Festival and Friends 3 The Square, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6AZ
Telephone: 01298 70395
friends@buxtonfestival.co.uk
www.buxtonfestival.co.uk
2014 Festival dates: Friday, 11 – Sunday, 27 July Visit the Festival website and join our monthly e-newsletter list for regular updates
Message from the Chairman subscription and I hope that for 2014 you will be able to support us that little bit more to help us reach our fundraising target by upgrading your support or attending one of our fundraising events.
Firstly may I wish you all a prosperous New Year and say a huge thank you to you all for your support over the past year. I consider it to be a great privilege to be Chairman of the Friends knowing we have such loyal members who wish to see the Festival succeed. The Festival, like so many arts organisations, has struggled financially during these difficult economic times. I believe in investing in our Festival and together as Friends that is just what we are doing. I trust that you will appreciate the support you have given when you receive the brochure in early March. Also, thank you to all our Friends who upgraded their membership last November. This raised an extra £10,000 for the Festival. There is still time to upgrade for those who wish to do so. Next November we will be raising the subscriptions for the first time in five years. Very rarely do we ask members to pay any more than their annual
We have enjoyed some excellent Friends events since our last newsletter was published: in the Autumn last year we enjoyed a wonderful recital at the Studio of Stephen Barlow and in early November we held our annual Opera Break in Buxton with English Touring Opera, ending the year with a delightful soirée at the home of Guy Milner with members of the Musical Society singing carols. Thank you to everyone involved in these events. We have planned two events which are sure to be delightful occasions: first I am looking forward to our visit to Thornbridge Hall in April, kindly sponsored by Investec, to listen to the talented young pianist Yuanfan Yang who will also be playing at the Festival. This will be your opportunity to hear Yuanfan in this more intimate setting. The second event will be at Upper House, above the village of Hayfield. The house is set in a jaw-dropping landscape with an amazing history. We hope you will wish to join us for this event which will include music and a delicious lunch. More details are page 6 of this newsletter. Once again, I have been organising the Literary Series and I have really enjoyed working with the team in the Festival office planning the talks. A preview of what is coming up is elsewhere in this newsletter. Each year the Friends sponsor a major
new production and this year we are supporting Orfeo ed Eurydice by Gluck. We, of course, as Friends, support the wider programme of recitals and literature too and those members living close by help in a variety of ways, be it answering the phone in the Festival office or stewarding at Festival events. If you have spare time and would like to become a Festival volunteer, please get in touch with the office. The support we are able to give the Festival is due to the generosity of our individual members—you! Your support of our fundraising events, donations and subscriptions raises an amount that makes a real difference to what the Festival can achieve. Thank you as always for your help and enthusiasm for the Festival. Elsewhere in this newsletter Randall Shannon writes about a new way you can support the Festival. This will be known as the Directors Circle, separate from the Friends and aimed at those supporters who wish to contribute at a higher level of £2,000 or more. It was with great sadness to hear that Festival Board member, Averil Glatman passed away just before Christmas—a wonderful, kind and generous lady and a huge supporter of the Festival and Friends. I will miss the colour, laughter and fun that she brought to the Festival and her very valuable friendship. Thank you all for your continued support and enthusiasm. Best wishes Louise Potter Chairman Friends of Buxton Festival
www.buxtonfestival.co.uk ❘ FEBRUARY 2014
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2014 Booking dates The Festival brochure will be arriving soon in the office and will be posted straight away to all our supporters in time for priority booking. Priority Booking dates: 3–9 March: Benefactors, Patrons and Gold Friends
10–31 March: Friends Please note that priority booking is by post only. All Friends will be sent a booking form with their brochure. Internet, telephone and booking in person at the Opera House box office opens on 1 April. As usual you will be able to return your booking form at any time during the Priority booking period—there is no need for it to arrive on day one!
You are welcome to upgrade your membership to Gold level or higher, to receive an extra week of priority booking. You will need to do this no later than Friday, 7 February by sending a cheque for additional £30 for single or £45 for joint membership to upgrade to Gold payable to ‘Friends of Buxton Festival’.
