We start as we mean to go on with a brand-new song cycle, Still I Think Alive, by the exciting young composer Emma-Ruth Richards sung by the internationally-acclaimed soprano Jennifer France who, with pianist Lana Bode, will also perform a variety of songs by other much-loved composers. In the Festival’s usual wide-ranging style, we follow this by an illustrated lecture previewing the forthcoming exhibition of van Eyck portraits at the National Gallery, then an evening of top-quality jazz and we round-off our first weekend with a thrilling piano recital, with both Romantic and contemporary resonances, by Clare Hammond. Clare is a firm favourite of the festival and the emotional impact and virtuosity of her pianism is second to none.

During the following week there is more new music, by Mark-Anthony Turnage, featuring the exotic sounds of temple bells with string quartet in a recital by current BBC New Generation Artists the Kleio Quartet, which also includes expansive and lyrical works by Haydn and Nielsen. More entrancing sounds can then be heard when pianist Kate Ryder plays the complete Sonatas and Interludes for prepared piano by John Cage. Forget the myth of Cage as an abrasive avant-garde composer – this seminal work is an enchanting, softly-coloured masterpiece, meditative and calming, which should be a wonderful experience in such inspiring surroundings. We round off mid-week with the folk super-group Lady Maisery combining the unsurpassed talents of Hannah James, Hazel Askew and Rowan Rheingans in what should be a truly memorable evening.

Our final weekend encompasses journeys across land and through time. Firstly, around the British Isles in a choral concert by St Martin’s Voices, one of our leading young vocal groups. Choral cycles by Vaughan Williams, Britten and Tippett along with more recent folk-inspired settings all complemented by evocative poetry read by Zeb Soanes who, as announcer and actor, will need no introduction. And in the first of two days featuring the music of JS Bach we will hear all six of his magnificent Suites for Solo Cello played by three cellists in three different styles – from baroque through current performance practice to a unique modern interpretation using a rare Norwegian Hardanger cello. All three cellists will also discuss their differing approaches. On the final afternoon of our main festival, ensemble In Echo joined by author Horatio Clare, will recreate Bach’s legendary walk in 1705 to meet his much-revered older contemporary Dietrich Buxtehude in what will be a fascinating and moving concert.

And that’s not all - our Christmas concert will commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of Britten’s death. All-female choir Aurora Nova with Gabriella Dell’Olio (harp) will perform his much-loved Ceremony of Carols along with seasonal music by composers from Palestrina to the present day.

  We will keep you updated over the coming months with more background on our Facebook and Bluesky social media and through emails, and further details of the events will soon be published on our website. As usual our brochure will be available in July with details of all our events this year along with how to order tickets. Booking will open in early August but, in the meantime, please don't hesitate to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions. 

We hope you will find much of interest in the programme outline below and look forward to welcoming you to the Festival in October.