West Berkshire’s extravaganza of a musical festival happens in May but tickets are on sale from 1 March, and with so many brilliant performances planned you are advised to book early.
The first thing to be aware of is that this is no elitist music festival. With a variety of genres to choose from – and a wide variety of price-points – the Newbury Spring Festival is for anyone and everyone who enjoys music, and all are welcome.
In 2016 the Festival takes place from 7–21 May, at a variety of locations in Newbury and outlying villages. Every day for the whole fortnight there is at least one event at the Corn Exchange, and this is where you can collect a brochure for the full low-down on what’s on, where and when (there are daytime and evening performances), or look on line at
www.newburyspringfestival.org.uk.
Whilst everything has a musical element, there are delights other than full-blown concerts to enjoy – some events come with a special twist.
For example, Rainer Hersch and his orchestra (above) is known for having audiences in stitches with his comic genius. Joe Stilgoe is another hot favourite, and this master of music and wit will be at The Vineyard where you can dine in style at the same time.
For jazz lovers there is not only the wonderful Clare Teal but also the National Youth Jazz Orchestra; and for guitar enthusiasts the legendary John Etheridge’s Sweet Chorus.
Quartets are a theme this year – including 4 Girls 4 Harps, Ferio Saxophone Quartet and The Escher Quartet – one of the USA’s leading ensembles who will perform at Englefield House, the same venue hosting none other than The Duke of Devonshire with his talk about his ancestral home, Chatsworth. Or how about hearing mega-star Elaine Paige in conversation at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s home?
For something a little edgy and different,
Breaking the Rules is a part concert/part play about extraordinary 16th-century composer Carlo Gesualdo. Or how about ballet? The Royal Ballet is being screened live from the Royal Opera House with their premiere of
Frankenstein.
Opera fans are catered for with a gala performance of Verdi’s
Rigoletto at Combe Manor. On a lighter note the extravagent Little Baroque Company bring Bach’s
Coffee Cantata to town (with coffee and cake an added temptation).
Children are well catered for too – again the Little Baroque Company lay on something special with their
Tales Through Music. Sound Beginnings with
Sleeping Beauty at Sheepdrove Eco Farm at Lambourn is especially aimed at babies and small children – truly the way to introduce little ones to the delights of the classics. And the delightful Hand to Mouth Theatre returns to the Corn Exchange with a charming and sweet puppet show.
With anniversaries this year of Shakespeare’s death and the Battle of the Somme, Newbury Spring Festival marks these with Stile Antico’s
Touches of Sweet Harmony, celebrating The Bard, and international British baritone Christopher Maltman with The
Solider – from Severn to Somme; a perfect opportunity to hear his magnificent voice in a local venue.
For lovers of everything classical there is a huge choice – from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra to the remarkable young pianist Benjamin Grosvenor, from the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra to the Vienna Piano Trio, and from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to award-winning choir Tenebrae performing Russian Treasures.
On the subject of choirs, everyone who loves to sing is invited to the ‘Sing Your Heart Out’ workshop, to rehearse and later perform with the Newbury Spring Festival Choir – guaranteed to be a fun day.
But that’s not all, so do pick up a brochure or look on-line to find out what else is in store.
www.newburyspringfestival.org.uk
Box office 0845 5218 218
