What's On

The critically acclaimed Oxfordshire Early Music trio Musical Banquet will be visiting Holy Island on Monday 21st May 2012 following their Scottish Tour and performing a Gala Charity Concert with all proceeds divided between the Church of St Mary the Virgin and the island community’s Village Hall Restoration Project. Step back in time 400 years to hear the group serve up a delectable menu of musical treats including vocal and instrumental works by Purcell, Gibbons and their English and European contemporaries, interspersed with colourful period anecdotes.

In the historic surroundings of this glorious Grade 1 listed building, dating back to the 7th century and located on the tidal island of Lindisfarne, this is an unusual and highly entertaining opportunity to experience works performed using period instruments combined with Countertenor voice much as the 17th and 18th century audience would have heard them. An eclectic selection of music will range from the love songs of C17 Spain, accompanied on Baroque Guitar, to extracts from the semi-operas of Henry Purcell and tonight's concert includes a special tribute to the poet and songwriter Robert Burns. With plenty of surprises along the way, the evening will be presented in the trio’s characteristically innovative and imaginative style.

Ticket prices include a complimentary souvenir programme and interval refreshments when there will be an opportunity to meet and talk with the artists.

Places are strictly limited and early booking is strongly recommended.

Musical Banquet's vibrant and energetic performances have delighted critics and audiences alike:

‘The effect of such entrancing music was quite magical’. ‘Beautifully presented with wit, polish and panache’. ‘A musical marvel!’ ‘The audience were spellbound’ 'Such enthusiastic and passionate performers' ‘An unforgettable evening!’

Come along and experience for yourself this Feast for the Ears!

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: A causeway connects the island to the mainland of Northumberland and is flooded twice a day by tides. Visitors should check safe crossing times in advance of travel.

Composition Not Known

Henry Purcell (1659-1695)

Composition Not Known

Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625)

Composition Not Known

Robert Burns ()

The fourth and final instalment of the Filarmonica della Scala series of concerts comes live from Milan’s Teatro alla Scala via satellite into cinemas on May 21 throughout Europe to celebrate the Filarmonica’s 30thbirthday. In association with Nexo Digital, XDC Entertainment is distributing the broadcast live in high definition in cinemas in the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Finland,Denmark and Portugal. This programme has a more traditional flavour than the previous three, employing the considerable talents of conductor Fabio Luisi, recently appointed as the new Principal Conductor of the Metropolitan Opera, New York, and award-winning pianist, Polish virtuoso Rafal Blechacz, with a programme featuring the works of Beethoven, Gabrieli, Casella and Respighi.

Pianist Rafal Blechacz has achieved much in 27 years; in 2005. he became the sole recipient of all five first prizes at the 15th International Frederick Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, taking First Prize and the polonaise, mazurka, sonato and concerto prizes. This competition runs once every 5 years. One of the judges added that he so outclassed the remaining finalists that no second prize could actually be awarded. Irish pianist John O'Conor also judging on the panel said of Blechacz : He is one of the greatest artists I have had a chance to hear in my entire life.

The Filarmonica della Scala has embraced its 30th anniversary by celebrating classical music at its best, showcasing the best young talent in the world, all in high definition, all live. The programme will also include extensive behind-the-scenes footage as well as interviews conducted by renowned opera director Francesco Micheli.

Audiences have been continually delighted and have said of the previous concerts in the season:

A great opportunity to feel part of the 'Scala audience' without actually being there or paying the same ticket prices. It was a fantastic concert. All in all a good experience and the musicians were simply outstanding.

This was my first venture into the world of live broadcasts on screen. The broadcast was engaging and enjoyable. I found the whole experience good and will definitely return.

I thought the Live recording was excellent and as usual very good value for money. More please.

All in all a good experience and the musicians were simply outstanding.

XDC Entertainment’s Vice President Fabrice Testa said, This series of anniversary concerts has been a fantastic project to work on; we’ve enjoyed collaborating with our friends at Nexo Digital and bringing the very best in classical music live to audiences in XDC’s extensive network of cinemas.

Frank Smith, XDC Entertainment Sales Manager,added, This final concert will showcase the considerable talents of Rafal Blechacz to wider audiences in HD and in 5.1 surround sound, and our Polish cinemas in particular are delighted to see him on the big screen all over Europe for the first time.

Josee Dubois, International Sales Director at Nexo Digital said, Our partnership with XDC continues to be rewarding and enjoyable and Nexo are proud to being the last of these 4 live concerts to European audiences, and with such a line-up of talent, it promises to be quite an occasion.

This initiative is produced by Musicom.it, distributed by Nexo Digital and XDC Entertainment and supported by UniCredit, the Main Partner of the Filarmonica della Scala.

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No 4 in G

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

Canzonas

Giovanni Gabrieli (c1553/6-1612)

The fourth and final instalment of the Filarmonica della Scala series of concerts comes live from Milan’s Teatro alla Scala via satellite into cinemas on May 21 throughout Europe to celebrate the Filarmonica’s 30th birthday. In association with Nexo Digital, XDC Entertainment is distributing the broadcast live in high definition in cinemas in the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Finland,Denmark and Portugal. This programme has a more traditional flavour than the previous three, employing the considerable talents of conductor Fabio Luisi, recently appointed as the new Principal Conductor of the Metropolitan Opera, New York, and award-winning pianist, Polish virtuoso Rafal Blechacz, with a programme featuring the works of Beethoven, Gabrieli, Casella and Respighi.

