The Festival this year was, as usual, held in mid-August; a week full of exciting performances of a wide ranging variety of music in St Mary’s church, coupled with an exhibition of fine paintings and craft work in the village hall.

Sunday 11^th 

The Festival opened with a tea party in the Rectory Garden where, with a fine afternoon and cream teas, a large group from the village (and elsewhere) were entertained in a delightful informal manner by David Juritz (the Festival Artistic Director), Craig Ogden, Milos Milivojevic  and the Reverend Bob Thorn, playing popular pieces and songs.

Monday 12^th

                The talented twin sisters , Laura and Charlotte Carrivick, with John Breese (double Bass), gave the first half of the evening concert. They played and sang enchanting bluegrass music and folk songs, with great virtuosity on many different stringed instruments. They were followed by bewitching Arab music played on the oud (Arabic lute) by Khyam Allami with Vasilis Sarikis on percussion. Allami is a renowned master of the instrument who has studied Arabic and Iraqui music widely and his performance held the audience in a thrall.

Tuesday 13^th

                With thanks to Karen and David Venn, the Lunchtime Serenade was in the splendid setting of the main hall at Norburton Hall. Everyone attending much enjoyed a selection of light pieces by,  amongst others, Grieg, Poulenc, Massenet  and Sarasate played by Davd, Milos and Craig. After the concert and  in sunshine, the ’ full-house ‘ had their picnic platters outside on the patio.

Coming together for the first time, the evening session was by three outstanding musicians; David Gordon (keyboard), Russell Bennett (trumpet) and Sandy Burnett ( double bass). Interweaving their individual performances wonderfully well, their programme of jazz music was a great hit with an enthusiastic capacity audience.

Wednesday 14^th

                For the small group attending, the lunchtime open talk between Sandy Burnett and David Juritz in the church was very interesting. The two of them discussed their respective training and varied careers in the music world and gave their thoughts on some of the great composers.

The Chamber Concert comprised a flute and string quartet by Mozart, a string quartet by Verdi and Brahms’ clarinet quintet. The soloists, Michael Cox (flute) and Anna Hashimoto (clarinet) gave wonderful performances. Playing with them were the Russian violinists, Natalia Lomeiko and Yuri Zhislin, David Juritz and Adrian Bradbury. For chamber music lovers this was an outstanding evening.

Thursday 15^th

                The evening programme was centred around the operatic works of Verdi, Wagner and Rossini. Claire Bradshaw beautifully sang a selection  of arias and Anna Hashimoto and Michael Cox were once again soloists; the latter playing a flute sonata by Poulenc.

Friday 16^th

                The Finale was played by a very full Festival Orchestra with so many players that there was insufficient room on the stage. The programme covered a wide range of the classics including pieces by Mozart, Bach, Sarasate, Fauré and Britten and was a splendid concert to finish the week.

Late Night Recitals

                The Late Recitals on four nights were as popular as ever, with that special atmosphere in the darkened church and memorable performances with superb ensemble and musicianship of outstanding players. In turn they were given by David Juritz and Adrian Bradbury, Natalia Lomeiko and Yuri Zhislin, Craig Ogden and Milos Milivojevic and by David Gordon, Michael Cox, David Juritz and Adrian Bradbury.

Art Exhibition

                The art exhibition was open from Monday to Saturday with a display of many fine paintings, cards and ceramics.

Festival Organisation

                Led by a small hard working committee, there is a group of volunteers who work together in a variety of ways to make the Festival possible.

Mike Southgate