Concert Preview Our programme of classical recitals and music concerts is also falling into place—with the following already confirmed: 12 July 12 noon—The Lawson Trio: Mozart—Piano Trio in C, K548, Judith Weir—Piano Trio Two, Ravel—Piano Trio in A minor 13 July 12 noon—From Your Ever Loving Son, Jack 13 July 9pm—Innovation Chamber Ensemble: Shönberg—Verklarte Nacht, Op.4, Mozart—Grand Sestetto Concertante in E flat, K 364, Strauss— Metamorphoses for 23 solo strings 14 July 12 noon—Yuanfan Yang (piano): Beethoven—Sonata in C, Op.53 ‘Waldstein’, Yuanfan Yang—Waves, Schumann—Romance in F#, Op.28, No 2, Rachmaninov—Sonata No.2 in B flat minor, Op.36 14 July 3.15pm—4 Girls, 4 Harps: Handel—Saraband & Variations in D minor from Suite No 4, Ravel—Three Pieces from Ma Mère l’Oye, Tarrega— Recuerdos de la Alhambra, Lecuono— Malagueña, Longstaff—Saraswati, Rachmaninov—18th Variation from Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Shostakovich—Waltz No 2 from Suite for Variety Orchestra, Piazolla—Milonga del Angel and Libertango 15 July 12 noon—Viv McLean (piano) & Jessica Duchen (author/narrator): Alicia’s Gift—The Concert Of The Novel 16 July 12 noon—Roderick Williams (baritone) & Gary Matthewman (piano)
Rachmaninov—Cello Sonata in G minor, Op.19, Schubert—‘Arpeggione Sonata’ in A minor, D821 18 July 12 noon—Sofya Gulyak (piano): Wagner-Liszt—Pilgrim’s Chorus & Isoldestod, Liszt—Transcendental Etude ‘Chasee-neige’, Chopin—Ballade No 1 & Andante, Chopin—Spianato and Grande Polonaise Brilliante, Mussorgsky— Pictures at an Exhibition 18 July 3.15pm—La Serenissima—Angels & Devils (Adrian Chandler & Cecilia Bernardini violin): Leclair—Sonata IV (Opus 3) for 2 violins in F, Vivaldi— Sonata for 2 violins in B flat, RV 77, Guillemain—Sonata I (Opus 5) for 2 violins in a minor, Vivaldi—Sonata for 2 violins in F, RV 68, Leclair—Sonata III (Opus 8) for 2 violins in D 19 July 3.30pm—Rosalind Plowright (mezzo soprano) & Philip Mountford (piano) 20 July 12 noon—A Masterclass with Rosalind Plowright 20 July—Huddersfield Choral Society 21 July 12 noon—Hallé Soloists: Elgar— Sospiri, George Butterworth—String Quartet, Elgar—Piano Quintet 21 July 3.15pm—Aquarelle Guitar Quartet: Isaac Albeniz, arr. David Roe— La Vega, Elliot Goldenthal, arr. Mike Baker—Themes from Frida, Luis Bacalov, arr. Rory Russell—Il Postino, Gustavo Santaolalla, arr. Vasilis Bessas—De Usuahia a la Quiaca (from Motorcycle Diaries), Ian Krouse—Folias
17 July 12 noon—Schubert Ensemble: Beethoven—Piano trio WoO 39, Dvorak—Dumky Trio, Schubert— ‘Arpeggione Sonata’ in A minor, D821
22 July 3.15pm—Djordje Gajik (accordion): Bach—Toccata and Fugue d minor BWV 565, Scarlatti—3 Sonatas: E Major, C minor, F Major, Zolotaryov— Partita No 1, Albenis—Cordobs and Asturias, Villa-Lobos—The Dance of the White Indian, Rossini—Aria
17 July 3.30pm—Jessie Ann Richardson (cello) & Clare Hammond (piano):
23 July 12 noon—Scenes from an Opera: Orfeo ed Euridice
16 July 3.15pm—Endellion String Quartet
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FEBRUARY 2014 ❘ www.buxtonfestival.co.uk
