The Berkshire Chamber Music Festival (BCMF) returns for its fifth year, bringing outstanding classical music concerts to Pangbourne, Bradfield, East Woodhay and Winkfield from 7-10 June 2023.
An annual series of concerts and educational workshops, the BCMF has been established to share a love of classical music with people from all backgrounds, particularly those who may not otherwise have access to live performance. Through the BCMF, people of all ages, whether they are new to classical music or seasoned concert-goers, can experience exceptional performances of live music, by top-class musicians, in venues at the heart of their community.
The Festival this year is based on the theme of Music & Mischief, with a diverse programme designed to celebrate the comedy and joy in classical music with communities across Berkshire. Connaught Brass, winners of the 2022 Royal Overseas League Competition, are joining the BCMF to perform a concert of music by Faure, Rossini and an arrangement of the Threepenny Opera by Weill. Across the remaining concerts, the BCMF Ensemble will perform diverse repertoire including Haydn’s ‘Joke’ Quartet and Florence Price’s Spirituals in Counterpoint. A particular highlight will be a performance of the Beethoven Septet and a chamber reduction of Strauss’ Till Eulenspiegel along with Rebecca Clarke’s Duo for clarinet and viola.
Workshops will be held at primary schools, hospices and residential homes across the county. The final concert, in Winkfield, will include a world premiere of music written by our primary school workshop participants, coordinated by Tom Highnam who has joined the Festival this year to lead its outreach programme.