the festival brochure - Northumberland Music Festival

Transcription

Northumberland • Scottish Borders • Edinburgh • The Lake District
www.nmfestival.co.uk
Northumberland • Scottish Borders
Edinburgh • The Lake District
Northumberland • Scottish Borders
Edinburgh • The Lake District
Doxford Hall Hotel • Eshott Hall • Ednam House Hotel
Dalhousie Castle • The Wordsworth Hotel & Spa
Welcome to the sixth
Northumbrian Music Festival
There are a few changes at this year’s
Music, Opera
& Traditional
Performances
The biggest news is the timing
and structure of it. The festival
has previously been at Doxford,
Eshott and Guyzance, but each
of the other three hotels in
the Robert Parker Collection
– Dalhousie, Ednam and
Wordsworth House – has said
almost every year, “Gosh, we’d like a slice of this.” So this year we
thought long and hard and called it the ‘Northumbrian Music
Festival on Tour’, because we are taking it up into Scotland and
across to the Lake District – there will be performances in every one
of the hotels this year.
– and then they’re coming to Doxford as well again, so that’s quite
exciting.
The other little thing is tiny, but our oldest grandchild, Luke
Fitzgerald, who is now 18, is currently organ scholar at Portsmouth
Cathedral, and he’s won the scholarship to Gonville and Caius
College at Cambridge. He’s going there in October to read Music
and to be the organ scholar at Cambridge. He’s going to give a
concert at the Wordsworth, an organ recital, as part of its weekend.
That’s the first piece of news. The second piece of news is that
we had quite a lot of people saying to us, “Look, we love it, but
attending a music festival is quite expensive, especially if you’re
coming from a distance. We’d love to come to more than one but
because it’s all in November we can’t.” One or two actually asked if
we could spread it out, so that’s what we’ve done. It starts in October
and we have one weekend per month, October through to March.
‘The music is wonderful
and the performers are
very high quality’
So, we’ve got one weekend at Eshott, one weekend at Dalhousie,
then coming back down to Doxford. We’re also throwing in two
extra ones in December, they’re called the Strauss Christmas Music
Concert. Then one at Eshott, one at Edman House in the Borders,
then we go across to the Wordsworth in the Lakes in January, back
to Ednam House in February and ending up at Doxford Hall, which
will be their second weekend.
Another little thing I’m thrilled about, is we’ve had the
Northumbrian Ranters every year – the young people’s orchestra –
and they’re coming twice this year. They’re going to go to Ednam
House in Kelso – quite a number of them live in the Borders so it’ll
be good for them to perform to grandmas and grandpas in that area
Speaking of which, the Wordsworth Hotel has a ballroom that
seats 150 but isn’t suitable for music – it has a low ceiling and
there’s no acoustic. However, it is next to Grasmere Church, so the
Wordsworth’s three concerts will feature lunch or dinner, but they’ll
all start off in the hotel with a meal and then people will be invited
to walk down to the church, which is less than 100 yards away.
Similarly, Edman House is next to Kelso Parish Church, so we
thought, “Why don’t we go there again for the music?” So Ednam
House is doing that for two of its concerts; it’s got three concerts
in total: one in the hotel and two in the church. I think it’s nice to
use the church, they tend to have wonderful acoustic and it’s a nice
setting aesthetically as well.
As always, my wife and I shall be at every concert. It is a great joy for
us – the music is wonderful and the performers are very high quality.
When you sit at a table and the performers, some of whom come
from overseas to perform, are moving amongst you, only a couple of
metres away, I think it is really how music used to be, if we go back
to the Middle Ages. It was very intimate back then, people were very
close to the performers, and we try and make it feel like that. We
hope you enjoy it.
Gina and Robert Parker
Produced for the Northumbrian Music Festival by Living North.
Studio 2, St Nicholas Chare, Newcastle NE1 1RJ 0191 261 8944
www.livingnorth.com
Contributing Photographer: Peter Atkinson Photography
Other images courtesy of the Venues, artists and dreamstime.com
Tel: 01668 283100 Web: www.nmfestival.co.uk
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Make It
Your Own
Welcome
Hello everyone, and a huge
warm welcome to this, our sixth
With guests demanding
variety and quality
the staff at the Robert
Parker Collection will
always offer a unique and
memorable occasion
To those who have been before we thank you for your continued support and
welcome you back, for those new to the Festival a huge welcome and we hope you
have a wonderful experience with us.
