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Welcome to this very special edition of Cheltenham Music Festival. Since 1945 we have been filling this town with extraordinary live music and in our 80th anniversary year we’re bringing a selection of the best musicians, composers and artists from around the world to Cheltenham.
It’s been a thrilling journey of discovery working with this year’s artists. They have all put so much thought into their concerts, so I have no doubt that every performance packed into these eight days will be gripping, beautiful and thought-provoking.
Our Festival is known across the world for boundary-pushing new music. It’s a privilege to build on that this year. Throughout the Festival we will host a series of premières and we are proud to present two landmark 80th anniversary commissions. If you, like me, get a kick out of hearing brand new music performed live for the first time, then I’ll see you at both of those.
I know there’s something in the Festival for every music-lover, from the glamour of Friday Night Is Music Night to the spellbinding intimacy of Beethoven’s final piano sonatas played by Dame Imogen Cooper DBE. Whichever you choose, we hope you have as much fun going to these concerts as we’ve had putting them together.
Jack Bazalgette
80 Years of
80 Years of
Musical Innovation
This year, Cheltenham Music Festival celebrates 80 years of performances, innovation and global influence.
1945 First Festival opens with Benjamin Britten conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra
1951 London Symphony Orchestra visit for the first time
1962 Pittville Pump Room’s lunchtime concert series is established
1965 Festival fringe events, now known as ... around town begin
1969 John Manduell appointed as the Festival’s first programme director
1991 Peter Maxwell Davies leads first large-scale education project
2000 Festival marks millennium with Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time
2013 Composer Academy talent programme launches for young composers
2015 Cheltenham Festivals launches Musicate, connecting pupils with early career musicians
2025 80th anniversary celebrates legacy with exclusive commissions and special events
What began as just three concerts in the aftermath of World War II has grown into a globally respected stage for creativity, new voices and artistic excellence.
Our 80th anniversary programme reflects on our remarkable history and the artists who have shaped it, while also looking ahead with exclusive premières and landmark anniversary commissions.
Join us in celebrating this milestone as we honour the past and embrace the next 80 years of musical brilliance.
Our year-round and in-Festival school programmes engage thousands of children and young people from schools across Gloucestershire and beyond.
Concert for Schools
Join us on a thrilling journey through the Musiverse and discover beautiful music that reflects and celebrates the world around us. Afterwards, all pupils can take part in some creative music-making in Music Explorers.
Relaxed Concert for Schools
Musicate
Our Relaxed Concert for Schools event is a fully relaxed and joyful concert. The perfect opportunity for pupils and teachers from SEND settings to enjoy live music together.
Visit cheltenhamfestivals.org/ music-for-schools
Kindly supported by Attivo
We bring teachers and pupils together with early career musicians to develop creative approaches to music in the classroom, while upskilling musicians to deliver high-quality live music experiences.
Visit cheltenhamfestivals. org/musicate for more information
Find out how you can help us continue our work with children and young people on page 18
With thanks to our event supporters
Britten Sinfonia
Pittville Pump Room
£32, £26, £18
Britten Sinfonia Soloists
Thomas Gould leader
Deborah Pritchard new work (Cheltenham 80th Commission: world premiere)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Clarinet Quintet, K. 581
INTERVAL
Felix Mendelssohn String Octet in E flat major, Op. 20
Britten Sinfonia is formed of the UK’s leading soloists and is heralded as one of the world’s great chamber orchestras.
With thanks to our event supporters
For this opening concert an allstar selection of players pair two groundbreaking pieces of chamber music. Mozart’s beloved quintet was written for the newly-invented clarinet, which captured the composer’s imagination with its unusual ability to mimic the human voice. Thirty-five years later, a 16-year-old Mendelssohn pioneered a new ‘symphonylike’ genre with his virtuosic string octet. This year’s 80th anniversary Festival will be opened with a new commission by Deborah Pritchard, winner of the British Composer Award, who has been hailed by Gramophone for her music which ‘will take your breath away’.
EVENT TIME BOOKING CODE 7.30–9.30pm M01
Kindly supported by Cheltenham Music Festival Society
Image: Mark Allen
Pavel Kolesnikov
Pittville Pump Room
£32, £26, £18
Pavel Kolesnikov piano
Johann Sebastian Bach Goldberg Variations
BWV 988
Pavel Kolesnikov reprises his unique interpretation of Bach’s masterpiece after five-star reviews from The Guardian, The Arts Desk and The Telegraph Widely regarded as one of the greatest works for keyboard, Bach’s Goldberg Variations take a simple and beautiful opening aria as a starting point for a journey of spectacular invention. Kolesnikov has become known for his ‘intensely personal interpretations, often daring in their originality’ (Critics’ Circle), so expect to hear Bach’s iconic piece in a fresh light. We are grateful to Yamaha for bringing Pavel’s favourite piano to the Pump Room specially for this concert.
