12–26 May 2018

newbury spring festival 12–26 may 2018

maxx-design.co.uk two weeks of world-class music We are proud to have sponsored Newbury Spring Festival since 1999 www.newburyspringfestival.org.uk Festival Director Mark Eynon year. this anniversary 20th its celebrates which Chorus, Festival Spring Newbury and Orchestra conducted by Stephen Barlow, with Bournemouth Symphony CMinor, in version uplifting Mozart’s night last the on and by Solomon’s Knot, memory from Bach’s BMinor, in performed Mass, of the settings greatest of the of two performances with concludes Festival The Debussy. Claude and Parry Hubert of deaths the and Bernstein of Leonard birth the Armistice, 1918 the centenaries: notable afew as well as programme ‘40’ and of ‘spring’ musical into the woven themes are twin The interview at Sydmonton. Misérables is so exciting that Schönberg, Claude-Michel composer of it and residence, in be again will delighted Iam who Monastery of Tashi Monks Lhunpo Tibetan extraordinary the remember will of you Many demand. by popular returns Graham–Dixon Andrew historian art and broadcaster and Abbey; Douai revisits to singers, 40 enhanced Cathedra, Ex June; in retire they before performances final of their one give will Festival the as old as almost are who Ensemble Schubert The Counterpoise. and him Kokoschka’s work, Tomlinson anew in John Sir Doll baritone bass legendary back to welcome honour an also is It returning for our opening night. Gardner, both Edward under Philharmonia by the performed be will which work anew to write commissioned been has Kendall Hannah composer British young anniversary 40th Festival debuts as John Lewis Young Stars Young Lewis Stars John as debuts Festival Cunningham with his chamber choir Sansara make their Benjamin Master Chorus Way, Festival new James our and and musicians. Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, singers James Newby British young outstanding some them alongside to introduce pleased Iam and careers, international major now are of what start the at to Newbury came all YolanDa Brown and Hughes Ruby Tom Clein, Johnston, Natalie Poster, Watts, Elizabeth Guy Williams, Llyr Orchestra; Symphony Flanders with Beethoven to perform returns he and first very the in played Lill John Festivals: earlier in appeared who musicians much-loved some back to welcome delighted Iam Festival 40th our For Welcome Miss Saigon Miss and

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© Fiona Cue Saturday 12th May Saturday 12th May Philharmonia Orchestra Michael Law’s The Festival is delighted to celebrate the Piccadilly Dance Orchestra opening night of its 40th anniversary with a specially commissioned work by young with The Gatsby Girls composer Hannah Kendall. For the opening of the 40th Spring Festival, From the Charleston of the 1920s what better work to include than Schumann’s through the beautiful classic songs uplifting Spring Symphony. This is preceded by of the 1930s to swing and jazz Elgar’s Sospiri, written at the outbreak of the mayhem, Michael Law’s Piccadilly First World War, and his monumental Cello Dance Orchestra and the four Concerto composed after the Armistice, the Gatsby Girls present a night of razzle centenary of which we commemorate this year. dazzle. The evening features some of the greatest music of the golden jazz Sheku Kanneh-Mason, winner of the 2016 age, including such timeless classics BBC Young Musician of the Year, joins as It Don’t Mean a Thing, The Very Festival favourites the Philharmonia Orchestra Thought of You and Yes, Sir, That’s conducted by world-renowned Edward My Baby. Gardner, who makes a welcome return to the Festival. Celebrating its 30th year, this leading jazz orchestra presents its Anniversary Gala Gatsby Concert, transporting the audience back to a world of sophistication, glitz and Gardner is certainly proving glamour, delighting the senses with to be a very fine Elgarian. flapper fun and frolics. Bachtrack A wonderfully entertaining [Sheku] held the capacity evening ... there wasn’t audience spellbound. anything that was less than The Guardian exceptional. BBC4 Ed Gardner © Benjamin Ealovega / Sheku Kanneh-Mason © Glen Thomas

Edward Gardner Hannah Kendall St Nicolas Church Sponsored by Michael Law Corn Exchange Supported by conductor Baptistry Newbury Greenham Trust conductor, piano, vocals Newbury Friends of Sheku Elgar RG14 5HG Piccadilly Dance Orchestra RG14 5BD Newbury Spring Opening work Festival Kanneh-Mason Cello Concerto 7.30pm (ends commission with Louise Cookman 7.30pm (ends cello Elgar approx 9.15pm) supported by vocals approx 9.35pm) Sospiri RVW Trust, £41 and The Gatsby Girls £22 Schumann Philharmonia £31 Orchestra and Symphony No. 1, £21 Op.38 Spring Three Choirs Festival

4 box office 0845 5218 218* newburyspringfestival.org.uk 5 Sunday 13th May Sunday 13th May Sound Beginnings Llyrˆ Williams

Romeo and Juliet The Festival is delighted to welcome back one of its former Young Artists, The whole family is welcome to this all-inclusive performance now established as one of the UK’s of Romeo and Juliet, Prokofiev’s great ballet based on leading pianists. Shakespeare’s most well-known love story. Lasting just under an hour, with selections of the ballet specially arranged Welshman Llyrˆ Williams is widely admired for two pianos, the story is narrated in animated style making for his profound musical intelligence, and the audience feel part of the cast. With beanbags for for the expressive and communicative youngsters to sit on, and with all ages welcome, no one will nature of his interpretations. With several mind if your little ones make a noise! Beethoven cycles under his belt, he recently completed a sonata cycle at After the performance delicious organic food using produce the Wigmore Hall to great acclaim, and raised and grown at Sheepdrove Organic Farm is served. a Beethoven concerto cycle with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

The sound Williams creates has an irresistible singing quality like no one else’s. Washington Post © B.G. Ealovega

Mikhail Kazakevich Sheepdrove Eco Centre Sponsored by Schumann Corn Exchange Sponsored by piano Lambourn The Sheepdrove 4 Nachtstucke, Op.23 Newbury Sir Hugh and Elena Zozina RG17 7UU Trust Debussy RG14 5BD Lady Stevenson, piano Suite bergamasque and Sir David 10.00am (ends approx 11.00am) 3.00pm (ends and Lady Sieff Richard Morris and 12.00 noon (ends approx 1.00pm) Debussy approx 4.45pm) narrator L’isle joyeuse £20 adults £22 £9.50 children 5 years and over Rachmaninov £50 family ticket Preludes: Op.32 Nos. Under 5s free 3, 9, 10, 11, 12 and Op.23 Nos. 6, 8, 10 Prices include food served Scriabin after the performance Sonata No. 5

6 box office 0845 5218 218* newburyspringfestival.org.uk 7 Sunday 13th May Young Artists Lunchtime Recital 1 Monday 14th May Bernstein Revealed Misha Mullov-Abbado Group

Edward Seckerson conducted one of the last Misha Mullov-Abbado is a BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist. The Misha major interviews with Leonard Bernstein less Mullov-Abbado Group is made up of some of the finest, multi-award- than a year before his death in 1990 and it is winning musicians in London, and under Misha’s direction the group Both his that memorable encounter that is at the heart performs his original compositions and arrangements with a broad variety composing of this intimate musical evening. of influences. talents and To mark Bernstein’s centenary, broadcaster The band has performed at many venues and festivals all around the UK his propulsive Edward Seckerson, musical director Jason such as King’s Place, the Barbican Centre, the Elgar Room as part of the bass-playing Carr and West End star Sophie-Louise Dann BBC Proms Lates series, and has toured internationally around Europe are currently celebrate the musical superman who bestrode and in Mexico. Having been signed to Edition Records the group released such hot UK the Broadway stage as whole-heartedly and its debut album New Ansonia, included in ‘Best Jazz Albums 2015’ of both jazz news. adeptly as he did the world’s great concert halls. The Telegraph and BBC Radio 3. The Guardian Through a cocktail of stories and songs – including from West Side Story, Candide and On The Town – the show explores the life and music of this extraordinary composer, conductor, pianist, teacher, father and activist.