The Festival is different this season as we have spread the weekends out over
six months, from October 2016 to March 2017, presenting one weekend for
every month. Also, as a new departure, the Festival is to take in all the venues
which make up the Robert Parker Collection of hotels, so we are taking the
Northumbrian Music Festival effectively on tour. We have a great line-up of top
quality entertainment as always to go with the wonderful cuisine provided by the
hotels to make your experience the best it can be while visiting us.
Once again we welcome back the very talented Heritage Opera company who in
December will perform two favourite operas, Rigoletto (Verdi) and The Magic
Flute (Mozart) and then will return in March to Doxford Hall with a fun, full
production of The Pirates of Penzance (Gilbert and Sullivan).
Festival concert favourites – A Feast of Gilbert and Sullivan, The Three English
Tenors, The Northumbrian Ranters and A Grand Opera Gala – will feature at
our new venues, Dalhousie Castle (Edinburgh), Ednam House (Kelso) and The
Wordsworth Hotel (Grasmere), which will also utilise the Grasmere Church next
door for a very special concert of The Joy of Sacred Music and a wonderful organ
recital. We hope you can join us there for that.
The new season kicks off in style at Eshott Hall with A Feast of Gilbert and
Sullivan with former singers of the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company and the return
of the North East’s very popular local lad Graeme Danby with his wife, Valerie
Reid, in a fun concert of Northumbrian song interspersed with some English
song favourites.
Christmas is coming and we present two Viennese Strauss Christmas Gala
concerts at Eshott Hall and Ednam House, with favourite music and waltzes from
Vienna and of course lots of Christmas crackers to join in with.
Once again we thank you so much for coming to visit us at the Festival, and hope
that you enjoy your special evening with us.
With best wishes
Jeremy Peaker
Festival Artistic Director
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‘We have a
great line-up
of top quality
entertainment as
always to go with
the wonderful
cuisine provided by
the hotels to make
your experience the
best it can be while
visiting us’
Fine dining and luxurious surroundings provide the perfect
backdrop for having fun. Celebrations of all sizes and for all kinds
of events are what we really specialise in at The Robert Parker
Collection. We just love to see people letting their hair down and
leaving our award-winning teams to provide all those little extra
touches that help make every celebration special and memorable.
Whether for weddings, company awards and marking
outstanding achievements through to Yuletide festivities, you’ll
find our teams are on hand to guide you through choosing the
menu, entertainment, table dressings and themes. You’ll turn up
on the day assured that all the planning will come to fruition
leaving you to party, party, party with your guests.
Eshott Hall is a quintessential country house hotel, underpinned
with fine dining and wonderful service. Our experienced team
thrive on innovating so that every special detail can help to ensure
a memorable time with us. The kitchen garden and seasonal fresh
produce bring exquisite flavours and textures to enhance your
dining experience. But what really makes Eshott Hall stand out
is the opportunity to have exclusive use. Whether for weddings,
executive gatherings or high-level training, the secluded location
means you can have your very own exclusive retreat.
The Wordsworth Hotel & Spa is perfectly located for residential
conferences. Plentiful public spaces and an abundance of nooks
and crannies help to create an ambience for getting business
done in the right frame of mind. When it comes to letting
your hair down the Coleridge Suite provides a private area
for bands, DJs and all forms of entertainment. With a gold
award for environmental management you can be assured we
are concentrating on sustainability. What really makes The
Wordsworth Hotel & Spa stand out is the range of public areas.
All help to ensure you have a sense of privacy, while freeing you
to enjoy the wonderful food and service. And as Wordsworth said
himself of Grasmere, it is ‘the loveliest spot that man hath found’.
Dalhousie Castle & Aqueous Spa has been providing quality
hospitality for nearly 800 years. The castle is so versatile,
providing the perfect venue for all occasions from weddings and
conferences to meetings and exhibitions. The Aqueous Spa and
treatments complement the fine food and wines. Our resident
piper can bring a touch of magic to any event. Now a 4 star hotel
and Scottish Wedding Hotel of the Year you can be assured this
award-winning hotel will be the venue of choice. What really
makes The Dalhousie Hotel & Aqueous Spa stand out is the way
in which the service and food match the dramatic backdrop of
this iconic castle. The dungeon restaurant is a destination in its
own right. On a practical level, it is only 1.5 miles from a train
station that connects with Edinburgh every 30 minutes.