EVENT TIME BOOKING CODE
11am–12.15pm M02
Concert running time 75 mins with no interval
Kindly supported by Norman Fyfe and the late John Harvey Hooper
Songs for the Earth
Pittville Pump Room
£30, £24, £18
Bridget O’Donnell violin
Simmy Singh violin
David Shaw viola
Deni Teo cello
Misha Mullov-Abbado double bass
Trad. Norwegian arr. Danish String Quartet Old Reinlender from Sonndala
Ofra Haza Ne’ama
Trad. English / Scottish John Barleycorn
Misha Mullov-Abbado Equinox
Julian Herreros Solo Dios Sabe Sì Vuelvo
Sine NicFhionnlaigh arr. Maxwell Quartet
Fear a’Bhàta / Da Full Rigged Ship / Da New Rigged Ship
Simmy Singh Whispers of the Wind
Trad. Welsh Lloer Dirion Lliw’r Dydd
Trad. North American Down to the River
Trad. Bulgarian Kopanitsa
Curated and led by violinist Bridget O’Donnell and bassist Misha Mullov-Abbado, Songs for the Earth is a fusion of folk, jazz and classical music. Their programme links the spirit of folk music to nature, the seasons and the ways we connect with the outdoors. The programme will include arrangements of nature-inspired music from Celtic, Nordic, American, European and Middle-Eastern traditions, compositions by well-known composers and new pieces written specially for the occasion.
EVENT TIME BOOKING CODE
3.30–4.45pm M03
Concert running time 75 mins with no interval
With thanks to our event supporters
Norman Fyfe
The late John Harvey Hooper
Pre-concert talk
Berlioz: Te Deum
Gloucester Cathedral, Lady Chapel
£8
John Pickard guest speaker
After an informative and engaging talk in 2024, we welcome back leading composer and Professor of Composition at University of Bristol, John Pickard to delve deeper into the world of Berlioz as he gives an illustrated introduction to the mighty Te Deum. This is a rare opportunity to gain expert insight into the fascinating personal and political history behind this piece. Space is limited and last year’s talk sold out in record time so book early to avoid disappointment.
EVENT TIME BOOKING CODE
6.15–7pm M04
Berlioz: Te Deum
Gloucester Cathedral
£42, £32, £22, £15
Dame Sarah Connolly mezzo-soprano
Liam Bonthrone tenor
South Cotswold Big Sing Group
Choristers of Gloucester Cathedral
British Sinfonietta
Adrian Partington conductor
Gabriel Fauré Messe des pêcheurs de Villerville
Johannes Brahms Alto Rhapsody, Op. 53 INTERVAL
Hector Berlioz Te Deum, Op. 22
Berlioz’s monumental Te Deum was written to fill a gigantic building, possibly Notre-Dame in Paris, for a spectacular ceremony of international proportions. This concert is a rare chance to experience the last of the composer’s great ‘architectural’ works in the suitably grand setting of Gloucester Cathedral. Two outstanding 19th-century works complete the programme: Brahms’ deeply romantic Alto Rhapsody will be brought to life by Dame Sarah Connolly and Faure’s mass for women’s voices, described by the composer as his ‘little holiday mass’. Expect this concert to begin with a summery, upbeat welcome.
EVENT TIME BOOKING CODE 7.30–9.30pm M05
Produced in Partnership with the South Cotswold Big Sing Group
Kindly supported by an anonymous donor and Diana Woolley
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Faire is the Rose: The Music of Orlando Gibbons
Pittville Pump Room
£32, £26, £18
The Gesualdo Six
Chelys Consort of Viols
The Gesualdo Six have quickly become one of the world’s leading vocal consorts, with their distinctively blended sound capturing the imagination of choral fans the world over. Debuts at BBC Proms, Sydney Opera House, Shanghai Symphony Hall and Wigmore Hall have garnered widespread acclaim, with Gramophone describing their concerts as “ingeniously programmed and impeccably delivered, with that undefinable excitement that comes from a group of musicians working absolutely as one”. They are joined by the Chelys Consort for an exploration of the world of Orlando Gibbons, celebrating 400 years of the composer’s vivid and imaginative music.
EVENT TIME
BOOKING CODE 11am–12.45pm M06
Concert running time 105 mins including interval
Kindly supported by an anonymous donor
Relaxed Concert
for Families
Town Hall
£5
Inspire Orchestra
Glyn Oxley conductor
Presented by Emily Hopper and Abbie Pascoe
We are delighted to present Cheltenham Music Festival’s first ever Relaxed Concert for Families.
Join us on a journey through the Musiverse and discover beautiful music that reflects and celebrates the world around us.
For children with disabilities or additional needs and their families, this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a fully relaxed concert together.
For more information, please head to our website: cheltenhamfestivals.org/ relaxed-music-concert
EVENT TIME BOOKING CODE 11am–12pm M07
Concert running time 60 mins with no interval
Kindly supported by Attivo Lifestyle Financial Planning and Barnwood Trust
Donate £10
to enable a child to experience live music through our donated tickets for schools scheme
With thanks to our event supporters An anonymous donor
Image: Ash Mills
Kanneh-Mason, Fernandes, van Gent Trio
Pittville Pump Room
£32, £26, £18
Hadewych van Gent cello
Plínio Fernandes guitar
Braimah Kanneh-Mason violin
This all-star trio make their Cheltenham debut with a concert combining the deeply spiritual music of Bloch and Bach with the uplifting Latin charm of Piazzola. Brazilian guitarist Plínio Fernandes was named a Rising Star by Classic FM in 2022 and has since shot to fame, with acclaimed debuts at Wigmore Hall, Concertgebouw Amsterdam and the BBC Proms. He is joined by two of a new generation of string virtuosos: Hadewych van Gent and Braimah Kanneh-Mason . Together, the trio will introduce you to the extraordinary possibilities of these three instruments in combination with new pieces and arrangements created for this concert.
