Beverley is a town for all seasons, but it is especially beautiful in autumn when the elegant streets of its Georgian Quarter are carpeted with conkers and the trees of Westwood turn burnished gold. In late-September, Beverley has a music of its own when it plays host to the artists and festivalgoers who gather for the town’s Autumn Festival. Here are 10 reasons why you should join them, and why the event is such a haven for music:
St Mary’s Church
Our concert venue is lovely St Mary’s on North Bar Within: a beautiful medieval church, rich in architecture and history – with a stunning acoustic for chamber music and song.
Nocturnal adventures
Star countertenor Hugh Cutting and his Refound Ensemble explore music of the night in ‘Morpheus’, journeying from Purcell and Cavalli to Britten, Howells and Schubert; and reaching into folk, cabaret, even Don McLean’s Vincent (Starry, starry night).
National treasure
Roderick Williams OBE (“Our greatest living baritone” – the Daily Telegraph) appears alongside Libby Burgess in a recital of evocative songs from around the British Isles including Finzi’s Earth and Air and Rain.
A new generation
We host the world premiere of a new piece for family audiences, and young brass players take part in a special workshop, ‘Inspire!’. We’re thrilled to welcome our first cohort of New Paths Voyagers – talented local teenagers – who give platform performances throughout the festival.
Artistic Director
At the helm is our Artistic Director, distinguished pianist Libby Burgess: in addition to curating the programme, she collaborates with an array of artists for performances throughout the festival.
A book of hours
Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, there’s something for you: from free breakfast-time music to evocative late-night performances, we’ve got all times of day covered.
My heart’s in the highlands
Scotland is a key inspiration in this year’s programme. On Friday we hear three pieces by Sir James MacMillan – and also find three different musical tellings of the story of Mary Queen of Scots.
Happy birthday
In his 150th anniversary year we celebrate Ravel: different sides of his personality are heard in his string quartet, his violin sonata and the fairy-tale Mother Goose suite.
With tuneful pipe
Artist-in-residence Ian Wilson celebrates all things recorder – from Scottish folk to luminous contemporary music. On Friday he is joined by his quartet The Flautadors for late-night renaissance consort music.
Trainspotting
200 years ago this weekend, the Stockton & Darlington Railway opened, marking the birth of the modern railway: on Friday, we celebrate the music of Antonin Dvořák – a passionate trainspotter.
Taking part
Swap your audience seat for the performer’s perspective! This festival features participation opportunities for intermediate/advanced recorder players of all ages, and for elementary brass players from the region.
Beverley’s venues
The venues of Beverley are always a key part of the festival magic. This festival we are particularly celebrating the beauty of St Mary’s – an inspiring space in which to appreciate music.
