DEAR FRIENDS
A MESSAGE FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR,
ADRIAN KELLY
The mood of this year’s Festival was particularly buoyant. Attendance was considerably higher than 2023, there were more sold-out events, and even the weather couldn’t dampen our collective spirits.
Only a few weeks ago we learnt that the Festival had been nominated for an International Opera Award. The nomination alone represents a real vote of confidence in the work that we are doing. But perhaps the most remarkable thing about it is that unlike most of the other nominees, Buxton is so much more than an opera festival. As Friends you are all aware of what the Festival puts on, but it is always truly gratifying for me to hear the impressions of newcomers to the Festival who almost all express their astonishment at the variety and above all the quality of cultural events on offer. Just in the last few days I have heard Vicky’s book 2024 series lauded as the ‘best ever’ and Neil’s jazz programme described as ‘worldclass’. I can’t say enough how lucky I feel to be able to put together the Festival programme alongside such marvellous colleagues.
“Just in the last few days I have heard Vicky’s book 2024 series lauded as the “best ever”and
After a quiet August, we do take time in September to reflect on the lessons learned at this year’s Festival, but it is also the month where plans for the next Festival really start to pick up momentum again. In terms of the opera season, I am excited at the prospect of again presenting five productions over two weeks. On the main stage we will present Ambroise Thomas’ Hamlet, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s The Impresario, and a double bill of Leonard Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti and Francis Poulenc’s La voix humaine The performances in the Pavilion Arts Centre have become a regular feature of the opera programme, and I am particularly looking forward to Shorts, a programme of four twentyminute chamber operas by emerging librettists and choreographers. While the Festival celebrates the array of wonderful operas from the past, it’s essential that we also look to the future of the art form. We already held our first workshop in May, and the development of these pieces will continue over the coming months.
2024 IN NUMBERS
33,000 Tickets sold
2,363 Friends of BIF
350 Musicians and singers engaged
170 Events
70 Volunteers
9 Venues
9 Interns
60 Speakers
12
Staff members
5 Unique in-house opera productions
3 Red carpet events
1 Festival Hub
ERNANI WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
‘What are needed are a top-notch cast, first rate choral and orchestral forces, an excellent conductor and design and directional standards that can bring alive a high-flown tale that is in every way the opposite of everyday life. Fortunately, all of these are present in this new staging.’
The Stage
‘Buxton’s singers, led by Nadine Benjamin as heroine Elvira, spin straw into gold … The music has tremendous drive and energy. When delivered with the commitment of the four lead singers in this new Buxton Festival staging, it packs a punch.’ The Telegraph
‘The Opera North orchestra and a fine chorus adding to their lusty decibels under Adrian Kelly’s baton, Verdi’s dark, ominous score is well served.’ The Times
‘Roman Arndt’s Ernani has dash and glamour in spades.’ The Guardian
‘The conductor, Adrian Kelly, elicited a warm, dramatically strong performance from the orchestra, which caught the emotional intensity of the score.’ Opera Wire
WHAT YOU SAID ON SOCIAL MEDIA
‘It was a fantastic production and what an amazing soprano lead! One of my favourite operas ever ‘
‘We attended Verdi’s Ernani and felt privileged to hear such high-quality singing and orchestral playing.’
‘An incredible cast The Opera North orchestra in sublime form’
SAID
LA TRAGÉDIE DE CARMEN WHAT THE CRITICS
‘Niamh O’Sullivan delivers a mocking, chameleon-like and enticingly sung Carmen.’ The Times
‘As far as the individual performers are concerned, they were faultless.’ Explore Buxton
‘Niamh O’Sullivan’s rich mezzo was constantly alluring in the title role.’ Opera Magazine
‘Carmen is stunningly bought to life by an outstanding cast of five singers whose vocals keep you captivated from start to finish.’ Derby Days Out
‘Bettina John’s set is clever and adaptable.’ The Stage
It goes to the heart of the score concentrating more on the grittier and darker aspects of Mérimée’s novella highlighting the heartbreak, jealousy, obsession and murder.’ Seen and Heard
WHAT YOU SAID ON SOCIAL MEDIA
‘This was beautiful. I loved it.’
‘Wonderful. Go see if you can.’
‘Plenty of verve and panache on show’
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
IL TRIONFO DEL TEMPO E DEL DISINGANNO
‘Director Jacopo Spirei has achieved something astonishing … as a reflection on the human condition and the dynamics of family life, this imaginative reaction will surely send a jolt of recognition through every audience.’
The Telegraph
‘Hilary Summers’ narcotic-induced dance break is almost as astonishing as her powerhouse of a voice … Anna Dennis is beguiling of tone and of presence.’
The Guardian
‘This outstanding production deserves to be widely seen.’