The fast-paced evening never had a dull moment ... [the] patter and anecdotes were always enlightening. Musical Theatre Review

Edward Seckerson Combe Manor Barn Sponsored by Misha Mullov- Liam Dunachie Corn Exchange Sponsored by compère Combe BHP Project Abbado piano Newbury The Headley Trust Sophie-Louise Dann RG17 9EJ Management double bass Scott Chapman RG14 5BD soprano 7.30pm (ends James Davison drums 12.30pm (ends Jason Carr approx 9.40pm) flugelhorn approx 1.30pm) piano Matthew Herd £30 alto saxophone £10 to include a glass (series ticket of Coates & Seely Sam Rapley for all 6 lunchtime sparkling wine tenor saxophone recitals £48) on arrival

8 box office 0845 5218 218* newburyspringfestival.org.uk 9 Monday 14th May Tuesday 15th May The Highclere Concert Sir John Tomlinson A welcome return by Guy Johnston talks to Barry Millington and Tom Poster, two of the Festival’s previous Young Artists whose creative Acclaimed as one of the world’s partnership is now one of Britain’s leading bass baritones, Sir John most established and renowned. Tomlinson has dominated the Dame Ethel Smyth’s composing international opera scene for several career, most notably in opera, was decades, appearing at the Bayreuth occasionally interrupted by her Festival every year from 1988 to 2006. actions as a suffragette; here is In this special event, Sir John talks to a rare opportunity to hear her chamber renowned music critic Barry Millington music. When studying in Leipzig, she about his extraordinary career, the met Grieg, whose cello sonata was roles he has sung, the world of opera premiered there; it is described as and the new work, Kokoschka’s Doll, ‘imbued with the soaring ecstasy of written for him by John Casken, which yearning wistfulness’. The Rachmaninov is being performed on Wednesday sonata is perhaps his most famous 16 May in the Corn Exchange, Newbury. chamber piece and a perfect example of the composer’s gift for sweeping, romantic melody.

Stirringly impassioned. The Times, on Guy Johnston Warmly beguiling. Gramophone, on Tom Poster Guy Johnston © Kaupo Kikkas / Tom Poster © Sussie Ahlburg © Robert Workman

Guy Johnston Ethel Smyth Highclere Castle Sponsored by Shaw House Sponsored by cello Cello Sonata, Op.5 Newbury Viking Cruises Newbury The Englefield Tom Poster Grieg RG20 9RN and The Earl RG14 2DR Charitable Trust piano Cello Sonata in and Countess 7.30pm (ends of Carnarvon 3.00pm (ends A minor, Op.36 approx 9.20pm) approx 4.30pm) Rachmaninov Sonata for Piano £50 £15 and Cello in G minor, to include interval talk only Op.19 champagne £20 talk followed by tea and cake

10 box office 0845 5218 218* newburyspringfestival.org.uk 11 Tuesday 15th May Tuesday 15th May Mugenkyo Alina Ibragimova Taiko Drummers and Cédric Tiberghien

Experience the power of thundering Classical music partners and international rhythms on huge taiko drums, superstars, violinist Alina Ibragimova and pianist mysterious masked choreography, Cédric Tiberghien enjoy astonishing careers synchronisation timed to perfection both as a duo and as soloists, appearing with and post-apocalyptic martial many of the world’s leading orchestras and at imagery in this spellbinding display leading venues, festivals and concerts, including of sheer energy. the BBC Proms. Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers make The artists first met as members of the BBC a welcome return to the Festival. Radio 3 New Generation Artists scheme in As the UK’s longest-established 2005. A unique partnership developed between taiko ensemble and Europe’s most Russian-born Alina and French-born Cédric successful professional touring which has led them to perform throughout company of this thrilling and Europe and in North America. energetic Japanese performance art, Mugenkyo create a contemporary look and sound, fusing the traditional spirit of taiko with a captivating modern stage performance.

Just when you think it It would be hard to imagine could not get any more more persuasive performances powerful, it doubles in than ... from the ever-rewarding intensity. Tiberghien-Ibragimova duo. Edinburgh Evening News Gramophone magazine © Sussie Ahlburg

Corn Exchange Sponsored by Alina Ibragimova Mozart Long Gallery Sponsored by Newbury Arigato, violin Violin Sonata in Englefield House Irwin Mitchell RG14 5BD part of the Cédric Tiberghien C major, K303 Theale BDZ RG7 5EN 7.30pm (ends piano Brahms Investments Violin Sonata approx 9.30pm) Group 7.30pm (ends No. 1, Op.78 approx 9.20pm) £20 Beethoven Violin Sonata, No. 5, £25 Op.24, Spring £20 Brahms Violin Sonata No. 3, Op.108

12 box office 0845 5218 218* newburyspringfestival.org.uk 13 Wednesday 16th May Young Artists Lunchtime Recital 2 Wednesday 16th May Flauti d’echo John Tomlinson Awake, Thou Wintry Earth with Counterpoise In this programme, Flauti d’echo celebrates the arrival of spring with music from Germany, The Art of Love England, France and Italy. Cheeky cuckoos, blossoming flowers, dancing shepherds and buffeting winds frame a beautiful pastoral aria, ‘Awake, Thou Wintry Earth’ by J.S. Bach. Tomlinson [gives a] and Kokoschka’s Doll titanic, heart-rending Encompassing music from the 14th century to freshly-penned compositions, performance. A fascinating evening of two halves, Flauti d’echo creates repertoire for the recorder The Telegraph focussing on the dramatic affair through their own arrangements between artist Oskar Kokoschka and new commissions. The duo and composer Alma Mahler, starring engage a variety of different operatic legend Sir John Tomlinson. instrumentalists on a project-to- project basis that allows them to In the first half, mezzo-soprano communicate their repertoire Rozanna Madylus adopts the role of to audiences in a wide range of Alma in The Art of Love: Alma performance settings. The ensemble Mahler’s Life and Music (text by won the Nancy Nuttal Early Music Barry Millington), a sequence of Prize for Chamber Music in 2016 music by Alma and Gustav Mahler, and is a participant of the Zemlinsky, Webern and Wagner BREMF Live! Scheme 2017–18. (arranged by David Matthews). In the second half Sir John and Counterpoise perform Kokoschka’s Doll, created specially for them by composer John Casken and writer Well-staged and Barry Millington, which tells the presented and with dramatic tale of the curious some outstandingly relationship between Oscar musical playing. Kokoschka and his muse. Early Music Review © Tony Nandi

Flauti d’echo Corn Exchange Sponsored by John Tomlinson Counterpoise Corn Exchange Sponsored by Olwen Foulkes Newbury The Headley Trust bass baritone Fenella Humphreys Newbury Mrs Katalin and Tabea Debus RG14 5BD Rozanna Madylus violin RG14 5BD Landon recorders 12.30pm (ends mezzo soprano Deborah Calland 7.30pm (ends with approx 1.30pm) trumpet approx 9.30pm) Kate Conway £10 Kyle Horch £20 viola da gamba (series ticket saxophone Johan Löfving for all 6 lunchtime Iain Farrington theorbo recitals £48) piano

14 box office 0845 5218 218* newburyspringfestival.org.uk 15 Wednesday 16th May Thursday 17th May Kabantu Claude-Michel Schönberg Kabantu, meaning ‘of the people’, is a quintet from Manchester who unravel new marriages of talks to Edward Seckerson music from around the globe, to celebrate the space where different cultures meet. Vocal harmonies from South Africa coalesce with everything from Celtic reels to Brazilian sambas and beyond. Composer, librettist and record Kabantu has performed all over the UK, including at the BBC Proms and on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune. producer Claude-Michel Schönberg As well as winning the Royal Over-Seas League Ensemble Award, subsequently performing to is one half of the hit song-writing team royalty at the Cadogan Hall, the quintet was delighted to be Selected Making Music 2016–17 and responsible for two of the greatest BBC Introducing Artists. musical theatre successes of all time: Les Misérables and Miss Saigon. Utterly brilliant. For this special afternoon event at the private home of Andrew Lloyd BBC Radio 3, BBC Proms Webber, writer, broadcaster and interviewer Edward Seckerson, famed for interviewing the most prominent artists in operatic and musical theatre, is in conversation with Claude-Michel Schönberg about his life and career.

Katie Foster Donnington Priory Sponsored by The Chapel By kind permission of violin Newbury Dreweatts Sydmonton Court Lord and Lady Abel Selaocoe RG14 2JE Ecchinswell Lloyd Webber RG20 9NJ cello 7.30pm (ends Ali McMath approx 9.30pm) 3.00pm (ends Sponsored by double bass, banjo, approx 4.00pm) Mrs Katherine didgeridoo £20 Astor £20 Ben Sayah guitar Delia Stevens percussion

16 box office 0845 5218 218* newburyspringfestival.org.uk 17 Thursday 17th May Thursday 17th May The Sheepdrove Recital Merrily We Roll Along

For his annual recital Stephen Sondheim & George Furth distinguished Russian pianist Kazakevich’s performance is simple, For the second year running the Festival welcomes the University of Chichester’s celebrated Mikhail Kazakevich has chosen eloquent and cheerily beautiful. Musical Theatre Festival Company, who this year bring to the stage this rarely performed Sondheim to reflect the theme of this year’s Fanfare classic, considered one his most startling and affecting achievements which dazzles as a piece Sheepdrove Piano Competition of theatre craftsmanship. by including a selection of Impromptus by Schubert. Merrily We Roll Along makes a virtue of spilt milk, sour grapes and friendships down the drain. Mikhail will also be one of the Telling the story backwards may not be the usual formula for a Broadway hit, but Sondheim’s judges at the Sheepdrove Piano score was a sensation, with audiences finding the life of Hollywood producer Franklin Shepherd Competition held at the same compelling as it rolls back 20 years. venue on Sunday 20 May (see page 28). The performance is preceded by a delicious supper made with organic, natural ingredients using produce raised and grown at Sheepdrove Organic Farm. You are guaranteed a lovely evening with a wonderful performance and super supper!

Mikhail Kazakevich Schubert-Liszt Sheepdrove Sponsored by University of Chichester Musical Corn Exchange piano Sei mir gegrusst Eco Centre The Sheepdrove Theatre Festival Company Newbury Beethoven Gretchen am Lambourn Trust Sarah Redmond RG14 5BD Spinnrade RG17 7UU Sonata in E minor, director and choreographer 7.30pm (ends Op.90 Schumann-Liszt 6.30pm (ends Stuart Hutchinson approx 10.00pm) Schubert Liebeslied approx 9.40pm) musical director Fruhlingsnacht £20 A selection of 8.00pm recital only Emma Shouksmith Impromptus: Op.90 Chopin-Liszt assistant choreographer No. 2 in E flat major, Fruhling £40 to include two- Ryan Laight Op.90 No. 3 in G flat Chopin major, Op.142 No. 4 course seasonal designer Impromptu in A flat organic supper in F minor major No. 1 £16 recital only 18 box office 0845 5218 218* newburyspringfestival.org.uk 19 Thursday 17th May Young Artists Lunchtime Recital 3 Friday 18th May Tre Voci Barbican Quartet

Voice of the Soul The Barbican Quartet is made up of violinists Amarins Wierdsma and Timothy Crawford, violist Christoph Slenczka and cellist Yoanna Three of the country’s leading musicians join forces as Tre Voci for a fascinating programme of Prodanova from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama where they exciting and approachable music by Kodály, Bach, Tavener, Brahms, Berlioz, Janácekˇ and Schubert. all currently study. Leading lyrical soprano Ruby Hughes was a cellist herself and loves to sing with the ‘warm, The group has already appeared in many international concert halls expressive, very human voice’ of the cello, here played by Natalie Clein, alongside distinguished and enjoys a busy concert diary. Their mentors include Alasdair Tait, pianist Julius Drake. This consummate and curious trio have come together to curate an intriguing Blazing David Waterman, David Takeno, Levon Chilingirian, Natalia Prishepenko, exploration of these three sonorities, from Tavener’s starkly expressive Akhmatova Songs to and unusually Rita Wagner and Ferenc Rados. Schubert’s exhilarating Auf dem Strom, to Janácek’sˇ enchanting Pohádka. forthright They will be performing quartets by Mozart and Brahms during this performance. hour-long lunchtime recital. The Telegraph

Ruby Hughes St Mary’s Church Sponsored by Amarins Wierdsma Mozart Corn Exchange Sponsored by soprano Shaw Fairhurst Estates violin String Quartet Newbury The Headley Trust Natalie Clein RG14 2DS Tim Crawford in E flat, K428 RG14 5BD cello 7.30pm (ends violin Brahms 12.30pm (ends Julius Drake approx 9.30pm) Christoph Slenczka String Quartet No. 3 approx 1.30pm) piano viola in B flat major, Op.67 £20 £10 Yoanna Prodanova (series ticket cello for all 6 lunchtime recitals £48)

20 box office 0845 5218 218* newburyspringfestival.org.uk 21 Friday 18th May Friday 18th May Flanders YolanDa Brown Symphony Orchestra 10 Years In Music Tour This is an artist who could YolanDa Brown is the premier female British pianist John Lill, who performed at the very first Newbury Spring Festival, returns with breathe soul into a Bank of England saxophonist in the UK, and the Festival is Beethoven’s ground-breaking first Piano Concerto. The rest of the programme is on a Scandinavian delighted to welcome her back. theme, opening with Delius’ homage to spring, and continues in the second half with some of the spreadsheet. most popular works by Sibelius and Grieg. Josh Layton Known for her unique fusion of reggae, jazz and soul, this evening features music from Flanders Symphony Orchestra boasts over half a century of experience, its musicians creating her critically acclaimed albums, plus many a musical bridge between past and present, with stylish interpretations of the familiar symphonic crowd favourites. YolanDa has toured with repertoire tempered with their exploration of innovative contemporary paths. It is a delight to Diana Krall, The Temptations and Billy welcome them under the baton of British conductor Jan Latham Koenig, who makes his Newbury Ocean, and collaborated with artists such as Spring Festival debut. Snarky Puppy’s Bill Laurance, reggae legend Bob Marley’s son Julian, and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. A real renaissance woman set to reach new heights, join YolanDa Brown for a fantastic evening of sunshine music as she celebrates 10 Years in Music.

Jan Latham Koenig Delius St Nicolas Church Sponsored by YolanDa Brown Corn Exchange conductor On Hearing the First Newbury Mrs Rosamond saxophonist Newbury John Lill Cuckoo in Spring RG14 5HG Brown, The with her 4-piece band RG14 5BD piano Beethoven Kilfinan Trust and 7.30pm (ends Horsey Lightly 7.30pm (ends Piano Concerto No. 1 approx 9.20pm) approx 9.30pm) Sibelius Swan of Tuonela £41 £22 £31 Grieg £21 Peer Gynt Suites 1 and 2

22 box office 0845 5218 218* newburyspringfestival.org.uk 23 Saturday 19th May Saturday 19th May Saturday 19th May Jazz Festival Joe Stilgoe Workshop Evensong and his Quartet

Following her performance on Friday St Nicolas Church is a central part of A Celebration of Gene Kelly 18 May, double MOBO award winner Newbury Spring Festival. To celebrate the YolanDa Brown hosts a Jazz Workshop Festival’s association with the church, join Dapper, handsome Following his sell-out show at The to inspire young jazz musicians to play the Newbury Spring Festival Chorus for this and quick witted. Vineyard in 2016, Joe Stilgoe returns and lights up Newbury Spring and improvise in her unique blues and special traditional Evensong service as part The Times afro-beat musical style. The Festival is of celebrations of the 40th anniversary Festival once more with this very delighted to work with Berkshire Maestros of the Festival. Music will include Dyson’s special celebration of Hollywood and invites you to join the audience for Magnificat and Nunc Dimitis, and Parry’s legend Gene Kelly. this special educational event. remarkable anthem I Was Glad. The show celebrates the incredible output of the man who revolutionised not only dance on screen, but screen musicals, while pioneering many choreographic and filming techniques taken for granted in modern cinema. With a string of ground-breaking and joyous films including Singin’ In The Rain, An American In Paris and On The Town, Gene Kelly’s influence in the worlds of dance, film and music is still as vital as ever and this show is the ultimate ‘tip of the hat’.

Corn Exchange St Nicolas Church Joe Stilgoe Corn Exchange Newbury Newbury piano Newbury RG14 5BD RG14 5HG Ben Reynolds RG14 5BD 10.00am (ends 3.30pm (ends drums 7.30pm (ends approx 12 noon) approx 4.30pm) Tom Farmer approx 9.30pm) double bass Free Free £22 no ticket required no ticket required Giacomo Smith clarinet Katie Beard director

24 box office 0845 5218 218* newburyspringfestival.org.uk 25 Saturday 19th May Sunday 20th May Ex Cathedra Come and Sing HMS Pinafore

In 40 Parts Fun for all the family! Set sail on board Gilbert & Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore and join principal singers from the D’Oyly Carte and Carl Rosa Opera Companies as you, the audience, take on the roles of Leading UK chamber choir Ex Cathedra and their conductor Jeffrey Skidmore return to Douai Abbey sailors, sisters, cousins and aunts. to perform a stunning programme that includes no fewer than four 40-part pieces from both Elizabethan ages in celebration of Newbury Spring Festival’s 40th anniversary. From the comfort of your seat, rehearse the well-known songs under expert G&S conductor Ian McMillan before being joined after the interval by costumed soloists for a performance where Two of the works have been written especially for Ex Cathedra, including Alec Roth’s breathtaking anything can, and will, happen! Dress up in character (optional) for a chance to win a prize. Earthrise, inspired by the famous image taken by the Apollo 8 astronauts, which pays homage to Songsheet plus a flag to wave in the patriotic finale provided! Tallis’ iconic model Spem in alium – soaring, uplifting, remarkable and truly monumental.

