Who we are
The Corbridge Chamber Music Festival is one of the most eagerly awaited annual events in the North-East’s musical calendar. We offer a ‘long weekend’ of four days packed with fabulous concerts, all given in the outstandingly beautiful and historic village of Corbridge. Our audiences don’t visit us just to enjoy world-class chamber music; visitors flock here to explore the area’s ancient Roman history, its boutique shops and fabulous restaurants, to amble along the River Tyne or to walk Hadrian’s Wall. The bright lights of Newcastle as well as some of the country’s most spectacular coastlines are just a short ride away. It’s the perfect place for a music-lover’s short getaway.
The Corbridge Chamber Music Festival is directed by the renowned Gould Piano Trio and acclaimed clarinettist Robert Plane. The first festival was presented in 1999 whilst Rob and Lucy, violinist of the Gould Trio, were living in the town during Rob’s time as principal clarinet of Royal Northern Sinfonia. Since then, it has grown into the well-loved and hugely admired event that is enjoyed by so many concertgoers today. The festival has brought a dazzling array of instrumentalists and ensembles to perform in the town, from the Elias and Brodsky String Quartets to flautist Adam Walker, soprano Claire Booth and bandoneon star JP Jofre. Cross-discipline work has included collaborations with dancer Mayuri Boonham and the distinguished poet Sinead Morrisey, whilst a host of the UK’s leading composer’s have joined us for residencies, the likes of James MacMillan, Sally Beamish, Huw Watkins and Piers Hellawell all giving illuminating talks alongside performances of their work to help to demystify ‘modern music’.
Our more formal concerts are complimented by some with a more relaxed feel, held in the Parish Hall where café-style seating and table refreshments bring the audience closer to the music and the musicians. We have presented masterclasses for talented local young performers and worked alongside local amateurs of all ages in our Come and Play orchestral and Come and Sing choral events. A huge range of family friendly concerts have incorporated the live art work of illustrator James Mayhew, Indian Bharatanatyam hand-dancing workshops and a number of children’s favourites such as Peter and the Wolf and Babar the Elephant.
Join us this year for a feast of music in one of Northumberland’s most beautiful and welcoming villages.
