The 46th Newbury Spring Festival is about to move into its second week.
The organisers promise a rich and varied programme of events taking place across the town and the surrounding area.
A spokesperson said: "Saturday 17 May offers something for all ages. Families are invited to the Corn Exchange for Groove Onto the Moon, a joyful interactive show for little ones and their grown-ups at 10:30 am. A short journey away, the East Woodhay Silver Band will perform at St Martin’s Church in East Woodhay from 11am.
"In the afternoon, singers are welcomed to join Come and Sing Evensong at St John’s Church in Newbury, followed by two major evening events: Northern SoulTrain will bring the infectious energy of Northern Soul to the Corn Exchange, while the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performs a magnificent programme at St Nicolas Church, also at 7:30 pm.
"Sunday 18 May continues the celebration with the return of the internationally acclaimed Foden’s Band to the Corn Exchange at 3:00 pm. At the same time, young pianists will compete in the Sheepdrove Piano Competition Final at Sheepdrove Organic Farm in Lambourn.
"In the evening, Olivier Award-winner Janie Dee headlines Beautiful World, a cabaret concert at Combe Manor Barn that promises to be both moving and uplifting.
"On Monday 19 May, the winner of the piano competition will give a recital at the Corn Exchange at 12:30 pm, while later that evening, jazz lovers can relax at Jazz at The Vineyard in Stockcross at 7:30 pm, one of the Festival’s most atmospheric venues.
"Steel pan rhythms take over the Corn Exchange on Tuesday 20 May with a performance by Metronomes Steel Orchestra, while baritone James Newby performs a recital at St Mary’s Church in Shaw."
Wednesday 21 May offers a lunchtime flute recital at the Corn Exchange from Daniel Shao at 12:30 pm. The evening brings a double bill of classical excellence, as The Music of Leonard Bernstein lights up the Corn Exchange with a Broadway-style celebration, while clarinettist Michael Collins, accompanied by pianist Michael McHale, performs at St Mary’s Church in Kintbury.
The spokesperson added: "This outstanding duo presents a beautifully curated programme including works by Debussy, Poulenc and Martinu, showcasing both their virtuosity and expressive range.
"Thursday 22 May begins with a rare opportunity to hear from stage and screen legend Paul Nicholas in conversation at The Chapel, Sydmonton Court at 11:30 am. That evening, audiences can choose between the dynamic young dancers of Ballet Central at the Corn Exchange and the superb Fantasia Orchestra performing at St Lawrence Church in Hungerford.
"Jazz returns on Friday 23 May with the Finn Carter Jazz Quartet performing at the Corn Exchange at 12:30 pm, followed in the evening by folk star Seth Lakeman’s much-anticipated concert. Alternatively, Douai Abbey in Woolhampton will provide the perfect setting for Ex Cathedra’s moving performance of Rachmaninov’s Vespers.
The Festival’s final day on Saturday 24 May opens with a compelling morning talk at the Corn Exchange at 11:00 am. The British Atom Bomb Project. In this illuminating talk, Professor Tim Palmer CBE FRS, Royal Society Research Professor Emeritus at the University of Oxford, discusses how British scientists led the way in the early years of World War II — only to see their progress lost due to administrative failures.
"With wide-ranging insight, he explores the scientific breakthroughs, political missteps, and long-term consequences of Britain’s role in atomic history."
The Festival will then close with what are billed as two exceptional concerts. At the Corn Exchange, O Moon of Alabama presents an intimate Kurt Weill cabaret blending music and storytelling. Meanwhile, at St Nicolas Church, Beethoven’s monumental Missa Solemnis will be performed by the Newbury Spring Festival Chorus and a distinguished line-up of soloists, conducted by Tom Primrose.
Widely regarded as one of Beethoven’s supreme achievements, this sacred work is a deeply personal expression of faith and humanity.
For full listings and to book tickets, people can visit www.newburyspringfestival.org.uk.
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