Much-loved varied festival in Etchingham

The Etchingham Music Festival has flourished since it began in 1987 to become a well rounded celebration of music, both classical and modern, and the spoken word.

Centred around the beautiful 14 century village church, this is a unique experience for both performers and concert lovers.

This year’s festival offers a strong and varied programme which commences at 7.30pm on Saturday July 2 with Instant Sunshine, a comedy cabaret group well-known for their radio, TV and Edinburgh Festival performances. Founded by three doctors from St Thomas’ Hospital and led by Peter Christie, this is polished musical satire for those who love to laugh and the gentle mocking of the British.

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On Sunday July 3, at 7pm, Florian Mitrea, the highly acclaimed Romanian-born pianist, makes a welcome return to the Festival.

This year he will be joined by the Atea Wind Quintet. The evening will commence with a solo piano performance of Beethoven’s Waldstein sonata. This will be followed by the Prokofiev flute and piano sonata and movements from Hummel’s Grand Bassoon Concerto. The evening will conclude with two interludes from Fennimore and Gerda by Delius and Beethoven’s Piano and Wind Quintet.

As many will know, the Etchingham Music Festival owed much to its late patron, performer and friend Dr Peter Katin, the internationally acclaimed classical pianist. To honour his memory, Richard Evans will perform a programme inspired by Peter’s own beguiling repertoire. This will include works by Mozart, Chopin, Schumann and Debussy. This concert is at 7.30pm on Wednesday July 6.

“Opera as you like it”, captures the mood that will prevail on Saturday July 9 commencing at 7.30pm. For those who enjoy both good music and good food, this is the perfect combination. While concert-goers will enjoy a splendid supper, acclaimed opera students from the Royal College of Music will perform solo arias, duets and more from favourite operas.

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The 2016 Etchingham Music Festival closes on Sunday July 10 at 4pm with a free concert; Shakespeare Through The Seasons marks the 400th anniversary of the death of the Bard with an afternoon of choral music by Singing for Fun from Crowborough and readings by the Etchingham Poetry Group.

Tickets for all of the above are priced at £18 (£15 concessions) and £22 for the music and supper evening and are on sale via PO Box 100, Etchingham, East Sussex, TN19 7US. Further info is available from [email protected] or www.etchinghammusicfestival.co.uk. Tickets may also be purchased from www.wegottickets.com.