Businesses expect the very highest attention to detail. We know
that you are placing your trust in us, so we invest in training so
all our teams play a role in delivering success on your behalf.
At The Robert Parker Collection, we have rooms and areas
conducive to doing business. Whether concluding a deal or
strengthening a professional relationship, our fine dining
arrangements are second to none. For conferences and meetings
we have flexible rooms and areas for quiet contemplation
and these mindfulness areas are perfectly complemented with
carefully sourced foods.
Doxford Hall Hotel and Spa is the only Red Star hotel in
Northumberland. Red stars are only awarded to hotels which
consistently exceed customers’ expectations by always “going that
extra mile”. This passion for great service exists within all the
staff who excel at providing unobtrusive service. Spa days and
treatments followed by afternoon tea are a great way to enjoy
Doxford Hall Hotel & Spa. The walled garden is a fantastic area
for marquees and theatrical performances too. What really makes
Doxford Hall Hotel & Spa stand out is the spacious public areas
and bedrooms underpinned with a great team and the stunning
grounds and yew tree maze.
Ednam House Hotel has the largest ballroom in the borders
and, overlooking the River Tweed, surely has one of the best
locations. The hotel is perfect for large meetings and product
launches, while it’s also able to accommodate more intimate
dining and meeting requirements. The terraced gardens are
perfect for afternoon teas, lunches and quiet contemplation.
What really makes Ednam House Hotel stand out is the genuine
warmth of the staff and their fine service. The public areas give
an unashamed nod to the hotel’s links with fly fishing and local
gillies, while the restaurant overlooks the Tweed and is set in
immaculately tended gardens.
www.robertparkercollection.co.uk
5
Houses of History
All the buildings within the Robert Parker
Collection have a unique heritage which is
warmly fostered on each and every day
Robert and Gina Parker, supported by their senior team, understand
the status of the collection of buildings within their immediate
and regional area and as a result undertake careful restoration,
maintenance and estate management. Over many centuries
the buildings have evolved and, having retained many original
architectural features, these now contribute to a unique experience of
timeless quality.
The Robert Parker Collection hotels each have distinct architectural
styles, reflecting their primary use at the time of building,
contemporary design and fashion. Dalhousie Castle was built for
defence, to provide reassurance to dependants and as a statement
of ownership. Though built and rebuilt at different times, Doxford,
Ednam and Eshott were primarily built as grand houses by successful
entrepreneurs for entertaining and carousing with peers. The
Wordsworth’s original purpose was a hunting and fishing lodge – still
with a requirement to be grand but tempered with the need to be
practical.
The oldest of The Robert Parker Collection is Dalhousie Castle, with
records suggesting it dates as far back as 1280. The main purpose of
the castle was defence of people, livestock and water. These factors
bear heavily on the architectural features, such as a deep dry moat,
11–15 ft thick walls, drawbridge, turrets and ramparts. Interestingly,
a further influence on the building was the availability of stone and
at Dalhousie this was quarried from the other side of the South Esk
River.
This formidable building now provides a stunning and welcoming
backdrop – confirming safety and security. The drum tower on the
left is thought to have been built around 1540 and protects a well
which provides the castle’s source of drinking water. Access to the
dungeon, with its vaulted ceilings designed to support the rest of
the building, was via a rope. Once installed prisoners were secure
as there would be no escaping via the 11ft thick wall. Fortunately
now diners prefer to stay, to enjoy Head Chef Francois’ wonderful
cooking accompanied by fine service and wines. The moat and large
lawn that once housed a formal kitchen garden are now outdoor
architectural features.
Doxford Hall Hotel & Spa has a great sense of arrival. A key
architectural feature is the Doric pillars at reception, which appear
on the hotel’s logo. These date back to 1818 and were designed by
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John Dobson, one of the most prolific architects of the period, who
was renowned for high quality and his use of golden sandstone.
