The third West Wycombe Chamber Music Festival starts Thursday 12th September. This is an interesting Festival because it features members of some of the best chamber music ensembles in the country. Recognize the faces in the photo ? Laurence Power of the Nash Ensemble and Leopold String Quartet and a much respected soloist, for example. He's Artistic Director and Founder of the Festival, which should give an indication why the festival is worth paying attention to. For a list of who's playing this year, see here., Other well-known names may be in the audience. This year's progamme is good, too and includes Messaien Quartet for the End of Time and a special arrangement of Bach's Goldberg Variations for string quartet. Read more here. and book soon
West Wycombe is a a festival by musicians, for musicians and those who like music making in a serious but informal setting. Everyone knows everyone, which is part of the ambience. Concerts take place in St Lawrence's Church, which isn't quite an average village church. St Lawrence is the patron saint of prostitutres, and the church was endowed by Lord Dashwood,who ran the Hellfire Club where posh hellraisers romped with prostitutes dressed as nuns. You can spend the day before a concert visiting the Hellfire Caves, whose entrance is close to the church. Alternatively, the village itself has authentic medieval buildings. You can stay overnight in the George and Dragon pub which is haunted. Very atmospheric place, great choice of local beers.And it's only an hour from London !
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