EVENT TIME BOOKING CODE
3.30–4.45pm M08
Concert running time 75 mins with no interval
Kindly supported by Elizabeth Jacobs
Mozart’s Requiem
Town Hall
£28, £22, £16
Hilary Cronin soprano
Marta Fontanals-Simmons mezzo-soprano
James Gilchrist tenor
Gareth John bass-baritone
Cheltenham Bach Choir
Musical and Amicable Society
David Crown conductor
Ola Gjeilo Sunrise Mass
INTERVAL
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Requiem in D minor, K.626
Mozart’s Requiem is a gripping choral masterpiece with an almost mythical genesis story. Written for a grieving patron, Mozart composed the piece in the most productive but final year of his life. Mozart’s widow later claimed that the composer believed he was writing the music to his own funeral as he became increasingly and painfully unwell. This concert sees the Cheltenham Bach Choir pair this iconic piece with the music of Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo, whose Sunrise Mass evokes an epic spiritual journey ‘from space to the earth... from child to adult’.
EVENT TIME BOOKING CODE 7–9pm M09
Kindly supported by Richmond Villages and Bupa Care Home Cheltenham
Elizabeth Jacobs
Image: John Davis
Monday 7 July
Ravel and Dvořák Quartets from Memory
Pittville Pump Room
£30, £24, £18
Anton Webern Langsamer Satz
Maurice Ravel String Quartet INTERVAL
Antonín Dvořák String Quartet No.13 in G major, Op.106
Playing a programme of this magnitude from memory is no mean feat, but Berlin’s “vivacious, vivid and electrifying” (Der Tagesspiegel ) Vision String Quartet makes it look easy. Hear these three masterpieces brought to life by Germany’s most exciting new string ensemble. They’ve recently given recitals at the Elbphilarmonie Hamburg, Berlin Philharmonie and Lucerne Festivals so we are delighted that they have created (and memorised...) this programme exclusively for Cheltenham Music Festival.
EVENT TIME BOOKING CODE 11am–12.45pm M10
Kindly supported by Mary Mackenzie, Richard Walton and Friends
With thanks to our event supporters
Gloucestershire Young Musicians
St. Gregory’s Church
£12
Watch the very best local young talent perform in the beautiful surroundings of St. Gregory’s Church in this early evening concert. This concert features the winner of the 2025 Gloucestershire Young Musician and the winner of the 2025 Keith Nutland Award.
EVENT TIME BOOKING CODE
6–7pm M11
Concert running time 60 mins with no interval
In memory of Lady June Marychurch
Talent Development
Supporting the next generation of artists and thinkers is at the heart of Cheltenham Festivals’ mission.
Spotlight
Our Spotlight concert features Festival debuts from musicians at the very start of their careers.
See page 13
BBC New Generation Artists
Our BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists scheme nurtures some of the world’s finest young musicians as they launch their international careers. See pages 14, 15 and 17
Find out how you can help us continue to support emerging artists on page 28.
Kindly supported by PRS Foundation and PPL
Image: Harold Hoffman
Mary Mackenzie, Richard Walton and Friends
In memory of Lady June Marychurch
BBC New Generation Artist
Giorgi Gigashvili
Pittville Pump Room
£28, £22, £16
Giorgi Gigashvili piano
Fanny Mendelssohn Four Songs Without Words, Op. 8
Felix Mendelssohn Selection from Songs Without Words, Op. 19
Clara Schumann Variations on a Theme of Robert Schumann, Op. 20
Robert Schumann Sonata No. 1 in F# Minor, Op. 11
INTERVAL
Sergei Prokofiev Piano Sonata No. 8 in Bb Major, Op. 84
Continuing our Festival’s long association with the BBC and our commitment to developing new talent, we are proud to host a selection of this year’s BBC New Generation Artists. Giorgi Gigashvili is a remarkable Georgian pianist and composer who has been championed by the likes of Martha Argerich and Lisa Batiashvili. From the delicate, poetic songs of Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn to the last of Prokofiev’s mighty ‘War Sonatas’, this is a chance to witness the emotional range of the piano at the hands of a very exciting new talent.
EVENT TIME BOOKING CODE 11am–12.45pm M12
This concert will be recorded for future broadcast. In partnership with BBC Radio 3 Kindly supported by The Aquarius Group
Alexandra Whittingham
Pittville Pump Room
£30, £24, £18
Alexandra Whittingham guitar
Recognised by The Guardian as “a young 21st-century virtuoso”, Alexandra Whittingham is reshaping perceptions of classical guitar and defying conventions. At 16 she began to film her performances of popular guitar repertoire as a personal project, rapidly creating a large community of fans with over 50 million views. Having just signed to Decca Classics, recording continues to play an important part in Alexandra’s career. Her debut album My European Journey was described as “a superb debut” by BBC Music Magazine. This concert will showcase both Alexandra’s affinity for Romantic guitar repertoire with a love of discovering lesserknown composers. Expect to hear the sounds of glamorous mid-century Argentina via the compositions of Jorge Morel and the drama of Brazil as depicted in Hector Villa-Lobos’ Five Preludes. Alexandra’s programme will also showcase the music of Napoleon Coste, an underrated Parisian guitar master, alongside new arrangements of Edith Piaf.
