death. The festival opens with Richard Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier (4 – 11 May 2012), staged by Eike Gramss, with on the podium, the Principal Conductor Zubin Mehta, who in 2012 celebrates 50 years from his debut in Florence. There is, as every year, a work specially commissioned for the Maggio, La metamorfosi (The Metamorphosis 22-25 May), by the young Italian composer Silvia Colasanti, and inspired by the text by Franz Kafka. From 31 May to 5 June, follow Bartók’s two masterpieces: The Miraculous Mandarin and Duke Bluebeard’s Castle. This is a co-production with the Saito Kinen Festival with staging and choreography by Jo Kanamori. As far as MaggioDanza (the ballet company) is concerned: the 1st event is in connection with The Miraculous Mandarin, the 2nd at Teatro della Pergola (17-20 May) with Balanchine’s choreography of Paul Hindemith’s Die vier Temperamente, followed by Susanne Linke with the music of Schönberg’s Verklärte Nacht. There will be more than 60 events in 5 weeks.

Oxford

Jack Liebeck's ground-breaking festival linking science, music and the arts enters its 5th year. The format is of a lecture given by a leading figure from the Sciences or Arts, followed by a concert from some of the world's best musicians. Patricia Routledge gives her acclaimed lecture on Myra Hess with music by Piers Lane. Michael Collins stars in Mozart's Clarinet Quintet. Guy Johnston joins the Navarras for Schubert's great Quintet. The Baroque is splendidly represented with His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts, we are thrilled to welcome the Kungsbacka Trio and the finale as ever sparkles, this year with "Souvenir de Florence".

London

Wigmore Hall holds a unique place in London musical life and is an essential platform for the world's most sought-after soloists and chamber musicians.

It also fosters the careers of talented young artists, some of them making their first professional appearance in London.

Wigmore Hall presents over 400 events in a season, attracting appreciative and loyal audiences and selling some 165,000 tickets each year.

York

Shortlisted for a Royal Philharmonic Society Award in 2011 after only two years, the North York Moors Chamber Music Festival enjoys capacity audiences throughout and has fast developed a reputation for unpretentious and passionate music-making of the highest order. All concerts are within fine historical buildings upon one of the country's most stunning National Parks; the friendly atmosphere, beautiful landscapes, international musicians and thematic programming provides an experience that breaks down barriers and stirs the soul. Founder and artistic director, cellist Jamie Walton, has put together a theme to celebrate the Britten Centenary this year and the programme includes two Paul Joyce films: A documentary on Sir Peter Maxwell Davies which will be screened the presence of the composer himself; and a new film made with Jamie Walton about the Britten Suites for solo cello. Advance booking is highly recommended as some concerts sell out in advance.

Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire

“In tune with Nature”

The 17th annual Stratford on Avon Music Festival involves more concerts, artists and events than ever before. Nine days of classical, jazz, folk and world music plus a family concert bring together the theme of the natural world across many different venues. Pieces specially written by students from the Birmingham Conservatoire will also give prominence to this theme.

Festival highlights in October include an evening with international star, Lesley Garrett, a recital by pianist Freddy Kempf, jazz legend Kenny Ball and clarinettist Emma Johnson. The now famous Lunchtime Series in the beautiful setting of the Town Hall continues, with free sherry and coffee included! Booking for all concerts opens at the Civic Hall Box Office on Monday 3rd September at 10am.

Box office: 01789 207100. General booking opens Monday 3rd September

Pickering, North Yorkshire

Artists from all over the world, both established and emerging, perform in the many spectacular and historic venues of Ryedale.

Highlights include: Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin and performances by the Nash Ensemble, Heath Quartet, Northern Sinfonia, Adrian Brendel, Calefax, Iestyn Davies, Sarah Fox, Kate Royal, Roderick Williams, Alessandro Taverna, Gwilym Simcock, Tine Thing Helseth, Kit Armstrong, Orchestra of Opera North and many others.

The full festival programme will be announced on 13th April 2012.

14 – 21 October 2013

Join the Kungsbacka Piano Trio, Sarah-Jane Brandon and James Baillieu on the idyllic island of Ischia in the Gulf of Naples, for six exclusive concerts at La Mortella, the home of Sir William & Lady Walton.

Our concerts are held in the lovely concert hall overlooking the garden and next to the villa where the Waltons lived. We stay at the 4* Albergo San Montano in the small resort of Lacco Ameno, a few minutes’ drive from La Mortella with spectacular views overlooking the Bay of Naples.

Price from £1,998 for seven nights including flights, transfers, accommodation with breakfast, seven dinners, six exclusive Kirker concerts, a full programme of sightseeing and the services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer.