Barnes Music Festival: 4 – 19 March
Some of the highlights of this year’s Barnes Music Festival is listening to music in total darkness and watching artists be inspired during a performance
When you listen to music in darkness, your hearing is heightened. And listen to it in the plush seats of the Olympic Studios with surround sound system and you will be acutely aware of every note. Festival patron Howard Goodall CBE, one of Britain’s best known composers of choral music, stage musicals and TV and film scores, curates this session, so that visitors can experience a deeper level of listening. 10 Mar, 8 & 10pm, £18, Olympic Studios
Ensemble Pro Victoria
If you have a taste in music, combine notes and food with the Ensemble Pro Victoria, followed by a special La Primavera (The Italian Spring) dinner across the road at Arte Chef n the company of the musicians. The concert itself will include a selection of works by Monteverdi, de Wert, Cifra and Le Jeune. Ensemble Pro Victoria will honour spring with their approach to Early Music. 16 Mar, 6pm, £15-£20, St Mary’s Church
Timothy Ridout & James Larter
Other musicians include Timothy Ridout’s recital on viola and piano (13 Mar); lunchtime recitals with Equinox Duo on harp and flute, whose selection of music this year is inspired by the natural environment (7 Mar) and percussionist James Larter, who will showcase his virtuoso playing and inventive composition (8 Mar).
Barnes Artists
During some concerts, there will be members of the Barnes Artists group will be painting, inspired by what they are hearing – offering a visual expression of musical performance. Their work will be offered for sale at the end. There will also be an exhibition of art and photography, inspired by music at the back of St Mary’s Church.
Festival Chairman, Andrew Summers, and Artistic Director, James Day, say: ‘We are delighted to present this year’s programme for the Barnes Music Festival. As we enter our second decade, our theme is The Musical Environment with music written about the environment and nature, celebrating Barnes as an area of wildlife and beauty, and the environment in which composers and musicians thrive.’
There are more than 30 concerts throughout the festival. Find out more at barnesmusicfestival.com
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