RISING classical stars and internationally-acclaimed artists will take to the stage for the 18th annual Plush Festival in Dorset from June to September. The five weekends of inspiring classical, contemporary and folk music will take place in the former church of St John the Baptist in the village of Plush, 10 miles from Dorchester.
Performances will commence on the weekend starting June 21 and come to a close on September 15.
The concerts featuring celebrated musicians and bright young talent from around the world will also take place on July 5-7 and the last two weekends in August.
The event which was established in 1995 is organised by Kat Brendel and her brother, leading cellist Adrian Brendel.
Kat said: “This is a family-run festival and charity, supported by our community of members and volunteers. During the festival the musicians live and rehearse in the manor house, owned by our father Alfred Brendel.”
Plush brings together traditional classical music with an exciting range of new sounds to the intimate 200 seat venue.
The solo piano performance by Joanna MacGregor and a song recital featuring Roderick Williams and Christopher Glynn are hotly anticipated.
Imogen Cooper, a pianist said: “Plush! The sound alone conjures up the magic of the place, a venue surrounded by a punchbowl of rolling hills, shifting light, trees, candles on the path to the church door… and a series of concerts that would comfortably grace any London stage.”
The special Festival Day on June 22 offers the opportunity for a pre-concert discussion and open rehearsal, as well as a lunchtime and evening performance, which includes Britten's Metamorphoses.
Talented youngsters will have a chance to take part in masterclasses run by visiting artists as part of the Young Musicians Education Workshop on June 23.
Rising stars including prize-winning pianist Pavel Kolesnikov and Mercury Award nominated Sam Lee & Friends will take to the stage for the Emerging Artists and New Horizons weekends.
Tickets range from £10 to £30 and they go on sale on April 15 www.musicatplush.com
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