23 July 3.30pm—The Fibonacci Sequence: Dohnanyi—Serenade, Dvorak—Bastelles for Violin, Viola, Cello & Accordian, Brahms—Piano Quintet in F minor 24 July 12 noon—Rozanna Madylus (mezzo soprano) & Finnegan DownieDear (piano) 24 July 3.15pm—Scenes from an Opera: The Jacobin 25 July 12 noon—Adrian Butterfield (violin) & Julian Perkins (harpsichord) 25 July 3.15pm—Symphonic Brass of London 26 July 12 noon—The Fibonacci Sequence: Mozart—Flute Quartet in D, Bax—Quintet for Harp & Strings, Crusell—Quartet for Clarinet & Strings, Debussy—Syrinx for Solo Flute, SaintSaëns—Fantasy for Harp & Violin, Ravel—Introduction & Allegro 27 July 12 noon—Psappha 27 July 9pm—Northern Chamber Orchestra, Gillian Keith (soprano) & Stephen Barlow (conductor) Also, following on from the success of last year’s late-night concerts at the Pavilion Café, we have secured these great performers for more cabaret-style entertainment: 11 July 9pm—Joe Stilgoe: Songs on Film 12 July 9pm—Joe Stilgoe & Natalie Williams 18 July 9pm—Patricia Hammond & her Ragtime Parlour Band 19 July 9pm—The Alex Garnett Quartet: Swing the Classics 25 July 9pm—The Jazz Repertory Company: 100 Years of Jazz in 99 minutes 26 July 9pm—Georgina Jackson (vocals/ trumpet), Pete Long (clarinet): Peggy, Duke & Benny
Opera Spotlight This year’s Festival continues our tradition of presenting top-class productions of wonderful operas which may have fallen off the public radar somewhat, and this year’s offerings see a return to the full-cast (with Chorus) productions that we know you enjoy so much. Our first production is Dvorˇák’s The Jacobin, which creates a romantic village atmosphere, with sentimental action and open-hearted lyricism. It tells the story of Bohuš, a young gentleman, who returns incognito to his home-town in Bohemia, with his wife Julie. His mother is dead and his father, Count Vilém, has disowned him following a rumour that Bohuš has become a Parisian revolutionary—a Jacobin. Family and romantic misunderstandings abound before matters are resolved in a rousing denouement. The Jacobin is conducted
by our Artistic Director Stephen Barlow and directed by Stephen Unwin (the team behind Intermezzo in 2012), and designed by Jonathan Fensom, and features amongst its cast, Anne Sophie Duprels, who made such an impact in 2013 in La Princesse Jaune and La Voix Humaine.
of Desdemona and its superb third act. Otello will be conducted by Stephen Barlow and the cast sees the return of Kate Ladner in the role of Desdemona.
This is followed by Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice, considered a milestone both in Gluck’s work and in the history of opera, being the first of his ‘reform’ operas, replacing the overly complicated plots and music of opera seria with a ‘noble simplicity’ in both music and drama. It is conducted by Stuart Stratford, directed by Stephen Medcalf and designed by Francis O’Connor (designer of last year’s Fortunio).
Finally, following the universally applauded Church Parables last year, we will play host to the Mahogany Opera Group’s production of HK Gruber’s Gloria—A Pigtale. Performed by five ‘human sausages’ and a big band, this ‘cabaret opera’ mixes varied musical styles—jazz, blues, Bavarian oompah, Mahler and Wagner. Frederic WakeWalker’s production sets the darkly comic piece in a burlesque butcher’s shop with echoes of George Orwell’s Animal Farm and Kander & Ebb’s Cabaret, and features Gillian Keith amongst its cast.
Then, there’s a concert production of Rossini’s Otello, which departs somewhat from Shakespeare’s plot, but is especially notable for its original and highly sympathetic portrayal of the character
Also, don’t miss our Opening Night Gala, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz, and starring Susan Bullock and Richard BerkeleySteele alongside the Northern Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Stephen Barlow.
