Festival
Carducci Festival Highnam 20-22nd May 2022
You can’t imagine how happy it makes us to be returning to Highnam in 2022 for a more ‘normal’ Festival after 2020’s cancellation and last year’s slimmed down event which took place on the very first weekend that concerts were possible again.
We are looking forward to seeing you again, and crossing our fingers for a balmy weekend of spring weather which will enable us to meet up and chat in the beautiful setting of Highnam. We’ll be monitoring guidance closely, and doing everything we can to make sure we can all enjoy the music safely.
For 2022 we are delighted to be premiering a new piano quintet by Kate Whitley (with Kate herself at the piano), as well as performing a new quartet by Peter Gregson completed in 2021. Alongside these new works we’re looking forward to revisiting Schubert’s Trout Quintet, as well as some of our favourite pieces of the classical and romantic repertoire. We’re also thrilled that our events showcasing young musicians can return on Saturday 21stMay.
Looking forward to seeing you in Highnam!
Matthew, Michelle, Eoin and Emma
Tickets go on general sale on Tuesday 1st March following the priority booking period for Carducci Patrons and Friends.
Why not join as a Carducci Friend to benefit from priority ticket booking? Click here to find out more
Festival programme
Friday 20th May 2022
Dancing by the River
7.30pm, Highnam Church
With William Howard, piano and Chris West, double bass
Bartók Romanian Folk Dances
Peter Gregson Three Parallels
Chopin Scherzo No. 2 in Bb minor Op. 31
Schubert Piano Quintet in A major D667 ‘The Trout’
We’re opening the 2022 Festival with Bartók’s toe-tapping Romanian Folk Dances, and can’t wait to introduce Peter Gregson’s new quartet to Highnam audiences. Schubert’s Trout Quintet is deservedly one of the best-loved pieces in the chamber repertoire, famously including Schubert’s variations on his earlier Lied Die Forelle.
Tickets from £18 (free tickets for under-26s)
Saturday 21st May 2022
Favourites Old and New
7.30pm, Highnam Church
With Kate Whitley, piano
Schubert String Quartet in Eb major D87
Kate Whitley Piano Quintet WORLD PREMIERE*
Beethoven ‘Rasumovsky’ String Quartet No. 8 in E minor Op. 59 No. 2
It’s always a delight to premiere a new work with the composer themselves playing. Kate Whitley’s new work for piano quintet is paired with classics of the string quartet repertoire by Schubert and Beethoven.
* supported by The Coln Trust
Tickets from £18 (free tickets for under-26s)
Sunday 22nd May 2022
Coffee Concert: Harp Classics
11.00am, Highnam Court Orangery
with Elinor Nicholson, harp
Handel Concerto in B flat major for Harp and Strings Op. 4 No. 6
Music for solo harp including Glinka Variations on a Theme by Mozart
Debussy Danses Sacrée et Profane for Harp and String Quartet
The perfect relaxing Sunday morning – music for harp in the intimate surroundings of Highnam Court Orangery, followed by coffee or sherry and a walk around the beautiful gardens.
Tickets: £38 (children and students £20) – includes a cup of coffee, or a glass of sherry or juice and access to Highnam Court Gardens after the concert. Limited capacity.
£5 from every ticket will be donated to the Pied Piper Appeal
(SORRY THIS CONCERT IS SOLD OUT!)
Felix and Fanny
4.30pm, Highnam Church
With The Kyan Quartet
Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel String Quartet in Eb major
Felix Mendelssohn Octet for Strings in Eb major Op. 20
Musical siblings Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn grew up in Berlin in the 1820s, performing music together and advising each other on their compositions. Although Felix Mendelssohn’s works received greater acclaim in his lifetime, Fanny’s compositions are worthy of a much greater profile (as well as at times, incorrectly attributed to her brother).
Tickets from £18 (free tickets for under-26s)
FREE EVENTS
Saturday 21st May
Festival Masterclasses
10.30 – 12.00pm, Highnam Church
FREE EVENT – a masterclass for young pianists with William Howard. Supported by the Concordia Foundation.
Gloucestershire Young Musician Showcase
1.00pm, Highnam Church
FREE EVENT – featuring the winner of the ‘Carducci Audience Prize’ at the Gloucestershire Young Musician Competition 2022.
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 Highnam Court (GL2 8DP)
From Gloucester take the A40 towards Ross on Wye. At Highnam Roundabout (about 1km) past the B4215 turning) take third exit (unsignposted) through iron gates. Continue up the drive and follow signs for car park.
Bus & Taxi
Stagecoach bus route 32 from Gloucester stops at Highnam Stores (short walk from Highnam Church) in the daytime. For a taxi back to Gloucester after evening concerts try Martin’s Private Hire on 07508 848989 or City Cars on 01452 330330.
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.