Classical Music Celebration

Tickets are on sale for the first Southwell Music Festival which will bring around 60 of Britain’s best young classical musicians to Southwell for top quality concerts throughout the August Bank Holiday weekend (Friday 22nd to Monday 25th August).

Concerts take place in the Minster and Great Hall by kind permission of the Dean and Chapter and also include appearances by a number of local young musicians.

The centrepiece is Haydn’s choral masterpiece The Creation performed in the Minster by international soloists with a professional chorus and orchestra.

Two evening concerts take place in the newly-refurbished Great Hall and there is a late night candlelit concert in the Minster.

The Festival also showcases emerging local talent including the debut recital by 11 year old pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, winner of the 2013 Nottingham Young Musician of the Year competition.

Local choral enthusiasts are invited to come and sing Haydn’s Mass in Time of War which will be rehearsed and then performed in the Minster on Bank Holiday Monday.

Organisers are delighted that the Southwell Artists’ biennial Open Studios event takes place alongside the Festival on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August. Further details at www.southwellartists.co.uk

The Festival is the idea of local musician Marcus Farnsworth – a former Minster chorister and now successful international baritone, who says: “Southwell is a hidden gem and deserves wider recognition. It is also the ideal place for a festival.

“I am delighted that so many brilliant musical friends and colleagues have agreed to take part: they come from leading orchestras and vocal groups across the country and several have local connections.

“This ensemble of outstanding singers and instrumentalists, with enthusiastic and generous support from the local community, will make the Festival very special.”

More than 80 people have joined the Festival Friends scheme whose benefits include priority booking.

From Monday 12th May tickets may be purchased at the Cathedral Shop either in person or by phone (01636 812933). Postal booking is also available: details at the Festival website and in the brochure.

Through the generous support of Lady Warner – Southwell’s own Willy Wonka, 100 Golden Tickets for £5 or less are available from the Cathedral Shop exclusively for people aged 18 or under.

A brochure is available at the Cathedral Shop, Southwell tourist information centre and elsewhere or via www.southwellmusicfestival.com