Antonin Dvorˇák—The Jacobin Antonin Dvorˇák and Johannes Brahms are often paired in easy but slightly lazy conversation, as are also Mahler and Bruckner, and Britten and Tippett. True, Brahms and Dvorˇák were near contemporaries, the former being 8 years older than the Czech composer who admired his senior colleague hugely, dedicating his 9th string quartet to him. Brahms was a thoroughly Northern European symphonist, travelling respectfully but happily in the furrow dug with such passion and strength of purpose by his hero Beethoven. At least Beethoven ventured once into the operatic genre, but Brahms never even dipped his foot into that pond. Dvorˇák however, with Bohemian tradition and the inspiration of the Prague Opera inculcated in him from an early age developed an urge to write for the stage. If it’s possible for a reputation to be negatively affected by enormous success and popularity of a few works, Dvorˇák’s certainly has suffered. Of his large number of compositions, a few have achieved a universal success that Brahms’ haven’t. His Symphony No. 9 ‘New World’, Cello Concerto and the Slavonic Dances are amongst some of the most enduring and popular classical works of
all. But these works, performed so often, have tended to leave behind those other masterpieces that make up his legacy. Outside Prague, Rusalka remains the most often performed of his Operas and there have been several new productions in recent years here in Britain. The Jacobin has become better known only latterly, and Buxton Festival’s 2014 production, directed by Stephen Unwin, will be the first for many years. Composed originally in 1888 and premiered in 1889 (revised finally in 1898) in close proximity to the composition of the 8th Symphony and Dvorˇák’s much hailed arrival in America, it combines much in the way of Bohemian community life, family values and relationships, comedy and affairs of the heart. It is certainly from Dvorˇák’s maturity, a masterly pen is at work. Musically, it’s inspiration is evident on every page. It seems strange to me now, having conducted The Jacobin in concert over 30 years ago, that it could ever be described as ‘a sentimental charmer’, and ‘charmingly light hearted’. We have to remember though that as a work is led into the spotlight we all get to know it better. Jan Smaczny, the most eminent of Czech music scholars and writers, says this: ‘For all its hilarity, and there are some wonderfully funny moments in this piece, The Jacobin is for much of its length very
dark indeed. And this is where its success lies: the love making of Jiri and Terinka would have little spice were it not under the threat of frustration at the hands of vengeful authority, and the homecoming of Bohus, the supposed “Jacobin” of the title, would be all flabby nostalgia but for the fact that he is in danger of his life. Marie Cervinkova-Riegrova’s libretto is among the best in the Czech tradition. Dvorˇák’s score turns it into a masterpiece.’ He goes further; ‘…the subtle rhythms and textures of the composer’s operatic manner in which acres of exquisite detail illuminate the drama with an insouciance that might have made Richard Strauss jealous.’ Our production will be sung in English, in a lucid translation by Rodney Blumer who hides nothing in his championship of Czech opera. The cast is led by Anna Patalong, a rising star, Matthew Best at his peak, Anne Sophie Duprels and Nicholas Lester, abetted by the marvellous Bonaventura Bottone as the schoolmaster. I commend to you Jiri Pinkas’ Supraphon recording as generically Bohemian, binding all the elements of folk derived tradition, power, passion and lyricism. Stephen Barlow Artistic Director The Jacobin production is supported by The Old Hall Hotel and Buxton Crescent and Thermal Spa Partnership.
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Literary Preview We have just wrapped up what promises to be the most lively literary series to date. We have more talks than ever before, and a cornucopia of authors and topics lined up for you.
15 July 2pm—Jans Ondaatje Rolls: The Bloomsbury Cookbook
23 July 2pm—Anthony King: The Blunders of our Governments
15 July 4.30pm—Hermione Lee: Penelope Fitzgerald—A Life
24 July 10.30am—James Naughtie: The Madness of July
16 July 10.30am– Robin HanburyTenison: The Modern Explorers
24 July 2pm—The Orwell Debate
Historians can hear Antonia Fraser discussing Mary, Queen of Scots, the subject that launched her career; Max Hastings on the Great War and Miranda Seymour on the long AngloGerman friendship that preceded it; Jung Chang on the concubine who ruled China, Peter Snow on Britain’s attack on The White House, and Linda Colley on union and disunion at a particularly topical time. A range of rare lives is brought before us: Jonathan Aitken recalls working with Margaret Thatcher, Alan Johnson recounts an extraordinary boyhood, Hermione Lee evokes the unlikely inspiration to Penelope Fitzgerald’s genius, and Lucinda Hawkesley the spirited independence of Princess Louise. Gardeners can learn from Sarah Raven’s account of Vita Sackville-West’s Sissinghurst, and foodies revel in Claudia Roden’s evocation of Italian cooking, or Jans Ondaatje’s Roll’s descriptions of Bloomsbury’s love affair with food. The world’s great explorers are brought to us by Robin-HanburyTennison, its great libraries by James Campbell, the letters of Cézanne by Alex Danchev, the vagaries of the art market by Philip Hook of Sotheby’s, and the stories behind her pottery business by Emma Bridgewater. Simon Jenkins and John Julius Norwich return by popular demand. All this, plus James Naughtie, Kate Adie and more.
