Northern Chords is set to return to the region next month with a three day festival between 18 -20 May all taking place in Newcastle. The festival, founded by the local cellist and conductor Jonathan Bloxham, is one of the North East’s most prominent and vibrant chamber music festivals.
Over three days this year’s festival is all about exploring vocal chamber music.
At Newcastle University the programme will feature vocals with a piano, with former BBC Young Musician of the Year, Martin James Bartlett performing with BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Audience Prize Winner tenor Ben Johnson. At The Mining Institute, the programme will feature vocals and the harp; and the final concert will see an early evening performance with Voices of Hope – the northeast choir who took the title of BBC Choir of the Year in 2016.
Festival Performances
Opening Gala – 7.30pm Friday 18 May 2018
- King’s Hall, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University
- With Martin James Bartlett piano, Ben Johnson tenor, Jonathan Bloxham cello, Joseph Shiner clarinet, plus the Northern Chords Festival Ensemble
- Programme includes: Schumann, Liszt, Brahms, Warlock, Grainger, Coates
Gloriana – 7.30pm Saturday 19th May 2018
- The Mining Institute, Newcastle
- With Ben Johnson tenor, Jonathan Bloxham cello, Elizabeth Bass Harp and Voices of Hope
- Programme includes: Britten, Vaughan-Williams and a selection of folk songs
Music for Troubled Times – 6pm Sunday 20th May 2018
- St James’ and St Basil’s Church, Fenham
- With Jonathan Bloxham conductor, Ben Johnson tenor, Northern Chords Festival Orchestra and Voices of Hope
- Programme includes: Haydn
Jonathan Bloxham is originally from Whickham and through Northern Chords is aiming to break down barriers in a field of classical music which is still often perceived as elitist. As well as being the founder and Artistic Director of Northern Chords Festival Jonathan Bloxham is the Assistant Conductor of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
“This festival for me is all about bringing music home. I hope that Northern Chords continues to offer a refreshing take on classical music, with performances that can be enjoyed by anyone,” said Jonathan Bloxham. “It’s amazing that the Northern Chords Festival has reached 10 years. I’d like to thank the festival team and musicians, many of who give their time voluntarily and all with great enthusiasm and dedication.”
As one of the country’s most critically acclaimed young musicians, Jonathan’s mission is also to bring other young and world-class musicians to perform in the northeast. The first concert will see Martin James Bartlett, a young British concert pianist, winner of BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2014 on stage.
Northern Chords Festival is supported by The Fidelio Trust, Talent Unlimited and many generous private donors.
Tickets are on sale now. Early bird tickets are available until 23 April for just £8 (plus booking fee). Tickets for students with a valid NUS card are just £5 and will include a free beer too.
After April 23 tickets (plus booking fee) are £12, £10 seniors, £5 students, unwaged and under 18s on Friday and Saturday and £15 / £12 concessions / £5 students/ Under 18 Free (plus booking fee) for the Sunday performance.
To purchase tickets for all events go to the Northern Chords website.
More information at www.northernchords.com. Find on Facebook, follow on Twitter