Opera Magazine
WHAT YOU SAID ON SOCIAL MEDIA
‘Brilliantly conceived. Brilliantly created and performed’
‘This was a superb production. Musically spot on with wonderful expressive performances. I loved it!’
‘The total highlight of the festival for me’
‘This show is incredible! The singing is outstanding! Very funny and so cleverly put together.’
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
THE BOATSWAIN’S MATE
‘Genuinely funny … an exceptional piece.’ The Stage
‘Comic timings were lively in Nick Bond’s direction and a male quartet supplied a jovial chorus. A welcome revival’.
Opera Magazine
‘A real treat for me and the audience, a full house, cheered for all it was worth.’
Seen and Heard International
‘This is all huge fun, with never a dull moment, and beautifully staged by Nick Bond. Its music shows Ethel Smyth to be not only a wonderful composer, but a witty librettist to boot’
The Article
‘The principal singers are out to show their operatic firepower.’ Theatre Reviews North
WHAT YOU SAID ON SOCIAL MEDIA
‘The entire opera has a feminist tone, but thoroughly without the stridency one might expect from Ethel Symth, who did time in Holloway for smashing a window. Its radiant staging at BIF made a very happy end to my visit’
LA CANTERINA WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
‘Good fun … clever four-hander.’ The Stage
‘A performance as slick in its comic timing as one could wish … Gasparina is as sparkling as her diamond necklace’ The Opera Critic
‘Toby Hession conducts the eight-strong ensemble with precision and obtains excellent voices-to-accompaniment balance.’ The Arts Desk
WHAT YOU SAID ON SOCIAL MEDIA
‘It is an absolute gem. We enjoyed it immensely’
‘Absolutely brilliant’
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS FOR 2024
You made our success possible! Buxton International Festival is deeply grateful to our funders, corporate partners and sponsors, community partners, BIF Friends, BIF Foundation, Festival Circle members, and the Trusts and Foundations that have supported us this year and all the individuals who have donated or volunteered with us.
Your support is critical to the success of the Festival. It enables us to create opportunities for young artists, commission new works, and develop community outreach projects.
This work simply would not happen without your continued generosity and friendship.
Thank you!
DEAR FRIENDS
CHAIR, FRIENDS OF BIF
PETE SPRIGGS
As Summer turns to Autumn, the Festival feels like a distant dream – what a rich and varied programme we received! It was a joy to catch up with so many Friends, an extra special welcome back to the numerous Friends I spoke to who had not attended the Festival since before COVID – your loyalty and returning presence was hugely appreciated.
The two Festival Friends’ Days saw the best turnout yet with quality performances courtesy of the Young Artist and Young Instrumentalist Programmes. We were also delighted to host a suite of glorious recitals from the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) 2024 Williams-Howard Prize winners, a real treat. These emerging artists are supported by your donations through Friends’ Membership so it was fitting that you had the opportunity to meet them and enjoy their talent during these informal events.
Buoyed by the strength of the programme and the sustained commitment of the Friends I am pleased to report that membership is up 10% year-on-year. The role of the Friends in securing the Festival’s success is undiminished.
to share that we have reinstated our relationship with John Whibley Opera Holidays, and details of the first holiday arranged for the Friends are included with this copy of Overture (see page 26).
Sadly, I must end on a less upbeat note. I have made the difficult decision to step down from the Board of the Friends. The demands of my two businesses and family mean I am unable to give the Friends and the Festival the time and attention I want, and they deserve. The more than capable Board will cover my role in the period up to next year’s AGM, when a new Chair will be proposed. Huge thanks to everyone who has supported me over the years – I will hugely miss your good company as well as rolling up my sleeves and getting involved in supporting such an incredible endeavour.
Pete Spriggs
Opera Now offer
“These emerging artists are supported by your donations through Friends’ Membership so it was fitting that you had the opportunity to meet them”
For the opera-loving collectors amongst you we’ve received a kind offer from one of our Friends, Margaret Turner, who has copies of the first nine issues of Opera Now – carefully kept in a binder (nos. 1 - 9 April - December 1989). Not wishing to send them to the recycling bin Margaret asked if any of the Friends might want to offer them a new home? Please contact lee.barnes@buxtonfestival.co.uk if you’re interested. All we ask is for you to arrange collection from the Festival office or cover postage. Margaret would be delighted if you were also able to make a (completely optional!) donation to the Friends.
2024-25 Membership Fees
Having kept the Friends’ membership fees fixed since November 2019 we’ve made the difficult decision to increase them when your membership renews this year. The Festival have tried to absorb as much of the cost increases through efficiencies and additional ticket sales but we now need to pass on a c. 9% rise in membership. This is well below the c. 24% inflation over the same period, though we recognise there is pressure on everyone’s budgets.
