Lake District Summer Music Festival 2007 Programme

Tom Guthrie

Director and performer Tom Guthrie talks about the evolution of tonight's extraordinary and compelling production of Purcell's The Fairy Queen.

Armonico Consort

Formed in 2005, Armonico Consort has already won worldwide acclaim. Their absorbing and highly entertaining performance of Purcell's lavish semi-opera', The Fairy Queen, is a fully staged modern fusion of opera, puppetry and dance.

Supported by Dr & Mrs Douglas Graham

First appearance at LDSM of this leading young international quartet

The Royal Quartet from Poland are former members of the BBC's New Generation Artists Scheme and have also been appointed to the prestigious position of the Wigmore Hall's 'Quartet in Residence'. Established in 1998 this quartet is overflowing with youthful energy - don't miss their LDSM debut!

"the ensemble's natural expressive nuance speaking of a sincere emotional response … technically superb". (DAILY TELEGRAPH)

HAYDN Quartet in F minor, Op.20 No.5
BEETHOVEN Quartet in F, Op.135
GRIEG Quartet in G minor, Op.27

Sponsored by Renault

"Light Within and Beyond"
to be opened by Miss Mary Burkett OBE

Miss Mary Burkett OBE, former Curator of Abbot Hall, Kendal will open this exhibition featuring Gillian Roberts, painter, and Ben Barden, photographer. Both artists are inspired by light, its reflections and shadows, and are exhibiting at LDSM for the first time. Gillian Roberts has built an enviable reputation on her scenes of Yorkshire life and her portrayal of musicians playing in our great cathedrals and churches. Ben Barden's work is inspired by the majestic beauty of the Lake District.

Exhibition open daily for sales, 5-17 August, 10am-4pm

A virtual exhibition will appear here shortly.

Timothy West (narrator) & Sophie Yates (harpsichord)

The reputation of Casanova was immortalised in his 12 volumes of spicy memoirs, revealing him to be a far more complex character than legend would suggest… soldier, priest, gambler, alchemist and violinist. Actor Timothy West's readings are complemented by the acclaimed Harpsichordist Sophie Yates performing works by Couperin, Rameau and Handel.

Sponsored by Royal Mail

Douglas Jarman

One of the world's leading experts on Hans Werner Henze and Chairman of Psappha, navigates audiences through tonight's music theatre work.

Remarkable music theatre work marking the Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act

It is 200 years since Wilberforce's bill abolished slavery; now, today's composer writes "In March 1969 I visited Estaban Montejo, already aged over a hundred, to hear his tales from the past, the harshness and solitude of his captivity and the brutality of his fight for freedom". This fully staged music theatre with live video is a vivid realisation of the life endured by slaves.

"Henze's dramatic and often beautiful score…should not be missed" (THE TIMES)

World-famous storyteller Taffy Thomas

Taffy Thomas MBE has been collecting and telling stories since the 1970s. He is renowned for pioneering many story telling residencies and festivals. This family friendly selection of music and stories set in the centre of the Lake District touches the hearts of adults and children alike.

Festival favourite returns to give a star recital

"In a class of his own" described a performance of the 17 year old Steven Osborne at LDSM. It has been so ever since. His career now spans the world, from the Far East to the USA, with regular UK performances at Wigmore Hall, the Proms and Edinburgh Festival. Recordings have brought international acclaim and he is recognised as one of the UK's foremost artists.

BEETHOVEN Sonata in C sharp minor, Moonlight, Op.27 No.2
RACHMANINOV 12 Preludes, Op.23
DEBUSSY 12 Preludes, Book 1

Supported by Mrs Eileen Jewell