Pianist Rafal Blechacz has achieved much in 27 years; in 2005. he became the sole recipient of all five first prizes at the 15th International Frederick Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, taking First Prize and the polonaise, mazurka, sonato and concerto prizes. This competition runs once every 5 years. One of the judges added that he so outclassed the remaining finalists that no second prize could actually be awarded. Irish pianist John O'Conor also judging on the panel said of Blechacz : He is one of the greatest artists I have had a chance to hear in my entire life.

The Filarmonica della Scala has embraced its 30th anniversary by celebrating classical music at its best, showcasing the best young talent in the world, all in high definition, all live. The programme will also include extensive behind-the-scenes footage as well as interviews conducted by renowned opera director Francesco Micheli.

Audiences have been continually delighted and have said of the previous concerts in the season:

A great opportunity to feel part of the 'Scala audience' without actually being there or paying the same ticket prices. It was a fantastic concert. All in all a good experience and the musicians were simply outstanding.

This was my first venture into the world of live broadcasts on screen. The broadcast was engaging and enjoyable. I found the whole experience good and will definitely return.

I thought the Live recording was excellent and as usual very good value for money. More please.

All in all a good experience and the musicians were simply outstanding.

XDC Entertainment’s Vice President Fabrice Testa said, This series of anniversary concerts has been a fantastic project to work on; we’ve enjoyed collaborating with our friends at Nexo Digital and bringing the very best in classical music live to audiences in XDC’s extensive network of cinemas.

Frank Smith, XDC Entertainment Sales Manager,added, This final concert will showcase the considerable talents of Rafal Blechacz to wider audiences in HD and in 5.1 surround sound, and our Polish cinemas in particular are delighted to see him on the big screen all over Europe for the first time.

Josee Dubois, International Sales Director at Nexo Digital said, Our partnership with XDC continues to be rewarding and enjoyable and Nexo are proud to being the last of these 4 live concerts to European audiences, and with such a line-up of talent, it promises to be quite an occasion.

This initiative is produced by Musicom.it, distributed by Nexo Digital and XDC Entertainment and supported by UniCredit, the Main Partner of the Filarmonica della Scala.

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No 4 in G

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

Canzonas

Giovanni Gabrieli (c1553/6-1612)

The fourth and final instalment of the Filarmonica della Scala series of concerts comes live from Milan’s Teatro alla Scala via satellite into cinemas on May 21 throughout Europe to celebrate the Filarmonica’s 30th birthday. In association with Nexo Digital, XDC Entertainment is distributing the broadcast live in high definition in cinemas in the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Finland,Denmark and Portugal. This programme has a more traditional flavour than the previous three, employing the considerable talents of conductor Fabio Luisi, recently appointed as the new Principal Conductor of the Metropolitan Opera, New York, and award-winning pianist, Polish virtuoso Rafal Blechacz, with a programme featuring the works of Beethoven, Gabrieli, Casella and Respighi.

Pianist Rafal Blechacz has achieved much in 27 years; in 2005. he became the sole recipient of all five first prizes at the 15th International Frederick Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, taking First Prize and the polonaise, mazurka, sonato and concerto prizes. This competition runs once every 5 years. One of the judges added that he so outclassed the remaining finalists that no second prize could actually be awarded. Irish pianist John O'Conor also judging on the panel said of Blechacz : He is one of the greatest artists I have had a chance to hear in my entire life.

The Filarmonica della Scala has embraced its 30th anniversary by celebrating classical music at its best, showcasing the best young talent in the world, all in high definition, all live. The programme will also include extensive behind-the-scenes footage as well as interviews conducted by renowned opera director Francesco Micheli.

Audiences have been continually delighted and have said of the previous concerts in the season:

A great opportunity to feel part of the 'Scala audience' without actually being there or paying the same ticket prices. It was a fantastic concert. All in all a good experience and the musicians were simply outstanding.

This was my first venture into the world of live broadcasts on screen. The broadcast was engaging and enjoyable. I found the whole experience good and will definitely return.

I thought the Live recording was excellent and as usual very good value for money. More please.

All in all a good experience and the musicians were simply outstanding.

XDC Entertainment’s Vice President Fabrice Testa said, This series of anniversary concerts has been a fantastic project to work on; we’ve enjoyed collaborating with our friends at Nexo Digital and bringing the very best in classical music live to audiences in XDC’s extensive network of cinemas.

Frank Smith, XDC Entertainment Sales Manager,added, This final concert will showcase the considerable talents of Rafal Blechacz to wider audiences in HD and in 5.1 surround sound, and our Polish cinemas in particular are delighted to see him on the big screen all over Europe for the first time.

Josee Dubois, International Sales Director at Nexo Digital said, Our partnership with XDC continues to be rewarding and enjoyable and Nexo are proud to being the last of these 4 live concerts to European audiences, and with such a line-up of talent, it promises to be quite an occasion.

This initiative is produced by Musicom.it, distributed by Nexo Digital and XDC Entertainment and supported by UniCredit, the Main Partner of the Filarmonica della Scala.

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No 4 in G

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

Canzonas

Giovanni Gabrieli (c1553/6-1612)