Live music returns this Spring as the English Music Festival brings a star-studded programme of British music to the stage over the Bank Holiday weekend 28 – 31 May.
Festival director Em Marshall-Luck said: ‘We increasingly realise how inestimably important live music-making is for some people, and how heavily they rely upon it for their emotional, social, mental and spiritual health and well-being’.
The Sussex town of Horsham plays host to this 14th festival which celebrates the brilliance, innovation, beauty and rich musical heritage of Britain.
Performers include the internationally-renowned baritone, Roderick Williams performing with pianist Michael Dussek and the Bridge Quartet.
Midlands-based Orchestra of the Swan under their conductor David le Page, bring a programme of sparkling string works by Warlock, Leigh, Holst, and Ireland together with Vaughan Williams’ rarely heard Concerto Accademico.
Enthusiasts of English song are well provided for with recitals of music ranging from Purcell to Tippett which will be performed by singer Lucy Steven, baritone Gareth Brynmor John and pianist Elizabeth Marcus.
Followers of Chamber music will enjoy the likes of Ensemble Hespiri, the Aurora Trio and the Armonico Consort.
One of the highlights must be the world première performance of Edgar Bainton’s Variations and Fugue in B minor performed by Rupert Marshall-Luck and Duncan Honeybourne.
In lighter vein, regular Festival favourites, the New Foxtrot Serenaders, perform effervescent works by Ivor Novello, Noel Coward and Flanagan and Allen.
Informative and entertaining talks, setting the composers and their music in context, will also take place with speakers including cellist Joseph Spooner, musicologist and conductor Dr Joseph Fort and composer Paul Lewis.
Full details and tickets are available by calling 07808 473889 or www.englishmusicfestival.org.uk