16 July 2pm—Paddy Ashdown: A Bitter Victory
Louise Potter and Ariane Bankes Literary Series organisers
12 July 10.30am—John Julius Norwich: Darling Monster 12 July 2pm—Linda Colley: Acts of Union, Acts of Disunion 13 July 10.30am—Alex Danchev: The Letters of Paul Cézanne 13 July 2pm—Jonathan Aitken: Margaret Thatcher—Power & Personality 14 July 10.30am—James W P Campbell: The Library 14 July 2pm—Rachel Cooke: Her Brilliant Career 14 July 4.30pm—Clive Aslet: An Exuberant Catalogue of Dreams 15 July 10.30am—Peter Snow: When Britain Burned The White House
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17 July 10.30am—Antonia Fraser: Mary, Queen of Scots 17 July 2pm—Philippa Langley & Michael Jones: The King’s Grave: The Search for Richard III 17 July 5pm—Miranda Seymour: Noble Endeavours 18 July 10.30am—Claudia Roden: Italian Cooking 18 July 2pm—Sarah Raven: Vita Sackville-West’s Sissinghurst 18 July 4.30pm—John Goodby: Dylan Thomas 19 July 10.30am—Gyles Brandreth: The 7 Secrets of Happiness
24 July 4.30pm—Emma Bridgewater: Toast & Marmalade 25 July 10.30am—Lucinda Hawksley: The Mystery of Princess Louise 25 July 2pm—Max Hastings: Catastrophe: Europe Goes to War 1914 25 July 5pm—Samantha Norman, Nev Fountain, NJ Cooper, Zoe Sharp & John Lawton: The Crime Panel 26 July 10.30am—Margaret Drabble: The Pure Gold Baby 26 July 2pm—Lisa Appignanesi: Trials of Passion 27 July 10.30am—Toby Wilkinson: The Nile 27 July 2pm—Kirsty Wark: The Legacy of Elizabeth Pringle Also, new for 2014, we’re launching a series of ‘Evening with’ events for Sunday evenings in the Opera House: 13 July—An Evening with Jeffrey Archer 27 July—An Evening with Ranulph Fiennes
Competition: Win a signed copy of Alan Johnson’s Memoir This Boy
Gyles Brandreth
19 July 2pm—Simon Jenkins: England’s 100 Best Views 20 July 10.30am—Alan Johnson: This Boy 21 July 10.30am—Shirley Williams: Vera Brittain and The First World War 21 July 2pm—Jung Chang: Empress Dowager Cixi 21 July 4.30pm—Simon Heffer: Simply English 22 July 10.30am—Kate Adie: Fighting on the Home Front 22 July 2pm—Philip Hook: Breakfast at Sotheby’s 23 July 10.30am—Vicky Pryce: Prisonomics
FEBRUARY 2014 ❘ www.buxtonfestival.co.uk
Alan Johnson tells the story of his unusual childhood—one not so much difficult as unusual, particularly for a man who was destined to become Home Secretary. Not in respect of the poverty, which was shared with many of those living in the slums of post-war Britain, but in its transition from two-parent family to single mother and then to no parents at all. Alan Johnson’s in conversation with Dame Janet Smith will take place on Sunday 20 July at 10.30am in the Opera House. For your chance to win a signed copy of his book please email the answer to the following question along with your name and phone number to: info@buxtonfestival.co.uk Closing date: 7 March. Question: What was the last position Alan Johnson held in the last Labour Government?
Sponsorship News Festival Director of Fundraising David Heugh is delighted to confirm some major new sponsorship deals and confirmation of repeat support from existing sponsors. David said; ‘we are all aware that we are going through difficult financial times so it is a great vote of confidence that major companies can see the benefits of supporting this year’s July Festival and the Community Outreach Programme we deliver year round.’ A major new sponsor is the top international car manufacturer MercedesBenz. Tammy Butler. Marketing Manager of Mercedes-Benz South Yorkshire said ‘We are delighted to be associated with the 2014 Buxton Festival and to sponsor the Mercedes Opera Gala’ on 11 July, the first evening of the Festival. The Buxton Festival is a great opportunity for us to support and interact with those that enjoy the arts. Mercedes-Benz has strong links within the golf, racing and fashion industry…..and the Arts seem like a great tie as well! I know that we have a lot of customers who are very much looking forward to a different type of event to attend.’ Other new sponsors include the long established top Jewellery company
HL Brown and the Law Firm Banner Jones who will also become Festival Legacy Partners for North Derbyshire and Sheffield. The vote of confidence continues with repeat sponsorship already in from Virgin Trains, Old Hall Hotel and Buxton Crescent Hotel and Thermal Spa Partnership, 6 The Square Tea Rooms, Central Technology, Thornbridge Brewery, The Fox and Goose, Hidden Hearing and The Double Tree Hilton Hotels. Investec will continue their year round involvement by sponsoring the Friends Thornbridge Hall event on 13 April and also sponsor an event during the Festival. Last, but far from least, we are very pleased that Waterstones has confirmed that they will continue as the Literary Series sponsor and site their well-stocked book shop by the Opera House again. Last year, Waterstones e-mailed our Festival programme to over one million of their loyalty card holders thereby connecting us to an audience we never have reached. Getting sponsorship can often be a long hard slog so any good contacts or “dooropening” will be very welcome!
