Dartington Music Summer School and Festival’s concert programme for 2022 celebrates the power of music through the four elements of water, fire, earth and air.
Highlights include a focus on the watery city of Venice, with a festive performance of Monteverdi’s 1610 Vespers; Laurence Cummings directing Handel’s fiery oratorio ‘Athalia’; Alice Farnham conducting Brahms’ ‘Requiem’ with an earthy twist from Viennese tavern band ZRI; and a programme of airy, mystical choral music by Vaughan Williams marking the composer’s 150th anniversary.
Artistic director Sara Mohr-Pietsch said: “We are delighted to be back up and running properly this year, and able to offer a full month-long programme of courses and concerts featuring a line-up of exceptional artists.
“Our festival has a uniquely relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and I’m excited to welcome regulars and newcomers alike to the beautiful grounds of Dartington Hall, to share in what promises to be an elemental summer of music.”
The acclaimed Brodsky Quartet will celebrate its 50th birthday with a complete cycle of Shostakovich ‘String Quartets’ performed side-by-side with students, while renowned soloists including soprano Carolyn Sampson, tenor James Gilchrist, soprano Mary Bevan and pianist Joseph Middleton are to give song recitals.
Composer Gavin Bryars will lead a unique performance of his iconic work ‘Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet’ on early instruments as part of a week-long focus on his music, and leading Canadian string quartet Quatuor Bozzini makes is to make Dartington debut with the live premiere of Cassandra Miller’s ‘Thanksong’ alongside soprano Juliet Fraser.
Pianist and bandleader Peter Edwards is to lead a vibrant strand of jazz performances, and Cafe OTO will curate a collaboration between acclaimed improvisers Jason Yarde and Mark Sanders.
English folk trio Leveret are to make a special appearance, and The Nest Collective promises to bring its celebrated Campfire Club to Dartington’s beautiful gardens.
This year’s expanded family programme includes relaxed concerts from Ensemble Meridiana, Florian Mitrea and Magnard Ensemble, and a series of workshops for babies, children and parents specially devised by Tara Franks of SoundsCreative Projects.
The Festival runs from July 23 to August 10 and offers audiences in the South West a unique chance to hear an array of internationally renowned classical, jazz, folk, gospel and experimental artists.
Concert tickets are £18 / £15 with 50 per cent discount for students and under 18s.
Talks are £10, family concerts £8 / £5 and family workshops from £5.
For the full concert, workshop and talk programme, visit www.dartington.org/summerfestival