We sincerely hope you’ll continue to support the Festival through your membership. If you pay by Direct Debit you won’t need to do anything, unless you want to amend your membership level. Friends paying by standing order or cheque will need to amend the amount for 2024-25. We’ll confirm what this means for you individually in an email (or letter to those not on email) but wanted to forewarn you of the change.
Recognising these challenging financial times and the incredible generosity of the Friends, we have committed to holding Friends’ membership at the new levels for three years.
UPCOMING FRIENDS EVENTS
BIF 2025 JAZZ LAUNCH PARTY
KHIASMOS QUARTET
AND AFTERNOON TEA AT BURBAGE HOUSE
Friday 11 October, 2pm – 4.30pm
You are warmly invited to a recital and afternoon tea at Burbage House, Buxton, on Friday 11 October. Khiasmos Quartet will be performing with the kind permission of the Royal Northern College of Music. The programme includes music by Caroline Shaw, Frank Bridge and Ludwig van Beethoven.
Burbage House is a manor house, built in 1860 by local quarry owner Robert Broome, the founder of Burbage Band.
Tickets cost £40. To book, visit buxtonfestival.co.uk and click on ‘What’s on’.
Alternatively email info@ buxtonfestival.co.uk or contact the Festival Team on 01298 70395
Friday 1 November, 7.30pm – 11pm
Get ready to kick off the excitement for the 2025 BIF Jazz Festival with an unforgettable night of live music! Join us for a special launch party, where we’ll announce the full line-up of jazz artists set to perform at next year’s Festival.
Headlining the evening will be the brilliant Dean Stockdale Trio, alongside three handpicked artists from the 2025 Festival, offering a live preview of their incredible music.
Tickets cost £15. We have an exclusive offer for Friends: get a 50% discount by using the code 25LAUNCH.
To book, visit buxtonfestival.co.uk and click on ‘What’s on’.
FRIENDS OF BIF AGM
Friday 7 March 2025
All Friends are warmly invited to attend the AGM which takes place at the Lee Wood Hotel, Buxton. Be amongst the first to hear details about the exciting 2025 Festival line up. The event will be followed by a concert - more details coming soon.
A RECITAL, POETRY AND AFTERNOON TEA AT LYDGATE HOUSE
Friday 25 April, 2pm – 4.30pm
COUNTRY MATTERS - A RUSTIC AND PASTORAL ENTERTAINMENT
with Jane Burnell soprano, Wyn Davies, pianist and Philip Holland, poet.
Words by Mr Holland and music by Messrs Dvorak, Debussy, Gurney and all sorts.
The event starts with welcome drinks at 2pm, the recital at 2.30pm and then afternoon tea from 3.30pm.
Tickets cost £45. To book, visit buxtonfestival.co.uk and click on ‘What’s on’ Alternatively email info@buxtonfestival.co.uk
SAVE THE DATE
BURBAGE
BAND AUTUMN CONCERT
19 October, 7pm
St John’s Church
Burbage Band is one of the most successful brass bands in the area. Join them for an unforgettable concert that celebrates community spirit and a rich programme of autumnal music.
Tickets cost £10, visit buxtonopearhouse.org.uk to book
MAGNIFICENT MOZART
Sunday 3 November, 7.30pm, St John’s Church
Buxton Musical Society Chorus and Orchestra will be performing their favourite Mozart pieces at St John’s Church, including
MAGNIFICENT MOZART
Sunday 3 November, 7.30pm, St John’s Church
Buxton Musical Society Chorus and Orchestra will be performing their favourite Mozart pieces at St John’s Church, including the Overture to The Magic Flute, Clarinet Concerto and the spectacular Mass in C Minor.
Tickets at £18, visit buxtonoperahouse.org.uk to book.
SINFONIA VIVA AT CROMFORD MILLS
Sunday 8 November, 6.30pm
Join a Behind the Scenes fundraising evening at Cromford Mills with music from Sinfonia Viva, an auction, food and drink plus special guest.
Tickets at £45, visit cromfordmills.org.uk to book
Festival Paper Booking Forms
Over the past few years fewer and fewer of the Friends have sent in the paper booking forms that have been included with the Festival Brochure. Most Friends now make their bookings using the Opera House website, telephone lines or in-person visits to the Opera House box office. These methods have the advantage of allowing personal choice of seats. In addition, because of the increased demand on the box office once priority booking opens, the forms do not receive the most rapid attention.
Consequently, it has been decided that the booking forms will no longer be sent out with the Festival Brochure.
However, if accessing the Opera House website, contacting the box office by telephone or in person creates a problem for any Friend wanting to take advantage of priority booking, please get in touch with the BIF team by emailing info@buxtonfestival. co.uk as soon as possible, and we will do everything we can to meet your booking requests.
