NORTHUMBERLAND
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Classical • opera • traditional music
9th - 18th November 2012
www.nmfestival.com
www.nmfestival.com
01668 283 100
Welcome
W
e were delighted by the response to the inaugural Northumberland Music Festival in 2011. The audiences were enthusiastic, proving that the music we had chosen was both popular and exciting, and so it is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the Northumberland Music Festival 2012
Advert
The programme features some of the favourites from last year, alongside some new additions. The ‘headline act’, world class opera company Opera North, builds on our desire to highlight the wealth of musical talent in the North of England. Again, we have included a mixture of music, from opera and Gilbert & Sullivan to chamber music, traditional Northumbrian music and brass, performed by talented young people as well as established professional musicians. There is something to tempt all tastes. We would hope that each event is a complete cultural experience of which the music is a major, but not the only, part. Being in a great building such as Doxford, Eshott or Guyzance, eating wonderful food, and enjoying great music makes the whole evening a literal cultural feast. People’s spirits fall when the daylight hours disappear and the clocks go back, so a November festival is intended to bring brightness and cheer to one of the darker months of the year – a happy interlude between autumn and Christmas. Many people look forward to winter as a time when they get out and socialise in the evenings – so an early winter/late autumn music festival is a good way of kick starting the winter social season. And the best parties always have good music in attendance! We hope to see you there. Gina and Robert Parker
Living North is delighted to be involved once again with the Northumberland Music Festival. The overall quality and variety of the performers as well as the diversity and excellence of the venues will once more showcase first class hospitality and performance – what could be a better combination? It is a credit to all involved that this programme is rich in variety, and we wish Robert Parker and all involved all the success they deserve in hosting such an outstanding series of events. Julian West, Living North
NORTHUMBERLAND
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Classical • opera • traditional music
Produced for the Northumberland Music Festival in association with Living North Studio 2, St Nicholas Chare, Newcastle NE1 1RJ 0191 261 8944 www.livingnorth.com
9th - 18th November 2012
Contributing Photographer: Icon Image Library / Peter Atkinson
All details correct at the time of going to press
www.nmfestival.com
3
NORTHUMBERLAND
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Classical • opera • traditional music
www.nmfestival.com
9th - 18th November 2012
01668 283 100
In Conversation With Robert Parker Robert Parker, with his wife Gina, is the owner of Guyzance, Eshott and Doxford, and one of the driving forces behind the Northumberland Music Festival
see some wonderful Northumberland houses, as well as to hear, see, and taste something wonderful in them. And after all, the Festival is part of an overall experience that might not have been unfamiliar to the people who lived in the three houses when they were first built. Quality always lasts, and the three houses and the music – from classical to brass – have also lasted. Why do you think people still appreciate them?
This is the second year of the festival: how are you aiming to build on the first year?
This year’s ‘headline act’, Opera North, builds on our desire to strengthen the focus on what we can do in our region. From small beginnings such as this we hope to grow year on year, and so the programme includes some of the favourites from the first year and some new. Our commitment to local music continues – the traditional music of the county is loved, listened to and played by young and old alike. The Country House is the home of chamber music and the accomplished pianist, and so we have an exciting chamber group playing, Liquid Architecture, as well as a welcome return from pianist Murray McLachlan and the students of Chetham’s. There is something to tempt last year’s patrons and to bring in new ones too. How do you see the festival making a contribution to the local community?
From the well known artists to the young people involved, all play to a professional standard, and have their own followings. We are widening the interest in them to our own festival audience, and helping to bring a great cultural experience to people on their doorstep. We’re also involved in supporting local charities who will benefit from a percentage of ticket sales. Your belief in excellence is something that drives all three of your properties – to what extent do Eshott Hall, Guyzance Hall and Doxford Hall reflect the music that they will be hosting?
I would hope that each event is a complete cultural experience of which the music is a major, but not the only, part. Being in a great building, eating wonderful food, and enjoying great music makes the whole evening a literal cultural feast. It’s an opportunity to
4
www.nmfestival.com
It is like Shakespeare and Milton – great work is eternal. It is the same with architecture. One of the evenings is presented by an octet, Liquid Architecture – the name is an adaptation of a quote from Goethe, ’The best form of architecture is frozen music’. So the link between the soaring harmonies in music and the elegant structures in a great hall is one which is often made – and, of course, both can be pretty memorable and inspiring. Northumberland has a feeling of tranquillity that is rarely matched. How does the music at the festival reflect the character of Northumberland?
Northumberland has a reputation for calm and peace which is often the product of music, and its effect on our emotions. However, local life is by no means quiet – Northumbrians like their music both live, and lively. So the Festival will reflect the inner lives of the people who live here – and sometimes might take your thoughts into the moors and hillsides around you. You are also strong supporters of local produce. What can you tell us about the food and drink offering at the festival?
We made a decision that every evening would be a dining experience in its own right – and that the food would be of a very high quality. Our Chefs are focusing on local and seasonal ingredients – whether it is from our own gardens at Eshott, or from the farms, fishermen or markets of Northumberland and the Borders. We intend that what is served at dinner will be as good as anything to be heard at the concerts. What are your hopes for the festival in the future?
To build on it, and put the Northumberland Music Festival, and Northumberland itself, on the map. We will develop a programme for 2013 that responds to what we hear this autumn – what goes in will depend on the response of this year’s audience, and what people tell us they love to listen to. The great country house festivals of the south – the Glyndebournes and the Aldeburghs – have enormous reputations that were built on modest beginnings and the enthusiasm of the pioneers who started them. So who can say where our enthusiasm and our audiences will take us?
Scaling The Heights The award-winning Opera North is one of the most respected opera companies in the country, inspiring audiences, engaging communities and challenging preconceptions about opera. The company is just as much at home in an intimate country house as in a vast concert hall, making Opera North an ideal addition to the Northumberland Music Festival programme this year
N ‘
orth East audiences are very important to us,’ says Martin Pickard, Opera North’s Head of Music. ‘We’re based in Leeds but tour widely; we come to Newcastle’s Theatre Royal three times a year, as well as the major concerts we hold at The Sage, Gateshead. When we heard about the Northumberland Music Festival, we were delighted at the prospect of moving further into one of the most beautiful rural parts of the region, and hopefully reaching audiences that we might not meet in the city.’ Working within a theatre is quite a controlled environment. Everything is timed and coordinated to a specific run order, with sets, costumes, orchestra and performers adhering to a time schedule. In contrast, opera performed in alternative venues such as Eshott, Guyzance or Doxford Hall can be quite liberating in the sense that it is all about the singing. Martin says, ‘There are comparatively few challenges and lots of pleasures in tailoring a concert to venues like these. For performers it’s nice to do things on a smaller scale and to look the audience in the eyes. It feels more personal, especially when the audience is numbered in three figures rather than in thousands – it feels like everyone is in it together, all part of the same event. Grand opera is wonderful but can sometimes feel a bit distant. There’s a tradition in country houses where the lady of the house and the daughters would perform – you see it in Jane Austen’s books – but also the finest professional performers would visit to entertain.’ Live opera brings together all the art forms of music, drama and storytelling and is certainly best experienced live and up close. The operas that work best for smaller venues are those with much more intimate arias; beautiful pieces of music from operas such as Madame Butterfly or La Bohème. It is a chance to get very close to the emotional intensity of opera, to observe the fine details of communication between the performers and their characters. Bigger venues suit bigger voices and a larger cast, so you can really see and experience the expansive scale of opera – something like Wagner or a larger Verdi. For the Northumberland Music Festival, three of Opera North’s most talented young singers will be performing some of the most recognisable opera arias and duets, as well as a few less well known pieces by celebrated composers. ‘It’s the perfect opportunity to discover opera for the first time,’ Martin says. ‘We’ve chosen the material based on the three singers – when you take certain voices and personalities, there are often pieces that naturally suggest themselves. La Boheme, with the famous arias and duet, was a natural choice, for example. We’ve also been careful to relate some of the concert to the main Opera North offering this season – part of Faust, and some of Mozart’s less well known pieces. It means that everyone, from established opera fans to those experiencing it for the first time, will be able to come and see the main show when it comes to Newcastle, if they wish. The concert will effectively be Opera North in miniature. We’ve tried to combine pieces people will know or at least recognise, with music by some of the great composers that isn’t often performed. It will hopefully mean that even people who know their opera will find something to surprise.’ For the full Opera North programme see pages 12 & 13
www.nmfestival.com
5
NORTHUMBERLAND
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Classical • opera • traditional music
www.nmfestival.com
9th - 18th November 2012
01668 283 100
A Peep Behind The Scenes
l
iving out his retirement as Chief Ghillie of the Guyzance Estate beats of the River Coquet, John Cannon is envied by many an angler Northumberland wide. John, who has been fishing the Coquet since he was just 12 years old, spends his days showing fishing guests along the three mile beat and monitoring the fishlife and bank conditions. Having fished the Coquet River for fifty years, John knows the fish and the water like the back of his hand. Four rods are allowed on the beat at once, and John keeps an eye on the bank and branches, providing a fishing expedition that is safe but looks just as it would have done 100 years ago. The average
Guests at the magnificent Georgian Doxford Hall, elegant country house Eshott Hall and 19th century private family home Guyzance Hall can’t fail to be awed by the glorious interiors and extensive grounds. Here three key members of staff reveal what goes on behind the scenes to ensure guests see the properties at their best.
