The Carducci Quartet is delighted to invite you to their fourth Highnam Festival. Joined by clarinet virtuoso Julian Bliss and the exciting classical guitarist Michael O’Toole, the weekend promises to be a sumptuous feast of music making. Events will take place at the beautiful Holy Innocents Church, the new Gambier Parry Hall and the magnificent Highnam Court. We hope that you’ll be able to join us for this inspiring weekend which combines high quality concerts, with free opportunities for children, young people and families, supported by the Cavatina Chamber Music Trust.
Friday 21st May – ‘Death and the Maiden’ 7.30pm – Highnam Church
The Carducci Quartet Haydn Op.9 No.4 Moeran String Quartet in Eb Schubert 'Death and the Maiden'
This opening concert features a delightful early work by Haydn, a wonderful quartet by Moeran enriched with Irish airs, jigs and reels and concludes with one of the greatest chamber works ever written – Schubert’s iconic ‘Death and the Maiden’ Quartet. Free tickets for children and students are available for this concert, sponsored by the Cavatina Chamber Music Trust. 6.30pm Pre-concert event Tom Fenton explores the history of Holy Innocents Church. Free to ticket holders
Saturday 22nd May – Masterclasses - 11am-1pm Gambier Parry Hall
Come and watch young clarinet players take part in a morning of masterclasses with internationally renowned clarinettist Julian Bliss. “It isn’t just his technique, though that is astonishing enough. It’s the wit, poise and vivacity in his playing. In short, it is the pure intuition leading him straight to the heart of what he plays.” The Times Free entry - no ticket required
Saturday 22nd May – ‘Quintets by Candlelight’ 7.30pm – Highnam Church
Julian Bliss - clarinet with the Carducci Quartet Weber Clarinet Quintet Op.34 in Bb major Mendelssohn String Quartet No. 6 in F minor, Op. 80 Mozart Quintet for Clarinet and Strings K581
Prodigiously-talented young clarinettist Julian Bliss will join the Carducci Quartet to perform these delightful and virtuosic Weber and Mozart masterpieces.
Free tickets for children and students are available for this concert, sponsored by the Cavatina Chamber Music Trust.
6pm Patrons and Friends of the Carducci Quartet are invited to join the Quartet for drinks at Highnam Old Rectory.
Sunday 23rd May - 11am - Gambier Parry Hall FREE EVENT Join the Carducci Quartet for musical fun and games followed by a chance to ‘paint the music’. Discover the amazing sound world of the string quartet and be creative. Booking is not essential, but please arrive early to be sure of your place. Duration approx 1 hour.
Sunday 23rd May – 'Fandango Finale' 3pm – Highnam Court Orangery (grounds open from 1pm)
The Carducci Quartet with Michael O'Toole (guitar)
Programme to include works by Vivaldi, Boccheriniand Ginastera. The Festival ends with a recital in which the Carducci Quartet are joined by the wonderful classical guitarist Michael O’Toole, in a programme to include Boccherini’s exhilarating ‘Fandango’ Quintet in the beautiful setting of Highnam Court Orangery. From 1pm ticket holders may explore the picturesque grounds of Highnam Court, including the Rose Garden, the Bluebell Wood and the Monet Lake. £4 from every ticket will be donated to the Pied Piper Appeal.
How to buy tickets...
Booking opens to the general public on Monday 22nd March, following priority booking periods for Patrons and Friends of the Carducci Trust (from the 8th March).
Tickets can be booked on-line at www.ticketweb.co.uk And by phone on 08444 771 000
Video clip from the 2008 Festival - Piazzolla's 'Four For Tango'
Directions
For the Gambier Parry Hall and Highnam Church: From Gloucester take the A40 (signposted ‘Ross-on-Wye’). Then 1km from Over roundabout, turn right at the traffic lights onto B4215 (sign-posted ‘Newent’). 250 metres on the left turn left into car park. For Highnam Court: From Gloucester take the A40 (signposted ‘Ross-on-Wye’). At Highnam roundabout take third exit (un-signposted). Continue up the dive to carpark.