2025 FESTIVAL DATES
HAMLET
Music by A Thomas, libretto by M Carré and J Barbier, based on an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
A Buxton International Festival production.
Director: Jack Furness
Venue: Buxton
Opera House
Dates: Saturday 12 July at 7pm, Wednesday 16 July at 7pm, Sunday 20 July at 3pm and Tuesday 22 July at 7pm. Please note the 7pm, rather than the traditional 7.15pm start.
Ambroise Thomas’ Hamlet is a classic example of the grand opera tradition that was popular in Paris in the 19th century, a genre that encompassed largescale casts, stunning ensembles and dramatic storylines. Thomas was a hugely successful composer in his day with Hamlet and his opera Mignon becoming his best-known works. In fact, Hamlet was performed 276 times during his lifetime, before falling out of favour.
The opera largely follows the Shakespearean storyline, with the young Danish prince encountering an apparition before seeking revenge for his father’s murder. However, some adaptations are made and there’s an emphasis on the role of Ophelia, which fascinated audiences of the time.
‘The music has a bit of everything, wonderful melodies as well as incredible virtuosic scenes and choruses. The best-known arias are Hamlet’s drinking song and Ophelia’s madscene, which singers often use as showcase pieces. It’s a work I think people will love,’ says Adrian Kelly.
Hamlet has been performed once before at Buxton International Festival in 1980, with a cast led by Sir Thomas Allen to critical acclaim.
THE IMPRESARIO
Music by W A Mozart, libretto by J G Stephanie.
An Opera Zuid production.
Director: Christopher Gillett
Venue: Buxton Opera House
Dates: Thursday 17 July and Monday 21 July at 7.15pm, Thursday 24 July (matinee).
Opera Zuid’s production of Mozart’s The Impresario brings fresh energy to this witty, satirical opera. Director Christopher Gillet has created a version that is fun and playful, blending sharp comedy with Mozart’s brilliant music.
This comic opera provides a light-hearted insight into the running of a theatre company. Join frazzled impresario Mr B, as he manages inflated egos and struggles to keep the peace between rival sopranos and demanding artists.
TROUBLE IN TAIHITI (A DOUBLE BILL WITH LA VOIX HUMAINE)
Music and libretto by L Bernstein
A Buxton International Festival and Norwich Theatre Production
Director: Daisy Evans
Venue: Buxton Opera House
Dates: Tuesday 15 July at 7.15pm, Saturday 19 July at 7.15pm, Wednesday 23 July at 7.15pm
Set in 1950’s suburban America, Trouble in Taihiti follows the seemingly perfect lives of married couple Dinha and Sam. Of course, all is not as it seems. Sam is absorbed in his work and the pursuit of material success whilst Dinah dreams of escaping to Taihiti, and of breaking free of the constraints of her life to find genuine happiness.
The opera features a prominent jazz influence, which with its syncopated rhythms, bluesy melodies and swing-style orchestration appears to have an identity all of its own. Sung in English.
LA VOIX HUMAINE (A DOUBLE BILL WITH TROUBLE IN TAIHITI)
Music by F Poulenc, libretto by Jean Cocteau
A Buxton International Festival and Norwich Theatre Production
Director: Daisy Evans
Venue: Buxton Opera House
Dates: This production will follow Trouble in Taihiti after an interval
Step into the emotional world of Francis Poulenc’s La Voix Humaine, where love, despair, and the fragility of human connection unfold in a gripping, one-woman opera. Based on Jean Cocteau’s powerful monologue, this 40-minute masterpiece captures the final, heart-wrenching conversation between a woman and her lover over the telephone.
In La Voix Humaine, Poulenc’s lush, expressive score perfectly mirrors the psychological depth of a woman on the edge of heartbreak. Set entirely around a phone call, the opera brings the drama directly to you, with every note intensifying the tension and vulnerability of the human voice. It’s a deeply relatable portrayal of love and loss, where even the simplest words carry the weight of a broken heart.
First premiered in 1959, La Voix Humaine resonates just as deeply today, touching universal themes of love, miscommunication, and human vulnerability.
Please note the times and dates of performances might be subject to change
2025 FESTIVAL DATES AND
Four New Operas for 2025 SHORTS
A Buxton International Festival production.
Venue: Pavilion Arts Centres
Dates: To be confirmed.
Shorts is an exciting new project that is all about the future of opera. While opera remains a captivating experience for those who have already discovered it, there is no question that audiences are declining. And while many of the works that are most cherished by opera lovers hark back to the past, all companies that produce opera have a responsibility to look to the future.
Shorts combines the conventional process of commissioning an opera with a talent development programme. We have selected a total of seven writers and composers to produce four short operas of twenty minutes each. The creative process is already underway. Together we will develop the pieces in a series of workshops, the first of which has already taken place.