Terrific fun for all ages! The Observer

One of Britain’s very best choirs. New York Times

Jeffrey Skidmore Douai Abbey Sponsored by Ian McMillan Corn Exchange Sponsored by choral director Upper Woolhampton The Sackler Trust director/accompanist Newbury Greenham Trust RG7 5TQ and The RG14 5BD Greenwood Trust 7.30pm (ends Principals from the Nick Sales 3.00pm (ends approx 9.15pm) Supported by D’Oyly Carte and Ralph Rackstraw approx 5.00pm) Friends of Carl Rosa Opera £30 Ian Belsey £25 Newbury Spring Companies: Captain Corcoran £25 Festival to include songsheet Louise Crane Ellie-Jane Moran and flag Little Buttercup Josephine Graham Stone Simon Butteriss Dick Deadyeye Sir Joseph Porter, KCB

26 box office 0845 5218 218* newburyspringfestival.org.uk 27 Sunday 20th May Sunday 20th May The 10th Sheepdrove Trio Con Brio Copenhagen Piano Competition Final Exuberant joy, electric dialogue, spacious eloquent playing, perfect unanimity – Trio con Brio Copenhagen is one of the leading piano trios of the new generation. The first part of their A wonderful opportunity to hear the best international piano Jury performance this evening celebrates compositions of Lili Boulanger, who died 100 years ago this year, before moving on to masterpieces by Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky. students drawn from all the major UK conservatoires – and to David Whelton former Managing cast your vote for the audience prize! Director, Philharmonia Orchestra This Danish-based trio was founded at the Vienna University of Music in 1999 and quickly gained Now in its 10th year, this notable competition, established by John Thwaites British pianist attention, winning top prizes in some of chamber music’s most important international competitions The Sheepdrove Trust, is open to candidates aged 26 and and Head of Keyboard, Royal for young ensembles, and today is in great international demand. under from the eight major UK music colleges, and attracts Birmingham Conservatoire young pianists of the highest standard from around the world. Lucy Parham British pianist and From the first note, Trio con Brio Today’s competition, which this year has an emphasis on Professor of Piano, Guildhall exudes class. Schubert, features four shortlisted finalists and takes place in School of Music & Drama, London Strad magazine the tranquil setting of Sheepdrove Eco Conference Centre on Mikhail Kazakevich Russian the Lambourn Downs. pianist and Professor of Piano, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of The overall winner will perform a solo recital in the Corn Music & Dance Exchange on Monday 21 May as part of the Festival’s popular Young Artists Lunchtime Recital Series (see page 30). Mark Eynon Director, Newbury Spring Festival 1st Prize: The Kindersley Prize of £2,000 2nd Prize: £1,000 donated by Greenham Trust 3rd Prize: £500 donated by the Friends of NSF 4th Prize: £250 donated by an anonymous donor Audience Prize: £250 donated by an anonymous donor

Sheepdrove Sponsored by Soo-Jin Hong Lili Boulanger St Mary’s Church Sponsored by Eco Centre The Sheepdrove violin D’un matin de Kintbury Miss W E Lambourn Trust Soo-Kyung Hong printemps RG17 9TR Lawrence 1973 RG17 7UU Charitable cello Lili Boulanger 7.30pm (ends D’un soir triste Settlement and 3.00pm (ends Jens Elvekjaer approx 10.00pm) Martelize approx 5.45pm) piano Mendelssohn D-minor Trio, Op.49 £20 £20 unreserved Tchaikovsky seating; includes Trio in A minor, Op.50 afternoon tea

28 box office 0845 5218 218* newburyspringfestival.org.uk 29 Monday 21st May Young Artists Lunchtime Recital 4 Monday 21st May Sheepdrove Piano A Taste of France Competition Winner Van Kuijk Quartet On this French-themed evening at The Vineyard, taste fine French wines selected by the hotel’s Newbury Spring Festival is delighted award-winning sommelier Romain Bourger accompanied by delicious French cheeses. to welcome the winner of the 10th Sheepdrove Piano Competition to the Following the wine-tasting, there will be a concert by former BBC New Generation Artists the Van Corn Exchange to perform a recital Kuijk Quartet, from Paris, who will perform the two greatest string quartets in the French repertoire. as part of the Festival’s Young Artists This is particularly appropriate as 2018 marks the centenary of the death of Claude Debussy. Lunchtime Series.

The prestigious competition, open to students from all the major UK conservatoires, was founded in 2009 by The Sheepdrove Trust. The winning pianist’s programme will feature works by Schubert.

Today’s recital is an opportunity to hear more of the winning pianist following the competition held at Sheepdrove Eco Conference Centre, Lambourn on Sunday 20 May (see page 28).

Style, energy, and a sense of risk ... these four Franz Schubert young Frenchmen made the music smile. (1797–1828) The Guardian

Corn Exchange Sponsored by Nicolas Van Kuijk Debussy The Vineyard Sponsored by Newbury The Headley Trust violin String Quartet Stockcross Mr and Mrs RG14 5BD Sylvain Favre-Bulle in G minor, Op.10 RG20 8JU Peter Davidson violin Ravel and Mr and Mrs 12.30pm (ends 7.30pm David Dinkeldein approx 1.30pm) Emmanuel François String Quartet seated wine tasting viola in F Major £10 8.30pm recital (ends (series ticket François Robin approx 9.40pm) for all 6 lunchtime cello recitals £48) £45 to include French wines and cheeses

30 box office 0845 5218 218* newburyspringfestival.org.uk 31 Festival Diary 12–26 May 2018

Saturday 12th Sunday 13th Monday 14th Tuesday 15th Wednesday 16th Philharmonia Orchestra Sound Beginnings: Misha Mullov-Abbado Sir John Tomlinson talks Flauti d’echo St Nicolas Church Romeo & Juliet Group to Barry Millington Corn Exchange 7.30pm Page 4 Lambourn Corn Exchange Shaw House 12.30pm Page 14 10.00am / 12 noon Page 6 12.30pm Page 9 3.00pm Page 11 Michael Law’s Piccadilly John Tomlinson with Dance Orchestra Llyrˆ Williams The Highclere Concert Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers Counterpoise with The Gatsby Girls Corn Exchange Highclere Castle Corn Exchange Corn Exchange Corn Exchange 3.00pm Page 7 7.30pm Page 10 7.30pm Page 12 7.30pm Page 15 7.30pm Page 5 Bernstein Revealed Alina Imbramigova Kabantu Combe Manor & Cédric Tiberghien Donnington Priory 7.30pm Page 8 Englefield House, Theale 7.30pm Page 16 7.30pm Page 13

Thursday 17th Friday 18th Saturday 19th Sunday 20th Monday 21st Claude-Michel Schönberg Barbican Quartet Jazz Workshop Come and Sing Sheepdrove Piano talks to Edward Seckerson Corn Exchange Corn Exchange HMS Pinafore Competition Winner The Chapel, Sydmonton 12.30pm Page 21 10.00am Page 24 Corn Exchange Corn Exchange 3.00pm Page 17 3.00pm Page 27 12.30pm Page 30 Flanders Symphony Festival Evensong The Sheepdrove Recital Orchestra St Nicolas Church The 10th Sheepdrove Piano A Taste of France: Lambourn St Nicolas Church 3.30pm Page 24 Competition Final Van Kuijk Quartet 6.30pm Page 18 7.30pm Page 22 Lambourn The Vineyard, Stockcross Joe Stilgoe & his Quartet: 3.00pm Page 28 7.30pm Page 31 Merrily We Roll Along YolanDa Brown A Celebration of Gene Kelly Corn Exchange Corn Exchange Corn Exchange Trio Con Brio Copenhagen 7.30pm Page 19 7.30pm Page 23 7.30pm Page 25 St Mary’s Church, Kintbury 7.30pm Page 29 Tre Voci: Voice of the Soul Ex Cathedra St Mary’s Church, Shaw Douai Abbey 7.30pm Page 20 7.30pm Page 26