Internally there are many features that stand out, especially the
quality of craftsmanship of wood carvings. A notable example is the
owl topping the lovely staircase joining the north and east wings,
which was commissioned by Lord Runciman.
The grounds, terraces and walled garden all complement the exterior
and internal areas of the hotel. Another great feature at Doxford
Hall is the yew tree maze containing 3,000 trees planted by 2,000
children. The maze provides a living architectural feature that wows
and encourages a sense of contemplation and an area where you can
truly relax and “lose yourself ”.
‘Over many centuries the
buildings have evolved and,
having retained many original
architectural features, these
now contribute to a unique
experience of timeless quality’
Ednam House Hotel has a wonderful story – the romance of a
local boy leaving with his “tail between his legs” only to return
sometime later as a self-made successful entrepreneur. A portrait
of James Dickson hangs above the fireplace at the hotel reception,
fittingly overlooking the hub and hive of activity. He engaged James
Nesbit, who had overseen the erection of Paxton House near Duns,
to create his new home. Havana House (as he originally named it)
was a statement from the very start – demolishing several houses to
make way for his homecoming. The building is made all the more
imposing when you consider that when it was built in the 1760s,
most of the neighbouring houses would have been much smaller and
had thatched roofs.
The grand entrance with new coat of arms creates a sense of arrival,
which today is matched by the service and friendliness of the staff at
Ednam House Hotel. Among the internal features that stand out are
fine plaster reliefs depicting scenes from Aesop’s Fables and the views
across the River Tweed. The hotel is famed for its location on the
architectural design, luring you into the rest of the gardens and
grounds.
River Tweed and if it was not for an often overlooked architectural
feature, this may not be possible. The walled embankment provides
a flood defence which secures the space for gardens and pathways,
enhancing the view and enjoyment of the River Tweed. Just a few
yards from the hotel is the world famous Junction Pool, which is
revered by fishing exponents.
The Wordsworth Hotel and Spa was originally a shooting lodge built
for the Earl of Cadagon in the 1850s. In 1976 the village created a
trust to purchase the hotel in order to save it from being demolished
and converted into shops, flats and 14 houses. The hotel opened
in March 1981, having been developed in the style of the original
shooting lodge. The architectural features of early Victorian hotels
and inns have been maintained in order to protect the vernacular of
Grasmere.
Eshott Hall Hotel is also steeped in history, with there being
records of a Hall in Eshott as far back as 1310. Eshott went through
several owners and rebuilds until the estate was bought by Emerson
Bainbridge, founder of the world’s first department store. On arrival
into the hotel grounds you are immediately drawn to the Ionic
square pillars symmetrically placed in the centre of the Palladianstyled building.
On entering the hotel the sweeping curves of the stairway ensure the
stained glass window designed by William Morris, which radiates
light through to the hallway, grabs your attention. The walled
kitchen gardens are in perfect proportion to the main building
and furthering this architectural harmony is the restored Victorian
fernery. Set just off the front lawn, this is a masterpiece of an exterior
Built with local stone and slate, the building also has instantly
recognisable Victorian fancy bargeboards and a “complicated”
roof typical of the period; architectural features which one would
expect to be preserved in the Lake District. The traditional exterior
creates an opportunity for contemporary design in the Signature
restaurant and the modern Spa, which provide a contrast in style
that is sympathetically merged. Once again the classic Doric pillar
is evident in the pool area, providing an architectural feature that
chimes with civilised luxury.
7
Gallic Flair, Scottish Substance
French-Scottish chef François Giraud
talks – learning from his dad, why plate is
underrated and eating with Escoffier
Flavour. That’s what it all comes down to.
What is your favourite cut?
Add the wine and deglaze the pan, being careful to stir constantly to
avoid burning the base of the pan. Pour the liquid into a casserole dish
then add beef stock, tomato puree, thyme leaves, bay leaf and mustard
and stir in all these ingredients, bringing the casserole to the boil before
removing from heat.
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Place greaseproof paper on a surface and cover with casserole lid. Place
into oven for three to four hours.
A Cut Above
Here we consider a less common
but truly tasty use of local
produce to try with us or at
home this winter
If I’m eating for myself, plate. While fillet is nice and it’s the prime
beef and all the rest of it, personally I like a piece of meat that’s got
a bit of fat on it. We do beef cheek for weddings and functions; we
do quite a lot of that and it’s quite a popular one. Some people don’t
like the sound of it being called cheek, but call it what you want.