At the heart of this mission is our desire to bring opera to new audiences. Alongside this, we are also excited to bring fresh creative forces in the shape of composers and writers who may not have been exposed to a great deal of opera; but come with their own diverse range of styles in sources of inspiration.
The journey so far
At the first workshop we asked the question: ‘what is opera?’ For some it was about grandeur, for others about intense emotion. Following the workshop, one thing was abundantly clear. As with every art form, opera is constantly transforming. With Shorts we will push the boundaries of style and form, but we will also tell stories which resonate with a modern audience: stories that make us think and make us wonder at the expressive power of the human voice.
‘Working on the project has been an eyeopening experience for me so far. Learning the intricacies of libretto writing from a group of dedicated professionals, working with performers to see their process first-hand and partnering with an exciting composer like Carmel has been a fantastic introduction to a world that was completely alien to me before. I’m very much looking forward to the next stages, I can’t wait to see our work hit the stage next year and I’m excited to see what opera work might be in my and Carmel’s future,’ says librettist, Josh Overton.
In May of this year the artists joined us in London for personalised Vocal Sessions with members of our chorus, learning about the capabilities of opera singers’ voices. As librettist Zodwa Nyoni shares, the vocal session allowed them to play: ‘Beyond hearing the musicians sing from their repertoire, we experimented with what the operatic voice can do. We looked at how vocal warm-ups can be the foundation of new music. How singers can borrow tools from different languages, for example Welsh and Ndebele can produce the same sounds depending on the consonants. This was helpful for me when approaching building the framework of our project which is a blend of opera and ritual inspired by our West and Southern African backgrounds.’
An exciting milestone was reached in July with the librettists submitting first drafts, handing over the baton to the composers to begin their work on the musical scores. Our next steps are to undergo a Research and Development period with each work in the rehearsal studio, encouraging the artists to explore ideas and learn collaboratively about how their writing looks and feels off the page. This will be a big moment for them, as they begin to learn and appreciate the brilliance of operatic form including the emotional qualities singers bring to life.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Francesca Amewudah-Rivers
Francesca is a British Ghanaian-Nigerian composer, musician and actor who was awarded the Evening Standard Future Theatre Award for audio Design in 2021. Her career spans across theatre, film, TV and opera, having worked with companies such as Music Theatre Wales, the Young Vic, the King’s Singers, Shakespeare’s Globe and the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain.
Martin Green
Martin is a multi-award-winning musician and Ivor Novello award-winning composer. As a member of Lau he has won four BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards for Best Group. Raised in a family of folk musicians, he has gone on to make multi-media work that has toured across the globe. Currently under commission with National Theatre of Scotland.
Jasper Dommett
Jasper is a current PdD composer and 2023 Mendelssohn Scholar. Their passion lies in creating works around queer history and encouraging a space for these stories to be heard. Their Ivor Novello nominated work Disco! Disco! Good! Good? written for the Riot Ensemble, pays tribute to the queer ballroom culture that emerged during the disco era.
Zodwa Nyoni
Zodwa is a Zimbabwean-born playwright, screenwriter and director. Her plays/ films have been produced and screened in Europe, Africa and North America. She’s a writer on Netflix’s spin-off series, CASTLEVANIA: NOCTURNE and is currently a Lecturer in Scriptwriting at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Josh Overton
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Carmel Smickersgill
Josh Overton is a Playwright and Theatre-maker whose passion for language and lyricism can be found at the heart of all his work. Collaborating as a playwright with theatres and companies up and down the UK and as a poet with the Loud Poets of Edinburgh. Winner of the Sunday Times Playwriting Award 2015, Josh was recently accepted onto the Writers Guild of Great Britain New Commission Scheme.
Jessica Walker
Singer-writer Jessica Walker specialises in the creation of genre-defying performance. Her recent writing commissions include Opera North/Leeds Playhouse, Brighton Festival, and a new opera for Oper Leipzig. Three of her performer-writer shows have been critic’s pick in the New York Times, during runs at Brits Off Broadway. She is also a lecturer at the Royal Academy of Music.
Carmel is a composer and performer based in Manchester. After studying at the RNCM with Gary Carpenter, she has had a varied freelance career in music: working in theatre, writing for concert halls and touring with bands. She was a 2020 Ivor Novello Awards Nominee, recipient of the Rushworth Composition prize (Liverpool Philharmonic) and releases music with PRAH recordings.
MAKE AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE OF OPERA IN THE UK
Since the announcement of Shorts, many Friends of BIF have stepped up to join the Shorts Syndicate. Syndicates are groups of opera-lovers who come together to support productions and receive special updates and invitations throughout the development of the pieces.
