After a sensational debut last summer, the MBNA Chester Music Festival returns from May 31-June 15 with a packed programme of intimate chamber recitals, must-see performances and impressive orchestral concerts.
Described as a ‘God-send to the music circuit’ by the national press, the unique event is created entirely in Chester and produced by leading arts producers Chester Performs.
Once again at the heart of MBNA Chester Music Festival is Ensemble Deva - a world-class group of musicians gathered from some of North West’s world famous orchestras such as the Halle, Liverpool Philharmonic and Manchester Camerata.
Led by 27-year-old master violinist Giovanni Guzzo playing his 1709 Stradivarius, this ensemble of brilliant musicians comes together for the festival to play the music that they love, with musicians that they consider friends.
Director of Chester Performs Andrew Bentley said: “We can’t wait for the festival to start again this summer.
“Last year was so exciting and the concerts were such a joy. Not only Giovanni Guzzo, but every single member of our festival ensemble – Ensemble Deva – wanted to come back to Chester for more of the same because they enjoyed the opportunity to make wonderful music together, with their talented friends.
“With Giovanni, pianist Martin Roscoe, and the likes of local star violinist Sophie Rosa, the festival really does have outstanding musicians at its heart and that’s what makes it unique and so much fun.”
The Ensemble concerts are informal without compromising on the highest quality of musicianship and they give the audience a rare opportunity to see and hear something astonishing up close and in the round for a relaxed but exhilarating experience.
Their Gran Caffe Venezia show, a highlight last year with the ensemble’s traditional strings bolstered by amazing guitarist Craig Ogden and astonishingly talented accordionist Ksenija Sidorova, will be making a welcome return for this year’s festival and tickets for the event are expected to sell out quickly again this year.
The ten Ensemble concerts are accompanied by an abundance of great music from other, equally renowned musicians including full orchestral concerts from Manchester Camerata and evenings featuring jazz singer Jacqui Dankworth and Goldfrapp touring harpist Ruth Wall, who teams up with Graham Fitkin to perform his new score LOST! for harp and 1950s Moog.
Concerts take place both at lunchtime (1pm) and at 8pm in Chester Town Hall and Chester Cathedral throughout the festival fortnight and the full programme can be viewed on the festival website.
Tickets are priced at £19.50 for evening concerts and £10 for lunchtime recitals. Discounts and concessions are available online at www.chestermusicfestival.co.uk.