EVENT TIME BOOKING CODE 7–8.30pm M13 Concert running time 90 mins including interval
With
BBC New Generation Artist
Santiago Sanchez
Pittville Pump Room
£28, £22, £16
Santiago Sanchez tenor
The spellbinding Uruguayan-Spanish tenor Santiago Sanchez continues our collaboration with the BBC New Generation Artist scheme. After a season featuring debuts at La Scala in Milan, Wigmore Hall and the Vienna Staatsoper, this will be a rare opportunity to hear a young tenor at the top of his game. The varied programme will show-off the versatility of this once-in-a-generation voice with a selection of Sanchez’s favourite German, English and Italian arias and songs.
EVENT TIME BOOKING CODE
11am–12.30pm M14
Concert running time 90 mins including interval
This concert will be recorded for future broadcast.
In partnership with BBC Radio 3
Kindly supported by Dame Patricia Routledge DBE
With thanks to our event supporters
Mixtape
Town Hall
£15
Mixtape returns for an immersive evening of intimate live music. Grab a drink, sit, stand or lie back and get lost in the music as a selection of the UK’s leading performers take you on a journey through the classical music of Europe, Latin America and West Africa. Often tipped as one of the highlights of the Festival, this is a great opportunity to try something new in the safe hands of four award-winning soloists and ensembles. Perfect for all the family.
EVENT TIME BOOKING CODE
7–9pm M15
Kindly supported by Leaf Creative
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Dame Patricia Routledge DBE
Dame Imogen Cooper DBE
Pittville Pump Room
£32, £26, £18
Dame Imogen Cooper DBE piano
Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 30 in E, Op. 109
Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 31 in Ab, Op. 110 INTERVAL
Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111
Described by Sir Simon Rattle as “one of the greatest musicians England has ever produced”, Dame Imogen Cooper DBE plays Beethoven with a rare depth and sensitivity borne out of a lifetime of reflection. In his last three sonatas, Beethoven pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the piano, concluding in the otherworldly final movement of the last sonata.
EVENT TIME BOOKING CODE 7–8.45pm M16
General tickets go on sale Thursday 27 March Donate £20 to fund a Festival ticket for someone facing barriers to culture
10 July
BBC New Generation Artist
Ryan Corbett
Pittville Pump Room
£28, £22, £16
Ryan Corbett accordion
Cézar Franck (arr. Corbett) Chorale No. 2 in B minor
Johann Sebastian Bach (arr. Corbett)
Selection from The Well-Tempered Clavier
Vladislav Zolotaryov Sonata No. 2
Sergei Rachmaninov (arr. Corbett) Vocalise
Jindřich Feld Konzertstück
Carl Maria von Weber (arr. Corbett)
Konzertstück
Praised for his ‘revelatory mastery’ of this lesser-known instrument, the third of this year’s BBC New Generation artists has created shockwaves through the classical music world. The classical accordion is a rare beast, but this young virtuoso has shown it to be capable of colossal power, depth and sensitivity through performances at the Berlin Philharmonie, Wigmore Hall and the Scottish Coronation of HM King Charles III. Don’t miss a chance to experience “one of the most astonishing newcomers in Scottish music” (Sir James Macmillan).
EVENT TIME
BOOKING CODE
11am–12.15pm M17
Concert running time 75 mins with no interval.
This concert will be recorded for future broadcast. In partnership with BBC Radio 3
With thanks to our event supporters
Idrîsî Ensemble
Cheltenham College Chapel
£24
Idrîsî Ensemble
Traditional Roman chant De necessitatibus
Guillaume de Machaut Liement me deport
Corsican traditional Kyrie Eleison
Corsican traditional Stabat Mater
Ponç D’Ortafà Si ay perdut
Old Roman chant Alleluia “ Ότι Θεός”
Trouvère motet Trois serors sor rive mer
Epirus traditional Αλησμονώ και χαίρομαι
Thomas Fournil / Corsican traditional
Dieus sal la terra
Corsican traditional Kyrie Eleison
With a reputation for their gripping and deeply researched performances, Idrîsî Ensemble bring the precious and beautiful music of centuries past vividly to life. Pioneering a fresh approach to historical performance, they perform medieval repertoire from period manuscripts, together with UNESCO-protected and endangered traditions from across the Mediterranean. Idrîsî gathers together an elite group of specialist instrumentalists and singers for a journey through the sounds of ancient Occitania, Corsica, Rome and Greece.
EVENT TIME BOOKING CODE 6.30–8pm M18
Concert running time 90 mins with no interval.
