Festival
Carducci Festival at Highnam 15th – 17th May 2026
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 guest artists including pianists Lara Melda, Daniel Tong and clarinetist Julian Bliss. Tickets go on sale on 9th March or join the Friends for priority booking!
Ticket booking link : https://www.tickettailor.com/events/carduccifestival
Carducci Festival at Highnam 2026
Friday 15th – Sunday 17th May 2026
Join us in Highnam in a unique and beautiful venue, with great acoustics and some wonderful chamber music. We’re looking forward to welcoming pianists Lara Melda and Daniel Tong, as well as dynamic clarinettist Julian Bliss to join us for a very special weekend of music.
Tickets from £18 (free for under-26s)
Booking information
2026 Patrons Booking 9th – 22nd February 2026 – use your access code to book tickets
2026 FriendsBooking 23rd February – 8th March 2026
General Booking from 9th March 2026
Tickets can also be booked by emailing carduccitrust@gmail.com and arranging to send payment via bank transfer or cheque.
Concert 1: A Portrait of Chopin
Friday 15th May, 7.30pm, Highnam Church
The Carducci Quartet with Lara Melda, piano
Mendelssohn-Hensel String Quartet in Eb major
Chopin Ballade for Solo Piano No. 1 in G minor Op. 23
Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor Op. 11
Concert 2: On the Edge of a New Century
Saturday 16th May, 7.30pm, Highnam Church
The Carducci Quartet with Julian Bliss, clarinet and Daniel Tong, piano
Britten Three Divertimenti for String Quartet
Brahms Sonata for Clarinet and Piano No. 1 in F minor Op. 120
Elgar Quintet for Piano and String Quartet in A minor Op. 84
Concert 3: Coffee Concert Different Trains
Sunday 17th May, 11.00am, Highnam Church
The Carducci Quartet with Richard Wigmore, speaker
Steve Reich Different Trains illustrated concert
Festival Lunch
Sunday 17th May, 12.30pm, The Old School, Highnam
The Church will be serving a two course Festival Lunch at a cost of £15, available to pre-order. An order form will be sent out to Sunday ticket bookers in April.
Concert 4: Schubert Finale
Sunday 17th May, 4.30pm, Highnam Church
The Carducci Quartet with guest artists including Julian Bliss, clarinet
Schubert String Quartet No. 10 in Eb major D87
Schubert Octet in F major D803
FREE EVENTS
Friday 15th May, 6.00pm, Highnam Church
Young Composer Showcase featuring the prize-winning pieces from the Carducci Young Composers Competition 2026, performed by the Carducci Quartet.
Saturday 16th May, 10.30 – 12.00pm, Highnam Church
Concordia Festival Masterclasses for young clarinet players with Julian Bliss.
Saturday 16th May, 1.00pm, Highnam Church
Showcase recital by Ella Finney, piano – Carducci Audience Prizewinner at the Gloucestershire Young Musician Competition 2026.
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.
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.