Programme for 2008

Saturday 17th May

The Pasadena Roof Orchestra

ST MARY'S CHURCH, 7.30PM

Authentic swing music is the forte of the eleven Jazz Musicians who make up the Pasadena Roof Orchestra. They have delighted audiences for many years with the popular music of the 1920s and 1930s and have also accompanied such contemporary international artists as Robbie Williams and Bryan Ferry. You cannot afford to miss such an internationally renowned orchestra!

See more at www.pasadena.co.uk.
Click here to listen to them:

Sunday 18th May

Fringe: The Vivace Choir

ST MARY'S CHURCH, ASHWELL – 7.00PM

Vivace, the Arlesey-based choir, now in its 7th year, is delighted to be invited to the Ashwell Festival. Their repertoire is varied and ranges from classical choral works to Broadway favourites. They perform regularly in Arlesey and Hitchin and by invitation at other events.
In this concert they will perform the Durufle Requiem and opera excerpts.

Tickets £7 for Adults and £2 for 'teens' available on the door.

Check them out on their website

Monday 19th May

Fringe: Folk

THE BUSHEL & STRIKE 7.30PM

Folk, country and a little bit more. Folk from far and near, entertaining with a traditional acoustic feel.

Tuesday 20th May

Young Musicians' Concert

ST MARY'S CHURCH 7.30PM

An evening that celebrates the talents of local young people. The evening will feature performances from the young musicians of Ashwell Primary School, Knights Templar School and Ashwell Church Junior Choir.

Wednesday 21st May

Fringe: Architectural Ashwell

MEET AT ST MARY'C CHURCH 7.00PM

Discover the secrets of Ashwell's past through its secular and ecclesiastical buildings. A walk around the village with local historian David Short, coupled with either a guided tour of St Mary's Church to absorb its unique Graffiti or a visit to Ashwell Museum to discover its treasures.

Thursday 22nd May

Fringe: A night with Ashwell Stage School

ST MARY'S CHURCH 7.00PM

Ashwell's young thespians displaying their musical talents, eager to delight and entertain in the dramatic setting of St Mary's Church

Friday 23rd May

Fringe: Lily Afshar – Classical Guitarist

UNITED REFORM CHURCH,– 7.30PM

Internationally renowned for her powerful and adventurous performances, Lily Afshar is an Iranian-born classical guitarist. She has performed as soloist with numerous orchestras to sell-out audiences. Her repertoire includes music from Iran, Turkey, Spain, Italy as well as North and South America.

For more information about Lily Afshar check out her official website
And watch and listen to her on some YouTube videos

Saturday 24th May

‘Arrival' – Abba Tribute Band

ST MARY'S CHURCH 7.30PM

Recently voted as one of the Top Ten tribute acts in this country, the internationally acclaimed group portrays Abba in a realistic live show with authentic costumes and song and dance routines.

Look them up on www.abba-arrival.co.uk .

Sunday 25th May

Festal Evensong sung by the Choir of St Mary's

ST MARY'S CHURCH 6.30PM

A traditional, full choral Evensong with Guest Conductor, Organist and Preacher.

Director of Music - Judith Catterick
Conductor - Christopher Bucknall, Director of Music, St John & St Andrew Chelsea
Organist - Paul Bryan, Organist, Ely Cathedral Octagon Singers
Preacher - The Very Reverend Dr. Jeffrey John, Dean of St. Albans
Introit - Exsultate Justi - Ludovico da Viadana
Responses - in the key of G - Jamie Milford
Canticles -: Evening Service in B Minor - Hugh Blair
Anthem - How lovely are Thy dwellings fair - Brahms
Te Deum - Te Deum Laudamus in G - Herbert Sumsion