Image: Andrej Grilc
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Seckou
Keita
DEYA Brewery Taproom
£24
Seckou Keita kora and voice
Seckou Keita is a renowned kora virtuoso, a luminary amongst African traditional musicians. Hailing from southern Senegal, he has been dubbed as ‘the Hendrix of the kora’ due to his innovative compositions, exceptional skill and vibrant performances. As a member of a Griot family, Seckou is a hereditary master of this historic West African culture of music and storytelling. He is also one of the leaders of a generation of Griot musicians who aim to protect this art form and explore its intersection with neighbouring African and European traditions.
EVENT TIME BOOKING CODE 8.30–10pm M19
Concert running time 90 mins with no interval. Doors 7.30pm. The Swamp will be open earlier for food and drink.
This concert will be standing only. For accessible seating, please contact Box Office.
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Aaron Akugbo and Zeynep Özsuca
Pittville Pump Room
£28, £22, £16
Aaron Akugbo trumpet Zeynep Özsuca piano
Arthur Honegger Intrada
Lily Boulanger Nocturne
Mark-Anthony Turnage True Life Stories: Elegy For Andy
Antonio Vivaldi Agitata da due venti
Eugène Bozza Aria
Jean Françaix Sonatine INTERVAL
Jean Hubeau Trumpet Sonata
Florence Price The Glory of the Day was in Her Face
Mark-Anthony Turnage True Life Stories: Tune for Toru
Florence Price Song to the Dark Virgin
Gustav Mahler Ich atmet’ einen linden Duft!
Guy Ropartz Andante and Allegro
Two groundbreaking talents demonstrate the immense possibilities of their combined instruments in this very special morning concert. Aaron Akugbo has established himself as a once-in-a-generation talent, combining extraordinary technical skill with a distinctively subtle and lyrical tone. Rave reviews have followed his recent appearances at the Lucerne Festival and his televised performance of Haydn’s trumpet concerto at the BBC Proms. Aaron is joined by the renowned pianist Zeynep Özsuca for a programme that will explore the voicelike power of the trumpet through music by Mahler, Boulanger, Honegger and more.
EVENT TIME
BOOKING CODE 11am–12.45pm M20
Image: Olivia Da Costa
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With thanks to our event supporters
Friday Night is Music Night
80 Years of Spying in Cheltenham
Town Hall
£48, £38, £28, £18, £12
Clare Teal host Karin Ní Bhroin conductor BBC Concert Orchestra
Secret missions, international espionage and dubious disguises: the sound of spying comes to Cheltenham for a special broadcast from the Town Hall. Featuring the full might of the BBC Concert Orchestra, the Festival hosts the world’s longestrunning orchestral show for an evening of hits from great spy soundtracks of the last 80 years. There will be something for everyone, from classic James Bond bangers to scores that are hot off the press. Get a cocktail, don some sunglasses, and try not to draw any attention to yourself.
EVENT TIME BOOKING CODE 7–9.30pm M21
Concert running time 150 mins including interval
This concert will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. In partnership with BBC Radio 3 Kindly supported by Oldham Foundation and Rathbones
...around town trail
in association with Cheltenham BID
Fancy some Mozart with your mocha, cocktails with your crotchets or a beer with a side of Beethoven?
Whether you’re a music enthusiast, curious about the town’s hidden gems or simply a coffee lover, this tour offers an unforgettable sensory journey through sound and space. Every corner holds a new live music sound, with short bursts of live performances where you least expect them.
Join us for the whole tour or drop in as we journey through Cheltenham’s musical hotspots.
12.30–1.15pm
Epsilon Brass Quintet
John Lewis
1.30–2.15pm
Zlotniki String Quartet
Society Café
2.30–3.15pm
Grace Conner Jazz Quartet
Cosy Club
3.30–4.15pm
Yugen Saxophone Quartet
Bottle of Sauce
4.30–5.15pm Nathaniel Evan’s Jazz Trio
5.30–6.15pm
Gerald Finley and Isata Kanneh-Mason
Pittville Pump Room
£32, £26, £18
Gerald Finley bass-baritone
Isata Kanneh-Mason piano
Ludwig van Beethoven Selected songs
Ludwig van Beethoven An die Ferne Geliebte (A. Jeitteles) Op. 98
Franz Schubert Meeres Stille (Goethe) D.216
Franz Schubert Prometheus (Goethe) D.674
Franz Schubert Wanderers Nachtlied II (Goethe) D.768
Franz Schubert Erlkönig (Goethe) D.328
INTERVAL
Edvard Grieg Selected songs
Mark-Anthony Turnage Three Songs
Ralph Vaughan Williams Songs of Travel
Grammy-winning singer Gerald Finley is joined by superstar pianist
Isata Kanneh-Mason of the legendary Kanneh-Mason family for this unique song recital. With a programme that encompasses the breadth of a career that has seen Finley sing title roles at almost every major opera house in the world and become one of the best-known faces of classical music, this concert is not to be missed. This new duo will explore a selection of favourite repertoire, old and new.
EVENT TIME BOOKING CODE 11am–12.45pm M22
Kindly supported by Diana Woolley
General tickets go on sale
Thursday 27 March
With thanks to our event supporters
Diana Woolley
Image: Karolina Wielocha
Pre-concert talk 80 Years of Cheltenham
Music Festival
Town Hall
£8
A festive talk to mark 80 years of groundbreaking new music, larger-than-life characters, star-performers and more than a bit of controversy. Join us and reflect on the origins of Cheltenham Music Festival and the music played at the very first concert in 1945.
