Bringing the world's finest musicians to Chichester
Two international soloists hailing from Bucharest and St Petersburg, Bogdan Vacarescu (violin) and Mikhail Lezdkan (cello) join forces to fill the stunning acoustic at Boxgrove Priory with a varied classical programme featuring Bach, Haydn, Vieuxtemps, Glier and Ravel.
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International soloists Harriet Mackenzie (violin) & Morgan Szymanski (guitar) return to the Festival with their romantic duo programme of sparkling Vivaldi sonatas and suave Piazzolla tangos interspersed with folk-inspired gems, Romanian Dances by Bartok and Spanish folk songs by de Falla. “A powerful and focused performance” - Classical Guitar Magazine.
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She’Koyokh is “amongst the finest klezmer ensembles on the planet” (The Australian). Always popular at the Festival of Chichester, their name is a Yiddish word meaning “nice one!” and they’ve been hailed as “one of the finest and most entertaining British-based exponents of global music” (The Guardian).
Free parking available from 1.30pm. Bring low chairs, rugs, cushions & picnics.
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Doors open 19:00
This exceptional ensemble showcases two virtuoso violinists, Bogdan Vacarescu and Akiko Ishikawa with the distinguished cellist Vanessa Lucas-Smith.
Their program on 5th March will take you on a fascinating journey of the evolution of violin playing from the Baroque to the Romantic era featuring works by brilliant violinist-composers, Tartini, Viotti, Pugnani, Kreutzer and Lipinski.
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stringdimensions.com
Doors open 19:00
Champions of all things Cello, Christopher Allan, Michael Atkinson, Adrian Bradbury and Ben Rogerson make up the quartet Cellophonics.
The Cellophonics will bring to the stunning Boxgrove Priory, hidden amongst traditional gems, a treasure trove of new music including a hitherto unknown jewel by "The English Rachmaninov" York Bowen, amidst sparkling contemporary works by Callum Au, Simon Baggs, Roderick Elms, Ailbhe McDonagh and Julia Simpson.
Playing festivals throughout the UK, Cellophonics’ eclectic musical journey has something for everyone – be they music lovers in general, or the more seriously afflicted cello-holic. Their performances overflow with warmth and virtuosity through the operatic tones of Puccini's 'Tosca' and the driving rhythms of jazz lord Guy Barker's especially commissioned 'Wood on the Tracks'.
Cellist Ben Rogerson is originally from Chichester and currently a member of the BBC Concert Orchestra and the London Mozart Players. On the morning of 13th February he will also give a masterclass to music students at the University of Chichester Conservatoire. Attendance is free of charge. For details of this masterclass please email [email protected]
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cellophonics.com
Doors open 19:00
Flamenco – The Overflow: two dancers, a singer and a guitarist delve deeply into the roots & styles of flamenco and confront them, exploring the narratives, musical fantasy, and history of flamenco, inspired by women who have created this artform. This dazzling and contemporary show is a choreographed musical project directed by the two internationally acclaimed dancers Natalia Garcia Huidobro and Cathy Sandoval. Paying tribute to women of flamenco in the world of cabaret, singing cafés and exhibitionism,they draw on the evolution and development of flamenco,historical verse, and legendary figures of flamenco such as Lola Flores, Miguel de Molina and Dolores Vargas "La Terremoto."
Tickets
Doors open 19:00
Mark Ashford & Amanda Cook are two of the most highly acclaimed classical guitarists in the UK. They regularly tour together with the renowned Vida Guitar Quartet and are collaborating as a duo to present this eclectic programme of Spanish music, celebrating some of the most beloved repertoire from this evocative country. The concert will feature musical treasures by Albeniz, De Falla, Granados & Tarrega.
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Entry from 1.30pm.
Parking available. Bring low chairs, rugs, picnics & dancing shoes.
Tickets include tea and cake.