Tuesday 22nd Wednesday 23rd Thursday 24th Friday 25th Saturday 26th Lest We Forget: Timothy Ridout Andrew Graham-Dixon James Newby Travelling by Tuba II Poetry & Remembrance Corn Exchange Englefield House, Theale Corn Exchange Corn Exchange of the Great War 12.30pm Page 37 3.00pm Page 40 12.30pm Page 43 11.00am Page 46 Sandham Memorial Chapel, Burghclere Graffiti Classics Ballet Central Film: Les Misérables Mandala Destruction 11.00am / 2.30pm Page 34 Corn Exchange Corn Exchange Corn Exchange Ceremony 7.30pm Page 38 7.30pm Page 41 7.30pm Page 44 West Berkshire Museum, Newbury The Power of Compassion: 2.00pm Page 49 Tashi Lhunpo Monks The Schubert Ensemble with Sansara Bach’s Mass in B Minor: Corn Exchange James Way St Martin’s Church, East Woodhay Solomon’s Knot Clare Teal & her Trio 7.30pm Page 35 St George’s Church, Wash 7.30pm Page 42 Holy Cross Church, Ramsbury Corn Exchange Common 7.30pm Page 45 7.30pm Page 47 Septura 7.30pm Page 39 St Lawrence Church, Hungerford Bournemouth Symphony 7.30pm Page 36 Orchestra St Nicolas Church 7.30pm Page 48

32 box office 0845 5218 218* newburyspringfestival.org.uk 33 Tuesday 22nd May Tuesday 22nd May Lest We Forget The Power of Compassion Poetry and Remembrance of the Great War Tibetan Monks from Tashi Lhunpo Monastery In this fascinating and thought-provoking event, presented to mark the centenary of the 1918 Armistice, the background of the poetry written in the First World War is explained, interweaved Tibet, the Land of Snows: home of Buddhist throughout with poems. lamas whose ancient rituals have fascinated Jonathan Jones is a knowledgeable and passionate speaker about these sensitive and powerful people for thousands of years. Forced into responses produced during and after the Great War, and explores the origins of the ways in which exile following the Chinese invasion of 1959, we remember the conflict, including how the ‘Unknown Warrior’ came to be so named, the origins the monks from Tashi Lhunpo Monastery of the Poppy Appeal, and the Cenotaph. Readings will include the work of iconic poets, including share their endangered culture with audiences Rudyard Kipling who lost his only son, John Kipling, at the Battle of Loos in September 1915. in the West. The performance includes the music of the Himalayas: the long horns, bone trumpets, skull drums and oboes; masked dancers in brocade robes; the sacred chant from the monastery and an energetic display of the traditional art of debate, an essential part of the monks’ spiritual education. The event is accompanied by introductions explaining the background to the monastery and its arts. From 23–26 May the monks are in residence at West Berkshire Museum, creating a traditional Tibetan sand mandala; further details on page 49. A window of time onto a magical universe of reincarnation and release ... The Independent © Tashi Lhunpo Monastery UK Trust

Jonathan Jones Sandham By kind permission of Introduced by Corn Exchange Sponsored by speaker Memorial Chapel National Trust Jane Rasch Newbury The Sheepdrove Burghclere RG14 5BD Trust RG20 9JT 7.30pm (ends 11.00am (ends approx 9.30pm) approx 12.00 noon) 2.30pm (ends £20 approx 3.30pm) £20 all proceeds from this event will go to Help for Heroes

34 box office 0845 5218 218* newburyspringfestival.org.uk 35 Tuesday 22nd May Young Artists Lunchtime Recital 5 Wednesday 23rd May Septura Timothy Ridout Kleptomania In a review of his recent CD, Gramophone magazine referred to Timothy Ridout displays Ridout’s ‘gorgeous tone, thoughtful approach to phrasing and infectious The brass septet is a brand new invention, a consistently sense of impetuosity’. One of the most outstanding viola players to have and therein lies the root of Septura’s imaginative ear emerged in recent years, he became the first-ever British winner of the compulsion to steal: they have no canon for tonal colours Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition in 2016. Timothy studied at the of repertoire, so they’re inventing one. Like Royal Academy of Music, graduating with the Queen’s Commendation for and an exciting musical Robin Hoods, in tonight’s concert Excellence, and is now represented by Young Concert Artists Trust. variety of vibrato ... they combine thefts from the String Quartet [he] is clearly a and Piano Solo repertoire, Stolen Strings He is joined here by Jâms Coleman, 2015 winner of the Brenda Webb talent to follow. Award for Accompanists at the Royal Academy of Music. and Pilfered Piano. The Strad Currently Ensemble in Residence at the Royal Academy of Music, this season Septura launched its debut concert series, Kleptomania, at St John’s Smith Square, London and West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge, and is touring Switzerland, Germany and the USA. Septura’s members are the leading players of the new generation of British brass musicians, holding principal positions in the UK’s major orchestras.

Virtuoso playing: glossy, brilliantly articulated, audaciously coloured, technically flawless. BBC Music magazine © Bethany Clarke © Kaupo Kikkas

Simon Cox Elgar St Lawrence Sponsored by Timothy Ridout Prokoviev Corn Exchange Sponsored by artistic director Serenade Church Mr and Mrs viola Two pieces from Newbury The Headley Trust Matthew Knight Walton Hungerford Adrian Scrope, Jâms Coleman ‘Romeo and Juliet’ RG14 5BD RG17 0JB Doves Farm Foods artistic director Sonata piano Schumann 12.30pm (ends and CH-R Family Drei Fantasiestucke, Mussorgsky 7.30pm (ends Solicitors approx 1.30pm) Pictures at an approx 9.30pm) Op.73 Exhibition Brahms £10 £20 Sonata in F minor, (series ticket Op.120 No.1 for all 6 lunchtime recitals £48) Pagannini Sonata per La Grand Viola, Op.35

36 box office 0845 5218 218* newburyspringfestival.org.uk 37 Wednesday 23rd May Wednesday 23rd May Graffiti Classics The Schubert Ensemble Presenting 16 strings, eight dancing feet and four with James Way voices with one aim: to make classical music wickedly funny and fantastically exhilarating! The Schubert Ensemble, one of the world’s leading exponents of music James Way’s Graffiti Classics bursts the elitist boundaries of for piano and strings, has decided to bring its 35-year career to a close in delivery … the traditional string quartet with this hilarious June 2018, so the Festival is delighted to welcome them back as part of was ravishing. their final, celebratory season. all-singing, all-dancing show. This is a classical The Independent concert, gypsy-folk romp, opera, stand-up British tenor James Way was winner of the Second Prize in the 62nd routine and dance show all in one. Kathleen Ferrier Awards at the Wigmore Hall, awarded the 2016 Simon From Beethoven to bluegrass, Sandbach Award from Garsington Opera, the ‘Most Promising Singer’ baroque to pop, Mozart and award at the Dean and Chadlington Singing Competition, holds an Offenbach to Elvis, Strauss Independent Opera Voice Fellowship and is a former Britten-Pears and Saturday Night Fever, there Young Artist. is something for everyone and the group never fails to get audiences laughing, clapping and singing along. Children and adults alike love the uplifting variety of musical styles with cheeky audience interaction.

A cabaret that will leave you wanting more. Daily Mail © Roger Cable

Corn Exchange Sponsored by Schubert Ensemble James Way St George’s Sponsored by Newbury Dreweatts William Howard tenor Church Vaughan Williams RG14 5BD piano Wash Common Charitable Trust RG14 6NU and Dr Stephen 7.30pm (ends Simon Blendis Golding approx 9.30pm) Jan Schmolck Mahler 7.30pm (ends violins approx 9.25pm) £20 Piano Quartet Jane Salmon Movement in A minor £20 cello Vaughan Williams Douglas Paterson On Wenlock Edge viola Elgar Peter Buckoke Piano Quintet double bass in A minor

38 box office 0845 5218 218* newburyspringfestival.org.uk 39 Thursday 24th May Thursday 24th May Andrew Graham-Dixon Ballet Central

Caravaggio: A Life Sacred and Profane Under the artistic direction of Christopher Marney, Ballet Central returns with a new programme showcasing the best in dance theatre. These young dancers on the cusp of their professional Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio lived the darkest and most dangerous life of any of the great careers perform works by world-renowned choreographers. painters. The worlds of Milan, Rome and Naples through which Caravaggio moved are described brilliantly in Andrew Graham-Dixon’s prize-winning book, Caravaggio: A Life Sacred and Profane, See Jenna Lee’s brand new creation Black Swan, a dark twist on the iconic classic, and a gothic which he draws on for this illuminating lecture. reworking of the Fairies Prologue from Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty. An excerpt from FAR by the multi-award-winning choreographer and director Wayne McGregor will also feature, Andrew Graham-Dixon is one of the leading art critics and presenters of arts television in the English- and to celebrate the work of Kenneth MacMillan the repertoire includes an excerpt from his speaking world. He has presented numerous landmark series on art for the BBC, including the rarely seen Valley of Shadows. And finally, enjoy Christopher Gable’s Cinderella, a timeless version acclaimed A History of British Art, Renaissance and Art of Eternity, as well as numerous individual of a much-loved fairy tale. documentaries on art and artists.