Shin is very nice also, and I love oxtail, so there’s not a bit of beef
that I don’t particularly like, it’s all about how you go about cooking
it. I do like nose-to-tail eating; it’s all fine well just selling a fillet of
beef, but then there’s an awful lot of the cow that’s gone to waste.
This is a true meat lover’s cut from the side of the shoulder. If the
‘quill’ is cut from the middle, you will be left with lean meat perfect
for flash frying. As an alternative, in this recipe prepared by Jaid
Smallman, Head Chef at The Wordsworth Hotel and Spa, the quill
is rendered down during the slow cooking process. It is from this
quill that the cut of beef is named, as its shape resembles a feather.
Who would you love to have
cook for you?
1kg feather blade steak, 3 large shallots or one medium sized white
onion, 2 celery sticks, 2 medium sized carrots, 2 cloves of garlic, 1
glass (250ml) red wine, 500ml beef stock, 3 tbsp rapeseed oil, 2 tbsp
tomato puree, 1 tbsp English mustard, 4 sprigs fresh thyme, 1 bay
leaf, sea salt and freshly ground pepper. For the mashed potatoes:
500g Maris Piper potatoes, peeled and quartered, 50g salted butter,
25ml double cream, Freshly ground white pepper, 4 or 5 stems of
tenderstem broccoli per person, 12 chestnut mushrooms washed and
cut into quarters, 100g smoked pancetta, 80g peeled pearl onions
Hard one. It really depends on what I’m eating and where I’m at and
the mood I’m in, but I think I would like to have met and spoken
with [Auguste] Escoffier and the likes, because of the way that they
brought culinary art forward, even in France alone. As for a living
one, there’d be quite a few: Eleven Madison Park, I really like the
style of food they have.
Wash and trim carrots and celery, and cut into 1cm pieces. Finely chop
the shallots or onion, crush the cloves of garlic and strip the thyme
leaves from their stalks.
Reduce heat, add remaining oil and gently fry the shallots or onions,
carrot and celery until golden brown (which should take six to eight
minutes) before stirring in the garlic, frying for a further minute and
adding the mixture to the casserole dish.
Who has had the biggest
influence on your cooking style?
What do you enjoy about using
British beef?
Trim the steak and cut it into four pieces of equal size, then season
with plenty of sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Leave it covered at
room temperature whilst preparing vegetables. Preheat the oven to
160C/320F/Gas 3.
Heat a tablespoon of rapeseed oil at medium heat in a pan large
enough to accommodate the four pieces of steak. Fry the steak for two
to three minutes on both sides or until nicely browned, then set it aside
from the pan into casserole dish.
François Giraud has been the Head Chef at Dalhousie Castle in
Bonnyrigg, to the south-west of Edinburgh, for 15 years, and has
become known for fusing the classical French influences he learned
in his youth with top-quality locally sourced Scottish produce.
François grew up in Glasgow and was raised in a food-loving
household: as well as his father being a chef, he has two brothers,
an uncle and a cousin in the trade. Despite not having any formal
training, he’s worked his way to being one of the most respected
chefs working in Scotland today.
Possibly my father, and my time working in France also; no one
chef in particular. You see something on the telly and in books, you
go out dining and so on and so forth, and you think ‘That’s quite
nice’ and you try to adapt something similar to yourself. I would say
definitely I was influenced by French cuisine more than anything.
Method
Serves 4
Ingredients
Bring the potatoes to the boil in slightly salted water 35 minutes
before serving, and simmer for 15–20 minutes. Drain water and return
saucepan to heat for two minutes to evaporate any excess water then
take it off the heat and cover with a lid.
The next 15 minutes will be quite busy! Checking the beef is tender,
skim any fat from surface and then transfer the meat to a warmed plate
before forcing it into a cylinder shape three inches high by two inches
wide.
Strain the vegetables through a sieve and into a large pan, pushing
them through the sieve with a ladle or large spoon. Pour the cooking
liquor through the sieve to extract all the puree. Check for taste and
add salt and pepper if required.
Heat a thick-bottomed pan with 10ml rapeseed oil and 15g of butter.
