To celebrate 10 years of New Paths Music, we are taking the show on the road! The birthday (mini-)tour started in September 2026 with a series of rush-hour performances in London’s Bechstein Hall.
During our first decade, thousands of festivalgoers have made the journey to Beverley for the festivals. In this landmark year, we are sharing the magic of New Paths Music with people in some other parts of the country – beginning in the capital.
The collective comprises exceptional artists who have appeared at festival over the years alongside our Artistic Director, pianist Libby Burgess. On 8th September, Libby was joined by cellist Leo Popplewell and soprano Harriet Burns. Their programme combined Britten’s cycle On This Island with James MacMillan’s haunting Cello Sonata No 1.
The concert on 10th September also paired a Britten song cycle with a major instrumental sonata: on this occasion, Libby was joined by mezzo-soprano Marta Fontanals-Simmons in A Charm of Lullabies, and by viola player Jane Atkins in the ‘Arpeggione Sonata’ by Schubert.
It was fitting that Benjamin Britten was a special focus: 2026 marks 50 years since the death of the composer, and his music has featured prominently at our festivals.
