FESTIVAL PROGRAMME  2008
 

Thurs 25th September - Sat 4th October

 

 

Key development points for 2008:

  • building on new look for the festival programme; new dates, new work, including commissions, etc.

  • expanded development of daytime & community events (as a result of audience survey and successful pilots in 2007);

  • Young Artist Platform - emerging talent in classical & other fields, especially local performers, providing much needed early exposure for rising artists;

  • vocal & choral music of all kinds promoted as distinguishing feature of the festival - since the Abbey's acoustic favours voice best of all;

  • relevant themes to the festival; development of these related to Hexham, Tynedale and the region, for 2008 the theme is Northern Lights, and will feature sound & light installations, and focus on northern artists

Highlight events planned for 2008 are:

  • Acoustic Triangle - exciting acclaimed classical/jazz trio on national tour with string ensemble playing in major cathedrals and abbeys, utilising the acoustics of such spaces

  • Exaudi - international renowned vocal ensemble combining best of early music singers with contemporary music, and new commission for Hexham

  • Thistle Brass - exciting & entertaining Scottish brass quintet

  • world class regionally based Avison Ensemble specially devised programme celebrating eponymous composer’s centenary

  • Horses Brawl - outstanding young award-winning early music ensemble with a refreshing and appealing approach to their music and performance, relating early music to folk traditions, extensive education work

  • Clare McCaldin - young singer with local connexions, currently singing with Royal Opera company at Covent Garden

  • Young Artist Platform - a significant new venture offering performance opportunities for emerging talent

  • Festival Chorus & Orchestra sing Haydn’s Nelson Mass

  • higher profile for community & education programme - including Big Knit (giant knitted sculpture community project led by Ingrid Wagner launched at 2007 Festival) & Northern Lights sound & light installation by Carolyn Mendelsohn