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!

 

 

6.00pm, Highnam Church

FREE EVENT – Featuring the prize-winning pieces from the Carducci Young Composers Competition 2025, performed by the Carducci Quartet.

 

 

The Carducci Quartet
Charles Owen, piano

 

Mendelssohn String Quartet Op. 44 No. 1 in D major
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)

 

7.30pm, Highnam Church

 

 

Debussy String Quartet in G minor Op. 10
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)

 

11.00am, St Mary de Crypt, Gloucester

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. 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.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)

 

 

Concordia Festival Masterclasses
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.