Membership News Thank you to all our members who have upgraded their membership for 2014 and also to those who sent a donation in addition to their subscriptions. Together you have helped raise an extra £10,000 towards supporting the Festival this year. Please note that members who have not renewed by 7 February will be removed from the membership list before personalised booking forms are printed. For the first time in five years we will be increasing our membership rates by £5 on 1 November 2014. The Membership Secretary will send out new Standing Order forms later in the year to all our members. When you receive the new mandate please could you respond promptly! And if you usually pay by
cheque could you please consider starting a Standing Order? This would save the Friends vital funds in not having to send out reminder letters. Please note that the Friends’ Committee has decided not to operate Direct Debits as a method of payment, due to the charges made by banks to manage the system. We know some larger charities do offer this method but as we are trying to keep our administration costs down and only increase subscriptions on average once every five years we feel your financial support will be better directed to the more visible and wonderful side of the Festival rather than paying bank charges! Thank you in advance for your kind cooperation and you need take no action at this time.
Directors Circle The future of Buxton Festival continues to depend on our ability to generate income from a ever-widening range of sponsors, advertisers and individual donors as well as from ticket sales and a relatively small level of public sector support. We are determined that the quality of this unique event will continue to rise, and that our ticket prices will remain affordable and attractive to the widest possible audience. Our plans also include the further development of the successful and valued Outreach Programme as well as Young Artists and Apprentice Programmes to encourage and support young talent. We are therefore launching the Buxton Festival Directors Circle, as a means of bringing together a small number of major donors to experience a closer relationship with the Festival and engage on a more personal level with our artists, directors and board. In recognition of their generous philanthropic support, the members of the Directors Circle will have access to social and company events and the opportunity to attach their name as supporters of individual concerts, literary events or even operas in the Festival programme. If you wish to know more about the Directors Circle please contact Randall Shannon, Executive Director: 01298 70395 or randall.shannon@ buxtonfestival.co.uk
New Festival Videos Last year we commissioned seven new videos to created for the Festival website. The Festival videographer Mo ElFatih, spent many hours filming the 2013 Festival and interviewing performers and people involved with the event. The new videos which feature all aspects of the Festival can be viewed on the Festival website and will also be promoted in e-shots to our database of over 13,000 contacts. A preview of one of the videos will be shown at the Friends’ Annual General Meeting on 7 February.
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Friends’ Events Booking form enclosed Annual General Meeting
Opera Study Day
Lee Wood Hotel, Buxton Friday, 7 February at 11.30am
Lee Wood Hotel, Buxton Friday, 2 May, 10.30am—4pm
All members welcome to attend and find out more about how the Friends is run and also details of the 2014 Festival.
This ever-popular event aims to enhance your enjoyment at the Festival with an introduction to the Festival productions. We have invited three leading musicologists; Simon Rees, Roger Witts and Terry Barfoot who all regularly give lectures on music. The day will start with welcome refreshments and include a 3-course lunch with wine and coffee. Tickets £45.
Yuanfan Yang Piano Recital and Lunch Thornbridge Hall, near Bakewell Sunday, 13 April at 12.30pm Sponsored by
We are delighted to be able to offer Friends an opportunity to attend a recital by the young pianist Yuanfan Yang who has been impressing audiences and critics alike since his performance at the BBC Young Musicians final in 2012. Yuanfan has won many competitions including the Keyboard category of the BBC Young Musician 2012 and the 2010 RNCM International Piano Competition. We are sure many of our members will wish to attend this event to hear such a talented pianist perform. This event will be held in the stunning Carriage House and Yuanfan Yang Ballroom at Thornbridge Hall. Thornbridge is a private residence rarely open to the public, so we are privileged to have been invited to this delightful property, set in 100 acres of parkland in the heart of the Peak District and just a short drive from Buxton. Tickets £45 including welcome drink, recital and 3-course lunch.