Long Gallery Sponsored by Christopher Marney Corn Exchange Sponsored by Englefield House Mr and Mrs artistic director Newbury Mr and Mrs Theale Robin Aird Philip Feeney RG14 5BD David Bruce RG7 5EN music director 7.30pm (ends 3.00pm (ends approx 9.40pm) approx 4.30pm) £22 £16 talk only £21 talk and afternoon tea

40 box office 0845 5218 218* newburyspringfestival.org.uk 41 Thursday 24th May Young Artists Lunchtime Recital 6 Friday 25th May Sansara James Newby

One of the most dynamic new choral groups in the UK, Sansara has rapidly gained a reputation for 24-year-old British baritone James captivating performances of a broad range of repertoire, juxtaposing choral music old and new in Newby is the winner of the 2016 imaginative narrative programmes. In September 2015, Sansara won First Prize and Audience Prize Kathleen Ferrier Award. Other recent in the London International A Cappella Choir Competition, hosted by St John’s Smith Square. awards include: the Wigmore Hall/ Independent Opera Voice Fellowship, Featuring a full performance of Hubert Parry’s Songs of Farewell in the 100th anniversary of his and the Richard Tauber Prize and death, this very special all-English programme explores individual and collective expressions of loss Third Prize at the Wigmore Hall/Kohn and grief, reflecting on the centenary of the end of the First World War, before turning towards spring International Song Competition. In 2017 and the sense of hope and regeneration which it symbolises. he was awarded the Trinity Gold Medal by the board of Trinity Laban Sansara slips easily into the elite ranks Conservatoire and the John Christie of exceptional performers ... breathtaking. Award by Glyndebourne. Choir & Organ For today’s recital of spring-inspired songs by Schubert, Wolf, Beethoven and Britten, James is joined by pianist Joseph Middleton who specialises in the art of song accompaniment and chamber music. He was the first accompanist to receive the Young Artist Award at the 2017 Royal Philharmonic Society Awards.

Newby’s free vocal line was beautifully lyrical and expertly phrased. Opera Today © Theo Williams © Ben Mckee

Tom Herring Howells St Martin’s Church Sponsored by James Newby Corn Exchange Sponsored by artistic director Take him, earth, East Woodhay Mr and Mrs Patrick baritone Newbury The Headley Trust Benjamin for cherishing RG20 0AL Hungerford and Mr Joseph Middleton RG14 5BD and Mrs Toby Ward Cunningham Bednall 7.30pm (ends piano 12.30pm (ends artistic director Three Songs of approx 9.00pm) approx 1.30pm) Remembrance Finzi £20 £10 Parry (series ticket Songs of Farewell Clear and gentle stream for all 6 lunchtime Tavener Nightingales recitals £48) Funeral Ikos Vaughan Williams Elgar The springtime They are at rest of the year 42 box office 0845 5218 218* newburyspringfestival.org.uk 4313 Friday 25th May Friday 25th May Film: Les Misérables Bach’s Mass in B Minor

This epic, multi-award-winning 2012 film is based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel and on one of the Solomon’s Knot greatest stage musicals of all time. The hit songs for both stage and screen were co-written by J.S. Bach’s Mass in B minor is a monumental choral masterpiece, a ‘greatest hits’ compilation Claude-Michel Schönberg, a special guest of the Festival on 17 May (see page 17). from one of the most creative geniuses who ever lived. At the end of his life, Bach looked back Set in 19th-century France, Les Misérables is a gritty, heart-breaking tale of justice, duty, love and and chose his best vocal music from the past 30 years to form his ‘great Catholic mass’, a piece revolution. Paroled convict Jean Valjean, fleeing the obsessive Inspector Javert, agrees to help ailing for everyone to celebrate. This is a piece that makes us marvel at the potential of the human mind prostitute Fantine by assuming responsibility for her child, Cosette. In later years, the pair are swept and soul, and listening to it is an affirmation of the joy and beauty of life. up in the Paris uprising of 1832. The Festival is delighted to welcome to this intimate setting the 10 singers and 20 instrumentalists The film’s stellar cast includes Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Eddie Redmayne comprising the magnificent Solomon’s Knot, who perform without conductor and sing from and Helena Bonham Carter. memory. Receiving 5-star reviews all over the world, a recent performance was described by The Observer as ‘Organic music-making at its most sophisticated’.

Without doubt, the most interesting It conquers its group on audience with weapons the oratorio all its own. scene. The Guardian Neumarkter Nachrichten

Corn Exchange James Halliday Holy Cross Church Sponsored by Newbury artistic director Ramsbury Mr and Mrs RG14 5BD Jonathan Sells SN8 2QH Campbell Gordon, artistic director Ramsbury Estates 7.30pm (ends 7.30pm (ends and an anonymous approx 10.10pm) approx 9.40pm) supporter £8 £25 Suitable for £20 ages 12 and over

44 box office 0845 5218 218* newburyspringfestival.org.uk 45 Saturday 26th May Saturday 26th May Travelling by Tuba II Clare Teal and her Trio The Sequel Swing’s The Thing

80,000 miles a year and still not out This fabulous brand-new show sees of puff, Travelling by Tuba returns to award-winning jazz vocalist Clare Teal the Festival by popular demand. and her excellent Trio traverse a rich landscape of timeless and sparkling A fascinating voyage through the material. Expect standards from the weird and wonderful world of the grand masters of the Great American tuba. Discover instruments ancient Song Book, Cole Porter and Rodgers and modern: alpine horns, Roman and Hart, witty and urbane song stylists cornu, Chinese dragon-headed of the 50’s and 60’s Cy Coleman, trumpet, Caribbean conch shell, Carolyn Leigh and Dave Brubeck, and American sousaphone plus many a nod to more contemporary writers and more ... all will be revealed. Music originals too. from classical to jazz, a can-can dancing tubist ... and watch out for Clare’s concerts are renowned for their the exploding tuba! fabulous arrangements interspersed with warm and witty storytelling, Packed with audience participation, guaranteeing a night to remember. this is an unforgettable performance Her show at Newbury Spring Festival for all the family. 2016 was a sell out – so book early!

Travelling by Tuba are experts who really get their enjoyment of A sensation in the music across. world of jazz. The Times Mail on Sunday

Chris Cranham Corn Exchange Sponsored by Clare Teal Corn Exchange tuba and assorted Newbury The Sheepdrove vocals Newbury wind/brass RG14 5BD Trust Jason Rebello RG14 5BD instruments 11.00am (ends piano 7.30pm (ends Stewart Death approx 12 noon) Simon Little approx 9.20pm) piano and assorted bass wind/brass £5 £22 instruments all seats Ben Reynolds drums

46 box office 0845 5218 218* newburyspringfestival.org.uk 47 Saturday 26th May Wednesday 23rd – Saturday 26th May Bournemouth Festival Residency Symphony Orchestra Tibetan Monks This all-Mozart programme opens with thrilling extracts from Don Giovanni and, in the from Tashi Lhunpo Monastery Spring Festival’s 40th year, is followed by his 40th Symphony. The Mass in C minor, one of the greatest expressions of Christian faith in music, is a fitting conclusion to this year’s Festival. The Medicine (Mela) It will be preceded by a blessing prayer from the Tibetan Monks of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Sand Mandala Resident Festival Artists. Stephen Barlow makes a welcome return to conduct Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and, A company of Tibetan monks from the in its 20th anniversary year, the Festival’s own Chorus. Elizabeth Watts, one of Britain’s finest lyric Tashi Lhunpo Monastery is in residence for sopranos, returns to the Festival where she first appeared as a promising young artist. She is joined the second week of the Festival. They will by a trio of young singers who are also on the threshold of major international careers, and who all be working at the West Berkshire Museum appear elsewhere in this year’s programme. creating a Medicine (Mela) Sand Mandala over the course of the week. Its construction involves millions of grains of sand painstakingly laid in place over a period of days by this team of monks. There will be opportunities for local schools to meet the monks and engage with their work on the mandala, while learning more about Tibetan culture, history and tradition. Festival audiences are encouraged to drop in and visit the monks over the course of the week to see how the mandala is created and how it evolves. The culmination of the residency will be the destruction of the mandala. This is a wonderful spiritual ceremony, rich in history, © Marco Borrgreve and is a remarkable event to witness. The Destruction Ceremony will be on Saturday Stephen Barlow Mozart St Nicolas Church Sponsored by 26 May at 2.00pm. conductor Overture Newbury The Adrian Swire Elizabeth Watts Don Giovanni RG14 5HG Charitable Trust and Mr and Mrs soprano Donna Elvira’s Aria 7.30pm (ends Mark Edwards © Tashi Lhunpo Monastery UK Trust Rozanna Madylus ‘In quali cessi … approx 9.45pm) mezzo soprano Mi trade’ from Don Giovanni £41 West Berkshire Museum James Way £31 Newbury RG14 5AS tenor Symphony No. 40 in G Minor £21 James Newby 12 noon – 4.00pm each day baritone Mozart Mass in C Minor Free no booking required Newbury Spring Festival Chorus

