Budleigh Music Festival's stellar line-up

Budleigh Music Festival is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in style, bringing world-class classical music to the heart of East Devon this summer.

Over two decades, the festival has cemented its reputation as a key event in the classical music calendar, attracting internationally-renowned musicians and enthusiastic audiences alike.

Under the artistic direction of Jason Thornton, this year’s programme, which takes place from June 27 until July 5, promises an exciting and diverse line-up of exceptional performances. This year’s Festival highlights include:

• Sir Stephen Hough – One of the most celebrated pianists of our time, Sir Stephen Hough will grace the festival stage following his unforgettable performance at the Last Night of the Proms 2024.
• The Band of HM Royal Marines Plymouth – A rousing opening weekend concert, they will be joined by saxophonist Jess Gillam, who will be playing escapades from Catch Me If You Can by John Williams. They will also join an afternoon performance with members of the Devon Youth Wind Orchestra.
• London African Gospel Choir – A powerful and uplifting performance featuring gospel classics and their special rendition of Paul Simon’s Graceland.
• Guido Saint’Anna – South America’s young violin prodigy, whose virtuosity is captivating audiences worldwide.
• Armonico Consort – Returning after a dazzling performance in 2023, this inspirational chamber choir will present Rachmaninov’s Vespers.
• One Piano Four Hands – These gifted pianists from the prestigious Liszt Music Academy in Budapest will be performing Mahler’s Symphony No1, as a piano duet.
• Bath Philharmonia with Zeynep Ozuska – Featuring an all-American programme conducted by Jason Thornton, with Sacha Rattle on clarinet.
• ZRI (Zum Roten Igel) – A fascinating journey into the tavern music of 19th-century Vienna, exploring Schubert’s Quintet with folk influences and an eclectic instrumental ensemble.
• Sir Michael Morpurgo and cellist Clare O’Connell together in his version of The Carnival of the Animals.

The Festival has built a reputation for showcasing emerging talent, and this year is no exception, with performances from Lumas Winds, the Rhossili Duo, Bonnie Scott, and William Bracken in an engaging daytime recital series.

A choral workshop is planned for the opening day, when participants can join artistic director Jason Thornton for a day exploring a rarely heard version of Elgar’s Sea Pictures. It will culminate in a performance that evening alongside the Festival’s Children’s Choir.

Organisers are also planning a family musical treasure hunt through the town, a community afternoon performance by La Vie En Rose and a relaxed concert by ZRI. The relaxed concert is designed to suit individuals or groups of all ages who feel more comfortable in a less formal setting. There will be a relaxed attitude to noise and audience members may leave and re-enter during the concert. Both the Michael Morpurgo and the ZRI relaxed concert will be interpreted into British Sign Language.

Kate Somerby, chair of Budleigh Music Festival, said: "We are incredibly proud to reach this significant milestone and to continue bringing outstanding classical music to Budleigh. This year’s programme features a spectacular mix of established international artists and rising stars, offering something truly special for our audiences.

“As a charity, one of our aims to is make classical music accessible to young people who may not otherwise have opportunities to play and enjoy it. Alongside our programme we will once again be offering those opportunities to young people, through our partnerships with local schools and groups like Future Talent, who nurture exceptional young musicians.”

Tickets for Budleigh Music Festival go on sale to Festival Friends on April 2 and on general sale on April 11.

For more details visit, www.budleighmusicfestival.co.uk