We invite you to join them with a gift in support of the development of Shorts for BIF2025. Syndicate gifts start at £1,000, can be paid in instalments and are eligible for gift aid.
For more information about joining the Shorts Syndicate and the benefits you will receive, please contact jacky.wershbale@buxtonfestival. co.uk or call 01298 70395.
Shorts is an important and significant element of Adrian Kelly’s vision to reposition BIF and, in particular, Buxton’s Pavilion Arts Centre as a place where bold and innovative new works are presented that showcase emerging talent – singers, musicians, composers, directors and designers – from across the UK. We hope you will join us on this journey.
DEAR FRIENDS
JAZZ DIRECTOR NEIL HUGHES
What an amazing 2024 Jazz series we had! There were so many gigs to live long in the memory. Thank you for all of your support, for attending so many concerts, and for helping me spread the word about the extensive jazz programme.
Friday 1 November - Launch event for the 2025 Jazz Programme
I have so much to tell you about next year’s
Festival that I am holding a launch event on Friday 1 November, at The Palace Hotel from 7.30pm. It features four of the acts from next year, so please pop along and pick up a programme and hear all about the Festival. You can book online now via the Festival website. We have a special discount for Friends of BIF, bring a friend for free by typing in the code 25LAUNCH at checkout.
The BIF Jazz Weekender is Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 July
Our traditional fast start to the festival attracts jazz fans from all over the country, where we have a wide mix of vocal, instrumental, contemporary and swing. Most gigs are at our home venue, Jazz at The Palace. 12 gigs in 3 ½ days, all on sale from November. Then we switch into weeks one and two, with concerts at the Arts Centre and the Opera House, with so many amazing acts for you.
I look forward to seeing some of you on 1 November. Don’t worry if you can’t attend; I will email everyone about the full programme in plenty of time.
All the best, Neil Hughes
BIF JAZZ 2025 LAUNCH PARTY
WITH THE DEAN STOCKDALE TRIO AND SPECIAL GUESTS
Friday 1 November, 7.30pm, £15, visit buxtonfestival.co.uk to book
We invite you to join us for an extraordinary night of live music as we launch our Jazz programme for BIF Jazz 2025. On Friday 1 November at 7.30pm we’ll be welcoming the Dean Stockdale Trio, plus special guests to our jazz club at the Palace Hotel, where we’ll be announcing the full jazz line up for next year’s Festival.
Dean’s trio will lead the way in showcasing some beautiful music, and he will welcome some exceptional guests onto the stage throughout the night. Two of our singers from next year will join us, along with local hero Graham Clark on violin.
This gig is in the magnificent ballroom at our festival venue, The Palace Hotel.
Dean Stockdale Trio + Guests
We will have Dean’s amazing trio, with Gavin Barras on Bass and Gaz Hughes on drums as they celebrate 100 years of Oscar Peterson.
Dean says, ‘I can still distinctly remember the first time I heard Oscar Peterson. My piano teacher gave me one of his CDs when I was 18, and it changed my life. I have been listening to his music ever since, and he continues to inspire me and countless others.’
Ineza - vocals
Ineza’s star is rising rapidly in the world of Jazz. A Rwandan-born Belgian vocalist, Ineza has firmly established herself as a powerful and expressive artist on the UK Jazz scene. She has become an in-demand vocalist with a distinctive voice that has captured the attention of critics and audiences alike.
‘The first abiding impression of Rwandaborn, Belgium-raised, UK-resident singer Ineza, is quite how good and how gentle her way with songs can be’ UK Jazz News
Emily Masservocals
The ‘new star of British Jazz’ is how Emily is being billed; her debut album showcases her arrangements and song-book standards with a modern twist.
‘Her range, variation and seemingly effortless delivery reflect a confidence and ability which belie her years.’ Jazz Journal
Graham Clark –violin
Returning to the festival after a stunning gig in 2022, we are delighted to feature violin virtuoso Graham Clark. Graham has lived in Buxton for over 25 years, and many of you will
know him from his weekly residency in town.
NEWS JUST IN
CLIVE MYRIE AND SIR TONY HALL TO JOIN BUXTON INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL AS HONORARY VICE-PRESIDENTS
We’re delighted to announce that BBC newsreader and presenter Clive Myrie, along with Sir Tony Hall - former Director of News at the BBC (19932001) and CEO of the Royal Ballet & Opera (2001-2013) - have joined Buxton International Festival as Honorary VicePresidents.
Clive, who captivated audiences with his book talk at this year’s Festival, is eager to deepen his involvement, and Sir Tony brings a wealth of experience in the arts and entertainment.
