Emma Johnson headlines the 22nd Harrogate International Festivals’ Sunday Series, alongside a sensational programme of international
talent.
The series is renowned for its legacy of showcasing the finest classical music from around the world.
Julian Lloyd Webber, Lesley Garrett, and Emma Johnson launched their careers at Harrogate International Festivals before they found
international acclaim. Last year Lloyd Webber returned to headline at the prestigious Sunday Series; this year the Festival welcomes back
clarinettist Emma Johnson.
Johnson, who is considered ‘Britain’s favourite clarinettist’, said: It’s a huge delight to return to Harrogate, especially to help celebrate half a century of showcasing some of the finest international musicians. The Sunday Series allows audiences in Harrogate to experience the world’s brightest talents, and it’s helped to shape and safeguard our musical landscape and heritage.
It has become something of a national treasure for classical music lovers, and personally, it’s always a joy to return to where I began as a Young Musician.
Opening the series on 25 January 2014 is the phenomenal Sunwook Kim, the youngest winner of the Leeds International Piano Competition. Kim will be performing a programme that will showcase his impressive skill and established style including Bach’s technically demanding Partita No. 2 and the Mussorgsky’s virtuosic Pictures at an Exhibition.
All concerts will be performed on Sundays at 11am at the Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate.
Joining the line-up is one of Britain’s finest string quartets, the Badke Quartet on February 8. The Quartet will be taking a journey throughout the ages from Haydn’s final String Quartet to Stravinsky’s thought-provoking Three Pieces.
The exceptional talent of Dutch violinist Simone Lamsma, hailed for her technical brilliance and heartfelt musicianship, promises a moving
concert on 1 March with American pianist Robert Kulek, performing Schumann’s brooding Sonata in F and Janacek’s intensely emotional Violin Sonata.
Emma Johnson MBE will perform on the 29 March accompanied by Irish pianist Finghin Collins with an eclectic programme of transposed duets including Beethoven’s Variations on La Ci Darem La Mano, the jazz inspirations of Bernstein, and Brahms’ clarinet masterpiece Sonata No. 1.
Closing the series with his trademark Italian panache on 12 April is pianist Federico Colli. Winner of the 2012 Leeds International Piano Competition, he will present a programme of Mozart, Schumann, and Scrabian.
Tickets £17 and £15.50; there is a 30% discount for children aged 16 and under, the unemployed and students in full-time education. Box Office: 01423 562 303 or email info@harrogate-festival.org.uk for more details.
