Artistic directors Robert Plane and the Gould Piano Trio are delighted to present the 2025 Corbridge Chamber Music Festival, which brings world-class chamber music to Northumberland this July.
Founded in 1999, the Corbridge Chamber Music Festival is widely respected for its combination of exceptional artistry and creative programming in the setting in the picturesque Tynedale Valley. Described by the artistic directors as ‘the perfect place for a music-lover’s short getaway’, attendees at the festival are encouraged to enjoy the area’s Roman history, natural beauty and proximity to cosmopolitan attractions in Newcastle.
Robert and the Trio have curated a roster of outstanding artists to collaborate with them during this year’s edition of the festival, including horn player Benjamin Hartnell-Booth, violinist Magnus Johnston, violist Gary Pomeroy and cellist Alice Neary. A series of seven concerts will take place over the course of the festival, interspersed with extra-musical events that embrace the festival’s immersion in its setting and shed light on its programming.
The festival opens on 24th July with a performance of Strauss’ Till Eulenspiegel einmal anders alongside works by Saint-Saëns and Ravel, whose 150th anniversary is celebrated this year. The second concert in the festival includes the world premiere of Diana Burrell’s Hidden Forms, as well as Brahms’ Horn Trio in E flat, op. 40 and works by Nielsen and Hummel. Following this concert, a programme of baroque gems and contemporary works will be performed in the more relaxed setting of the Parish Hall’s, which features café-style seating.
2025 marks the 1350th anniversary of St. Wilfred’s founding of the festival’s home of St. Andrew’s Church, an occasion that will be celebrated with a day of special events.
Starting with a performance of works by Mozart, Schubert and Widman in nearby Hexham Abbey, attendees are invited to walk from the Abbey to the St. Andrew’s as part of an even organised in co-operation with the Hexham Ramblers. In the evening, Robert is joined by musicologist Richard Wigmore to co-host a conversation with composers Piers Hellawell (whose The Rising of Sirius receives its world premiere on 26th July) and Diana Burrell, as well as artist Jo Westgate, who has been commissioned by the festival to create original artworks celebrating the anniversary of St. Andrew’s.
The final day of the festival begins with a performance by guest artists the Flutes and Frets duo, who will perform works for flute and guitar that span 500 years of history. The finale concert sees the artists return to Strauss with a performance of his Piano Quartet, and ends with Berwald’s spectacular Grand Septet in B flat major.
Tickets for this year’s Corbridge Chamber Music Festival are now on sale, and may be purchased via this link. Details of opportunities for guests to support the festival by joining the Friends, Patrons, or Volunteer schemes may be found by clicking here. For full programme information, please visit the festival’s website.
