Programme 2023 - Legends & Heroes

Classical Heroes

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The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra plays three titans of the classical repertoire - Figaro, Emperor, Jupiter - with pianist Elizabeth Sombart and conductor Pierre Vallet. Music by Beethoven and Mozart.

In Memory of a Hero

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Tchaikovsky wrote just one Piano Trio: the great op. 50 in A Minor, À La Mémoire D'Un Grand Artiste, in memory of a personal friend and hero, the pianist Nikolai Rubinstein. By the composer's own admission more symphonic than chamber music, it is distinctly tragic in nature. 

The Goldberg Legend

Stephen Farr performs Bach's extraordinary Goldberg Variations in a concert raising funds for the Samaritans in the charity's 70th anniversary year. Introduced by the Rev'd Richard Coles.

Choral Evensong

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Choral Evensong in one of Sir Christopher Wren's finest buildings, marking the 300th anniversary of his death.

Henry V & Façade

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The Berkeley Ensemble perform a programme of music by William Walton, including his much loved Façade, 100 years to the day since its premiere.

Piano Legends

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Mark Bebbington performs a delightful programme of music depicting heroes and legends in richly lyrical works for solo piano by Liszt, Wagner, Debussy, Poulenc and Franck.

Classical Changes

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Classics reinvented with a jazz twist. Expect the unexpected with numbers such as Bite of the Flumblebee, Saturday in the Park with Elgar and Arrival Revival. After Wagner, Handel, Beethoven, Gerswhin and many more.

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Fire! The Great Fire of London

The story of the Great Fire of London in song. Professional orchestra and soloists and a children's choir present this wonderful musical, full of show-stopping songs and historical fun. Marks the 300th anniversary of Sir Christopher Wren in a church rebuilt by him after the Fire destroyed it.

Gods of Music

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Two heavenly string quartets. Tragic heroism permeates one - Beethoven suggests inspiration from Romeo & Juliet - while Ravel's quartet was considered divine by mentor Debussy:“In the name of the gods of music, do not touch a single note you have written in your Quartet.” 

Pantheon: Nelson Mass and Bliss Pastoral

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Bliss's rousing convocation of Greek deities, paired with Haydn's mighty Nelson Mass. A feast of glorious music with fabulous soloists for the festival finale, and Hilary Davan Wetton's swansong with the City of London Choir.