Felicity Goodey, the Festival’s Chair said: “Clive is one of life’s great enthusiasts and he loves the opera. He will be a tremendous role model for the festival, especially for our young artists and supporters. And there is no-one
with more experience in entertainment than Sir Tony Hall, who will be a terrific ambassador and supporter of our work.”
BIF has a number of honorary appointees (Hon Vice Presidents) led by the Honorary President. Honorary appointments are made by the Board and offered to people who have demonstrated significant long-term service to the Festival or have a form of ‘celebrity’ status. Honorary appointees are invited to events and kept informed of developments and act as ambassadors for BIF.
Other Honorary Vice Presidents include Lady Antonia Fraser, Donald Maxwell, Dame Janet Smith and Lord Hattersley.
NEWS JUST IN
INTERNATIONAL OPERA AWARD FINALISTS!
We’re thrilled to announce that Buxton International Festival has been nominated for Best Festival at the 2024 International Opera Awards! This marks the first time in our history that we’ve received this prestigious recognition, which celebrates the very best in opera from around the world. The shortlisted festivals hail from over 25 countries and we feel very honoured to be among the five finalists.
Alongside the Festival award, there are also awards for conductors, directors, singers and designers, amongst others. The overall winners will be announced at a gala ceremony hosted by the Bayerische Staatsoper at Munich’s Prinzregententheater.
Commenting on the Award, Michael Williams CEO said: ‘This is a terrific tribute to the whole team at BIF who have worked so hard to achieve this world-class recognition. We are absolutely thrilled to be nominated amongst the best in the industry.’
Buxton is being considered alongside Des Moines Metro Opera (USA), Garsington Opera (UK), Savonlinna Opera Festival (Finland), Smetana Opera Cycle Ostrava (Czek Republic), Tiroler Festspiele Erl (Austria).
Judging of the International Opera Awards is carried out by a jury of industry professionals headed by Opera magazine editor John Allison.
WELCOME TO THE BOARD
BIF is pleased to welcome two new faces to the Board of the Festival:
Simon Haslam (Board Member)
Simon was born and bred in Derbyshire, and now lives outside Matlock. He first performed at the Pavilion Arts Centre in the 1970s as a member of the Derbyshire Youth Orchestra and has been involved with music ever since. Simon was Chair of the internationally acclaimed orchestra, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, for five years, and is a trustee of three other charities. Professionally, Simon is an accountant –having been a partner with Deloitte, before a twenty-five-year career at Fidelity in a variety of senior roles. Now retired, he pursues a range of interests across classical music and opera, rugby and leading his young grandchildren astray.
Bence Kalo
(Associate Board Member)
Bence is a Cardiff-based Hungarian director, movement director and performer. In 2023 he was the Young Artist Director at Opera Holland Park and a semi-finalist for the 13th European Opera Directing Prize. He has worked as a director and movement director at Opera Holland Park, Dorset Opera Festival and the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama where he is currently a lecturer.
Bence trained at École Jacques Lecoq in Paris, the University of Kent and with renowned director Ariane Mnouchkine as a student of her travelling school, l’École Nomade.
In April 2024 Bence started an Artistic Leadership Traineeship at British Youth Opera and in 2025 he will be Assistant Director on a new production of ‘The Merry Widow’ at Scottish Opera.
NEWS JUST IN
NOT ‘GOODBYE’ BUT A HEARTFELT ‘THANK YOU’
Jane Davies
It is with sadness and immense gratitude that we say goodbye to Jane Davies as Chairman and Trustee of the Buxton Festival Foundation. Jane has been a Trustee of the Foundation since May 2011 and steps down from both her roles in November 2024. In her capacity as Chairman, she has steered the Foundation through difficult financial times for the Festival and purposefully pursued its objectives in its direct support of the Festival. Jane has actively led the Trust in building a growing endowment fund able to make sustainable and material grants to the Festival. An admirable achievement of her tenure!
Pete Spriggs
Pete Spriggs, who has been Chairman of the Friends since February 2020, is to step down from this month. We all (the Friends’ Trustees, Friends, Buxton Arts Festival Board and the Festival Foundation) owe Pete a huge THANK YOU for the tireless service he has given over the past five years. He has been unstinting in the time and energy he has put into chairing the Friends’ Board.
Jane is known for her careful deliberation and constructive advice. Having been the CEO of the Festival in the mid-1990’s, she has brought to her role in the Foundation, a huge depth of knowledge, experience and understanding. Jane has dedicated significant time to the Foundation in ensuring its support for the Festival. Under her stewardship, the endowment fund has grown to currently being over £450K despite having made various annual grants to the Festival. This year’s grant enabled the engagement of Opera North for the production of Ernani.
On behalf of the Festival family, we wish to say a heartfelt thank you to Jane. I will miss her as our Chairman, but know that her support for the Festival and Foundation will continue and that her sage advice will still be available. Thank you Jane!
