Festival
Carducci Festival at Highnam 16th – 18th May 2025
We always look forward to a wonderful spring weekend of chamber music in Highnam in May – there is nothing like sharing our favourite repertoire with some of our most dedicated and friendly audiences.This year’s Festival brings together a number of the things about which we are most passionate – of course there is brilliant chamber music repertoire with some wonderful guest artists, but 2025 is particularly special because it includes the world premiere of a new quartet we have commissioned from Vincenzo Lamagna. We’ll also be collaborating with actor Anton Lesser on a special programme of Shostakovich’s music and letters.Alongside the concerts, we’ll be featuring the talent of the next generation of musicians, whether that’s the brilliant young composers who are finalists in our Carducci Young Composer Competition, or the talented performers taking part in the masterclasses and Young Musician Showcase. Come and join us!
(Centre nave passes sold out)
Friday 16th May
7.30pm, Highnam Church
Charles Owen, piano
Schubert Wanderer Fantasy for solo piano in C major Op. 15
Schumann Quintet for Piano and Strings Op. 44 in Eb major
We’re delighted to be welcoming pianist Charles Owen back to Highnam after a gap of too many years! With him we’ll be performing Schumann’s iconic Piano Quintet – one of the towering classics of the genre. Charles will also be treating us to Schubert’s famously virtuosic Wanderer Fantasy for solo piano.Tickets from £18 (free tickets for under-26s)
(Centre nave seats sold out)
Saturday 17th May
Vincenzo Lamagna Intelligenza Animale for String Quartet WORLD PREMIERE
Beethoven String Quartet Op. 59 No. 3 in C major
It’s always a great pleasure to be able to commission a brand new piece of music to add to the string quartet canon, and we’re delighted that a donation made in 2023 has enabled us to do just that. As a Quartet we have long been excited by Vincenzo Lamagna’s work, in particular with the Akram Khan dance company, and we are looking forward to sharing this new work for string quartet with you all.Tickets from £18 (free tickets for under-26s)
Sunday 18th May
With Edward Derbyshire, narrator
A folk-inspired journey around the world that includes traditional airs and dances from near and far with works by composers including Bartók, Dvořák and Piazzolla, presented alongside readings to bring the music to life. Join us in the convenient central Gloucester location of St Mary de Crypt Church, with coffee and cake served before the concert from 10.30am.from 10.30am.Tickets from £18 (free tickets for under-26s). Includes coffee and cake before the concert from 10.30am
Shostakovich: Life, Letters and Friendship
4.30pm, Highnam Church
The Carducci Quartet
Anton Lesser, narrator
We’re rounding off the Festival with a unique concert to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Shostakovich’s death in 1975. This programme combines movements from many of Shostakovich’s string quartets, with excerpts from his letters to his friend Isaac Glikman, read by celebrated actor Anton Lesser. The music and the letters together shine a light on the composer’s artistry and his struggles to conform in the febrile and repressive atmosphere of the 20th century Soviet Union.
Tickets from £18 (free tickets for under-26s)
(Centre nave seats sold out)
FREE EVENTS
10.30 – 12.00pm, Highnam Church
FREE EVENT – A masterclass for young pianists with Charles Owen.
Supported by the Concordia FoundationGloucestershire Young Musician Showcase
1.00pm, Highnam Church
FREE EVENT – Featuring the winner of the Carducci Audience Prize at the Gloucestershire Young Musician Competition 2025.
Directions, Accommodation and Food
Directions
For Highnam Church (GL2 8DG): From Gloucester take the A40 towards Ross on Wye. After 2km turn right at the traffic lights onto B4215 (signposted Newent). After 250m turn left (signposted Highnam Community Centre) and drive straight ahead for Church parking.
For St Mary de Crypt GL1 1TP
St Mary de Crypt is in Southgate Street and there are several public car parks nearby. On-street parking is free on Sundays, or we suggest the Southgate Moorings car park at Gloucester Docks GL1 2DB which is a five minute walk along Southgate Street and costs £4 for the whole day on a Sunday.
Bus & Taxi
Bus & Taxi for Highnam concerts
Stagecoach bus route 32 from Gloucester stops at Highnam Stores (a short walk from Highnam Church) in the daytime. For a taxi back to Gloucester after evening concerts try Andy Cars on 01452 523000.
Volunteers
We are always looking for volunteers to join out friendly team of Festival stewards. Benefits include free access to concerts! Email carduccitrust@gmail.com to find out more.
Accommodation
Gloucestershire is a wonderful area for a weekend visit. For more information regarding accommodation in the local area, please contact us for a list of suggestions.
Food
Although there is no pub or restaurant in Highnam, there are good facilities locally at Over Farm Market (shop with a good selection of sandwiches and snacks); the Toby Carvery (on the A40 towards Gloucester); and the Wharf House at Over. All are less than a 10 minute drive away.