Tasmin Little To Play At Beverley Chamber Music Festival

The renowned classical violinist Tasmin Little will be making a trip to the East Riding this month, to play in the final concert of this year’s Beverley Chamber Music Festival 25th-28th September.

The festival, which is in its 21st year, takes place at St Mary’s Church in Beverley and features a wide range of recitalists and ensembles, showcasing music from composers old and new. Tasmin Little will play a varied programme of works by Bach, Britten, Arvo Pärt and Beethoven’s exuberant ‘Kreutzer’ sonata, accompanied by pianist Martin Roscoe – who is also the festival’s Artistic Director.

“We’ve something of the shock of the new this year, with works by six living composers – one of whom is under 30: Mark Simpson, also our clarinettist,” said Mr Roscoe.

“Not only did Mark Simpson win BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2006, he won the BBC Proms/Guardian Young Composer of the Year too! He will be playing a programme of entirely English music, including a first for us – someone playing his own composition at the Festival.”

Other highlights from the Festival include the opening concert given by the Cropper-Welsh-Roscoe trio, a residency by the Navarra String Quartet, and a visit from the Manchester-based new music ensemble, Psappha.

The annual festival also has a thriving educational programme, as Chairman Andrew Penny points out. “We are keen to stress the importance of nurturing young people’s interest in classical music.

“The festival is pleased to be a key partner of the East Riding Schools’ Music Service, and this year offers three coaching sessions at the Hexagon Music Centre in Beverley,” continued Mr Penny.

“Festival artists lead these sessions, giving the local young musicians who take part the fantastic opportunity to work with leading musicians of the highest calibre.”

Further details of the educational programme are available at www.beverleychambermusicfestival.org.uk

Concert tickets start at £10, with concessionary rates and season ticket discounts available.

Tickets can be booked at the Beverley Tourist Information Office, 34 Butcher Row, Beverley, HU17 0AB, or by phone on 01482 391672.