World Class Music Festival in Whittington

If you are thinking: ‘How can a small place like Whittington possibly have a world-class music festival?’, you wouldn’t be alone, but you would be wrong. Thanks to the energetic, creative and highly respected Artistic Director, Sophia Rahman, the festival, which has celebrated cellist Steven Isserlis as its Honorary Patron, regularly attracts international stars. Roderick Williams OBE, Baritone, will be singing at the Coronation service a fortnight before he comes to Whittington.

This year, from 17-21 May, you will hear music by Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Dvořák and Vaughan Williams, as well as by female composers such as Clara Schumann, Rebecca Clarke and Rachel Stott and seldom-heard works like Villa Lobos’s Bachianas Brasilieras No 5 for soprano and 8 cellos (well, 7 cellos and a double bass). You will be transported to India with a medley of Bollywood and Bengali melodies played by jazz duo Zoe and Idris Rahman.

Whittington is a hidden gem, as the excited comments of last year’s audience members show: ‘The programming and the quality of performance were outstanding. The sheer joy of the performers was infectious’… ‘A total success. Brilliantly organized with some amazing performances in a beautiful building’… ‘All the concerts were excellent. They should have been a sell-out. Sophia Rahman is an exceptional person and you are very lucky to have her’.

But don’t take their word for it - experience the festival for yourself. Seats are numbered and tickets costing £18 are available from www.whittingtonmusicfestival.org. uk, where you will also find full details of artists and the programme. Admission is free for anyone aged 25 and under. See you there!

Classical • Film • Song

15 International Musicians with Roderick Williams OBE Baritone

Whittington International Chamber Music Festival takes place each May and brings International musicians to Shropshire for 5 days of concerts. For programme and tickets visit the website www.whittingtonmusicfestival.org.uk