Programme for 2010

Saturday, 22nd May 7.30pm

Fodens Band

Fodens Band

St Mary's Church - £15, u16:£7.50

Following the end of a very successful year on the contest and concert scene the latest 'World Rankings' show Fodens as being the current highest ranked band in England at the end of 2009 and the 2nd highest ranked band in the world - and they will be here in Ashwell.

Fodens maintains a reputation for providing quality entertainment in the field of brass music with a traditional and unique style. The repertoire includes the full spectrum from light popular music both old and new through operatic, film and light orchestral works to the serious original brass band music performed by outstanding soloists and supported by an enviable collection of fine musicians.

For more information and to listen to the band visit their website: www.fodensband.co.uk

Cantate Choir

Sunday, 23rd May 7.00pm

Cantate Choir

St Mary's Church - £10 u16:£5

Details of the programme for this evening to follow

This choir has a big following for good reasons, and we are pleased to welcome them again to the Music Festival.

During the interval tonight will will be serving delicious canapes thanks to Capers Catering.

Sung Compline

Tuesday, 25th May 7.30pm

Young Musicians' Concert

St Mary's Church - Donations

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

Sung Compline

St Mary's Church

Tonight's concert will be followed by the gentlemen of St Mary's Choir singing the ancient plainsong service of Compline.

The James Pearson Trio Cassandra Mansi

Thursday, 27th May 7.30pm
     'Jazz and Classics'

St Mary's Church - Donations

Tonight we have a double bill of spectacular music with the aim of making music available to everybody - we are asking for donations to enable all to appreciate tonight's programme:

The James Pearson Trio

The James Pearson Trio are one of the finest Jazz Trios in Europe. For the past 3 years they have regularly performed as the 'house trio' at the historic Jazz Club Ronnie Scott's in London. With James on piano, Sam Burgess on Double Bass and Chris Dagley on Drums they describe their style of music influenced by Oscar Peterson, Erroll Garner, Dudley Moor, Herbie Hancock and practically everybody! For an amazing evening of Funky-Jazzy-Swinging-Groovy brilliant piano playing - Don't miss.

Listen to them play.

Cassandra Mansi, Viola

Cassandra Mansi started the violin at the age of 8, and such was her talent that within twelve months she was appearing as a solo recitalist. For the next six years she was much in demand as both a solo violinist and violist throughout London and the Home Counties, including concerts at Thornden Hall and Charterhouse.

At the age of 16 Cassandra gained a place at the junior department of the Royal Academy of Music under the tutelage of Jonathan Barritt, where she was principal viola of the JRAM Symphony Orchestra. In 2007 she gained an undergraduate place to continue at the Royal Academy of Music, and this year was invited to lead the viola section in the Amadeus Symphony Orchestra, and in October 2009 she made her debut solo concert at the Royal Academy of Music.

Tonight we will hear a mixed classical programme showing off the beauty of the viola including music from Bach, Brahms, Bowen and and Schumann.

Saturday, 29th May 7.30pm

Not to be missed !

The Bohemians

St Mary's Church - £15 u16:£7.50

We're very exited that the Bohemians are coming to Ashwell

The Bohemians are a favourite with the 'official Queen fan club', as they were the first Queen tribute look-a-likes to headline the 'Queen fan club' convention with an audience of over 2000 ardent Queen fans!! Queen guitarist 'Brian May' described the band as 'brilliant'. The high energy show they perform have earned them the reputation of the worlds 'most exciting' Queen tribute act.

Rob Comber's outrageous stage antics and personality makes him the perfect Freddie, Christopher Gregory's Red Special enables him to get as close as possible to Brian May's inimitable style, Wayne Bourne hammers the tubs like drummer Roger Taylor, and Kevin Goodwin provides that unmistakable Queen backline on bass.

We can't wait.

More information from The Bohemians website

Sunday, 30th May 6.30pm

Festal Evensong

St Mary's Church

A traditional 1662 full choral Evensong with Guest Conductor, Organist and Preacher and, on this the 100th year of the birth of Canon Jack Catterick who started the Music Festival, it is our delight to have Fr. Matthew Catterick, Jack's grandson, to preach for us this evening.

'Our choir at their best.'