LDSM announces artistic line-up for International Festival 2010
Monday, 8 February 2010
Lake District Summer Music has today announced the international musicians and ensembles who have been invited to participate in the 2010 International Festival. Organisers are seeking to ensure that the feast across the centuries, performed by world artists and ensembles, plus the inspirational backdrop of our beautiful Lake District, is an irresistible recipe once again.
This year's International Festival runs from 30 July to 15 August in 2010. It features, amongst others, The King Singers, a rare opportunity to hear the Beethoven Diabelli Variations played by Andreas Staier on an instrument from Beethoven's own period, Gregor Horsch, principal cellist of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Raphael Wallfisch, Leon McCawley, the Chilingirian and Škampa quartets.
Huw Watkins appears as both pianist, performing with oboist Nicholas Daniel, and composer, with a performance of his Octet being played by the Gaudier Ensemble. Luciano Berio's Folk Songs are sung by Wendy Dawn Thompson and Psappha, conducted by Nicholas Kok. Early music is also very much in evidence in the hands of the Quintessential's performance of madrigals from across the Alps, whilst Handel's sense of drama and flowing melodies bring the story of Acis and Galatea to life on the shores of Derwentwater, performed by Brook Street Band.
But LDSM is far more than "a Festival". Over 25 years, Lake District Summer Music has pioneered an inspiring mix of International Festival performances alongside Academy training for emerging young professionals. Last year ISMA welcomed 92 students from over 20 countries. Lake District Summer Music has helped launch the careers of some of the world's most successful instrumentalists and chamber musicians. Nicolas Benedetti, Nikolaj Znaider, Steven Osborne, Carole Presland, the Belcea Quartet are just a small handful of musicians now at the top of the profession who have attended LDSM over the years.
LDSM's reach extends well beyond its heart in Ambleside and the Central Lakes. The event is the widest spread music Festival in the UK, reaching 12 towns and villages across the county - from Kirkby Lonsdale to Penrith, Keswick to Ulverston - in over 50 events. Its impact is felt well beyond these geographical boundaries too with 10,000 attendances every year.
A full Festival Diary detailing all works, artists and other events will be available from April and will be published on the LDSM website www.ldsm.org.uk.
Copies can also pre-ordered by calling the LDSM Box Office on 08456 44 21 44.
For more information, to arrange interviews, or secure photographs please contact: Andrew Lucas, Senior Executive Officer, Lake District Summer Music on 07968 536368 or email andrew@ldsm.org.uk.