48 box office 0845 5218 218* newburyspringfestival.org.uk 49 Free Learning and Community Participation

The Festival is committed to music education for children and the community. In 2018 school children Details of these free opportunities will be sent to all schools in advance; however places are limited are invited to attend a number of performances and join in with a variety of workshops completely free and are reserved on a first come, first served basis. Please contact Jane Pickering 01635 528766 of charge, with some events open to people of all ages: or email [email protected] for further information.

20 April 12 May 15 May 16 May 19 May 19 May 22 May 24 May Travelling Hannah Kendall, Mugenkyo Taiko Kabantu YolanDa Brown Festival Tashi Lhunpo Ballet Central by Tuba composer Drummers for secondary school Jazz Workshop Evensong, Monks Schools, dance classes for primary school Hannah is the composer All local schools students. This quintet Everyone is invited to St Nicolas Church Local schools are and ballet companies children. Chris Cranham of the Newbury Spring are invited to the celebrates music from join the UK’s premier All are welcome to invited to the Corn are welcome to this free and Stewart Death Festival Commission, Corn Exchange for around the globe female saxophonist this special service, Exchange to meet Open Dress Rehearsal will visit three local celebrating the 40th an hour-long and will perform YolanDa Brown at the starting at 3.30pm, the monks in their 3.00–5.00pm at the primary schools, anniversary, to be demonstration by a workshop in a local Corn Exchange as she as part of celebrations costumes and discover Corn Exchange, plus demonstrating the fun performed by the the drummers of this secondary school in and saxophone of the Festival’s how prayer, spirituality an opportunity to talk to to be had with a range Philharmonia. She will thrilling Japanese Newbury prior to their students from Berkshire 40th anniversary. and dance inspire their the students and ask of musical instruments. lead a workshop performance art, evening performance Maestros and Hogan daily lives. The children them questions prior to with senior music plus a chance to learn at Donnington Priory. Academy experiment will sing songs and their evening show. GCSE students, giving about their amazing with jazz. YolanDa join in with the tips, inspiration and instruments. performs her show at celebration dances. generating discussion the Corn Exchange the about music night before. composition and harmony. They will also Free Tickets for Under 25s be invited to the This scheme means those aged 15–25 can come to Festival events free of charge. orchestral rehearsal Tickets are limited to one per person and are subject to availability. Proof of age is required when of Hannah’s work. tickets are collected. Writing a review of the experience offers the chance of winning a cash prize. Visit www.newburyspringfestival.org.uk for full details and application terms.

None of the above could happen without the support of our generous sponsors and funders, to whom we are hugely grateful.

50 box office 0845 5218 218* newburyspringfestival.org.uk 51 Sunday 3rd June Open Studios 2018 40th Anniversary Garden Party The 30th Year ‘Cakes and Concertos’ in aid of Newbury Spring Festival If you want a golden rule that will fit To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Newbury Spring Festival we are delighted to announce everything, this is it: Have nothing in your a special event at Highclere Castle. houses that you do not know to be useful Join us for ‘Cakes and Concertos’ and enjoy exploring the beautiful gardens of Highclere Castle. or believe to be beautiful. There will be musical performances in different areas of the park grounds, including Vivaldi’s Four William Morris Seasons in the Four Seasons Garden. Other musical performances will continue to reflect the style and atmosphere of the huge variety of park grounds around the castle. Open Studios West Berkshire and North Hampshire is celebrating its 30th year and invites you to take a look at some very useful paintings, pictures, sculptures and ceramics. The partnership between Open Studios and the Festival continues – Open Studios artists have worked on location at Newbury Spring Festival rehearsals and concerts, and the musical moments they captured can be enjoyed at a special exhibition at the Corn Exchange throughout this year’s Festival. Their main exhibition is INSIGHT at Arlington Arts Centre where work from each of the 123 accredited artists is on display. Exquisite porcelain, fine landscapes and still-life paintings rub shoulders with aluminium prints, funky collages, knitwear, confectionery, jewellery, absorbing abstracts and electrifying sculptures – beautiful and sometimes provocative reflections on the world. Satellite Open Studios exhibitions throughout May, at Festival concert venues and other locations around West Berkshire and North Hampshire, hint at the wonderful treasures to be discovered. Pick up a copy of the Open Studios directory at Festival events or the Corn Exchange to use as a guide to visit studios in May, and even join in the creativity yourself by enrolling on one of the free hands-on workshops it lists.

INSIGHT at Arlington Arts Centre Thursday 24th May – 11.00am and 2.00pm Highclere Castle Snelsmore Common RG14 3BQ Newbury RG20 9RN An opportunity to view INSIGHT through Monday–Sunday 11.00am–5.00pm the eyes of the curators with an hour-long 11.00am–4.00pm Thursdays 11.00am–8.00pm guided talk. Tickets will include a tour of the castle with refreshments, and must be This is a free exhibition Free event, no ticket required booked via the Highclere Castle website: www.highclerecastle.co.uk

52 box office 0845 5218 218* newburyspringfestival.org.uk 53 Sponsors & Business Partners

Newbury Spring Festival could not be presented without support from the following, whose generosity is most gratefully acknowledged.

Mr and Mrs Robin Aird Mrs Susie Eliot-Cohen Mr and Mrs Peter Maydon Apple Print & Creative Elmdale IT Services Ltd Lady Eliza Mays-Smith Arigato, part of the BDZ Englefield Charitable Trust Marion Moore Foundation Investments Group Eranda Foundation Newbury Building Society Ashendene Trust Fairhurst Estates Mr Barry Pinson BHP Project Management Mrs J A Floyd Ramsbury Estates Mrs Rosamond Brown Friends of Newbury Spring Resonates Mr and Mrs David Bruce Festival Rivar Mrs Mary Cameron Dr Stephen Golding RVW Trust Career Guidance Services Mr and Mrs Campbell Gordon Jason and Sybille Russell Earl and Countess of Gordon Palmer Memorial Trust Dr Mortimer and Theresa Carnarvon Greenham Trust Sackler Foundation Carter Jonas The Greenwood Trust Mr and Mrs Adrian Scrope Charles Lucas & Marshall Harbrook Farm The Sheepdrove Trust CH-R Family Solicitors The Headley Trust Sir David and Lady Sieff Church House Vintners Felicity, Lady Hoare Sir Hugh and Lady Stevenson Coates & Seely Hogan Academy Peter Stirland Ltd, Hungerford Colefax Charitable Trust Hogan Music The Bernard Sunley maxx-design.co.uk Sir Jeremiah Colman Gift Trust Horsey Lightly Charitable Foundation James Cowper Kreston Mr and Mrs Patrick Hungerford The Adrian Swire Charitable Trust Crescent Signs Irwin Mitchell Maggie Dan-Lersten The Vaughan Williams John Lewis Partnership Charitable Trust Mr and Mrs Peter Davidson Kilfinan Trust Viking Cruises Mr and Mrs David Dinkeldein Mrs Katalin Landon The Vineyard John Dollin Printing Services Miss W E Lawrence 1973 Mr and Mrs Toby Ward Donnington Valley Hotel Charitable Settlement Lady Wroughton Doves Farm Foods Lionel Wigram Memorial Trust and a number of Dreweatts Mr and Mrs David Male anonymous donors Mr and Mrs Mark Edwards MAXX Design Limited

