About
60 Years of Penkhull Festival
This year marks a special milestone in the history of Penkhull Festival. Sixty years ago, in 1966, May Walley established the festival and was its musical director for many years. She established a strong tradition of choral music, which successive directors have strived to continue and develop. May also had musical interests in Benjamin Britten through her visits to the Aldeburgh Festival, and for many years James Bowmen served as Penkhull's president. Coincidentally, this year also marks the 50th anniversary of Britten's death, and this will be marked by performances of his work.
This year's festival will take place over three days, from Thursday 24th to Saturday 26th September. We have a stellar line-up of musicians to give us three fantastic evening concerts this year.
Thursday 24th September, 7.30pm
- Solo Guitar Recital - Peter Black returns to Penkhull to wow our audience with an eclectic mix of guitar music from around the world. Expert fireworks and finesse.
Friday 25th September, 1.00pm
- Lunchtime Concert Presented by music scholars from Newcastle-under-Lyme School.
Friday 25th September, 7.30pm
Schubert by Candlelight and A Poet's Echo
- Stuart Jackson - tenor
- Abi Hyde-Smith - cello
- Jocelyn Freeman - piano
In the 50th anniversary year of Benjamin Britten's death, we will hear Britten's A Poet's Echo as the centrepiece of this concert.
Saturday 26th September, 1.00pm
- Little Moreton Singers - Celebrating the wonderful choral tradition established by May Walley and the Bedford Singers.
Saturday 26th September, 7.30pm
- Around the World in 80 Minutes: A Musical Journey with The Choir of Royal Holloway with musical director Rupert Gough
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