Unicorn Frequency
Klezmer & Balkan band She’Koyokh (featuring local violinist Meg Hamilton) team up with Europe’s foremost South Indian violinist, Jyotsna Srikanth for a virtuosic collaboration inspired by the musical traditions and trade routes from India to the Balkans. Through their own distinct musical languages, they bring together a caravan of Eastern European sounds spiced with soulful Ashkenazi, Sephardic and Indian Jewish melodies, Carnatic improvisation, original compositions, Gypsy themes and South Indian rhythms laden with Balkan fire
Doors open 7PM. Concert from 7.30pm – 10pm including post concert Q&A
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A summer’s afternoon with top Cuban band Latin Bridge: sizzling classic Bossa Nova, jazz standards, Boleros, Cuban Son & original compositions. Dance to irresistible Latin beats or sit back and soak up the remarkable musicianship from this exceptional trio.
Parking available. Bring low chairs for picnics.
Tickets available from April
Box office: Chichester Box Office
The Novium, Tower Street, Chichester, PO19 1QH
Tel: 01243 816525 or 775888
Website: www.thenovium.org/boxoffice
E-mail: [email protected]
Popular Festival soloist Harriet Mackenzie returns to Chichester directing her Celoniatus Ensemble juxtaposing Vivaldi’s Baroque masterpiece 'The Four Seasons' with the heat of Argentinian tango in Piazzolla's 'Four Seasons of Buenos Aires' and an evocative orchestral work by Canadian composer Emily Doolittle, depicting a blackbird singing in the rain.
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Bogdan Vacarescu and Julian Jacobson return to Chichester with a stunning selection of beloved pieces and lost masterworks for violin and piano featuring music by Beethoven, Chopin, and Castelnuovo-Tedesco. Programme to include Tartini - ''Devil's Trill Sonata'', Brahms - Hungarian Dance No. 17 and Julian Jacobson’s composition Orang-u-Tango.
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Contemporary flamenco dancer & choreographer Natalia García - Huidobro presents her homage to traditional flamenco, completing Violeta Parra’s unfinished work El Gavilán (Sparrowhawk).“Violeta de Mayo” was first known for singing zambras, farrucas and sevillanas with a flamenco company in Santiago, Chile.
Jorge Bravo (guitar), Carlos Lobo (voice) & Demi García Sabat (percussion)
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From the heartwarming to the heartbreaking, this exquisite pairing of voice and guitar delves through the universal truths of our nature, and along the paths of our own nurture. In an intimate programme, themes of common humanity are juxtaposed and brought to life in stunning interpretations of Britten, Rodrigo and Schubert.
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Dazzling classical music juxtaposed with Russian gypsy gems, Hungarian folk, Romanian laments, Bulgarian dances, free improvisation and jazz: a fiery ensemble of virtuosos featuring guitar, accordion, double bass and percussion, led by violinist Bogdan Vacarescu, whose “technical mastery made it sound as if there were at least two fiddlers.” The Scotsman
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Violinist Emma Parker and friends from the internationally award winning Badke Quartet have formed Oculi Ensemble to continue their rich history of collaborations, inviting the finest of chamber musicians. Programme: Brahms String Quintet op. 88, Mozart String Quintet in G minor k516, Webern Langsamer Satz for string quartet.
“An unswerving togetherness … thrilling … agile, articulate playing.” The Strad
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In an entertaining talk illustrated with music from old records, author Garth Cartwright discusses how the humble record shop grew from selling wax cylinders into the huge HMV chain, sparked Richard Branson’s Virgin empire and, after the collapse of record shops, has a happy ending with the vinyl revival.
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Glasgow Gael Mary Ann Kennedy was brought up surrounded by music. A
multi award-winning musician, singer, writer and producer, she’s
joined by long-time musical partner-in-crime, Finlay Wells on guitar,
bringing to life the real people, places and stories of her Gaelic songs.
Her new album, ‘Glaschu’, is released on ARC Music.
Parking available. Bring low chairs for picnics.
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Rarely performed duos, trios and quartets by Grieg, Lipinski, Corelli, Enescu, Bazzini and Liszt, lead by Romanian violinist Bogdan Vacarescu.
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Bassist Alec Dankworth, guitarist Jorge Bravo and percussionist Demi Garcia Sabat perform jazz, classical, flamenco, Latin music and original compositions.
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Classical and traditional music from across the Middle East, featuring oud, double bass, percussion, and great composers of Syria and Egypt.
