The festival begins with a prestigious Opening Concert on Saturday 26th July, 7:30 pm Concord College, Acton Burnell, by the Bingham String Quartet. As part of the programme of music, the audience will be treated to a performance of Steve Reich’s Different Trains, one of the most iconic and moving compositions from the end of the 20th century.
The Festival is a key part of Shropshire’s summer calendar of events, and features professional concerts, organ recitals, coffee concerts given by local musicians together with a major, and highly-popular Art and Crafts Exhibition. The Exhibition will be hosted at Church Stretton School, featuring works by distinguished Guest Artist Rob Leckey; and more than 100 local amateur and professional artists, photographers and designer craft-workers. Around 600 works of art, with original prints and 2D/3D craft, will be displayed alongside a comprehensive display of photographs. This non-competitive showcase for artists in the South Shropshire area, it is open to the public 11.00am – 6pm; 7 days a week from Tuesday 29th July to Saturday 9th August. Special Opening Event on Monday 28th July.
Roger Stokes, Festival Chairman said: “There’s something for all tastes, from classical and popular music, to stage shows, monologues, and a Jazz Weekend featuring Tim Kliphuis Trio, and also The Big Chris Barber Band. We also have what promises to be a delightful and thoroughly entertaining showcase of our very own local young talent when ‘school’s out @ the arts festival’ present their show on Thursday 7th August after taking part in a demanding four-day course of musical theatre. The workshops culminate in a rousing performance highlighting the acting, singing and dancing skills of students from the Strettons.
“The Festival will see our audiences delighted by a variety of musical genres and arts events, ranging from the Bones Apart – one of the world’s best trombone quartets present El Nuevo Mundo – a musical voyage from the Spanish peninsula to the discovery of The Americas- with music by Henry VIII, Ximenez, Gershwin, Albeniz, Villa Lobos, Bernstein and Piazzolla. The Owen Lewis’ Portable Theatre Company will be presenting two separate one-act plays, The Human Rocket & The Fight Game; and as a complete alternative one of Europe’s leading oboe trios ‘Pipers 3’ (comprising Mark Baigent, Jessica Mogridge and Julian West) will captivate with the variety and quality of their repertoire. Dame Jenni Murray OBE- well-known as the presenter of Woman’s Hour – began her began her broadcasting career in local radio and regional TV before joining BBC 2’s Newsnight and the Today programme on Radio 4. On 1st August her show titled ‘An Audience with Jenni Murray’ will be a real revelation when she looks back at her fascinating life and career- especially as she is no stranger to controversy!
“We welcome people to enter the secret world of wartime Bletchley Park – the World War II Codebreaking Centre when author Sinclair McKay speaks about the project, accompanied by illustrations never seen before from the Bletchley Park archive. His presentation will be followed a few days later by Cellophony- the London-based cello octet who have rapidly established themselves as the UK’s leading cello ensemble, and their vibrant, sonorous and exhilarating sound has seen them win fans from all over the world with their acclaimed performances. To nearly complete this event-packed festival we welcome back Mark Bebbington with a Piano Recital on 5th August; and the following evening Cassandra Wye, the International Storyteller accompanied by the renowned Southbank Gamelan Players providing a magical blend of the myths and music of South East Asia. A stimulating hour of music and entertainment, on 7th August by guitarist Manus Noble will be followed by the usual excellent tea at the Methodist Church!
The 2014 Festival concludes with what promises to be a spectacular performance on the closing night – 9th August – by the jazz legend, Chris Barber, who is celebrating his 65th anniversary as band leader. His 10-piece band will give a selection of his favourite music, from his roots in New Orleans style, such as ‘Bourbon Street Parade’ to the early music of Duke Ellington and Sidney Bechet… before going back to ‘When the Saints.”
Visit www.strettonfestival.org.uk for tickets and festival details.
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