Schools Concert
Festival Director Guy Johnston and his brand new Bechstein Trio explore the characters of their instruments in this fun, interactive concert for Key Stage Two students. Themed around the animal kingdom, this performance is a fantastic opportunity for children to explore new sonic worlds with world class artists as their guides.
Combine Your Choir Workshop
Following the success of our inaugural Festival Youth Choir in 2023, this year we are offering primary schools support in establishing a singing group in their school. Making music is synonymous with making friends, and by bringing together these singing groups we are aiming to help foster a community of singing in the local area. Led by James Slimings, this interactive and fun workshop will teach students key concepts as well as talk about fish fingers and a bumblebee called Jeff.
Family Concert – Evergreen an interactive folk musical for children 4-8
As part of our aim to increase opportunities to participate across the Festival, our special family concert this year is led by our friends Greg Link and Gennie Joy at Merryweather Theatre. Evergreen is an interactive folk musical based on an American folk tale about why trees keep their leaves. With opportunities for families to sing, chant, and move together as well as listen to music by two leading musicians this relaxed performance is a perfect introduction to classical music.
Purcell School Showcase
Britain’s oldest school for young musicians are regular guests at Hatfield House Music Festival, with hundreds of school children enjoying their music for years as part of our Schools concert series. This year, they take centre stage and wow audiences with their virtuosity in a concert in the historic Marble Hall. The next generation of classical music stars are here, and you can see them on your doorstep!
Come and Sing the Centuries
Second only to music listening, singing in a choir is the most popular way to engage with music in Europe, with 2.14 million Britons regularly singing. As a festival we have been catering to adult learners through our popular pre-concert talks, but nothing helps you experience music like performing it! Renowned choir director, Harry Bradford, will be leading his professional chamber choir Recordare in a concert of music linked to the varied and interesting history of the House as part of the Festival programme. But first, he will be leading a ‘Come and Sing’ event with local adult singers exploring this repertoire through performance. Like an immersive pre-concert talk, participants will be able to perform this music under the guidance of one of the UK’s premier directors before hearing this music performed by professionals in the House.
Young Musicians Platform
Community is a hugely important part of making music, and as one of the only ways young people are able to express themselves at school, music taste is a big deal! The Young Musicians Platform offers the opportunity for local Key Stage 3 and 4 students to showcase their talents in small ensemble playing, as well as meet likeminded peers who are all supporting each other. Made up of small ensembles and solos, this performance brings together secondary school music departments from across the county to showcase the best of the music that is happening day in, day out in their school. Free to participate, this concert has been a highlight of the education work, with some truly stunning performances.
Support Us
Behind the scenes, we also provide lesson plans, schools workshops, and administrate this life-changing and affirming work. If you value the power of music education to make us all better citizens, consider supporting our work. Email james@hatfieldhousemusicfestival.org.uk to find out how.
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