Hertfordshire Festival of Music

The seventh edition of the Hertfordshire Festival of Music, taking place in and around Hertford, runs from 2 to 11 June 2022, This year’s principal artist is horn player Ben Goldscheider who will be performing with his Goldscheider Quintet in narrated pieces by Ruth Gipps and Ravel, giving a recital with pianist Richard Uttley, and giving a masterclass to selected aspiring horn performers. Cellist Guy Johnston, pianist Melvyn Tan, violinist Mathilde Milwidsky and pianist Huw Watkins will be visiting the festival for the first time, whilst the Maggini Quartet and ZRI will be making return visits.

The featured living composer this year is David Matthews and his music, along with that of Malcolm Arnold runs through the festival. Two local artists will feature in performances of Arnold's music, flautist Emma Halnan and organist William Whitehead perform concertos by Malcolm Arnold with the Festival Orchestra conducted by Matthew Taylor. David Matthews' music at the festival will include Dance for Emma, written  for flautist Emma Halnan who will perform it in her concert with guitarist Jake Hancher. Matthews will also be in conversation about in his life in music with fellow composer and festival artistic director James Frances Brown.

The Platinum Jubilee is celebrated with two special events. The Festival Concert Band will bring local community musicians together to perform arrangements of music associated with royalty in a relaxed performance in the grounds of Hertford Castle. Three local choirs from St Andrews, All Saints’ and the Hertford Chamber Choir join forces in concert with organist William Whitehead.

The festival was founded in 2016 by the conductor Tom Hammond (1974-2021) and composer James Francis Brown, and has presented a wide range of major artists. The Festival also celebrates a Featured Living Composer each year, which has led to audiences discovering the music of Matthew Taylor, Alan Mills, Peter Fribbins and Stephen Hough.

Full details from the festival website.