Music festival will centre on three composers
THE Leicester International Music Festival always has a unique flavour, created by its team of leading artists who come together specially for the week, directed by the leading oboist, Nicholas Daniel.
This year’s festival runs from Thursday to Saturday, September 20-22, at the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery, with lunchtime and evening concerts on each day as well as a special Family Fun Event on Saturday lunchtime.
The programme is centred on three featured composers: Anton Dvorak (works include his popular ‘American’ Quartet and Wind Serenade); Sergei Rachmaninov; and Thea Musgrave CBE, who is about to celebrate her 90th birthday.
A spokesperson said: “We are thrilled that Thea will be flying over from her home in the USA to be our special guest at the Festival and we look forward to welcoming her at our popular series of pre-concert talks.
“Artistic director, Nicholas Daniel’s long and distinguished career began when, at the age of 18, he won the BBC Young Musician of the Year Competition and went on to win further competitions in Europe. As one of the UK’s most distinguished soloists as well as a highly successful conductor, he has become an important ambassador for music and musicians in many different fields. In recognition of this, he was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Medal for Music.
“This year’s festival ensemble comprises the violinists Marina Chiche and Giovanni Guzzo, viola player Richard O’Neill, cellists Ani Aznavoorian and Leonard Elschenbroich, pianists Katya Apekisheva and Nino Gvetadze and the theramin virtuoso Lydia Kavina.
They will be joined by the outstanding and pioneering double bass player, Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE, well-known for her recent outstanding work with the Chineke! Foundation.
“Complementing our regular ensemble, we are pleased to welcome the Haffner Winds for our Festival Finale and Family Fun Event, an informal jamboree of music-making which was an outstanding success in 2017.”
Tickets for the festival are available in person from the New Walk Museum & Art Gallery Shop or online at www.musicfestival.co.uk