g
uests most often spot Esmond (Ezzie) Black with a pair of shears in his hands or pushing a lawnmower. The average garden in the United Kingdom is 90 metres square, but as Head Gardener at Doxford Hall, Ezzie looks after almost 15 acres of grounds and gardens. During the main season, around half his week is spent cutting grass. He also has over a mile of hedges to maintain, as well as rose beds and the hotel’s own vegetable garden. The gardens are a mixture of rose beds, herbaceous borders, and seasonal flowers. Over fifty percent of the bedding plants are grown by Ezzie in his greenhouse, and this year over 400 plants have been taken out and replanted in the grounds. In Doxford’s large walled vegetable garden Ezzie grows produce for the hotel kitchen, such as potatoes, onions, and broad beans. In the greenhouses he grows cucumbers and tomatoes, and the orchard is a reliable source of peaches, pears, apples and
6
www.nmfestival.com
raspberries. Ezzie liaises with the chefs about the kitchen’s needs and the restaurant has an abundant supply of fresh herbs. Hedge cutting is a major part of his job, with in the region of a mile of hedges to clip annually in addition to Doxford Hall’s Yew Tree Maze – the largest yew tree maze in the UK. This 1,200 metre labyrinth was planted to mark the Millennium, and guests have been known to get lost in amongst the 3,200 yew trees! As Head Gardener of such an extensive garden, Ezzie says that his biggest challenge is without a doubt the weather. ‘The weather very much affects what is happening, so each day is different – it is certainly not monotonous. The best part of the job is being in the great outdoors, planting something from seed and watching it grow, and seeing the guests admire our gardens as a major feature of the Doxford Hall experience.’
www.nmfestival.com
7
NORTHUMBERLAND
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Classical • opera • traditional music
www.nmfestival.com
9th - 18th November 2012
01668 283 100
depth of the river is three to four feet, so when conditions lend themselves, John ensures his expeditions have a chance to enjoy fly fishing, and he even makes a lot of his own spinners. Every day and every year is different and the river conditions change constantly. This year has seen some excellent fishing: since March, 62 fish have been caught, primarily salmon. Later in the season will see the arrival of sea trout and grilse. The riverbanks are a haven for wildlife, including deer, otters, woodpeckers, kingfishers and buzzards.
When asked what state the rooms are left in, Clare will only say: ‘You never know what the room is going to be like until you open the door! I truly love my job, it is a very friendly atmosphere and we are very much a team with a total reliance on each other. And with a building as elegant and timeless as Eshott Hall, who would want to work anywhere else?’
S
Guests who are staying at Guyzance Hall, Eshott Hall and Doxford Hall are welcome to fish the Coquet beats by prior arrangement. John will point them in the right direction, and if required is more than happy to offer advice and assistance. He will also accompany guests for the day if they so wish.
Guyzance Hall sleeps a total of 29 guests, making it the perfect destination for friends and family to celebrate a special occasion or gather for a relaxing break. The Hall offers traditionally decorated rooms, extensive gardens, a games room, indoor swimming pool, tennis court and even salmon and trout fishing; the perfect country experience. There are four accommodation properties on the estate, each sleeping between five and eight guests, boasting fully equipped kitchens and private gardens. Dogs are welcome, and all properties can be hired for a week or short break. The nearby Eshott Hall is one of Northumberland’s most beautiful Georgian houses, offering five star boutique accommodation and an AA rosette restaurant. In the quaint Lavender Courtyard are two cottages housed in the old stable block and sleeping from four to six guests each. In the eaves of Eshott Hall itself is the Crow’s Nest apartment, which sleeps between four and six, as well as the recently refurbished detached Dove Cottage, offering five ensuite bedrooms. Guests at any of Eshott’s self catering properties can stroll through the delightful grounds, play a game on the tennis court and sample the delicious menu on offer at the Hall.
lare Dell has been housekeeping for a number of years, but her position as Head Housekeeper at Eshott Hall is, she says, her best job yet.
With 25 bedrooms in all, divided between the hotel and its five self-catering properties, it is a challenging position with swift time frames and a sterling reputation to uphold. Clare works with a team of six to change up to eleven rooms a day and service 23 bathrooms. She also ensures that every room across the hotel, from the library to the linen cupboard, is spotless and that the silver is shining, the bronze bright and the windows completely streak-free. Eshott Hall has some open fires, and although the cleaning out of the fires is the responsibility of the night porters, Clare’s team do have to blacken the fireplace grates and polish the brass. The biggest challenge of her job is making sure every room is kept at an absolute five star standard, 100% of the time. Spring cleaning is not just kept to the spring, and every month the entire hotel is overhauled, with the team of housekeepers ensuring that every cornice and skirting board is as neat as a new pin. Clare’s favourite aspect of Eshott Hall is the entrance hall, especially when the sun is shining through the magnificent stained glass window. The house is old and full of history but she is yet to find any secret passageways or hidden rooms. It takes around 45 minutes to service a room totally and sometimes the turnaround time between guests can be tight.
8
www.nmfestival.com
Northumberland is one of the country’s most popular holiday destinations and, with glorious scenery, a wealth of things to do, and spectacular accommodation, it ticks every box
elf catering offers a home away from home, and the flexibility to enjoy your holiday the way you choose. Eat in, or at that lovely pub down the road. Have a lie-in and enjoy breakfast at a time that suits you, and unwind with a DVD in your very own living room. To explore the truly beautiful area of Northumberland, the self catering accommodation at Guyzance Hall, Eshott Hall and Doxford Hall offer the perfect base.
John says he struggles to see the position as a job: ‘It is really a passion – this job is the best thing that ever happened to me and I certainly take advantage of any opportunity to take a seat and throw my rod in. I love that every day is different – I never know who I am going to meet or what I am going to see.’
c
Stay A Little
Doxford Hall offers two recently refurbished houses available on a self catering basis in its rolling grounds, with the Head Gardener’s Cottage sleeping six, and the North Lodge sleeping five. This four star accommodation is available for short breaks and weekly lets, and is in the perfect location to enjoy the area’s finest castles and beaches. Guests are welcome to enjoy the on site leisure facilities, spa, restaurant and bar.
DoxforD HAll HoTel AnD SPA
Chathill, Alnwick, Northumberland NE67 5DN Telephone: 01665 589 700 Email: info@doxfordhall.com www.doxfordhall.com
eSHoTT HAll CounTry HouSe exPerienCe
Eshott, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE65 9EN Telephone: 01670 787 454 Email: info@eshotthall.co.uk www.eshotthall.co.uk
GuyzAnCe HAll
Guyzance, Acklington, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE65 9AG Telephone: 01665 589 700 Email: info@guyzancehall.co.uk www.guyzancehall.co.uk
If a break in the Welsh borders beckons instead, the quiet site of Woodland Park Lodge offers traditional wood cabins nestled in the forest, perfect for families and couples alike. Rustic only from the outside, each cabin boasts an open plan lounge, kitchen and dining area, and includes all modern conveniences. Sleeping two to eight people, each one is uniquely designed – some with ensuites and hot tubs, providing a unique luxury holiday experience. Nearby attractions include Chester Zoo, Alton Towers, West Midland Safari Park and the magnificent Snowdonia National Park. www.guyzancehall.co.uk www.eshotthall.co.uk www.doxfordhall.com www.woodlandparklodges.co.uk
www.nmfestival.com
9
NORTHUMBERLAND
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Classical • opera • traditional music
www.nmfestival.com
9th - 18th November 2012
01668 283 100
Variety Is The Spice Whether exploring the delights of the grounds at Eshott, getting lost in Doxford’s world famous maze, fishing on Guyzance’s private section of winding river, or simply relaxing in the beautiful surroundings, the hotels are much more than a place to rest your head
W
ithin close proximity to many of the area’s attractions and delights and set in 800 picturesque acres, the estate of Guyzance Hall is the perfect choice for a range of activities, whether a family break or a get-together with friends. Take a dip in the Hall’s indoor heated swimming pool before making use of the all-weather tennis court. As the ultimate country house experience, accommodating 29 guests and boasting large reception rooms and a ballroom, whether you book over the weekend or a whole week, the Hall can be exclusively yours. There are four accommodation properties on the estate boasting fully equipped kitchens and private gardens. All three properties are regularly used for private parties shooting on local estates. Guyzance Hall’s private three and a half mile section of bank on the River Coquet is ideal for a lazy afternoon fishing for salmon and sea trout in an idyllic setting. Any resident staying at Guyzance, Doxford or Eshott can bring their own rod and take advantage of the salmon season, running from the beginning of February through to the end of October, and the sea trout season which runs from 22nd March to the end of September. The hotel kitchens can organise a packed lunch to accompany your venture, and guidance is offered by the resident ghillie, who can show you the best spots in which to fish. Guyzance also offers a range of corporate pursuits. The 17th century Eshott Hall is one of Northumberland’s most elegant Georgian houses, offering five star boutique accommodation and an AA rosette restaurant just ten minutes off the A1 and only a half hour drive from Newcastle city centre. For any green-fingered guests, midweek gardening breaks are offered at the Hall, including a two night stay, dinner, traditional breakfast, cream tea on arrival and visits to three of the area’s most stunning gardens: Wallington, Belsay and The Alnwick Garden, with a gift
10
www.nmfestival.com
from the Hall’s gardener on departure. The Hall also plays host to a wide range of monthly Ladies’ Luncheon events to suit any taste, from cookery demonstrations to cake decoration and Christmas wreath making. An indulgent two-course lunch with a glass of wine, coffee and mints is included. The hotel is also available for exclusive hire for weddings and events. The four star Doxford Hall hosts a range of both residential and non-residential pampering breaks based around its on-site luxury Spa. The Hall is within close range of many of Northumberland’s finest golf courses, including the famous Bamburgh Castle Golf Course where the hotel can arrange preferential rates for you. Doxford can also organise gardening breaks, while the popular ‘Brolly Break’ is perfect for a short getaway, including two nights in the lavish accommodation with a third night free, dinner, cream tea and a bottle of Prosecco on arrival, a complimentary spa treatment and a free Doxford Hall umbrella. Guests are welcome to enjoy the onsite leisure facilities, AA Rosette restaurant and bar. Northumberland is a county often hailed as a bird watcher’s paradise, and a variety of breaks on offer at Doxford Hall are run in conjunction with Northern Experience Wildlife Tours to make the most of the spectacular scenery and wildlife associated with the beautiful Northumberland coast. The ‘Wildlife Break’ is perfect for enthusiasts or first time birdwatchers, and with no noise or light pollution, the grounds are extensive and home to an abundance of wildlife. Red squirrels, deer, peregrines and red kites are frequently spotted nearby – Doxford Hall’s most regular visitor is Cyril the squirrel – or take a trip to the north and south Northumberland coast to Bamburgh, Budle Bay or Lindisfarne to witness rare wildlife in an unparalleled setting. Whether you’re looking to embark upon a break filled with new countryside experiences, or unwind on an indulgent getaway, Doxford, Guyzance and Eshott Halls offer something for everyone, in unbeatable settings. Eshott Hall, Eshott, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE65 9EN 01670 787454 www.eshotthall.co.uk Doxford Hall Hotel and Spa, Chathill, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE67 5DN 01665 589 700 www.doxfordhall.com Guyzance Hall, Acklington, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE65 9AG 01665 589 700 www.guyzancehall.co.uk
www.nmfestival.com
11
NORTHUMBERLAND
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Classical • opera • traditional music
www.nmfestival.com
9th - 18th November 2012
01668 283 100
An Evening With Opera North
Programme
Friday 9th November – Eshott Hall Saturday 10th November – Eshott Hall
Beethoven Fidelio
Mozart
La Clemenza di Tito
Duet: Jetzt, Schätzchen jetzt sind wir allein
(Adrian Dwyer / Stephanie Corley)
Aria: Torna di Tito
(Rebecca Afonwy-Jones)
Duet: Ah, perdona il primo affetto
The Gala Opening to the second Northumberland Music Festival will once again be an Opera Concert. This year it will be performed by Opera North, one of the UK’s leading Opera Houses. An Evening with Opera North presents the best in their repertoire within the magical intimacy of Eshott Hall.