EVENT TIME BOOKING CODE
6.15–7pm M23
BBC NOW Celebrate 80 Years of Cheltenham Music Festival
Town Hall
£48, £38, £28, £18, £12
Gergely Madaras conductor
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Benjamin Britten Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes, Op. 33a (premièred at Cheltenham 1945)
Malcolm Arnold Symphony No. 5, Op. 74 (premièred at Cheltenham 1961)
INTERVAL
Anna Semple Fanfare for Cheltenham (world première, Cheltenham commission)
Edward Elgar ‘Enigma’ Variations, Op. 36
Join us for a grand finale to celebrate 80 years of Cheltenham Music Festival. Broadcast live by BBC Radio 3, this concert will see us mirror the very first Festival in 1945, which opened with Elgar’s Enigma Variations and the concert première of the Sea Interludes from ‘Peter Grimes’, conducted by Benjamin Britten himself. The Four Sea Interludes are now amongst the best loved and most often played orchestral pieces in the world. They will be followed by another masterpiece premièred at Cheltenham – Arnold’s heart-wrenchingly beautiful Fifth Symphony. We send off this year’s Festival with a performance of Elgar’s mysterious, beautiful and dramatic set of Enigma variations , each of which reflects the personality of one of the composer’s friends.
EVENT TIME BOOKING CODE
7.30–9.30pm M24
This concert will be broadcast live for BBC Radio 3. In partnership with BBC Radio 3 Kindly supported by Cheltenham Music Festival Society
With thanks to our event supporters
FRIDAY 4 JULY
7.30–9.30pm Britten Sinfonia
SATURDAY 5 JULY
11am—12.15pm Pavel Kolesnikov
3.30—4.45pm Songs for the Earth
6.15—7pm Pre-concert talk: Berlioz: Te Deum
7.30–9.30pm Berlioz: Te Deum
SUNDAY 6 JULY
11am–12pm Relaxed Concert for Families
11am—12.45pm Faire is the Rose: The Music of Orlando Gibbons
3.30–4.45pm Kanneh-Mason, Fernandes, van Gent Trio
7—8.30pm Mozart’s Requiem
MONDAY 7 JULY
11am—12.45pm Ravel and Dvořák Quartets from Memory
6–7pm Gloucestershire Young Musicians
TUESDAY 8 JULY
11am—12.45pm
BBC New Generation Artist: Giorgi Gigashvili
7—9pm Alexandra Whittingham
WEDNESDAY 9 JULY
11am—12.30pm
BBC New Generation Artist: Santiago Sanchez
7–8.45pm Dame Imogen Cooper DBE
7–9pm Mixtape
THURSDAY 10 JULY
11am—12.15pm
BBC New Generation Artist: Ryan Corbett
6.30–8pm Idrîsî Ensemble
8.30–10pm Seckou Keita
FRIDAY 11 JULY
11am—12.45pm Aaron Akugbo and Zeynep Özsuca
7–9.30pm Friday Night is Music Night: 80 Years of Spying in Cheltenham
SATURDAY 12 JULY
11am—12.45pm Gerald Finley and Isata Kanneh-Mason
12.30–6.15pm ...around town
6.15–7pm Pre-concert talk: 80 Years of Cheltenham Music Festival
7.30–9.30pm
BBC NOW Celebrate 80 Years of Cheltenham Music Festival
Festival
Pittville Pump Room
Pittville Pump Room
Pittville Pump Room
Gloucester Cathedral Lady Chapel
Gloucester Cathedral
Cheltenham Town Hall
Pittville Pump Room
Pittville Pump Room
Cheltenham Town Hall
Pittville Pump Room
St. Gregory's Church
Pittville Pump Room
Pittville Pump Room
Pittville Pump Room
Pittville Pump Room
Cheltenham Town Hall
Pittville Pump Room
Cheltenham College Chapel
DEYA Brewery Tap Room
Pittville Pump Room
Cheltenham Town Hall
Pittville Pump Room
£32, £26, £18
£32, £26, £18
£30, £24, £18
£8
£42, £32, £22, £15
£5
£32, £26, £18
£32, £26, £18
£28, £22, £16
£30, £24, £18
£12
£28, £22, £16
£30, £24, £18
£28, £22, £16
£32, £26, £18
£15
£28, £22, £16
£24
£24
£28, £22, £16
£48, £38, £28, £18, £12
£32, £26, £18
Cheltenham Town Centre Free
Cheltenham Town Hall
Cheltenham Town Hall
£48, £38, £28, £18, £12
Scan the QR code to download it now Developed with thanks to our Partners
Thank you to our Partners and Supporters
Principal Partners
We are proud to support Cheltenham Festivals and their engaging outreach with children and young people. Together we can ensure all audiences are able to access high quality arts and culture on their doorstep.
Phil Gibby, Area Director, Arts Council England
Major Partners
Festival Partners
The Sorven Foundation Trust
Attivo is proud to support Cheltenham Festivals. Our partnership reflects our shared commitment to enriching lives and investing in the community. Our sponsorship ensures cultural events are accessible, welcoming and inclusive for all.
