Welcome to the seventh Hatfield House Chamber Music Festival! This year celebrates not only Brahms and Friends, but also deep family connections among the composers and musicians alike. Husbands and wives (Robert and Clara Schumann), father and daughter (Brett Dean and Lotte in their first recital together), siblings (Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn, Magnus and I), not to mention old and new friends!

Deep connections have long been associated between Brahms and the Schumann’s, and some of their most cherished chamber works can be heard during the weekend, heading towards Brahms’ exquisite Requiem for the finale.

Energetic works by the Mendelssohn’s also feature and we are delighted to welcome acclaimed violist and composer, Brett Dean, the Lendvai String Trio, and Mark Austin and the Faust Chamber Orchestra for the first time. It’s a pleasure to have the Hertfordshire Chorus return, along with other artists from this wonderful County including eminent clarinettist, Julian Bliss, and pianist, Anna Tilbrook. James Gilchrist and Melvyn Tan are also returning as are the Aronowitz Ensemble who have been reunited despite its members living in different countries around the globe more recently!

We are very grateful to David Nice, who will be joining us to give pre-concert talks (in place of Stephen Johnson who is indisposed). The talks were greatly enjoyed by those who attended last year, and I urge you to go, as I’m sure these will sharpen our listening experience and curiosity during the festival.

What more could one wish for than a weekend of delightful Lieder, Solos, Duets, Trios, Quartets, Quintets, and extended Chamber Orchestra works in the beautiful and inspiring setting of Hatfield House. Please join us!

Guy Johnston, Artistic Director