Stephanie Corley (soprano)
Stephanie Corley was born in Hertfordshire. She is currently performing as Kristina in Opera North’s production of The Makropulos Case (2012), and has previously appeared with the Company in the lead role of Hanna Glawari in Lehar’s The Merry Widow (2010/11). She has performed with opera companies throughout the UK and overseas, with roles including Desdemona in Otello (Birmingham Opera Company; Dorset Opera); Musetta in La Bohème (Nationale Reisopera, Netherlands); Hanna Glawari in The Merry Widow (Opera North and Scottish Opera); Pamina in Die Zauberflöte, Marzelline in Fidelio (Glyndebourne); Ines in Il trovatore (Holland Park); and Cio-Cio San in Madama Butterfly (Mid-Wales Opera). Stephanie has also appeared in concert with the Orchestra of Opera North, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hallé, Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in venues including the Barbican, Royal Albert Hall, O2 Centre and Bridgewater Hall. She has worked with conductors including Oliver von Dohnányi, Stephen Barlow, Nicholas Kok, Andrew Greenwood and Gianluca Marciano, and with directors including Graham Vick, Bill Bankes-Jones, Daniel Slater, John Copley, John Ramster, John La Bouchardiere, Anneliese Miskimmon, Mike McCarthy and Harry Fehr.
(Stephanie Corley / Rebecca Afonwy-Jones)
Adrian Dwyer (tenor)
Adrian was born in Melbourne, Australia and studied in London at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the National Opera Studio. He is currently singing the role of Janek Prus in Opera North’s production of The Makropulos Case (2012). He has previously appeared as Cherevin and Young Prisoner in From the House of the Dead (2011).
Gounod Faust
Aria: Faites-lui mez aveux Aria: Oh Dieu! Que de bijoux
(Stephanie Corley)
Donizetti
Anna Bolena
Puccini
La Bohème
www.nmfestival.com
Aria: È sgrombro il loco
(Rebecca Afonwy-Jones)
Aria: Che gelida manina
(Adrian Dwyer )
Aria: Si, mi chiamano Mimi
(Stephanie Corley)
Duet: Oh soave fanciulla
(Stephanie Corley / Adrian Dwyer )
Smetana
Rebecca Afonwy-Jones
The Bartered Wife
Adrian Dwyer
Massenet Werther
Rebecca Afonwy-Jones made her Opera North debut in 2012 as the Chambermaid in The Makropulos Case. She studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Alexander Gibson Opera School at the Royal Scottish Academy. She has worked for British Youth Opera, Rostov State Theatre, Wexford Festival, and Garsington Opera.
Mozart
Le nozze di Figaro
Duet: If you would only let me speak
(Stephanie Corley / Adrian Dwyer )
Duet: Il faut nous séparer
(Rebecca Afonwy-Jones / Adrian Dwyer )
Aria: Deh vieni
(Stephanie Corley)
Aria: Voi che sapete
(Rebecca Afonwy-Jones)
In 2010 she sang Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro and the Composer in Ariadne auf Naxos at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama; Serenade to Music at the BBC Proms; and the title role in Carmen on tour with Scottish Opera. In 2011 she sang Fox in The Cunning Little Vixen (RSAM&D); Countess Ceprano in Rigoletto and Resi in Intermezzo for Scottish Opera. At the beginning of the 2010/11 season she became a Scottish Opera Emerging Artist.
Duet: Sull’aria...che soave zeffiretto
(Stephanie Corley / Rebecca Afonwy-Jones)
Bizet
Carmen
Offenbach
The Tales of Hoffmann
Rebecca Afonwy-Jones
12
(Rebecca Afonwy-Jones)
Stephanie Corley
His previous operatic roles include Bénédict in Béatrice et Bénédict (Opera Comique, Paris); Francesco in Benvenuto Cellini (Orchestre de Paris); Rodolfo in La Bohème (Baz Luhrmann’s TONY award-winning production, Los Angeles); Count Almaviva in Il barbiere di Siviglia (Scottish Opera); Arturo in Lucia di Lammermoor (English National Opera); Lensky in Eugene Onegin (Aldeburgh); Roderigo in Otello (Birmingham Opera Company); Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni (Opera Holland Park); Jeník in The Bartered Bride (Mid-Wales Opera); and Alfredo in La traviata (Opera Queensland).
(mezzo soprano)
Aria: Salut, demeure chaste et pure
(Adrian Dwyer)
J Strauss
The Gypsy Baron
Aria: La fleur que tu m’avais jetée
(Adrian Dwyer )
Duet: Barcarolle
(Stephanie Corley / Rebecca Afonwy-Jones)
Trio: Treasure Trio
(Stephanie Corley / Rebecca Afonwy-Jones /Adrian Dwyer)
www.nmfestival.com
13
NORTHUMBERLAND
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Classical • opera • traditional music
www.nmfestival.com
9th - 18th November 2012
01668 283 100
The Reg Vardy Band
Liquid architecture
Sunday 11th November – Doxford Hall
Monday 12th November – Lunchtime Interactive Rehearsal and Concert – Eshott Hall Monday 12th November – Evening Concert – Eshott Hall Lunchtime and Evening Performances
Performers Tristan Gurney – Violin Kate Lindon – Violin Carol Ella – Viola Rosalind Acton – Cello Nicola Davenport – Bass John Davy – Horn Stuart Russell – Bassoon Richard Russell – Clarinet
Programme 1st Half
The Band was formed in 1910 as Craghead Colliery Band in the village of Craghead near Stanley, Co. Durham. The Band achieved championship section status in 1959, a position they have maintained ever since. Since that time, the Band have won the North of England Area Championships 33 times, and represented the North of England region at the National Finals 44 times since 1962. After featuring in the prizes in all the major UK competitions over the years, including third at the 2004 National Brass Band Championships, the Band were delighted to become Grand Shield winners in May 2011 during their centenary year. After 12 years of self-financing they were fortunate to gain sponsorship from the leading car dealer in the North of England, Reg Vardy plc, from 1st March 2004. The band represented England and the UK at the first World Brass Band Championships in Kerkrade, Netherlands in July 2005, being placed fifth, and competes in all the major UK Band Championships. The Band regularly appears on radio and TV and their latest CD, Crusader, a recording of the works of Dean Goffin in aid of the Clarence Adoo Trust, was released in May and has received some excellent reviews as well as raising funds for a very worthy cause.
14
www.nmfestival.com
Ray Farr (MD) Ray is renowned throughout the world as a conductor and arranger of many pieces for Brass Band. He has been involved with the Reg Vardy Band since 2001 and is now Conductor in Residence at Durham University.