When the butter starts foaming, reduce to medium heat and add the
pearl onions and pancetta. Once they begin to caramelise, add the
quartered mushrooms.
Place tenderstem broccoli into steamer, then begin to mash potatoes, adding
salted butter, pepper and double cream, replace lid.
Simmer the sauce for three to five minutes until it’s thickened and glossy.
Add meat and cook for a further three minutes taking care to
constantly spoon sauce over meat.
Serve onto a warmed plate with mashed potato, mushrooms, bacon and
steamed tenderstem broccoli and a small jug of sauce per person.
Serve with a glass of a good Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
Raising the Steaks
Put those chicken fillets back in
the freezer – we’re taking your
meat game to the next level with
this classic steak tartare
Popularised by legendary chef Auguste Escoffier, steak tartare
has graced the menus of the world’s finest restaurants. During
the early 1920s it often appeared in elite Paris haunts as ‘Steak
l’Americaine’, reflecting the dramatic growth of international
travel at the beginning of the last century. François Giraud, Head
Chef at The Dalhousie Hotel and Aqueous Spa, introduces his
recipe of this classic.
Serves: 2
Ingredients
225g finely diced fillet of Scottish beef, 2 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 tsp
homemade tomato ketchup, 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil, 3 tsp finely
diced red onion, 2 tsp chopped capers, 1 tsp chopped parsley, 1
tsp chopped tarragon, 1 tsp Tabasco, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1
tsp chopped chives, 2 fresh egg yolks, 20g Roquefort, blue cheese
dressing, thinly sliced shallot rings, 4 slices rye bread toast
Method
Dice the fillet into small pieces of approximately 2–3mm; it’s best
to use knives rather than a mincer as this maintains a superior
texture. Place into a bowl and refrigerate for 30–40 minutes.
Add all the ingredients except the egg yolks and Roquefort (keep
back a little parsley too) and fold together.
Use a medium-sized ramekin to mould two patties, then turn
out onto chilled plate. Using the back of a soup spoon make an
indentation in the centre of each patty. Garnish with parsley and
place the egg yolk. Served with crisp baby gem leaves, Roquefort,
rye toast and shallot rings.
Perfect accompaniments include a young Beaujolais, Champagne
or a chilled stout.
9
Where Am I...
The Robert Parker Collection hotels are located in
some of the most beautiful parts of Great Britain. Once
you have relaxed in the spa or taken in the grounds you
will be ready to explore the local area. Here are some
suggestions
Dalhousie Castle Hotel
& Aqueous Spa:
The castle stands majestically within undulating grounds. You will
not need to go far to enjoy Dalhousie Falconry. Located within the
gardens, the castle provides a stunning backdrop to a wide range
of exotic owls and hawks. It is best to pre-book this experience by
calling 01875 825728 or visiting [email protected].
The rolling hills and quaint towns disguise a heavy industrial past
and just 1.5 miles from Dalhousie Castle is Scotland’s National
Mining Museum. Tours are provided by ex-miners who eloquently
share stories of camaraderie and bravery. Catering for all ages and
tastes there is a Kids Zone, gallery of local artists and a programme
of events. It’s one of the finest examples of a large Victorian mine
throughout Europe.
Making use of Newtongrange Train Station, with trains every
30 minutes most days, you can easily get to Edinburgh and visit
this world-renowned capital city. While in Edinburgh, you can
climb an extinct volcano (better known as Arthur’s Seat) within
Holyrood Park which is a short walk from the city and you will
be rewarded with panoramic views over Edinburgh. Likewise, the
Borders Railway departs every 30 minutes along a picturesque line to
Galashiels, along the newest railway line in Britain.
A visit to Scotland would be incomplete without taking in a
distillery and just 12 miles from Dalhousie Castle, you’ll find
Glenkinchie Distillery often called “Edinburgh’s Malt”. Less than
five miles from the hotel lies the famous, award-winning Rosslyn
Chapel too. Ten years after the release of The Da Vinci Code visitors
are fascinated by this historic building, a place of worship since
1446.
Doxford Hall Hotel & Spa:
The Northumbrian coastline is only five miles away from Doxford
Hall Hotel & Spa and is one of the county’s many world-class
attractions. Holy Island and Lindisfarne are just over 25 miles away.
