1. Enjoy superb live music in gorgeous venues – For nearly 40 years, Cambridge Summer Music has presented outstanding concerts in some of the world’s most beautiful performance spaces. This year promises to be just as exceptional, from the opening chamber concert by the Schubert Ensemble in the intimate surroundings of Trinity College Chapel to the rousing grand finale by the Orpheus Sinfonia and CSM Festival Chorus in the suitably grand setting of Great St Mary’s Church. In between, you can enjoy lunchtimes, evenings and late nights listening to established and emerging soloists, chamber groups and ensembles performing in college chapels, local churches, theatres and concert halls, and even the great cathedral at Ely. And on Wednesday evenings you can enjoy live music outdoors at the wonderful Botanic Garden – be sure to bring a picnic!
2. Build unforgettable memories – Whether you’re listening to established names such as the world-famous Academy of Ancient Music or the lyric tenor John Mark Ainsley, or rising stars such as 2014 BBC Young Musician of the Year Martin James Bartlett or the brilliant operatic soprano Louise Alder, Cambridge Summer Music is sure to stick in your memory for a long time to come. We can’t wait to hear the fascinating and deeply romantic story of Clara Schumann, and the scandalous details surrounding the life of sixteenth century composer Carlo Gesualdo; or Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony performed from memory for the first time in history by the Aurora Orchestra (pictured, with conductor Nicholas Collon). Or maybe unaccompanied Bach, English song, Beethoven chamber music or Fauré sonatas are more your style? If you love choirs, there’s a feast in store with two superb youth choirs, a performance of Rossini’s theatrical Stabat Mater, and the incredibly original and entertaining vocal ensemble I Fagiolini (likened to cabaret) to look forward to. There are more than 30 varied events to choose from, but whatever your favourites, the winning combination of great music performed by talented artists in beautiful surroundings means you won’t forget them in a hurry.
3. Try something new – If you tend to go for music that you know and love, how about being a bit adventurous and choosing something different? If you need some pointers, we can recommend the experimental sounds of Trio Apaches and percussion ensemble O Duo, whose original take on familiar works by Rossini, Wagner and Shostakovich is certain to broaden your musical horizons! Alternatively, sample the toe-tapping Balkan/Klezmer mix of world music band She’Koyokh; the Scandinavian folk music/baroque blend from period-instrument pioneers Barokksolistene (continuing after the gig at The Eagle); or the daring fusion of classical style with Latin American boleros, tangos and rumbas from Festival favourites Classico Latino. New music is also a special feature of the Festival, and we’re kicking things off with the world-premiere of a string quartet by local composer Jeremy Thurlow and a piano quintet by Cheryl Frances-Hoad, played by the Schubert Ensemble. Other new works during the fortnight include songs by Huw Watkins performed by John Mark Ainsley with pianist Gary Matthewman; and a performance by Trio Con Brio of Danish composer Per Nørgård’s piano trio The Spell.
4. Get fantastic value for money – It’s hard not to feel smug when you know you’re on to something really special, and when (better still) the tickets are a steal. Where else can you hear world-class, live classical music played in glorious surroundings for less than the cost of CD or a few downloads? A 10% discount is available for multi-buy (5+ events) and group bookings (5+ seats), so round up your friends and relatives, and club together to enjoy a fortnight of fabulous music at even more amazing bargain prices. There are generous concessions too, including huge discounts if you’re unwaged, a student, or under 26.
5. Have fun with the whole family – Don’t line up the babysitter just yet. We have some great events to enjoy with your kids (and embarrass them when you join in with the audience participation). The Classic Buskers and Neil Henry will be sharing their hilarious and magical new show based (somewhat loosely) on Mozart’s fairy-tale opera The Magic Flute – and you’ll need to hang on to your hats for a whistle stop musical tour of the globe with the quintet Project Jam Sandwich, which positively fizzes with energy. If you love a good story, Steven Isserlis’ delightful tale Why Beethoven Threw the Stew will fit the bill, narrated by music educator and presenter Rachel Leach with musical accompaniment from the Leonore Piano Trio.
For details of all the concerts in this year’s Festival visit www.cambridgesummermusic.com
Book tickets online at: www.cambridgesummermusic.com or www.cambridgelivetickets.co.uk/tickets
Book tickets by phone: Cambridge Live Tickets 01223 357851 (Monday–Saturday 10am–6pm)
Book tickets in person: Cambridge Live Box Office (formerly Cambridge Corn Exchange BoxOffice), 2 Wheeler St, Cambridge, CB2 3QB (Monday–Friday 12pm–6pm, Saturday 10am–6pm)
For more information about Cambridge Summer Music Festival, please contact: John McMunn, Director: Tel: 01223 767125 • Email: info@cambridgesummermusic.com or john.mcmunn@gmail.com
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