An uplifting festival of music and community

St Mary’s Church rang out with glorious music last week, as the Beverley Chamber Music Festival returned once again to its beautiful medieval home – complete with impressive recent renovations.

We were honoured to host the Sacconi Quartet as our ensemble in residence, and they joined forces with both our co-artistic directors Martin Roscoe and Libby Burgess, with soprano Ailish Tynan, and with clarinettist Julian Bliss for music by Franck, Schumann, Chausson and Brahms. Ailish and Julian’s Shepherd on the Rock with Libby was a highlight for many, whilst the Sacconis’ Beethoven Op 131 brought a somber depth.

New to many were Roxanna Panufnik’s Heartfelt quartet, and Judith Bingham’s The Shadow Side of Joy Finzi – a gripping monodrama for voice and piano. Our two speakers, Katy Hamilton and Tom McLeish, delved into huge topics from the history of chamber music settings to the meeting of creativity and science. A magical Archduke from the Roscoe Trio, a spellbinding late-night performance from Grace Davidson and Christian Forshaw – Historical Fiction – and a passionate recital from violinist Sophie Rosa with Martin completed our line up.

The weekend concluded with a day of workshops for local young instrumentalists, who worked with much-loved New Paths artists Alexandra and Alex Caldon on building their chamber music skills, ending with an informal performance to parents and family. One participant wrote afterwards:

I felt so privileged to benefit from your expertise and I learnt so many ideas to try out in my own playing. I was incredibly inspired by how much you obviously love your instruments and how your faces looked like you were enjoying playing every single note. You made me want to just sit and watch you all day and when it was time to leave, I went home and got my instrument right back out again because the music was still in my head and my heart.

Huge thanks to everyone who made this festival happen – our artists, audiences, supporters, and fabulous behind-the-scenes team. Thank you in particular to Dr Gertrud Aub-Buscher, who has run the BCMF Friends’ scheme for many years, with efficiency and kindness, and decided to step down now that she has reached her 85th birthday! It was lovely to be able to thank her in person during the Festival, and both BCMF and New Paths owe her a great deal.

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Beverley Chamber Music Festival 2021

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Beverley Chamber Music Festival 2021