AN OUTSTANDING array of international, national and local talent will be showcased across the area as the Saddleworth Festival of Arts returns on June 6-14.
Originally conceived in 1957, the Festival brings top-quality performers to the area and also gives local organisations an opportunity to demonstrate their talents.
This year will be no exception when the Festival will provide nine days of outstanding and varied entertainment of a high standard with something to suit all tastes.
The opening weekend will be a feast of music with ‘A Summer Night in Vienna’ when the London Opera Players and the Parry Ensemble will bring a magical evening of opera.
Soul siren Ruby Turner and her Band, well-known from her appearances with Jools Holland, will bring her own brand of soul and rhythm and blues to help raise the roof of Uppermill Civic Hall.
Another highlight will be Tasmin Little, the internationally renowned violinist, accompanied by Martin Roscoe on piano in an evening of Beethoven sonatas and pieces by Ravel and Franck.
And the Northern Chamber Orchestra will offer an evening of music inspired by the English countryside for the Lord Rhodes concert at Saddleworth Church.
There will be music by Delius, Vaughan Williams and two local composers, William Walton and Peter Martin, who has composed a newly commissioned piece for the occasion.
Other musical attractions will be a Duke Ellington Jazz Night at the White Hart, Lydgate with Alan Barnes, singer Anita Wardell and the Chris Holmes Trio.
There will also be a strong contribution from local artists and performers: the Telemann Baroque Ensemble, Saddleworth Musical Society, Saddleworth Male Voice Choir, a Festival Brass Concert, Saddleworth Consort, Saddleworth Singers and the Sing for Pleasure Choir.
Alongside the musical events there will also be an appearance by Arthur Smith, well-known grumpy old man, connoisseur of Leonard Cohen songs, veteran of many television and radio shows who will be putting the world to rights.
Award-winning writer, poet and lover of the English landscape Simon Armitage, seen recently on BBC’s Countryfile, will read from and discuss his work including his new publication ‘Walking Away’.
The popular Tango 5 and Cicadas de la Noche bring their own brand of freshness, passion and spontaneity to a demonstration of tango music and dance.
And the Director of Oxford Botanical Garden, Timothy Walker, will enlighten and amuse with his afternoon talk ‘Tales from a Small Garden – On Top but Never in Control’, the story of the making of his wife’s garden and the influences on its style.
There will also be a Ceilidh, the chance to create your own millinery masterpiece, exhibitions, gardens to visit, Festival suppers, organised walks and much more.
For a subscription of £100 you can become a Patron of the Festival, which entitles you to seven tickets for events of your choice (except ‘A Taste of Tango’), an invitation to a Patrons’ reception plus a complimentary Souvenir Programme.
Anyone interested in becoming a Patron should contact the Festival Secretary: write to Silver Birches, Kinders Crescent, Greenfield, OL3 7JQ or e-mail david@dparkin.co.uk or call 01457 873988.
For more details and to book events, visit www.saddleworthfestival.org.uk or phone 0330 004 0014.
A box office will be open at Uppermill Civic Hall for cash/cheque payments 10am-noon, Saturdays only.
You must be logged in to post a comment.