However, if you allow plenty of time you can travel from Doxford
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to Craster and follow the coast through Seahouses and Bamburgh.
There are daily boat trips from Seahouses or Amble to the Farne
Islands – famous for its puffins.
The market town of Alnwick has retained some cobbled streets
adjacent to the market place, where there are galleries and many
specialist shops. The town is famous for the castle, ancestral
home of the Duke of Northumberland and location for both
Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. Capability Brown was born in
Northumberland and you can enjoy the legacy of his landscaping on
a grand scale within the gardens. Alnwick Gardens is an altogether
different experience. There is plenty for children to engage with and
it’s a good day out with the famous Grand Cascade, woodland walk
and the ever favourite “Poison Garden”.
Further afield is Europe’s largest expanse of dark skies at Kielder.
Tickets should be booked in advance for a truly magnificent
experience at the observatory.
Eshott Hall Hotel:
For most people a visit to Northumberland would not be complete
without visiting part of Hadrian’s Wall. Just over an hour’s drive
away, Sycamore Gap is reputed to be one of the prettiest places and
is probably one of the most frequently photographed. Closer to
Eshott and on the way is Heddon-on-the-Wall.
The historic town of Morpeth has retained many stylish independent
shops including Rutherford’s, a traditional department store first
opened in 1846. The town has a vibrant arts, crafts and cultural
scene with a range of galleries. The regular market day is Wednesday.
A Farmers Market takes place the first Saturday of the month and
the town hosts an annual food festival.
Eshott Hall Hotel is ideally located to explore the Northumbrian
coast. Amble is only seven miles away and hosts the annual Puffin
Festival. The Coquet Shorebase Trust offer a range of activities
including sailing, kayaking and raft building. A couple of miles
south of Amble you’ll find Druridge Bay Country Park with a sevenmile stretch of beach running from Amble to Cresswell.
Wallington Hall is a National Trust property and is another estate
enhanced with the works of Capability Brown. There are fun features
for children, including wooden castles as well as its famous walled
garden and owl house. Wallington Hall is less than half an hour’s
drive from Eshott Hall Hotel.
old. The harbour and town centre are well worth a visit.
Ednam House Hotel:
The Wordsworth Hotel and Spa:
Kelso is a vibrant, thriving town with many independent retailers
including A Hume Country Clothing, who supply the rich and
famous of the world. The cobbled market square is just 200 yards
from Ednam House Hotel where banks, galleries and craft shops will
encourage you to linger.
From the hotel you will overlook the racecourse which hosts a
number of race meetings throughout the year. This is also home to
many significant events during the year, including the Border Union
Show held annually at the end of July. Farming and markets play a
key part in the life of Kelso with regional agricultural shows being
held regularly.
Traveling in the opposite direction the towns of Jedburgh with its
famous abbey and Hawick famous for cashmere and knitwear are 20
and 35 minutes respectively away by car.
Grasmere is a lovely village with world-renowned attractions within easy
walking distance of The Wordsworth Hotel & Spa, none more famous
than Dove Cottage, home to William Wordsworth for eight years.
Grasmere is also well served with galleries and no one will want to
go home without having visited the world-famous Sarah Nelson’s
Gingerbread Shop adjacent to the hotel. St Oswald’s Church lies
just less than 100 yards from the hotel where you can visit the burial
place of William Wordsworth. There are a number of walks that start
and end at the Hotel. Five are available to download before arriving
at hotel from the website: www.thewordsworthhotel.co.uk
Lake cruises from Windermere are as popular as ever with a return
cruise between Bowness and Waterhead, between Bowness and
Lakeside and around the whole lake. Some boats also stop at the pier
at Brockhole, the National Park Visitor Centre.
Overlooking Kelso is Floors Castle, the largest inhabited castle
in Scotland and home of the Duke of Roxburghe and family
since 1721. As well as tours of the castle, the gardens have many
interesting features including an adventure playground for children.
A 15-minute drive north of Kelso will take you to the beautiful
Mellerstain House, home to the Earl of Haddington and an
exquisite example of Robert Adam architecture. Towards the east
in Berwickshire are two houses well worth the visit: Manderston
House in Duns, featured as one of the Antiques Roadshow venues,
and Paxton House, designed by the same architects who worked on
Ednam House, John & James Adams.
