Classical Music Festival returns

Tickets are on sale for the second Southwell Music Festival which will bring around 80 of Britain’s best young classical musicians to Southwell for top quality concerts throughout the August Bank Holiday weekend (Thursday 27th to Monday 31st August).

The main concerts will take place in the Minster and State Chamber by kind permission of the Dean and Chapter, and at The Stage at the Old Theatre Deli, with a fringe programme throughout the town. There are 24 events of which 13 are free.

The centrepiece is Mendelssohn’s choral masterpiece Elijah – performed in the Minster by international soloists and a professional chorus and orchestra conducted by Festival founder and Artistic Director Marcus Farnsworth.

Marcus says: “Last year’s inaugural Festival was remarkable – with sell-out performances and enthusiastic public reaction: it surpassed everyone’s expectations.
“We are grateful for very generous financial support in preparing for this second Festival and hope the public will be equally supportive at the box office.”

Responding to public demand this year’s Festival starts a day earlier and offers more concerts – including performances at the Old Theatre Deli with buffet supper.
There will be two late night concerts in the Minster as well as contributions from the Minster’s Lay Clerks and Girls’ Choir.

The Festival will continue to present young and local performers – the Fringe programme includes a Minster School showcase and string serenades from young Nottinghamshire musicians, and local choral enthusiasts are invited to come and sing Mozart’s Requiem.

The successful collaboration with Southwell Artists continues with an exhibition in the Minster – an exhibition and ‘Musical Draw’ (visit www.southwellartists.co.uk for details) and the Festival is collaborating with Reg Taylor’s Garden Centre whose Sculpure in the Sanctuary closes on 31st August, and Field Dog Fairs who hold an Antiques and Collectors Fair at Southwell Racecourse on 30th and 31st August.

Tickets are on sale from Monday 11th May from the Cathedral Shop, Church Street either in person or by phone (01636 812933). Postal booking is also available.
Details are contained in the publicity brochure available throughout Southwell and elsewhere or via: www.southwellmusicfestival.com

Picture caption & credits: (L to R from top) Marcus Farnsworth, AndrewFoster-Williams © Paul Foster-Williams, Sarah Tynan © Chris Gloag, Sarah Huson-Whyte & Libby Burgess.