Artistic Director: Guy Johnston
Patron: HRH The Duchess of Kent
President: The Marquess of Salisbury

We are thrilled to introduce yet more internationally renowned artists this year including Anneleen Lenaerts, Principal Harp of the Vienna Philharmonic, Adam Walker, Principal Flute of the London Symphony Orchestra, Australian Soprano Siobhan Stagg, British Pianist Charles Owen along with other stellar names from past festivals.

Having covered many Austro-Germanic works over the years, we are looking forward to delving inside this rich and colourful programme inspired by French composers. Taking inspiration from our setting at Hatfield House, there will be a chance to see and hear all the musicians mixing together over the weekend in this intoxicating music.

We wouldn’t exist without the kind support we’ve been fortunate to receive over the years, allowing us to go from strength to strength. We have recently appointed an Education Manager, Jill Knight, who lives and works locally, and are excited to be developing links with schools in Hatfield. This year sees more education work than ever during the festival: three schools’ concerts and a family concert in collaboration with the Purcell School, a Masterclass with students from the RAM, and a platform for musicians from the Herts Music Service.

Local organist, William Whitehead, has begun to search the musical archives at Hatfield House, leading towards our 10th Anniversary when we hope to celebrate the musical heritage from the early 17th century to the current day. We plan to commission more works to be premièred at our festival and are excited this year to have co‑commissioned a new work by Mark Simpson (with the Wigmore Hall and Leicester International Music Festival) which you can hear on Saturday evening.

Thank you for your support – we do hope you will come and join us!

Guy Johnston
Artistic Director