The first half of the evening takes us from the bucolic world of Herbert Howells to the magic of Debussy's Trio for Flute, Viola and Harp and Ravel's Septet for Harp, Flute, Clarinet and String Quartet. The second half of the evening sees our musicians take to the stage for Chausson's luscious Concerto for Violin, Piano and String Quartet. “Never have I had such a success! I can't get over it. Everyone seems to love the Concert.” So wrote Chausson in his diary after the first performance of his Concert in D major in 1892; the Brussels audience present at this event had won him his first real triumph. The work is a model of cohesion, with strong ideas and melodies of great impact. The autograph manuscript is covered with alterations and crossings-out, signs of the composer's drive towards absolute perfection in this masterpiece of chamber music.

Programme

● Herbert Howells - Rhapsodic Quintet

● Ravel - Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet and String Quartet

● Debussy - Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp, L. 137

● Chausson - Concert for Violin, Piano and String Quartet Op.21

Performers

● Freya Goldmark, violin solo

● Charlotte Saluste-Bridoux, violin

● Sofia Gomez Alberto, violin/viola

● Edgar Francis, viola

● Connie Pharoah, viola

● Maxim Calver, cello

● Eliza Millett, cello

● Peteris Sokolovskis, cello

● Joseph Havlat, piano

● Elizabeth Bass, harp

● Anna Webster, clarinet

Friends of the festival will have reserved front row seating.

To join the Friends SIMFestival visit https://simfestival.com/support/ Ticket Price £24, Free for 16 and Under

Stamford International Music Festival runs 18th - 20th May 2023 presenting seven concerts of great chamber music programmed by festival director, Freya Goldmark.