Liz Cook The Band’s Solo Euphonium player is rapidly becoming a rising star in the upper echelons of the Brass Band movement, and has been a consistent
and outstanding performer with the Band in the last few years.
Steven Hardy Steve, the Band’s Solo Horn player, is another exceptional talent and highly regarded throughout the country for his performances.
Kevin Chisholm Kevin, on Solo Trombone, is one of the Band’s newest members, but joined with an excellent reputation as both a soloist and section leader.
The Programme
Liquid Architecture is an award-winning ensemble representing three families of the orchestra – strings, wind and brass; comprising of a string quartet, double bass, clarinet, bassoon and horn. Formed by outstanding graduates of the UK’s leading conservatoires, they aim to excel in their interpretation of classical works, champion neglected repertoire and promote new music for mixed ensembles. The ensemble first came together in 2005 to perform the Schubert Octet at the inaugural Chelsea Schubert Festival. The name is inspired by a quote from Goethe: ‘The best form of architecture is frozen music’, with the theory that the inverse is also true: the best form of music is Liquid Architecture. The ensemble has continued to perform in venues around London including The Forge, Lauderdale House, St Olave’s Tower Hill, St John’s Waterloo, St Peter’s Vauxhall, St Saviour’s Pimlico, Holy Trinity Sloane Square and Regent Hall. In 2007 the ensemble gave the World Premiere of the octet by Philip Sawyers and performed music by Beethoven & Schubert for the Schubert Institute U.K.
The first half will feature pieces synonymous with Armistice Services held throughout the country including Nimrod (from the Enigma Variations), Walford Davies Solemn Melody, and Evening Hymn & Sunset.
They will present a varied programme of music, closing with their renowned Schubert’s Octet.
The second half will include items the Band regularly features in their renowned, highly entertaining concert programmes and will include Olympic Fanfare & Theme, a selection from Oklahoma and the finale from Swan Lake.
The lunchtime concert takes the form of an interactive rehearsal workshop guaranteed to engage both players and audience in the deepest points of the music.
Rhapsodic Quintet, op. 31 (1919) Herbert Howells (1908-99) • • • •
Moderato Allegro scherzoso Andantino Allegro feroce
Octuor (1972) Jean Francaix (1912-1997) • • • •
Moderato – Allegrissimo Scherzo Andante Mouvement de Valse
INTerVaL 2nd Half Octet, D. 803 (1824) Franz Schubert (1797-1828) • • • • • •
Adagio – Allegro Adagio Allegro vivace Andante Menuetto: Allegro Andante molto – Allegro
www.nmfestival.com
15
NORTHUMBERLAND
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Classical • opera • traditional music
www.nmfestival.com
9th - 18th November 2012
01668 283 100
Chetham’s School Of Music
& Murray Mclachlan - Piano Recital Tuesday 13th November – Guyzance Hall
DOMINIC DEGAVINO was born in July 1995 and grew up in Milton Keynes. He has been studying piano since he was six years old. His first teacher was David Farr. Since 2005 Dominic has been a student at Chetham’s School of Music where he studies with Helen Krizos. In recent years, along with performances throughout England, Dominic has achieved considerable competition success, including appearing as a category finalist in BBC Young Musician 2012, winning the Ryszard Bakst Memorial Prize for the playing of Chopin, and winning joint first prize in the second Manchester International Concerto Competition. He has also performed concertos with the Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra and Manchester Camerata.
Returning once again to thrill us with their performance are Chetham’s School of Music, one of Britain’s premier schools devoted to training and educating young musicians. Familiarly known as ‘Chets’, it is the largest specialist music school in the UK. Dating back to the 1420s, constructed as a residence for priests of the now Manchester Cathedral, it became a School of Music in 1969. There are now approximately 290 pupils on roll between the ages of 8 and 18.
Programme This is a concert of two halves. Three outstanding young students from Chetham’s will perform in the first half, and in the second half, international concert pianist Murray McLachlan will perform two of the piano’s towering masterworks. CALLUM MCLACHLAN was born in Stockport in 1999 and started piano lessons at the age of six. Inspired by the film ‘Amadeus’, he soon won prizes and trophies at a number of festivals, including Chester, Blackpool and Heaton Mersey before passing Grade 8 and entering Chetham’s School of Music in 2010 where he studies with the Russian concert pianist and teacher Dina Parakhina. Callum has already given many performances, including concertos by Mozart and Haydn as well as solo works from Bach to 20th century composers in his repertoire. Last year he won second prize in the junior division of the Chetham’s-Yamaha competition. In addition to playing the piano, Callum is interested in acting. He was able to fuse both interests recently when he was chosen as the lead actor in the short film ‘Vibration’, directed by Stephen Melling in which he plays the part of Alex, a deaf prodigy pianist who struggles to overcome concert anxiety. WYN CHAN is sixteen years old and lives in Penrith. He joined Chetham’s School of Music in 2008 and currently studies piano with Marie-Louise Taylor. In May 2008, Wyn was the winner of the under 15s category of the ‘Lanercost Young Musician of the Year’ competition and received second prize in the under 19s category. He has also previously won first prizes in competitions in Carlisle and Lancaster and has been a prize winner in the annual Beethoven competition and the Yamaha Competition. Recently, Wyn reached the final of the Chopin Competition and performed Chopin’s Fantasie in F minor in the RNCM Concert Hall. He has also played concerts in Lanercost, Sunderland, Dingley, and Chester. As well as his solo work, Wyn enjoys playing in a Piano Quintet (having performed the Shostakovich
16
www.nmfestival.com
G minor Quintet in various venues), a Piano Duet (recently playing in the opening concert for the new school building and the Dewhurst Torevell Competition), and a newly formed Piano Trio. When he isn’t practising or studying, Wyn likes listening to music, reading, and creating art.
Callum McLachlan
MURRAY MCLACHLAN is an international concert pianist, Head of Keyboard at Chetham’s School of Music and a Senior Tutor at the Royal Northern College of Music. Having made over 40 commercial recordings, he consistently receives outstanding reviews. He has performed on all five continents and is a well known writer, contributing articles to publications such as ‘BBC Music Magazine’. He has appeared as soloist with most of the leading UK orchestras.
Callum McLachlan (Pianist) Mendelssohn Fantasy - F sharp minor Mendelssohn
Wyn Chan
Wyn Chan (Pianist) Sonata in A minor D537 Op.164 No.1 Nocturne in E major Op.62 No.2
Schubert Chopin
Dominic Degavino (Pianist) Sonata in D minor (Toccata), K. 141 D. Scarlatti Nocturne in C minor, Op. 48 No. 1 Chopin La terrasse des audiences du clair de lune Debussy Jeux d’eau Ravel Transcendental Etude No. 10 in F minor Liszt
INTERVAL 2nd Half Concert Pianist, Murray McLachlan Dominic Devgavino
Sonata in E major Op. 109 Sonata in B minor Op. 58
Beethoven Chopin
Chetham’s Piano Workshop Tuesday 13th November – Guyzance Hall 11.00am – 3.00pm
As part of Northumberland Music Festival, young pianists from across the North East are being offered a fantastic opportunity – the chance to scale the heights with the help of Chetham’s School of Music. This is one of Britain’s premier schools devoted to training and educating young musicians. Familiarly known as ‘Chet’s’, it is the largest specialist music school in the UK, with 290 pupils on roll between the ages of 8 and 18. Pianists of 18 or under are invited to apply to spend a piano workshop working with the School’s Head of Keyboard and one of the UK’s foremost concert pianists, Murray McLachlan. During this workshop, they will also be given the chance to perform with talented students from Chetham’s School of Music. To qualify pianists must be aged 18 or under and have achieved at least Grade 7 Piano. The selection criteria for the workshop will be based on the students’ answers to the following questions:
• Why do you want to be considered? • What are your aspirations for the future?
Applications should ideally be supported with a statement from their piano or school music teacher. Leading the workshop will be Murray McLachlan, Artistic Director at Chetham’s, along with some of the school’s foremost piano and keyboard students. Murray, an internationally renowned pianist, is Head of Keyboard at Chetham’s and a Senior Tutor at the Royal Northern College of Music. The piano workshop is free for pianists, Grade 7 or above, who live in Tyne & Wear or Northumberland. Any young person who loves the piano would truly benefit from this workshop, and Murray describes the programme for the session: ‘I will complete a mini lesson with everyone who signs up – we’ll work on one or two pieces of 5-10 minutes that they are currently practicing and working on and this will be followed up with a general question and answer session. Our students from Chetham’s will play and talk about how they have developed their improvisation skills. If any of the participants would like to try some improvisation with them they would be most welcome.’ At the end, all the participants and the students from Chetham’s will be invited to perform in a closing concert. Any musician who qualifies and would like to be considered should get in touch with the Festival Organisers on 01668 283100, or email info@nmfestival.com for an application form.
www.nmfestival.com
17
NORTHUMBERLAND
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Classical • opera • traditional music
www.nmfestival.com
9th - 18th November 2012
01668 283 100
Northumbrian Pipes And Fiddle, With Harpist And Singer Janet Bennett
Northumbrian Ranters Thursday 15th November – Doxford Hall
Wednesday 14th November – Guyzance Hall
NORTHUMBRIAN PIPES AND FIDDLE
PROGRAMME
Andrew and Margaret Watchorn combine sparkling dance tunes and lyrical slow airs with stunning harmonies and lively rhythms. The unique sound they create is inspired by the traditional music of their home county of Northumberland. Featuring Swedish pipes and hummelchen as well as Northumbrian smallpipes, fiddle and voice, their music, songs and anecdotes paint a truly Northumbrian picture, with occasional Nordic undertones.