Kate Redford (Chairman elect, Buxton Festival Foundation)
If I were to single out one outstanding achievement of Pete during this time, it would be the Friends’ Days in the Assembly Rooms during the Festival. Over the years since the first in 2021, Pete has produced each year a different display of materials to provide talking points for those visiting during the day and an ever-growing set of short recitals. This year, with the addition of the recital Colour My Song by the winners of the Williams-Howard Prize, the set of recitals by the young artists and instrumentalists gave us two joyous Festival days.
We are hugely grateful to you Pete!
Tony Parsons Interim Chair
Opera in Berlin for Friends of Buxton International Festival with John Whibley Holidays
Tuesday 18 - Saturday 22 March 2025
Three Operas in Berlin’s three opera houses:
Komische Oper - Offenbach: La Belle Hélène Adrien Perruchon conductor, Barrie Kosky director
Cast includes: Nicole Chevalier, Tansel Akzeybek, Christoph Späth, Karolina Gumos, Stefan Sevenich,Dominik Köninger, Ivan Tursic, Philipp Meierhöfer, Peter Bording
Deutsche Oper - Richard Strauss: Arabella Sir Donald Rinnicles conductor, Tobias Kratzer director
Cast includes: Albert Psesndorfer, Doris Soffel, Jennifer Davis, Heidi Stober, Thomas Johannes Mayer, Daniel O’Hearn, Thomas Cilluffo, Kyle Miller, Gerard Farreras, Hye-Young Moon, Karis Tucker
Staatsoper - Verdi: Simon Boccanegra Eun Sun Kim conductor, Feferico Tiezzi director
Cast includes: Ludivic Tézier, Elena Stikhina, Marko Mimica, Fabio Sartori, Alfredo Daza
We will stay at the 5-star Westin Grand on Friedrichstrasse in the centre of Berlin, a short walk from the Staatsoper. There will be two guided tours of Berlin during our stay.
Flights
Manchester – Berlin Brandenburg 18 March EasyJet EZY2201 17:55 - 20:50 22 March EZY2202 11:25 - 12:30
Provisional Schedule
Day 1
Arrive in Berlin - Transfer to hotel
Day 2 Guided tour of Berlin - Lunch in a restaurant - Opera: Le Belle Hélène
Day 3 Free day - Meals independentTransfer to Deutsche Oper for: Opera: Arabella
Day 4 Guided tour “Berlin in the 20th Century” - Group lunch - Opera: Simon Boccanegra
Day 5 Transfers for return flights
For each reservation, John Whibley “Holidays with Music” we will give a donation to Friends of Buxton International Festival.
Price per person: £2495 (2 people sharing), single supplement in a double room: £325 Deposit: £600
Price includes: >Return flights to Berlin > Transfers >Stalls tickets to 3 Operas > 4 nights bed and breakfast in 5* hotel >2 meals with wine > 2 guided tours
>Donation to Friends of Buxton International Festival >Services of tour escort, Richard Whibley
Travel insurance is required but not included.
For more information, telephone: 01663 746578
Details are correct at time of printing but may be subject to change. August 2024
A MESSAGE FROM THE BUXTON INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL FOUNDATION
A MESSAGE FROM THE BUXTON INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL FOUNDATION
The Foundation is delighted at the box office and critical success of the 2024 Festival and is looking forward to continuing its partnership with the Friends and the Festival as the exciting programme planned for 2025 develops. At the 2024 Festival a £25,000 grant from the Foundation enabled the Orchestra of Opera North to perform at Ernani and they will be returning next year for Ambroise Thomas’ Hamlet . The grant is part of a three year support programme by the Foundation to enable the Festival to engage the highest quality performers; a further sum will be made available to the Festival in 2025.
Despite continuing political and economic uncertainty in the wider world, the Foundation benefitted from favourable conditions in the financial markets over the first half of 2024 and its total assets stand at just under £460K. This is lower than the £470K reported in the last edition of Overture because it reflects the payment of £50K in grants to the Festival
(the 2024 grant plus the 2023 grant that was held over). The Foundation aims to build its endowment fund to a level which will produce around £50k per annum income.
The Festival’s endowment is built on the generosity of those who have enjoyed the Festival in the past and who leave a legacy to enable future generations to do so. The Malcolm Fraser Circle (named after one of the founders of the Festival) is made up of those who have declared their intention to leave such a legacy. They benefit from the same priority booking period as the Directors Circle level of Friends’ Membership enjoy. If you wish to take advantage of this in future and have not yet informed us of your intention to leave a legacy to the Festival, please contact me by email at chairman@bffs.world or via the Festival office so we can make sure you receive the appropriate booking code in future.
Jane Davies
Dean Stockdale Trio with special guests