One of the UK’s most vibrant chamber music festivals returns to Sheffield next week, bringing internationally renowned artists and bold new classical works to celebrate 20 years of Music in the Round’s resident ensemble.
Sheffield Chamber Music Festival will be guest curated this year by Ensemble 360 – the group founded by Music in the Round in 2005. The festival marks the 41st edition and 20 years since the ensemble was established.
“There will always be a place for traditional chamber music”, said horn player Naomi Atherton, who has been with Ensemble 360 since 2005.
“You can see in the festival this year, it’s becoming more diverse and integrated with our community.”
This year’s programme includes world-class musicians such as double GRAMMY winning percussionist and composer Dame Evelyn Glennie. Performing in Sheffield with an ensemble of distinguished musicians, she will present Jill Jarman’s ‘Echoes from the Birdcage’, a work that invites audiences to experience a rich soundscape shaped by recordings and inspiration drawn from London’s King’s Cross.
Glennie explains: “Connecting to the King’s Cross community has taught me so much about this place right at the heart of London, so much so that I can say my relationship and appreciation of the area has expanded through this residency.”
The festival programme also explores lesser known gems within chamber music repertoire, as well as two world premieres, film screenings, roundtable discussions, family concerts and relaxed performances.
“You might not have heard much chamber music before, but it will be such an exhilarating and intimate musical experience”, said Liv Muir, from Music in the Round’s marketing team. “If you’re curious, we will really recommend you come along and give it a try, and if you are excited for it, we are excited to see you here then!”
The weekend will be opened with Schuber’s Quintet in a Saturday afternnoon concert alongside Janáček’s Intimate Letters. During this period, there were also letters written by the 70-year-old composer to Camilla Stoslovskaya.
Tickets are on sale now, starting at just £5 for under-35s and students. Book online at www.musicintheround.co.uk