1st Half
Andrew first became interested in traditional music over 30 years ago. He moved from playing the Highland pipes and started to learn the smallpipes. Initially self taught, he was fortunate to learn many tunes in the company of Joe Hutton, Will Atkinson and The Cheviot Ranters. Margaret grew up in north Northumberland amid a rich local and family heritage of tunes, dances, songs and stories. As a teenager in the early 1970s she began playing the smallpipes with Joe Hutton and was a founding member of the Alnwick Pipers’ Society. Individually, Andrew and Margaret have both won many traditional music competitions for solo playing and composition. Together, they have won numerous duet competitions.
HARPIST AND SINGER JANET BENNETT Janet Bennett studied harp and singing at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and has played with many professional ensembles and orchestras including the Scottish National and Northern Sinfonia. In 2006 she was appointed as the Official Harpist to the Lord Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne and has also had the honour of performing to the King of Spain, the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland and Her Majesty the Queen. Janet is considered as one of the most talented harpists and self accompanied singers in Britain today. She has released three solo CDs and regularly appears on radio and TV. As well as a soloist, she has a flute and harp duo and is a member of the popular Border Minstrels trio, who are considered one of the leading traditional groups in Northumberland. Teaching is also an important part of Janet’s life and she gives regular harp workshops. She is an adjudicator for harp competitions; has produced four books of her own compositions and arrangements for Celtic harp and is the main teacher of harp in the Newcastle upon Tyne area.
18
www.nmfestival.com
NORTHUMBRIAN PIPES AND FIDDLE An assortment of lively hornpipes and jigs, haunting slow airs and swinging waltzes as well as tunes from the 17th century to the present day. Included will be tunes from the repertoires of some little known 19th century Northumbrian musicians, including William Darling (father of Grace Darling). The performances will feature Northumbrian smallpipes and fiddle, Renaissance bagpipe and Swedish pipes. There will be an opportunity to talk to the Northumbrian Pipes and Fiddle during the interval to learn about the instruments and the traditional music and dance of Northumberland.
2nd Half HARPIST AND SINGER JANET BENNETT THE SUMMER OF LAST YEAR
Eric Boswell
BEAUTIFUL LINDISFARNE
Tom Waugh
ON THE WAY TO WALLINGTON
Janet Bennett
Traditional Northumbrian
CAREFREE CRASTER
Janet Bennett
WHITTINGHAM FAIR Traditional Northumbrian LAMENT FOR THE BROKEN STRING / CHILDREN’S DREAMS
Janet Bennett
THE WATER OF TYNE Traditional Northumbrian BUT IT’S MINE
Under the direction of Richard Johnstone, all musicians receive tuition from a team of tutors.
PROGRAMME ENGLISH POLKAS Bonnie Kate, Grandfather’s Tune THE BIG SET IN D Each Little Thing The Pearl Wedding
Arr E Stephenson S Cooney, W Taylor
CLOGGING DEMONSTRATION TEAM Featuring: Jade Curran, Bea Milligan, Emily Brunton, Sophie Lynch, Jane Oxnard, Annie Jessop MRS PATRICIA GILMOUR J Turner, Arr Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra BEWICK GARLAND
D Hobbs
IRISH JIGS The Cliffs of Moher, Bill Collin’s Jig, Indian Point, The March of Oscar and Malvina
INTERVAL SCOTTISH MARCHES Arr R Johnstone Miss Linda Macfarlane, Loch Ruan, 79th Farewell to Gibralter, 10 H.L.I. Crossing the Rhine
INTERVAL
BONNY AT MORN
The Northumbrian Ranters are a group of talented and enthusiastic young musicians playing traditional music. The group was formed five years ago, and its members are aged between 10 and 18 years old, and come from schools across Northumberland. They promote the culture and musical traditions of Northumberland, playing fiddles, Northumbrian pipes, cellos, harp, flutes, guitars and keyboards, and perform regularly in venues and festivals across the country and abroad. They have played to audiences in America, Scotland and, more recently, in Alnwick for Her Majesty The Queen.
Eric Boswell
DANCE TI THY DADDY Traditional Northumbrian
DOWN BY THE SALLY GARDENS
Collins, Arr Murtha
IRISH REELS Arr R Johnstone The Teetotaller, The Congress Reel, Celtic Thunder, St Anne’s Reel, The Reconciliation STEEL SKIES A Anderson Dog Leap Stairs, Franklin River, The Air for Maurice Ogg, The Road to the North, The Seven Gate Road RODDY MATTHEWS SET Leaving Lordenshaw, The Northumbrian Ranters THE KESH SET Kesh, Burnt Potato, Drummond Castle, The Bodhran Makers Jig, Andy Saltire
Arr R Johnstone
FULL THROTTLE Come Dance and Sing, Joy be with You, Satin Island, Old Gray Cat, High Road to Linton
Arr R Johnstone
www.nmfestival.com
19
NORTHUMBERLAND
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Classical • opera • traditional music
www.nmfestival.com
9th - 18th November 2012
01668 283 100
A Feast Of Gilbert & Sullivan Friday 16th November – Doxford Hall Saturday 17th November – Guyzance Hall Sunday 18th November – Doxford Hall With former singers of the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company, Much Loved Productions will perform an entertaining programme of Gilbert and Sullivan. Classic comic opera style, the sparkle of Gilbertian wit, Sullivan’s gorgeous tunes, and the bravura fizz of performance combine in songs from G&S’s best triumphs.
Yvonne Patrick (soprano) was born in South Derbyshire and began her professional career with D’Oyly Carte Opera Company performing roles including Elsie in Yeomen of the Guard and Josephine in HMS Pinafore. She joined Glyndebourne Festival Opera in 1994, touring as Despina in Cosi fan’ tutte and, in their production of The Bartered Bride, sang Esmeralda which included training to be a trapeze artist! As a well-known performer of Gilbert and Sullivan, Yvonne appeared as soprano soloist in the Centenary Gala Concert of the Philadelphia Savoy Company, the oldest Gilbert and Sullivan society in America, and has appeared on BBC Radio 2’s Friday Night is Music Night. Pauline Birchall (mezzo) was born in Wigan, Lancashire and studied at the Royal Northern College of Music. Her career has taken her from English National Opera to the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and La Scala, Milan. She has frequently appeared in concert both here and in the United States of America including Carmen, Madame Butterfly and The Marriage of Figaro. Pauline appeared with the New Sadler’s Wells Opera and has performed extensively with the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company, including the role of Kate in The Pirates Of Penzance, (which she also recorded for TER Records). Stephen Brown (tenor) studied at Trinity College, London and then at the Benjamin Britten International Opera School at the Royal College of Music. His career has led to roles with companies such as Almeida Opera, Kent Opera, Opera Della Luna, Castleward Opera, Raymond Gubbay at the Albert Hall, Garsington Festival, Carl Rosa Opera and the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company. Stephen’s opera roles for Glyndebourne included Pedro in Prokofiev’s Betrothal in a Monastery, Peter Quint in The Turn of the Screw and Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Some highlights include Verdi’s Requiem at London’s Barbican and Stradella’s San Giovanni Battista in Jerusalem. Jeremy Peaker (baritone) (performing Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th) Managing Director MLP Ltd from Barnsley in Yorkshire gained a scholarship to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and in 1988 became a founder member of the New D’Oyly Carte Opera Company, playing the roles of Jack Point in Yeomen Of The Guard, Pirate King, The Major General in Pirates Of Penzance and principal baritone in the company’s ‘Gilbert And Sullivan A La Carte’ concerts. Jeremy has also regularly appeared for Crystal Clear Opera, Central Festival Opera, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and a Gilbert &
20
www.nmfestival.com
Sullivan Scottish Prom in Glasgow. Jeremy was in the international tour of Chess and is a full time member of Opera North. He is Managing Director of The British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. In his spare time Jeremy operates his own company Much Loved Productions Ltd, providing one-night concerts around the country, now in its 18th year.
PROGRAMME
Alistair Donkin (baritone) (performing Friday 16th November) Alistair made a complete career change to pursue his love of the theatre, joining the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company in 1979. With them he played all the patter roles, often at short notice. As a performer he has appeared with the London Savoyards and the Magic of Gilbert & Sullivan. He has sung with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the Bournemouth Sinfonietta, the BBC Concert Orchestra (broadcast on BBC Radio 2) and the English Philharmonic Orchestra, appearing at all the major concert venues, including the Royal Festival Hall and the Royal Albert Hall. He has worked with Welsh National Opera in their production of The Yeomen of the Guard and on the rôle of Ko Ko in Jonathan Miller’s production of The Mikado for English National Opera. Alistair has been Stage Director and guest ‘patter’ man for the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston, Texas, since 1982. He has won Best Director at the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival in Buxton three times.
HMS PINAFORE: ‘Sorry Her Lot’
Graham Stone (bass) was born in Devizes, Wiltshire and studied at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama with Laura Sarti and Johanna Peters. He joined the Glyndebourne Festival Chorus singing two roles in the GTO production of Death in Venice. He has worked for a number of companies including Scottish Opera and D’Oyly Carte, and, most recently, playing Truelove in The Rakes Progress and Antonio in Le nozze di Figaro for Opera East. Graham’s engagements have included singing in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, India, Turkey and The Philippines. He sang both Benoit & Alcindoro in La bohème for the Macau International Festival with the Orchestra of the Rome Opera. David Smith (pianist) was born in Yorkshire, trained at the Royal Manchester College of Music and for many years was Head of Performance at Leeds College of Music. David’s work has taken him to top venues throughout the UK and USA with many TV appearances including Last of the Summer Wine, The New Statesman and Heartbeat. Film credits include Romance on the Orient Express and Till We Meet Again.