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A magical tale by Hans Andersen, brought to life by Merit Ariane featuring songs from the Middle East, Sephardic folklore, Gershwin and Montsalvatge.
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Chamber music from 17th and 18th century Europe by Bach, Biber, Leclair, Bonporti and Tartini, with local cellist Lynden Cranham and violinist Sara Timossi.
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Rwandan genocide survivor, singer, songwriter, and peace activist Samputu brings traditional African singing, dancing, and drumming, and a message of hope, forgiveness, reconciliation, and love.
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Rebetiko to contemporary Greek folk music, with soulful singing, circle dances and footstamping rhythms. They “represent a culture of reinvention” Songlines magazine
Parking available. Bring low chairs for picnics and dancing shoes for the concert. Gates open for Picnics from 4.30pm.
Tickets include a glass of wine.
Tel: 01243 816525
Festival of Chichester
Four guitarists of exceptional artistry; “They play with technical brilliance and precise ensemble” Classic FM
www.vidagq.com
Romanian violinist Bogdan Vacarescu revives rare music with an international line-up, featuring virtuoso string quartets by Bazzini and Kreisler.
bogdanvacarescu.com
Toe-tapping rhythms, seductive melodies and a dash of wild fantasy! A scintillating evening of music old and new.
www.parnassianensemble.com
Songs for soprano & guitar by Rodrigo, Lorca, Falla & Villa-Lobos.
www.amaiaazcona.com www.morganszymanski.co.uk
Poetry, story-telling, dance and music from the Middle East and Mediterranean. “Bewitchingly sung” York Press.
www.meritariane.com
Klezmer & Balkan dances and songs from Serbia, Romania, Albania, Armenia, Turkey and Bulgaria. www.shekoyokh.co.uk
Irish flautist Aisling Agnew and Scottish guitarist Matthew McAllister are internationally recognised as one of the leading flute & guitar duos. "They performed a fascinating and thoroughly entrancing programme… and held the audience in an easy spell from start to finish.” (The Scotsman)
They are renowned for deeply engaging performances, imaginative programming and consummate artistry. Since their duo debut in 2001 they have performed extensively around the world earning the highest admiration from audiences. Their programme will include music by Piazzolla, Poulenc and Locatelli.
Expanding flamenco’s musical and choreographical structures, encorporating contemporary dance, theatre, classical music and jazz, dancer & choreographer Natalia Garcia – Huidobro “embodies the classic tensions of the form...a composed demeanour set against furious footwork... musicians frame her like shadows, their strums and claps and flares of song imprinting the dance dynamic.” (The Guardian)
Bibi Heal returns to Chichester to perform Poulenc’s Song Cycle “La Courte Paille”, Schubert’s Ave Maria, folksongs, Juliette’s waltz from Gounod’s Romeo et Juliette, and Wiegenleid by Brahms. Bibi performed in the Festival of Chichester in 2014, and as a soloist with Chichester Singers a few years ago. She is a favourite with Opera North, The Opera Group and ENO, and has sung at Aldeburgh Festival, Wigmore Hall and the Barbican. www.bibiheal.com
Diana Jacklin (soprano) and Hartmut Ometzberger (violinist) tour the world inspiring composers to write for their unique combination. Their programme will transport you into a world of Italian and American music, with rarely performed Verdi songs, favorites of Paolo Tosti, English Folksongs of Rebecca Clarke as well as original works written for them by Jennie Gottschalk and Jean-Christophe Rosaz. www.dianajacklin.com; www.hartmutometzberger.com.
From Romania and Russia, two charismatic virtuosos form an inspired artistic partnership, collaborating for the first time at the Festival of Chichester to perform Grieg’s Sonata No. 3 alongside rarely heard transcriptions by the violinist Leopold Auer (teacher of Jascha Heifetz) of works by Vitali, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. bogdan.vacarescu.com; www.victorryabchikov.com
Born in Santiago de Chile, José Antonio Escobar is one of the most distinguished classical guitar soloists of his generation, awarded some fifteen prizes in leading international guitar competitions. This concert marks a rare visit to the UK. His programme will include music from Brazil, Chile and Colombia, featuring works by Fernando Sor, Isáac Albéniz , Astor Piazzola and contemporary Chilean composer Javier Contreras "...Every note is played with soul, sincerity, love and musical intelligence." Eliot Fisk.