Attivo Lifestyle Financial Planning
Cheltenham Music Festival Society has been supporting Cheltenham Music Festival since 1952. As long time friends, we support the Festival’s excellent performances and outreach programme.
Cheltenham Music Festival Society
Kindly supported by
In memory of Dr Anne Dunn, singer, teacher and supporter
Norman Fyfe
The Aquarius Group
The late John Harvey Hooper
Elizabeth Jacobs
Mary Mackenzie, Richard Walton and Friends
In memory of Lady June Marychurch
Dame Patricia Routledge DBE
Diana Woolley
Thank you to all the individuals who donated through the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2024.
We would also like to thank our individual supporters who have chosen to remain anonymous.
In-Kind and Media Partners
Unleash the Power of Corporate Partnership
Our Partnership offerings are crafted to elevate your brand in ways that are completely tailored to meet your goals and ambitions.
You will be aligning with our vision for a world where everyone can explore and create culture whilst getting to shape an unforgettable brand narrative and connect with a vibrant community.
Email partnerships@cheltenhamfestivals.org to speak to a member of the Development Team
When I saw that some of the best musicians in the world were ‘coming to my doorstep’, I thought the least I could do was to attend as many of their performances as I could and I have never been disappointed.
Mary Mackenzie
Working with Cheltenham Festivals over the past 20 years has enabled us to be part of a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity and community. Willans
✓ Bespoke brand awareness
✓ Exclusive networking opportunities
✓ VIP experiences
✓ Align with world-class musicians and talent
✓ Achieve collective goals for diversity and inclusion, sustainability and accessibility
with Patronage
Join our valued Patron community and play a crucial role in advancing our artistic programmes and outreach projects, creating experiences that bring joy, spark curiosity, connect communities and inspire change. From £90 per month, Patronage covers all four Festivals. You’ll also benefit from:
✓ Advanced booking and early programme announcements
✓ Access to hospitality areas at our Festivals
✓ Invitations to special events and parties
To find out more please email patrons@cheltenhamfestivals.org or visit cheltenhamfestivals.org/patrons
As a UK taxpayer you can increase the value of your Patronage donation by 25% at no extra cost with Gift Aid.
I feel like an important part of the whole Festivals experience, including the huge amount of work done for schools, young people and the local community
Keith Norton, Life Patron
Patron Acknowledgements
Life Patrons
Dr Lynda Albertyn and Pat Gallasch
Mark and Sue Blanchfield
Peter and Anne Bond
Dominic and Jannene Collier
Michael and Felicia Crystal
Colin and Suzanne Doak
Victoria Draper
Miles and Monica Dunkley
Carole Epstein - her life and legacy
The Eaton Family
Fingerhuth Leung Family
Charles Fisher
Lucy Freeman and Peter Hulett
Mr and Mrs D M Gates
David and John Hall
Margaret Headen
Diane and Mark Hill
Jeremy and Germaine Hitchins Family
Jonathan and Cassinha Hitchins Family
Stephen and Tania Hitchins Family
Jeff and Keren Illiffe
Elizabeth and Michael Jones and Family
David Jones and Amanda Payne
Rick and Lisa Jones
Steven and Linda Jones
Hugh and Sue Koch
Robert and Moira Leechman
Hazel and Jeremy Lewis
Eileen Lockwood
The McKelvie Family
Fiona McLeod
The McWilliam family in loving memory of Ruth McWilliam
Keith Norton and Piers Norton
The Parker Family in loving memory of Edward and Gladys
Mark and Elizabeth
Philip-Sørensen
Anthony and Rowenna Poeton
Shelley Bence and Felix
Robson in memory of Jason Robson
Karen Salters and Marcus Freer
John and Susan Singer
Jean Gouldsmith Skinner
Andrew Smith
Phil and Jennifer Stapleton
Liz and Neil Stewart
Sharon Studer and Graham Beckett
Chris and Bridgette Sunman
Fiona and David Symondson
Michelle Thorley
Luanne and Hodson Thornber
The Walker Family
Jacqueline Woof
Director’s Circle
Chris Barratt and Carolyn Howard
Heather Barrett
Sue Bennett
Charlie Chan
Richard Claridge
Sarah Cook and Gemma Irvine
Michael and Angela Cronk
Arlene Davies
Carol and Adrian Farnell
Marc and Melanie Gillespie
Jeremy and Alison Halliday
Mark and Moira Hamlin
Stephen Harper and Megan Broadley
Jennifer Hayward and Richard Waite
Stephen Hodge
Andrew and Caroline Hope
David Jones
The Keogh Family
Simon and Emma Keswick
Emma Logan and KB Beaton
Iain F Lovatt
Andrew and Susanne Malim
Hayden and Tracy McKinnes
Spencer McPherson and Emily Poole
The Miskin Family
P. J. Moore
Chris Morgan
Joanna Morrison
Giles Mountford
Oldham Foundation
John Phillips
Andrew Pitt and Pamela Odih
Jan and Gill Rowe
Khal and Zoe Rudin
Andy and Ali Stalsberg
Peter Stormonth Darling
Charitable Trust
Paul and Amanda Toner
Stephen Wood
Gold Patrons
Sigrid and Ben Atkinson
Nicholas and Alixandra Avery
Christopher Bence
Stephen Bond and Sarah Russell
Matthew and Emily Clayton
Ian Culverhouse
Sally Dimmer
Wallace and Morag Dobbin
Peter and Sue Elliott
Colin and Susan Enticknap F Gabriel
Mark and Olpha Gibbon
Gill Greenhalgh and Steven Bond
Louise Hewett D.L.