1st Half THE GONDOLIERS: ‘Regular Royal Queen’
Quartet
THE SORCERER: ‘My name is John Wellington Wells’ Alistair Donkin / Jeremy Peaker HMS PINAFORE: ‘Refrain Audicious Tar’
Yvonne Patrick, Stephen Brown Yvonne Patrick
THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD: ‘Were I Thy Bride’
Pauline Birchall
THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD: ‘Free From His Fetters Grim’
Stephen Brown
UTOPIA LTD: ‘Let All Your Doubts Take Wing’ Alistair Donkin / Jeremy Peaker, Graham Stone THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE: ‘Major General’s Song’ Alistair Donkin / Jeremy Peaker THE SORCERER: ‘I Rejoice That It’s Decided’
Quintet
IOLANTHE: ‘None Shall Part Us’ Yvonne Patrick, Alistair Donkin / Jeremy Peaker RUDDIGORE: ‘When The Night Wind Howls’ RUDDIGORE: ‘There Grew A Little Flower’
Graham Stone Pauline Birchall, Graham Stone
PRINCESS IDA: ‘I Built Upon a Rock’
Yvonne Patrick
PRINCESS IDA: ‘Gently Gently and I Am Maiden’
Male Trio
TRIAL BY JURY: ‘Oh Joy Unbounded’ (Finale)
All
INTERVAL 2nd Half THE GONDOLIERS: ‘From The Sunny Spanish Shore’
Quartet
THE GONDOLIERS: ‘On The Day That I Was Wedded’
Pauline Birchall
THE GONDOLIERS: ‘In A Contemplative Fashion’ (Dialogue into this)
Quartet
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE: ‘All Is Prepared’ Yvonne Patrick , Stephen Brown THE GRAND DUKE: ‘When You Find You’re A Broken Down Critter’ Alistair Donkin / Jeremy Peaker RUDDIGORE: ‘I Shipped D’ye See’
Stephen Brown
PATIENCE: ‘I Cannot Tell What This Love May Be’
Yvonne Patrick
PATIENCE: ‘So Go To Him and Say To Him’ Pauline Birchall, Alistair Donkin / Jeremy Peaker THE MIKADO: ‘The Mikado’s Song’
Graham Stone
THE MIKADO: ‘The Sun Whose Rays’
Yvonne Patrick
THE MIKADO: ‘Kissing Duet’
Yvonne Patrick , Stephen Brown
THE MIKADO: ‘Here’s A How De Do’ (Short dialogue into this) THE MIKADO: ‘The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring’ THE MIKADO: Finale Act Two
Trio Quintet All
ONCE MORE GONDOLIERI ENCORE
www.nmfestival.com
21
NORTHUMBERLAND
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Classical • opera • traditional music
www.nmfestival.com
9th - 18th November 2012
01668 283 100
The Food Of Love
Here, Chris and Paul each share one of their favourite recipes...
Paul Blakey, Head Chef at Doxford Hall and Chris Wood, Head Chef at Eshott Hall reveal the secrets behind their locally sourced, seasonal menus
Eshott Hall Marinated Gressingham Duck Breast With Oriental Salad (Serves 2 people)
F
ish from North Shields, Northumbrian lamb and locally produced fruit and vegetables: the area’s chefs are spoilt for choice, enabling them to create mouthwatering fare that is impressively local and seasonal. Northumberland’s rich variety of produce is reflected in the menus at The George Runciman Restaurant at Doxford Hall Hotel and Spa, boasting an AA Rosette, awarded to Head Chef Paul Blakey and his brigade of five Chefs. Paul, as one of the founding members of staff at Doxford Hall, started working with the hotel prior to its opening in 2008 after initially training at Monkwearmouth College before progressing through the ranks at Gosforth Park Hotel and Linden Hall kitchens. 42 yearold Paul has stayed true to the North East throughout his career, currently living in Bedlington with his wife and son. He is passionate about using local and seasonal produce as Head Chef at Doxford Hall, even listing suppliers’ names on the menu. ‘We change the dishes seasonally,’ says Paul, ‘so there’s something new to try with each visit.’ Every ingredient is fresh and every dish is cooked to order, with the overall offering having a contemporary yet traditional feel. The á la carte menu is a series of mouth-watering and innovative dishes. A starter of creamed spinach soup with brown shrimp and spring onion tortellini can be followed by a tasting of Northumbrian lamb from Lowtown Farm, served with creamed leeks and prosciutto, and finished with toffee and banana crème brulee with banana tuille. The popular Afternoon Tea menu can be enjoyed in the Georgian Room, with views overlooking the estate. It comprises a selection of sandwiches including Northumbrian cheese and pickle, homemade scones and cakes, clotted cream, and a wide selection of teas. As many ingredients as possible are grown within the grounds, without the use of fertilisers or pesticides, and the team are especially proud of their autumn fruit trees, which supply the kitchen with apples, pears, peaches and plums. Much of the meat and poultry is sourced from the nearby Greens Butchers, and seafood from the mouth of the Tyne at North Shields. The 17th century Georgian boutique hotel Eshott Hall focuses on showcasing classic British flavours with a contemporary international twist. ‘We use local ingredients grown and harvested literally on our doorstop,’ says Head Chef Chris Wood. ‘The fruits from our kitchen garden are fantastic. I’ve never known one quite like it.’ Home-grown tomatoes, onions, shallots, peppers, chillies, herbs, rhubarb, blackberries and
22
www.nmfestival.com
gooseberries are among this year’s yield. ‘We try to incorporate as much of it as possible into our á la carte menu,’ he says which features dishes such as Northumberland Estates venison saddle and North Sea tempura langoustines.
‘If music be the food of love, play on.’ Chris has been with the restaurant at Eshott Hall since it opened in May 2010, and under his direction it has earned a prestigious AA Rosette. ‘We’re extremely proud to have been awarded the Rosette. We’d only been open for a year’ he says. At 29 years old Chris has already served as Head Chef at Alnwick Castle’s Sanctuary Restaurant as well as working at Restaurant 24 in London, a Roux Fine Dining Restaurant. He perfected his pastry skills at a patisserie in his home county of Essex, where he trained at the Colchester Institute, one of the leading chef training colleges in the country. When Chris isn’t in the kitchen, he enjoys tee time of a different kind at Seahouses Golf Club, as he currently resides in the seaside village with his wife and two young children. He loves to take advantage of the region’s produce. ‘The Northumberland larder is one of the best in the country,’ he says, citing Swallows Of Seahouses fishmongers and traditional smokehouse as his favourite regional food destination. Chris describes the food at Eshott Hall as ‘simple, classic flavours with a twist, perfectly presented.’ He takes familiar flavour combinations like rhubarb and custard, and presents them in a new and unexpected way. His techniques are sophisticated and modern, demonstrated by the intricacies of his dishes’ unconventional accompaniments, from a chive and champagne cream to bacon dynamite. Chris and his team of four chefs use Northumbrian suppliers wherever possible; kippers from Craster, eggs from Sunnyhill, meat and poultry from Wallington Hall. Wild cherries, garlic and meadowsweet are even foraged from around Eshott. For some time, Chris believes, the culinary tide has turned in the direction of produce sourcing, with diners ‘increasingly enjoying the trend of local food.’ Eshott and Doxford offer an unparalleled dining experience in their award-winning restaurants. Together they embody the spirit of local produce, using only the very best ingredients from their doorstep to create something truly spectacular. www.doxfordhall.com www.eshotthall.co.uk
honey to release the flavour, add the garlic, rough cut onion, lemongrass and coriander stalks. Deglaze the pan with the soy sauce then add the lemon and lime juice and then leave in to infuse. Finally add the oil and leave for 24 hours, then just cook to your desired caisson. As for the salad, on a turning slicer turn the mouli, beetroot and carrot. If you don’t have a turning slicer you can cut it to julienne (very thin strips, about 2inches long). Fine dice chilli and spring onion. Use scissors and trim off the cress to garnish and cut through the salad. Now for the dressing, just sweat off the crushed garlic and shallot until almost cooked with no colour. Then simply add soy sauce and veg oil and some of the chopped coriander.
