Cambridge Summer Music

Cambridge Summer Music marks the return of live music in 2021 running from 17 – 31 July with an exciting programme focusing on French and British music and spanning from the Baroque to a world premiere by one of Britain’s outstanding up-and-coming composers. The festival kicks off Saturday 17 July at West Road, with the Faust Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Mark Austin playing Saint-Saëns’ whimsical Carnival of the Animals, narrated by violinist Tasmin Little, and Dvorak’s Serenade for Strings. For younger audience members, there will a special performance of Carnival of the Animals earlier that very same day, 17 July. Lovers of period instruments and historically-informed performance will be thrilled by the world-famous Chiaroscuro Quartet, playing pieces by Haydn and Mendelssohn on gut strings with historically-correct bows (Friday 23 July). Robert Max, formidable cellist and well known to Cambridge audiences for his work with the Barbican Trio, takes the stage to play all six of Bach’s Cello Suites (Sunday 18 July). The eclectic and acclaimed pianist Joanna MacGregor will treat audiences to an extraordinary kaleidoscope of compositions across several centuries. To find out more about what’s on visit cambridgesummermusic.com for more information. The entire festival is designed to attract the younger generation. We are delighted to announce a partnership with the Cavatina Chamber Music Trust, which is sponsoring free tickets for the majority of our chamber concerts for all young concertgoers aged 8 to 25. For concerts not covered by the generosity of the Cavatina Trust, the festival guarantees free tickets for all aged 16 and under.