Festival 2023 was held from Tuesday June 6th to Thursday June 9th.
This year was somewhat bittersweet as we quite unexpectedly lost Rodney Beacham, its Founder, Chairman and Festival Organiser, on 9th March 2023.
The Festival started in 2000, born from Rodney’s passion and knowledge of Classical Music, and its talented musicians and composers.
He dreamt of bringing world-class musicians to play at the little village church, in this beautiful corner of the Cotswolds.
Thanks to Rodney, we now host three annual concerts at the beginning of June.
Additionally, Rodney strongly believed that young children should be offered an introduction to Classical Music, and the instruments of the orchestra.
So the artists are taken to Bledington (Primary) School or St.Leonard’s Church, and the children participate, listen, learn and appreciate.
A number of the children have furthered this introduction, and taken up musical instruments.
As always we enjoyed three stunning performances, from extremely talented musicians, over three summer evenings.
Tuesday, June 6th, 2023 featured Tamsin Waley-Cohen, violin and Cordelia Williams, piano. Their programme included works for violin and piano by Bach, Arvo Pärt and Schumann.
On Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 we enjoyed a performance by Sarah Williamson on Clarinet with Sam Haywood playing the piano. Their programme included works by Brahms, Schumann, John Ireland, Poulenc and Finzi.
On Thursday, June 8th, 2023, Mark Bebbington was fabulous on the piano. Bledington Music Festival was thrilled to welcome him back. As well as being a wonderful pianist, Mark is also a great supporter of the festival itself. His programme featured Beethoven’s Sonatas in C minor op. 13 the ‘Pathetique’ and Sonata in F minor op. 57 the ‘Appassionata’. John Ireland: Sarnia – an Island Sequence, Liszt/Wagner: ‘Liebestod’ from “Tristan and Isolde”, Liszt/Verdi: “Rigoletto” Paraphrase de Concert
We hope everyone who attended enjoyed the music and the occasion. We look forward to seeing you next year!