Doxford Hall Dark Rum and Nutmeg Pannacotta (Serves 6-8 people)
Ingredients 1 Gressingham Duck Breast
Marinade 2 Tbsp Honey 200 ml Soy Sauce 4 Cloves Garlic 1 Red Onion 1 Lemongrass Stick 100ml Olive Oil ½ Lemon ½ Lime Coriander Stalks 2 Tbsp Chinese 5 Spice 1 tsp Ginger, Fresh or Ground
Oriental Salad ½ Mouli (Japanese Radish) 1 Beetroot 2 Carrots 2 Spring Onions 1 Chilli 1pkt Noodles ½ Bunch Chopped Coriander (Save Some For Dressing) 1pkt Sakura Cress
Dressing 2 Garlic Cloves, Crushed 1 Banana Shallot, Finely Chopped 6 Tbsp Soy Sauce 6 Tbsp Veg Oil
Method For the duck and marinade, roast 5 spice and ginger in the
Ingredients 300g Caster Sugar 4 Tbsp Glucose (Golden Syrup as Alternative) 600ml Double Cream 150ml Milk 3 Leaves Gelatine 2 Shots Dark Rum Grated Nutmeg (Powdered Nutmeg)
Method Soak gelatine in cold water until soft. Make caramel with 250g caster sugar and a small amount of water (just enough to dissolve the sugar). Allow caramel to cool slightly (it will start to thicken) and add glucose to this. Bring cream, milk, dark rum and remainder of sugar to just below the boil. Take off the heat. Grate nutmeg into milk (or add a pinch of nutmeg powder). *Carefully add caramel to milk mixture. Add softened gelatine to mixture and whisk, then pass through sieve. Place into dessert size moulds i.e. Ramekins. *Care must be taken at this stage, if your caramel is too hot the milk will boil over and can cause serious burns.
www.nmfestival.com
23
NORTHUMBERLAND
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Classical • opera • traditional music
www.nmfestival.com
9th - 18th November 2012
01668 283 100
Getting Down To Business
The Time Of Your Life
Finding somewhere to hold a business meeting or a conference can often be a challenge, but Doxford, Eshott or Guyzance Hall could provide the answer.
Whether it’s a grand celebration or an intimate family affair, your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, and these three unique venues each offer something different to ensure your big day is extra special
DOXFORD HALL From formal business meetings and interactive conferences to exciting team building sessions, bringing your colleagues or clients to Doxford Hall ensures a fantastic experience and great value for money. Set in a stunning ten acre estate, the hall blends modern facilities with a traditional environment. With the refurbishment project now complete, it offers even more choice and flexibility. Meeting rooms available range from an intimate director’s boardroom to the Kennedy Suite, which is one of the largest conference rooms in Northumberland and can accommodate up to 250 delegates. The smaller Frank Henry Mason Room and the Library are ideal for meetings or dining with a little more privacy, boasting views over the estate. When it comes to team-building, Doxford Hall offers a great mix of
outdoor activities including use of its extensive grounds. Meals can be taken in the AA Rosette George Runciman Restaurant or alternatively, buffet-style refreshments are available in your meeting room or banqueting suite. The hotel’s Spa is the perfect place to unwind with a relaxing therapy session after your meeting. Doxford Hall Hotel & Spa, Chathill, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE67 5DN 01665 589700 www.doxfordhall.com
ESHOTT HALL Located just ten minutes off the A1 and only 30 minutes from Newcastle city centre, Eshott Hall is an impressive venue for any exclusive use corporate event. The elegant accommodation includes the drawing room, library and ballroom, and the hallway with its rare William Morris stained glass window is an ideal area for a drinks reception for up to 100 guests. The stunning ballroom can be used for conferences and meetings, accommodating 120 theatre style, 120 cabaret style, 74 classroom style and 54 boardroom style. The private dining room is perfect for smaller meetings, seating up to 18 around a boardroom style table. The Hall prides itself on the local and seasonal ingredients used in its sumptuous menus, offering à la carte, hot and cold buffets, canapés and barbecues. So if you are looking for an impressive location for client entertaining, Eshott Hall offers privacy and luxury. Eshott Hall, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE65 9EN 01670 787454 www.eshott.com
DOXFORD HALL From intimate tea parties to grander weddings of up to 250 guests, the beautiful Doxford Hall can accommodate any event, with both the imposing Kennedy Suite and the stunning George Runciman restaurant available. For a really intimate affair, the Frank Henry Mason Room, the Georgian Room and the Flower Room are ideal. The chef creates a wedding breakfast based on your exact menu choices, ensuring that your day is unique. With beautiful private grounds and views stretching across the countryside, your big day is sure to be memorable at this immaculate hotel and spa. Doxford Hall Hotel & Spa, Chathill, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE67 5DN 01665 589700 www.doxfordhall.com
ESHOTT HALL Civil ceremonies and partnerships can be held in any of the reception rooms of Eshott Hall, one of Northumberland’s most beautiful historic country houses. Larger weddings can be held on the sweeping staircase beneath an original stained-glass window, while more intimate ceremonies can take place by the fire in the drawing room. Alternatively, the Hall’s newest addition of The Reading Rooms, a former chapel restored to its bygone glory, is available for intimate civil ceremonies of
up to 80 people. Unlike many country houses, this boutique venue is available exclusively for your wedding, encouraging you to feel at home. The wedding breakfast can be served in the ballroom, which has an orangery with five sets of French doors, all opening into the gardens. Eshott Hall, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE65 9EN 01670 787454 www.eshott.com
GUYZANCE HALL Often the big day is over too quickly, but Guyzance Hall can turn your wedding into a bespoke weekend celebration to suit your taste and budget, offering you the chance to relax and stay the nights before and after your special day with a three day minimum package. The venue can accommodate 29 guests in the Hall’s 12 unique bedrooms and garden cottage, but if your party is larger, other estate cottages are available to ensure that everybody is nearby for the weekend. Upon arrival, your dedicated wedding co-ordinator will hand you the keys to the house, while the chefs will always try to meet your requests for catering, whatever your tastes and preferences. Guyzance Hall, Acklington, Morpeth, Northumberland NE65 9AG 01665 589700 www.guyzancehall.co.uk
GUYZANCE HALL The stunning 800 acre estate of Guyzance Hall, just 30 minutes from the centre of Newcastle, can be privately hired for exclusive corporate use. The Edwardian Ballroom provides a stunning backdrop for your event, and you can make yourself at home for a night or two in the Hall’s 12 luxurious bedrooms; a further 13 bedrooms (of which two are singles) are available in the estate cottages, should you need further accommodation. Fantastic leisure facilities are available for team-building activities, including use of the all-weather tennis court and heated indoor swimming pool. The Hall prides itself on the highest level of facilities – it can arrange for guests to enjoy a day of shooting, for example, and the private three-and-a-half mile stretch of the River Coquet offers a perfect place for a spot of fishing, with a helping hand from the ghillie. Guyzance Hall, Acklington, Morpeth, NE65 9AG 01665 589 700 www.guyzancehall.co.uk
24
www.nmfestival.com
www.nmfestival.com
25
NORTHUMBERLAND
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Classical • opera • traditional music
www.nmfestival.com
9th - 18th November 2012
01668 283 100
Eat, Drink And Be Merry
Win Win Win
Enjoy festive cheer in the picturesque Northumberland countryside, where Doxford and Eshott Halls offer enchanting winter breaks from late November through to the New Year
Your chance to win a fabulous prize – Tea and a Treatment for two at Doxford Hall
ESHOTT HALL COUNTRY HOUSE EXPERIENCE Set in the picturesque Northumberland countryside, the 17th century Eshott Hall is the perfect backdrop for a festive country break. The traditional Georgian country house offers traditional festive afternoon teas and Christmas lunches throughout December. Join the December ladies’ lunch club for a Christmas wreath making workshop, and enjoy a glass of wine, a two-course lunch with coffee and mints plus the opportunity to watch a beautifully festive finished product created for only £24 per person. Superb residential Christmas accommodation packages are available at Eshott Hall, inclusive of cream tea on arrival, table d’hote dinner, and two or three nights in one of the Hall’s luxurious rooms. A million miles away from the hectic hassle of a busy Christmas morning at home, look forward to a relaxed day with Champagne, canapés and a four-course Christmas lunch. A delectable Yuletide buffet is served on the evening followed by a Boxing Day breakfast the next morning. Guests staying an extra night are offered complimentary tickets to visit Alnwick Garden on Boxing Day, and all guests receive a 25% discount off any spa treatments booked at Doxford Hall over the festive period. Make your break a country house family experience by exclusively reserving the whole venue, with a 10% discount when you book all 16 bedrooms. The Hall hosts a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, an optionally residential lavish black tie event with six sumptuous courses and live musical entertainment, as well as a New Year’s Day traditional roast luncheon the next day. Eshott Hall, Eshott, Morpeth, Northumberland, 01670 787454 www.eshotthall.co.uk
DOXFORD HALL HOTEL AND SPA The festive season is a perfect opportunity to indulge, and the four star Doxford Hall offers luxurious treats over the holiday period. Unwind with the Hall’s Festive Retreat Spa Package throughout November and December, or start your January detox with the New Year Delight Spa Package, including use of the leisure facilities and a festive lunch along with your choice of rejuvenating treatments from £89 per person. The extra special Christmas Party Nights on the 21st and 22nd December offer a three course meal, live band and disco, while revellers are invited to stay the night with special accommodation rates of £150 per night, use of leisure facilities and a full English breakfast inclusive. For families, Sunday lunch on 23rd December is a perfect Yuletide treat, with an appearance from Santa himself. Enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch in the beautiful surroundings of the George Runciman Restaurant throughout December, with a delicious menu of festive foods designed especially by Head Chef Paul Blakey. Festive packages can be tailored to suit your needs with accommodation and dining available over the period. Choose to stay for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or extend your break until Boxing Day and enjoy the fantastic traditional food on offer. Say farewell to 2012 with a New Year’s Eve Champagne Afternoon Tea, or opt for the New Year’s Day Roast Lunch. Doxford Hall Hotel and Spa, Chathill, Alnwick, Northumberland, 01665 589 700 www.doxfordhall.com
26
www.nmfestival.com
The Spa at Doxford Hall Hotel is an ideal venue in which to fully unwind and rejuvenate. Trained therapists soothe away the stress and strains of modern living with a collection of exclusive products and therapies in one of the five tranquil therapy suites. After a luxurious treatment, what better way to end an indulgent day than with a sumptuous afternoon tea in elegant surroundings. Enjoy a choice of teas and a selection of treats including Northumbrian cheese and pickle and smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches, homemade scones, preserve and clotted cream, and homemade cakes. Doxford Hall is offering the chance to win Tea and a Treatment for two: relax and unwind with a soothing facial, back massage, mini manicure or mini pedicure in Doxford’s charming Spa, then after your pampering, take afternoon tea in the sumptuous Drawing Room. For your chance to win, simply send a postcard with your details marked Northumberland Music Festival (Tea and Treatment Competition) to the festival organisers at The Cheviot Centre, Padgepool Place, Wooler, Northumberland NE71 6BL, before 30th November.
