Harrogate International Festivals has launched its 20th Sunday Series, which kicks off in January 2013, featuring five of the best international acts on the classical music scene today.
Harrogate International Festivals CEO, Sharon Canavar, said: “It’s a stunning line-up to mark our 20th year delivering the brightest international talent in classical music to our town. We’re thrilled to offer audiences a rare opportunity to access some of the world’s finest classical musicians, right on their doorstep.”
The season opens with 2012 Leeds Piano Competition finalist Louis Schwizgebel and Festival favourites The Gould Piano Trio. There’s also the chance to see world-renowned cellist Adrian Brendel, and one of the most sought after string quartets, The Modigliani Quartet, in their 10th anniversary year. The season draws to a close with extraordinary pianist, Kirill Gerstein.
The performances will be held in the Old Swan Hotel’s ballroom.
Harrogate International Festivals CEO, Sharon Canavar:
All the musicians have been hailed for their work, from the New York Times to The Strad. The five performances promise experiences that I urge you not to miss. It’s such an honour to welcome the incredible technical skill and talent of these breath-taking musicians to Harrogate.
The Sunday Series features some of the most stirring composers of our time, including Haydn, Schubert, Beethoven and Rachmaninov; I defy anyone not to be stirred to their very soul. If you’re looking for a Christmas present with a difference, it’s a great opportunity to give the gift of classical music to someone you love.
Sunday Series
Louis Schwizgebel, piano – Sunday 27 January | 11am
A sensational programme from the New York Times acclaimed pianist including one of only two sonatas by Haydn and Ravel’s three part suite that forever changed the landscape of piano music.
Gould Piano Trio – Sunday 10 February | 11am
The award winning trio has an enviable reputation, from the end of the classical era with Beethoven’s second trio, to the peak of the Romantic era with Rachmaninov and Mendelssohn, this vibrant programme won’t fail to wow.
Adrian Brendel, cello and Alasdair Beatson, piano – Sunday 3 March | 11am
Adrian Brendel has is one of the leading cellists of his generation featuring Beethoven and Stravinsky’s only work for cello, an arrangement of his ballet, Pulcinella. Rachmaninov’s sonata allows cello and piano to enjoy virtuosic solos closing the concert in style.
Modigliani Quartet – Sunday 17 March | 11am
A chance to see one of the most sought after string quartets who have taken the world by storm. Their programme includes the last substantial work written by Beethoven; a poignant reflection on his life’s achievements.
Kirill Gerstein, piano – Sunday 7 April | 11am
Russian-born pianist Kirill Gerstein rapidly ascended into classical music’s highest ranks. One of today’s most intriguing musicians, he journeys through the 18th century with Haydn and Brahms, through the 20th century with Stravinsky, and on to modern day jazz extraordinaire Mehldau’s Variations. A fitting finale.
If you’re looking for a Christmas present with a difference, to help start 2013 in style, tickets are now on sale at £17 and £15; £17 tickets are situated in the Ballroom and front rows of the Garden Room, and £15.50 seats are situated towards the back of the Garden Room.
Tickets can be booked through the Harrogate International Festivals Office: 01423 562 303 or Online at www.harrogateinternationalfestivals.com (or pop into their office on Raglan Street).
