New Paths Music has announced the programme for its fourth spring festival in Beverley, which runs 4th-7th April.
Almost thirty events take place across the four days in a packed programme of song, chamber music, talks, late-night events, a world premiere, performances for families and children and a recital on the Minster’s world-famous organ. Performers in this young festival include rising stars from the world of classical music alongside veteran international artists.
Founded by former Minster chorister Roland Deller in 2016, New Paths has quickly established a reputation for presenting world-class music in an imaginative and down-to-earth manner in Beverley.
“Beverley is a constant source of inspiration to us, with its thriving cultural scene and its many layers of history,” says Artistic Director Libby Burgess.
“Most towns of this size would be lucky to have one good venue, but here we’re spoilt for choice. Last year we presented music in fifteen different spaces, from St Mary’s and the East Riding Theatre to the Masonic Hall and the Syntan barge on the Beck.”
“Many of the performers live in big cities, and they all love escaping to the East Riding for a week, where they know they get a warm welcome. I’ve started rehearsing with the musicians in London this week and they’re already looking forward to their first pint of the year in Nellies.”
“It’s been a privilege to do our part in raising the profile of Beverley across the country,’ adds Roland Deller. ‘Moving here as a child changed my life.”
A popular feature of the festival each year is the free concerts for children and families. This year includes a performance of Wind in the Willows at ERT. Also, there is a concert for babies and toddlers at Toll Gavel United Church.
Under-18s and those in full-time education are also entitled to a ‘golden ticket’, granting them free access to any concert at the festival.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity for young people in the area to hear exceptional music-making. It is part of our commitment to bringing high-quality music to as wide an audience as possible,” explains Roland.
Festival performers will also be visiting primary schools and nursing homes in the area, and a number of the festival’s thirty events are completely free.
A particular feature this year will be performances of the three great song cycles by Schubert, given by three world-class singers, Jonathan Lemalu (currently performing at English National Opera), Nicholas Mulroy (hailed for his performances at the BBC Proms) and Marcus Farnsworth (one of the most in-demand Lieder singers of his generation).
“These cycles are something of an Everest for singers and pianists,” explains Libby Burgess. “Although they are sung in German, we provide translations. It’s just like seeing a film with subtitles. And the subject material is universal: love, loss, and personal journeys.”
A lighter evening of music will be the Movie Night at ERT, a gala performance of classical music used in films from Shine and The Mission, to Truly, Madly, Deeply and Shawshank Redemption, via Henry V and West Side Story.
The 2018 festival attracted 4,000 audience members, travelling from across the country, so audience members are encouraged to book early.
Tickets and a range of money-saving passes are on sale through the New Paths website, www.newpathsmusic.com, or from the Tourist Information Centre.
Places for free events can be reserved in the same way.