Special Festival Accommodation Offer For the duration of the Music Festival, anyone booking a ticket for any of the concerts can turn an evening out into an evening in. Eshott Hall and Doxford Hall are offering a very special accommodation rate of only £50 per person per night, sharing a twin or double room (£80 single occupancy). This rate is inclusive of bed and a traditional Northumbrian breakfast, and is a significant reduction in the usual rate. To book, contact the hotels directly and quote Music Festival Rate. (Please note this rate is subject to availability and is based on a standard room. Accommodation must be booked in advance.) www.eshotthall.co.uk www.doxfordhall.com
www.nmfestival.com
27
NORTHUMBERLAND
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Classical • opera • traditional music
www.nmfestival.com
9th - 18th November 2012
01668 283 100
NORTHUMBERLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL AT A GLANCE
Friday 9th November Welcome Drink – 6.00PM Dinner – 6.30PM Concert – 7.45PM
Saturday 10th November Welcome Drink – 6.00PM Dinner – 6.30PM Concert – 7.45PM
Sunday 11th November Welcome Drink – 5.00PM Dinner – 5.30PM Concert – 6.30PM
AN EVENING WITH OPERA NORTH Eshott Hall, near Morpeth
Cost: £65 per person, to include a welcome drink on arrival, three course gourmet dinner with coffee and petit fours.
AN EVENING WITH OPERA NORTH Eshott Hall, near Morpeth
Cost: £65 per person, to include a welcome drink on arrival, three course gourmet dinner with coffee and petit fours.
THE REG VARDY BRASS BAND REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY CONCERT Doxford Hall, near Alnwick
Cost: £45 per person, to include a welcome drink on arrival and two course dinner with coffee and petit fours. Monday 12th November Welcome Drink – 12 NOON Lunch – 12.15PM Interactive workshop – 1.45PM
LIQUID ARCHITECTURE
Monday 12th November Welcome Drink – 6.00PM Dinner – 6.30PM Concert –7.45PM
LIQUID ARCHITECTURE
Tuesday 13th November Welcome Drink – 5.30PM Dinner – 6.00PM Concert – 7.30PM
CHETHAM’S SCHOOL OF MUSIC & MURRAY MCLACHLAN – PIANO RECITAL
Eshott Hall, near Morpeth Cost: £30 per person, to include a welcome drink on arrival, two course lunch with coffee and a glass of wine.
Eshott Hall, near Morpeth Cost: £65 per person, to include a welcome drink on arrival, a three course gourmet dinner, coffee and petit fours.
Guyzance Hall, near Morpeth
Wednesday 14th November Welcome Drink – 5.30PM Dinner – 6.00PM Concert – 7.30PM
NORTHUMBRIAN PIPES & FIDDLE WITH HARPIST AND SINGER JANET BENNETT Guyzance Hall, near Morpeth
Cost: £45 per person, to include a welcome drink on arrival, two course dinner, coffee and petit fours. Thursday 15th November Welcome Drink – 5.30PM Supper – 6.00PM Concert – 7.00PM
THE NORTHUMBRIAN RANTERS Doxford Hall, near Alnwick
Cost: £25 per person, to include a welcome drink on arrival, two course supper with coffee.
Friday 16th November Welcome Drink – 6.00PM Dinner – 6.30PM Concert – 7.45PM
A FEAST OF GILBERT & SULLIVAN
Saturday 17th November Welcome Drink – 6.00PM Dinner – 6.30PM Concert – 7.45PM
A FEAST OF GILBERT & SULLIVAN
Sunday 18th November Welcome Drink – 12NOON Lunch – 12.30PM Concert –2.00PM
A FEAST OF GILBERT & SULLIVAN
Doxford Hall, near Alnwick
Cost: £65 per person, to include a welcome drink on arrival, three course gourmet dinner with coffee and petit fours.
Guyzance Hall, near Morpeth
Cost: £65 per person, to include a welcome drink on arrival, three course gourmet dinner with coffee and petit fours.
Doxford Hall, near Alnwick
Cost: £65 per person, to include a welcome drink on arrival, traditional three course Sunday lunch with coffee.
All concerts include tickets and either dinner or lunch, please note tables for all concerts are tables of ten and will be allocated by the organiser. All timings are exact. Some concerts might be subject to slight changes.
Cost: £65 per person, to include a welcome drink on arrival, three course gourmet dinner with coffee and petit fours.
28
www.nmfestival.com
www.nmfestival.com
29
NORTHUMBERLAND
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Classical • opera • traditional music
www.nmfestival.com
9th - 18th November 2012
01668 283 100
Charity Begins At Home
Dalhousie Castle
The Northumberland Music Festival is proud to once again support the efforts of three worthy charities, who rely heavily on donations to provide a valuable service to the community
Without a doubt one of Scotland’s finest hotels, this stunning 13th century fortress, which was recently acquired by Robert and Gina Parker and is undergoing extensive refurbishment, is perfect for a leisurely break, wedding or corporate event
Action Medical Research
Macmillan Cancer Support
Hospicecare North Northumberland
Action Medical Research was founded in 1952 by Duncan Guthrie in his quest to find a cure for polio. Now the leading UK-wide medical research charity, Action Medical Research are dedicated to helping babies and children. In the last 60 years Action Medical Research have contributed to some of the most significant medical breakthroughs in recent history, beginning with the polio vaccine which has eradicated new cases of the disease in the UK. Today they continue to find and fund the very best medical research to help stop the suffering of babies and children caused by disease and disability. Action Medical Research want to make a difference in tackling premature birth and treating sick and vulnerable babies, helping children affected by disability, disabling conditions and infections and targeting rare diseases that together severely affect many forgotten children.
MacMillan Cancer Support. More than one in three of us will get cancer. It’s the toughest fight most of us will ever face. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed, you need a team of people in your corner supporting you every step of the way. That’s who we are. We are the nurses and therapists helping you through treatment. The experts on the end of the phone. The advisers telling you which benefits you’re entitled to. The volunteers giving you a hand with the everyday things. The campaigners improving cancer care. The community supporting you online, any time. The fundraisers who make it all possible. You don’t have to face cancer alone. We can give you the strength to get through it. And, when the time is right, you can do something to help. We can all be part of the team. We are Macmillan Cancer Support.
HospiceCare North Northumberland are the main providers of palliative care in North Northumberland, delivering care and support to adults who have life limiting illnesses such as cancer, motor neurone disease and other conditions, and their families and carers. The charity was created in 1995 by a small group of healthcare professionals, who were concerned about the availability of local palliative care in North Northumberland. The nearest hospice facilities were in Newcastle and, for many people, the distances involved were simply too great. A ‘pilot’ hospice was developed using borrowed premises, and it quickly became apparent that the need was very real. HospiceCare now has two centres, one in Alnwick and one in Berwick, and is also increasingly delivering Hospice at Home. HospiceCare is committed to responding effectively to the challenges posed by working in a large geographic rural area, with scattered communities, to provide care and support for patients and their families.
S
ituated only twenty minutes outside Edinburgh, Dalhousie Castle lies next to the flowing waters of the River Esk amongst acres of tranquil wooded parkland. Unwind in the luxury hydrotherapy pool or conservatory tepidarium in the hotel’s indulgent spa before relaxing with a drink in the ‘secret bar’ next to an open fire, or treating yourself to a tasty lunch in the bright and airy Orangery. Armour and weapons adorn the walls in the ancient barrel-vaulted Dungeon Restaurant, offering an exquisite range of creatively designed cuisine in a unique historic setting. The castle’s 29 opulent rooms are decorated in traditional Scottish tweed and tartan fabrics, with luxuriously designed suites and historically themed four-poster rooms. Dalhousie can cater specifically for your special day, with the castle containing its own chapel and vestry where weddings and civil ceremonies take place in a memorable setting. In-house wedding coordinators can work with you to arrange optional extras including a stunning owl ring delivery or a traditional Scottish piper. The Ramsey Room and Sir Alexander Room can accommodate 100 and 110 guests respectively for an elegant reception. If business brings you to the castle, the five spacious conference rooms can accommodate up to 150 delegates for exclusive use. For a more active company trip, leisure pursuits such as clay pigeon shooting and falconry days are available in Dalhousie’s ample grounds. Attention to detail is key in this strikingly beautiful retreat, and the hotel offers the height of luxury for any guest, whatever the reason for your stay. Dalhousie Castle, Bonnyrigg, Edinburgh, EH19 3JB 01875 820153 www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk
30
www.nmfestival.com
www.nmfestival.com
31
Advert