54 55 Newbury Spring Festival 2018 Venues Map

10 A338 A34 A329

M4 Lambourn

M4 14 13 5 Patron President Chairman Festival Director General Manager HRH The Duke Jeanie, Countess Julian Chadwick Mark Eynon Ashley Morris 7 3 of Kent KG of Carnarvon Hungerford 17 9 Theale 12 12 15 4 A4 MBE A4 14 2 Thatcham Newbury A4 Committee of Management Administrator Jane Pickering 11 18 Mrs I Cameron DL Marketing Jan Ferrer A34 The Earl of Carnarvon A338 The Countess of Carnarvon Print Editor Gill Knappett 13 8 A339 Mr H Cobbe OBE Press & PR Arabella Christian 1 A340 Mrs M Edwards Highclere Stage Management by The Company Presents 6 Mr M Farwell (Hon Treasurer) Mary Hamilton (Front of House) A343 16 Mr S Fenton Kingsclere Ashford Hill John Harris (Technical Direction) (Honorary Solicitor and Company Secretary) Bankers Barclays Bank plc 23–26 Parkway Newbury RG14 1AY The Hon Mrs Gilmour 1 Combe Manor Barn, Combe RG17 9EJ 10 Sheepdrove Eco Centre, Lambourn RG17 7UU Miss K Green Hon Solicitors Irwin Mitchell Solicitors 2 Corn Exchange, Newbury RG14 5BD 11 St George’s Church, Wash Common RG14 6NU Mrs C Holbrook Mercantile House 18 London Road Newbury RG14 1JX (Chairman of The Friends) 3 Donnington Priory, Newbury RG14 2JE 12 St Lawrence Church, Hungerford RG17 0JB Accountants James Cowper Kreston LLP Mr A McKenzie 4 Douai Abbey, Woolhampton RG7 5TQ 13 St Martin’s Church, East Woodhay RG20 0AL Mrs H Rudebeck Mill House Overbridge Square 5 Englefield House, Theale RG7 5EN 14 St Mary’s Church, Kintbury RG17 9TR Mrs A Scrope DL Hambridge Lane Newbury RG14 5UX 6 Highclere Castle, Newbury RG20 9RN 15 St Nicolas Church, Newbury RG14 5HG Mrs J Stevens LVO Festival Guide Design Matt Barrett 7 Holy Cross Church, Ramsbury SN8 2QH 16 Sydmonton Court, Ecchinswell RG20 9NJ 8 Sandham Memorial Chapel, Burghclere RG20 9JT 17 The Vineyard, Stockcross RG20 8JU 9 Shaw House, Newbury RG14 2DR 18 West Berkshire Museum, Newbury RG14 5AS Festival Administration Office 33/34 Cheap Street Newbury RG14 5DB Tel: 01635 32421 / 528766 [email protected] www.newburyspringfestival.org.uk This map is a rough guide to venue location. Registered Charity No. 284622 Please refer to the website for accurate directions: www.newburyspringfestival.org.uk

56 57 Information Booking Policies

Box Office Corn Exchange Booking Charges All tickets are subject to a £1 booking fee, which is capped at £6 for telephone and postal Opening hours Monday 10.00am – 5.00pm bookings. No fee is made for tickets booked in person at the Box Office. There is a postage Tuesday to Saturday 10.00am – 6.00pm charge of £1.20 on telephone, postal and online bookings. Sunday 11.00am – 5.00pm Refunds In person or by post Festival Box Office, Corn Exchange, All tickets are non-refundable. In the case of a sold out event tickets can be returned to the Market Place, Newbury RG14 5BD Box Office for resale; if successfully resold an administration fee of £1 per ticket will be chargeable. By telephone 0845 5218 218* Tickets Advertised as Reserved *Calls cost 2p per minute plus your telephone company’s Access Charge Seating plans are available to view online. For events with reserved seating you will be able to select the seat of your choice, when available. Online www.newburyspringfestival.org.uk Tickets Advertised as Unreserved Booking Dates Seats are obtained on a ‘first-come first-served’ basis at the event. Unpaid Tickets Reserved by Telephone Platinum Friends Priority booking Corn Exchange tickets will only be held for 3 days or up to 1 hour before the event commences, 10.00am Monday 12 February to Tuesday 13 February 2018 whichever is the sooner. Other venue tickets will be held for 3 days before being released for resale. Friends booking Concessions 10.00am Wednesday 14 February to Monday 5 March 2018 Students and unwaged (Jobseeker’s Allowance) £2 off full ticket price. Accompanied children Public booking under 16 half full adult price (except family events where children’s ticket prices are shown). 10.00am Tuesday 6 March 2018 onwards Wheelchair users and the visually impaired receive a free companion ticket. Group Discount Access 10% discount will be given to groups of 10 or more. Group bookings should be made 24 hours Full information about each venue is available on the website: www.newburyspringfestival.org.uk or more in advance. Souvenir Programme Your Details The 160-page full-colour Souvenir Programme gives detailed information on each Festival event. Your details will be available to Newbury Spring Festival and the Corn Exchange Newbury only, It is on sale for £5 at the Box Office and at all venues from the start of the Festival. It can also and will not be shared with third parties. be ordered in advance with your tickets; a voucher will be printed with your tickets, to be redeemed at your first event. Souvenir Programme for Friends Friends of the Festival who book six or more concerts, or tickets to the value of over £200, are entitled to one FREE Souvenir Programme. Please request this at the time of booking. General information The Festival reserves the right to change artists or programmes as necessary. The Festival reserves the right to refuse latecomers admission to any performance until a suitable break, or at the first interval. Finishing times of events are approximate and given as a guide only. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Pushchairs and prams will not be permitted inside the Corn Exchange auditorium.

58 59 Seating Plans NSF 2018 Booking Form

Postal booking STAGE

A 6 78910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 A 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 A 31 32 33 34 If tickets are sold out in the price of your choice, the Box Office will issue 12345 B 6 78910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 B 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 B 31 32 33 34 tickets in an alternative price range unless otherwise requested. 12345 C 6 78910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 C 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 C 31 32 33 34 12345 D 6 78910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 D 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 D 31 32 33 34 St Nicolas 12345 E 6 78910 13 14 15 16 17 E WWWWW 25 26 27 28 29 30 E 31 32 33 34 Please send booking form with remittance to: Church 12345 F 6 78910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 F 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 F 31 32 33 34 12345 G 6 78910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 G 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 G 31 32 33 34 Festival Box Office, Corn Exchange 12345 H 6 78910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 H 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 H 31 32 33 34 Market Place, Newbury RG14 5BD 12345 J 6 78910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 J 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 J 31 32 33 34 12345 K 6 78910 13 14 15 16 17 K 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29 30 K 31 32 33 34 12345 L 6 78910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 L 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 L 31 32 33 34 Please complete clearly in black ink. 12345 M 6 78910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 M 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 M 31 32 33 34 12345 N 6 78910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 N 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 N 31 32 33 34 12345 P 6 78910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 P 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 P 31 32 33 34 12345 R 6 78910 R 25 26 27 28 29 30 R 12345 S 6 78910 11 S 26 27 28 29 30 S Date Event No. of Price Total For Box May tickets per £ Office 1 234567 AA 8910 11 12 13 # 1 234567 BB 8910 11 12 13 # ticket use only CC 67 CC 8910 CC DD 67 DD 8910 DD EE 67 EE 8910 EE FF 67 FF 8910 FF GG 67 GG 8910 GG PILLAR HH 67 HH 8910 HH Top Price Band JJ 67 JJ 8910 JJ Middle Price Band KK 67 KK 8910 KK Lowest Price Band LL 67 LL 8910 LL MM 67 MM 8910 MM NN 67 8910 NN

Corn Exchange

Postage charge £1.20

Festival Souvenir Programme @ £5 each

Booking fee @ £1 per ticket, capped at £6

Total

60 Name

Address

• Litho & Digital Printing

Postcode • In-house Finishing & Mailing

Telephone • Bespoke Packaging Solutions

email www.johndollinprinting.co.uk Tel: 01256 892969 [email protected] Total from overleaf £

If you are a Friend of the Festival booking for 6 or more concerts please tick box to receive FREE Souvenir Programme voucher.

Please tick this box if you wish to book by credit card and complete a telephone number that the Box Office can contact you on to take a card payment over the telephone.

Contact telephone number

Please note this will not delay the processing of your booking, and all bookings will still be processed/reserved in the strict order in which they have been received.

Please make cheques payable to Corn Exchange, Newbury. Tickets for the Newbury Spring Festival Society Ltd will be handled by the Box Office of The Corn Exchange (Newbury) Trust. Credit card details are never stored. We do not pass your details to third parties. Please tick if you do not wish to be added to the mailing list.