We welcome Chineke! Chamber Ensemble to open our 2021 Festival. Chineke!, currently one of the most exciting and ‘talked about’ orchestras in the UK, was founded in 2015 by the double bass player, Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE, to provide career opportunities for young Black, Asian and ethnically diverse classical musicians in the UK and Europe.


Chineke!’s mission is: ‘Championing change and celebrating diversity in classical music’.

FLORENCE B PRICE Two Folksongs in Counterpoint: Drink to me with thine own eyes and Shortnin' Bread
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS Piano Quintet in C minor
SCHUBERT Piano Quintet in A, D667 ‘Trout’

The Sacconi Quartet are recognised for their unanimous and compelling ensemble, consistently communicating with a fresh and imaginative approach. They demonstrate a shared passion for string quartet repertoire, performing at the Wigmore Hall and venues and festivals around the world.


HAYDN String Quartet in D minor, Op.76 No.2 ‘Fifths’
R PANUFNIK String Quartet 'Heartfelt' (Sacconi commission)
WEBERN Langsamer Satz
SCHUBERT String Quartet in A min D.804 ‘Rosamunde’

Julian Bliss is one of the world’s finest clarinettists, excelling as a concerto soloist, chamber musician and jazz artist. The Julian Bliss Septet was formed in 2010 and quickly became widely known for their trademark inspiring jazz-fuelled shows. The band has played at some of the most prestigious venues and festivals around the world, including London’s Ronnie Scott’s and Wigmore Hall, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Bermuda Jazz Festival and US venues including Dizzy’s Club - Jazz at Lincoln Center (New York).

Joanna MacGregor CBE is one of the world's most innovative musicians. As a solo pianist she has appeared with the world's leading orchestras, performing in over eighty countries, with eminent conductors Pierre Boulez, Colin Davis, Valery Gergiev, Simon Rattle and Michael Tilson Thomas. Joanna has premiered many landmark works - from Harrison Birtwistle to John Adams and James MacMillan – and is a regular broadcaster, making numerous appearances at the BBC Proms.

SATIE Gnossiennes 1, 3, 5
CHICK COREA Children’s Songs
BEETHOVEN Op.31 No.3 ‘The Hunt’
SCHUMANN Kinderszenen
NINA SIMONE Little Girl Blue, Good Bait
PIAZZOLLA Four Tangos