Spring Recital and Dinner Upper House, Kinder Road, Hayfield Wednesday, 14 May, 12.30pm
By kind invitation of Nicola Hudson we are delighted to offer to members this exciting opportunity to visit Upper House, once home to Sir James Watts, Lord Mayor of Manchester. The event will start with welcome drinks followed by a recital and dinner.
Upper House
Old Hall Hotel, Buxton Saturday, 12 July at 6.15pm
Come and enjoy a pre-performance drink and nibbles with other members of the Friends before tonight’s performance of The Jacobin in the historic Old Hall Hotel just opposite the theatre. Tickets £10.
This popular annual event is a nice way to end an evening at the opera. Come and share drinks and your views of the opera with fellow members of the Friends. We also invite the cast to join us for this post opera soirée. Tickets £20 including drinks and finger buffet.
Friends Lunch Old Hall Hotel, Buxton Sunday, 27 July at 12.30pm Mosaic Guitar Duo
For the recital, we are delighted to welcome Rebecca Parnell and Emma Smith—The Mosaic Guitar Duo. Sir James Watts, as Lord Mayor of Manchester and very wealthy textile merchant. His son, also James, became the brother-in-law of Agatha Christie who enjoyed many stays at the house. This beautiful home is surrounded by stunning tranquil countryside and isolated on one side by Kinder Scout which at 2,087 feet above sea level is the highest point in Derbyshire, on clear day it is said you can see the mountains of Snowdonia in North Wales. Our event will include music in the Banqueting Hall followed by dinner. Tickets £45.
November: Buxton Opera Break (Friends’ Weekend). Dates to be confirmed.
FEBRUARY 2014 ❘ www.buxtonfestival.co.uk
Drinks Reception
Old Hall Hotel, Buxton Friday, 18 July at 9.45pm
27 September: Concert and Dinner at Moorcroft House.
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For those members not able to join us at our events above we have organised several events during the Festival which we hope you will be able to join us for. These are:
Friends Party
Future events
Thornbridge Hall
Festival Friends Events
Past Friends’ lunches and dinners at the Old Hall Hotel have always been a must for members attending the Festival, a perfect way to renew acquaintances and meet new friends whilst sharing Festival experiences. This year the 3-course lunch with coffee will take place before the matinee of The Jacobin. Tickets £35.
Maiden Voyage Old Hall Hotel, Buxton Thursday, 1 May at 11.30am
David Nevell, Friends’ Committee member and frequent traveller on the Queen Mary 2, will give an illustrated talk on his association with the ship whilst giving the opportunity to view some of his QM2 collection, including a 1:350 scale replica of the ship, and other selected Cunard memorabilia. The proceeds from this event will go to support the Festival. Tickets £15 Including coffee and sandwich buffet lunch.
Averil Glatman It was with great sadness that the Festival learned of the death of Averil Glatman on 20 December 2013. She had been ill for some time and had faced the end with characteristic bravery and cheerfulness. Averil was a familiar figure to Buxton Festival audiences and to Friends of the Festival. She loved opera and supported the Festival for many years before joining the Board in October 2007. At the Festival, she would be seen, usually with a party of guests, in her favourite seats in the Dress Circle. She stood out, partly because she was always so beautifully dressed (handbags and shoes being her passions as well as opera) and partly because of her larger than life personality. She was always full of fun and joie de vivre. Averil was also a faithful supporter of Friends events and regularly went on the Friends Opera Holidays. Her energy and enthusiasm were remarkable. In 2012, she went with a group to New York
and, although by then she was in her late 70s, she went to the Met four nights running, including a five hour stint of Gotterdammerung. And did a bit of sightseeing. And lunched with friends, of whom she had many, all over the world. There was a serious side to Averil as well. She was a staunch and hardworking supporter of the Children’s Hospital in Sheffield. She began working with them in 1976, fundraising and helping in the life of the hospital. She was still involved up to the time of her final illness. The Festival Board will miss Averil Glatman and Janet Smith Averil greatly. She was very knowledgeable about opera and had a lively contribution what we should or should not do. But to make to any discussion about perhaps what we will miss most of all will repertoire. She also knew a great deal be her presence and the warmth of her about fundraising—what was feasible extraordinary personality. and what was not. We will miss her Dame Janet Smith strong, even passionately held, views on Chairman, Buxton Festival