The Queens Six is one of the most exciting vocal groups in the country. Based at Windsor Castle the group formed in 2008 and are Lay Clerks of St George's Chapel. On 29th September, fresh from the studio having recorded their latest disc, they will make their Chichester debut with a varied and inviting programme of florid Renaissance polyphony, lewd Madrigals, haunting folk songs and upbeat Jazz and Pop arrangements. Come and experience this group’s magical blend of sound along with their irresistible informality and charm. www.thequeenssix.co.uk
Bucimis performs the elegiac, mysterious music of South-Eastern Europe, focusing on the ancient instrumental and vocal tradition of Thrace, the region linking Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey. Expect an intimate and enlightening evening filled with stunning harmonies, electrifying rhythms, mesmerizing virtuosity and dance.
Julian Jacobson has been (piano) soloist with several principal British orchestras under conductors such as Sir Simon Rattle and Tamás Vásáry, recorded twenty five CDs for Meridian, Hyperion, Chandos, Decca Argo, Continuum and other labels and broadcast over a hundred works for BBC Radio 3. He is currently a Professor at the Royal College of Music and Birmingham Conservatoire, and Guest Professor at Xiamen University, China. www.julianjacobson.com.
Programme:
Ravel - Pavane pour une Infante Défunte
Mozart - Rondo in A minor K511
Bethoven - Sonata in C op 53 ("Waldstein")
Chopin - The Four Ballades
featuring Clarinettist Susi Evans (She'Koyokh)
“Dizzyingly dynamic playing... a band at the forefront of the European klezmer revival" (fROOTS)
Delving deep into the celebratory and lively music of Jewish Eastern Europe, LKQ Brings fresh life to an almost-lost folk tradition. LKQ's concert programmes and three albums include songs with themes ranging from food and love to conscription and exile. Their fantastic sound with inventive arrangements, virtuosity, exciting original tunes and soulful old melodies are presented together with colourful stories about musicians' lives to take you on a journey from the Baltic to the Black Sea and beyond. www.londonklezmerquartet.com
Classical, baroque, Persian, Balkan, swing and folk music
She’Koyokh - “The best Balkan and klezmer music in Britain” (Evening Standard) www.shekoyokh.co.uk
Beethoven, Schubert & Dodgson string trios www.karolos.org
- 'a truly remarkable guitarist' (Classical Guitar) www.markashford.com
"resplendently baroque..." Early Music Today
www.baroque-encounter.com
…an ancient wisdom is being imparted." (Evening Standard) www.tahirpalali.com
The BeauBowBelles - Glamorous quartet combine English folk, country, classical music and gypsy swing. www.thebeaubowbelles.com
Amici Concerts will be held at St Pancras Church, Eastgate Sq, from Tuesday 30th June, with the finale on Sunday 5th July in Halnaker.
Box Office: http://www.chichestertickets.co.uk Tel: 01243 813595
Baroque and classical gems, suave tangos, passionate Spanish dances and intimate solos performed by international soloists
Ashkenazi and Sephardi melodies in Yiddish, Hebrew and Ladino, interspersed with Jewish sacred music, classic barbershop, folk and comic song.
Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, gifted bassist Shane Allessio brings new compositions to the table, remaining deeply rooted in the jazz tradition.
From South America to the Middle East: Jewish, Polish, Greek and Japanese music glide into hot-blooded tango with classical references and improvisation.
Violin, two accordions, guitar, bass, percussion. Hot, fiery, Eastern European, Balkan, Gypsy and classical music performed with energy, brilliance and soul, by virtuosi from Romania, Serbia and UK. @ Halnaker Park Cottage, Nr Chichester PO18 0QH
This concert will be raising money for the Syrian Medecins Sans Frontieres who give medical aid both in Syria and to refugees in neighbouring countries.
Parking available. Bring low chairs for picnics and concert.
1.30pm arrive for picnics. 3pm concert with drinks in the interval. Approximate finish time 5pm.
NB: In case of wet weather, the concert will be held in the barn. If the weather is dry, tickets will be available at the venue, even if advance tickets have sold out