Mike and Judie Hill
Elizabeth Jacobs
Nathan and Jenny McLoughlin
Sir Michael and Lady McWilliam
Kim Moore
Louise Morgan
John and Judith Murray
Dr Julia Pearson and Dr Keith England
Adrian and Cassandra Phillips
Martin and Susan Pickard
Joanna and Stuart Richards
Brenda Salters and Harold Longmate
Candy Shaw and William Barff
Mat and Patsy Shilling
Esther and Peter Smedvig
Tony and Victoria Wood
Silver Patrons
We would also like to thank all our anonymous Patrons and Silver Patrons who are listed on the website: cheltenhamfestivals.org/ our-patrons
Acknowledgements
Presented by Cheltenham Festivals Ltd, a Charity and company limited by guarantee and a member of the British Arts & Science Festival Association (artsfestivals.co.uk).
Cheltenham Festivals is a PRS Foundation Talent Development Network Partner supported by PPL.
Cheltenham Festivals Board of Trustees
Mark Philip-Sorensen
Kiane Atanga
Lucy Carlton-Walker
Beverley Grimster
Peter Howarth
Adrian Farnell
Lauren Stone
Dr Deborah Thacker
Jonathan White
Andrew Williams
Company Secretary
Matthew Clayton
Co-CEOs
Ali Mawle
Ian George
Music Festival
Artistic Director
Jack Bazalgette
Music Festival Producer
Tamsyn Hamilton
...around town
Programme
Tamsyn Hamilton
Katherine Cox
Festival Images
Still Moving Media
Senior Management Team
Julia Caskey
Alaana Watt
Marketing and Box Office
Jade Beard
Phil Brook
Hannah Franklin
Hannah McNally
Grace Pascoe
Ashleigh Poole
Madelaine Richards
Grace Walsh
Liz Wheatley
Development
Katherine Cox
Claire Crawford
Fi Cruikshanks
Alice Gilder
Becky Harte
Holly Haynes
Evan Holt
Fiona Magowan
Lydia Ractliffe
Samantha Sandford
Connor Teague
Eleri Thomas
Learning and Participation
Philippa Claridge
Sarah Cooksley
Emma Gardner
Khazana McLaughlin
Rose Wood
Operations and Production
James Clay
Emily Davis
Adrian Hensley
Melissa King
James Kitto
James Mackenzie
Sophia McCrea
Tarren Production
Niamh Roderick
Rachel Wollaston
Finance
Ben Bates
Russ Poole
Programme Artwork
@ 2025 Cheltenham Festivals, Liz Wheatley
Production
Printed by Prontaprint
With many thanks to the staff and volunteers who provide invaluable support and help make the Festival a success. Contact
If you have any specific comments about the Festival, please email boxoffice@ cheltenhamfestivals.org
Company No. 456573
Charity No. 251765
VAT Registration No. 100114013
How to Book
To get the best out of the Festival we recommend you book in advance, however there will be availability for some events at the Box Office on site.
During the Festival
You can purchase tickets in person at our Festival Box Office. Opening hours will be listed at cheltenham festivals.org/booking
Booking fees
Booking fees apply to all bookings and are charged per order. Fees are £4 online and over the phone, with no fees for in person bookings. Members are exempt from paying a booking fee.
Access Ticket Bookings
Please book using our online form which will be available from Tuesday 18 March at cheltenhamfestivals.org/ access
Gift Vouchers
Cheltenham Festivals Gift Vouchers may be purchased at our Box Office online and may be redeemed against ticket or Membership purchases. Find out more at cheltenhamfestivals.org/ support-us/gift-vouchersand-donations
Refunds
Tickets cannot be refunded, except in the case of a cancelled event.
Tickets can be exchanged subject to a £3 fee (excluding Patrons and Member+) and availability.
Please note, if there is a difference in price, ticket holders will not be refunded the difference and will have to pay any additional cost price.
Sometimes alterations to the advertised details of an event or performance are made at short notice. If this happens there is no obligation to refund your money or exchange your seats.
For full ticketing terms and conditions please visit cheltenhamfestivals.org/ terms-and-conditions
Get closer with Patronage
To
Become a member
To
Your Visit and Access
Getting to the Festival
Cheltenham is easily accessible from all over the UK, by road and rail. For more information on public transport and car parks go to cheltenhamfestivals. org/your-visit.
Access Requirements
Please book using our online form at cheltenhamfestivals.
org/access-requirements or call the Box Office phone line from Tuesday 12 March to Friday 15 March, 10–4pm.
Family Information
For safety, children 11 years and under must be accompanied by a ticket holder aged 16 or over. Everyone over the age of 12 months requires a ticket, babies in arms (12 months and under) do not require a ticket unless stated.
Please Note
Filming, audio recording and photography is not permitted during events.
Visitors to the Festival may be filmed and/or photographed for future promotions.