Friends Summer Opera Holidays Celebrate Richard Strauss’ 150th birthday with an excellent production of his best loved opera Rosenkavalier in Leipzig in early June. Strauss combines with Tchaikovsky’s darkly and powerfully dramatic Pique Dame and with a Wagner rarity Die Feen, his first opera, a Romantic fantasy
composed when only twenty. Our fournight holiday from 5 June explores the Baroque musical legacy of Leipzig and Halle, with visits to the Bach Museum and Handel’s birthplace. Germany calls the years leading to 2017 the ‘Luther Decade’ marking the 500th anniversary of the posting of the 95 theses on the castle church door in Wittenberg. Travelling through ‘Luther Country’ we have guided
tours in both Wittenberg and Torgau. La Fenice is one of the world’s finest opera houses, with tickets much in demand. We are delighted to have secured seats for two productions in mid-September: Verdi’s Il trovatore and Rossini’s L’inganno felice. Based in the comfort of the Venice Lido for four nights from 15 September, our opera holiday offers a combination of guided tours and free time. Friends have the opportunity to see the Buxton Festival and Clonter Opera on our two-night weekend break, July 18 and 19. Buxton brings to the stage Dvorak’s rarely heard The Jacobin, an opera both comic and dark, based around Czech village life. Clonter Opera celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2014. We can enjoy Gounod’s Faust in a bucolic Cheshire setting, country house style, with included interval dining (performance is indoors). Visits are included to two of Cheshire’s finest ‘Black-and-White’ houses, Little Moreton and Gawsworth Halls. Please see enclosed brochure for full details and call Grosvenor Travel, 01492 547744, for additional information and to join any of these trips.
www.buxtonfestival.co.uk ❘ FEBRUARY 2014
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The Buxton Spa Prize—the prestigious ‘en plein air’ art competition launching in 2014 Created by artists, for artists, The Buxton Spa Prize gives artists the opportunity to paint ‘en plein air’ in beautiful locations around Buxton during May, June and July. There will be prizes of up to £5,000 to be won, as well as the opportunity for artists to showcase their work to potential buyers. Entries will be submitted in August for a September exhibition. For further details on this unique art competition visit www.buxtonspaprize.co.uk
Derbyshire Times Business Award Buxton Festival received the Creative Innovation Award at the Derbyshire Times Business Awards for displaying the highest level of innovation in developing their organisation.
Derbyshire business contacts in November at Chesterfield Football Club’s Proact Stadium. Buxton Festival’s Executive Director Randall Shannon comments: “Buxton Festival has become an important creative and also economic force and we are delighted to receive this recognition from the Derbyshire business community”.
The award was presented during a black tie ceremony attended by over 200
Accommodation and Peak District Visitor Guide—available now! For helpful advice on booking your accommodation for the Festival, call the team at Buxton Tourist Information Office Tel: 01298 25106 or email: tourism@highpeak.gov.uk Visit Peak District and Derbyshire, the area’s official Tourist Board have also produced a beautiful 100 page guide to the area which has detailed information on accommodation in Buxton and the surrounding Peak District as well information on many places to visit and new experiences. To obtain a guide visit www.visitpeakdistrict.com or call the Buxton Tourist Information office on the number above.
Award sponsor Jane Brown, Liz Mackenzie and BBC presenter Claire Frisby
Manchester Theatre Awards Nomination Buxton Festival has been nominated for three Manchester Theatre Awards. Nominations are for the Festival production of La finta giardiniera and La Voix Humaine in the Best Opera category and for its double bill production of La Colombe and La Princess Jaune in the Best Design category. Over one hundred nominations were chosen by an independent panel of theatre experts. Randall Shannon, the Festival’s Executive Director commented. ‘it’s always exciting
to be nominated, but to receive three nominations in these prestigious awards is particularly rewarding for all involved in creating and delivering our productions. The 2013 productions were well received by our valued audience and critics.’ The award ceremony will take place on 7 March at the Royal Exchange in Manchester.
Festival Chairman: Dame Janet Smith Executive Director: Randall Shannon Artistic Director: Stephen Barlow Friends’ Patron: Donald Maxwell Friends’ Chairman: Louise Potter Buxton Festival Foundation Chairman: Ian Johnston Buxton Arts Festival Limited: Registered Charity No. 276957
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FEBRUARY 2014 ❘ www.buxtonfestival.co.uk
Friends of Buxton Festival: Registered Charity No. 513970