A 35-minute drive to the border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed
will take you through the famous town of Coldstream. North of
Berwick-upon-Tweed lies the harbour town of Eyemouth with lovely
coastal views. Twenty-five miles north is Dunbar with its red stone
castle, where some parts of the fortification are nearly 2,000 years
One of the most alluring features of the Lake District is the
association with Beatrix Potter, and 2016 marks her 150th birthday.
This is being celebrated with a new gallery at Hawkshead, which
is 10 miles from the hotel. Hill Top is where Beatrix Potter lived
and was bought with the proceeds from her first book, The Tale of
Peter Rabbit. The National Trust have maintained the house just as
she had it. Tickets cannot be bought in advance so it’s best to get
there nice and early. The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness on
Windermere brings all 23 stories to life.
Ambleside is less than five miles away. The pretty town has many
galleries and shops specialising in outdoor wear as well as those
selling local foods, crafts and art. The Ambleside Climbing Wall is a
great indoor activity.
11
Northumbrian Music Festival - What’s In Store
• Friday 14th October
• Friday 2nd December
A FEAST OF GILBERT
AND SULLIVAN
Doxford Hall – Alnwick
Eshott Hall – Morpeth
Welcome Drink – 6.15 PM • Dinner – 6.45 PM • Concert – 8.15 PM
Cost: £69 per person, to include a welcome drink on
arrival, gourmet three-course dinner with coffee and
petits fours.
• Saturday 15th October
GRAEME DANBY &
NORTHUMBRIAN SONG
RIGOLETTO
Cost: £69 per person, to include a welcome drink on arrival, gourmet
three-course dinner with coffee and petits fours.
• Saturday 3rd December
THE MAGIC FLUTE
• Saturday 12th November
THE THREE ENGLISH
TENORS
Dalhousie Castle – Edinburgh
petits fours.
12
A GRAND OPERA GALA
Wordsworth Hotel/St Oswald’s
Church – Grasmere
Concert – 12 PM • Lunch – 1.30 PM
Cost: £25 per person, to include a welcome drink, threecourse lunch with coffee and petits fours.
THE GLORY OF
SACRED MUSIC
• Saturday 10th December
petits fours.
LUKE FITZGERALD –
ORGAN RECITAL
• Friday 11th November
• Saturday 25th February
• Saturday 14th January
STRAUSS CHRISTMAS
Dalhousie Castle – Edinburgh
• Saturday 14th January
petits fours.
A GRAND OPERA GALA
Northumbrian Music Festival - What’s In Store
• Sunday 11th December
STRAUSS CHRISTMAS
Ednam House – Kelso
Welcome Drink – 1 PM • Lunch – 1.30 PM • Concert – 3 PM
Cost: £59 per person, to include welcome drink & canapes on arrival,
gourmet three-course Sunday lunch, coffee & petits fours.
• Friday 13th January
THE THREE ENGLISH TENORS
Church – Grasmere
Welcome Drink – 6 PM • Dinner – 6.30 PM • Concert – 8 PM
Cost: £69 per person, to include a welcome drink on arrival,
gourmet three-course dinner with coffee and petits fours.
• Friday 10th March
NORTHUMBRIAN
RANTERS
Welcome Drink – 5.30 PM • Dinner – 6.00PM • Concert – 7.00 PM
Church – Grasmere
two-course dinner with coffee and petits fours.
Welcome Drink – 6 PM • Dinner – 6.30 PM • Concert – 8 PM
• Saturday 11th March
• Friday 24th February
A FEAST OF GILBERT
AND SULLIVAN
THE PIRATES OF
PENZANCE
• Saturday 25th February
NORTHUMBRIAN
RANTERS
book now!
We are expecting high-demand for all performances,
book now to avoid disappointment!
Tickets can be purchased using the Postal Booking
Form on page 31 of this guide, by phoning
01668 283100 or by visiting www.nmfestival.co.uk
Online bookings are subject to a booking fee.
Welcome Drink – 12 PM • Lunch – 12.30 PM • Concert – 1.15 PM
two-course lunch with coffee and petits fours.
Every ticket sold helps our chosen charities
13
YVONNE PATRICK – Soprano
Friday 14th October, Eshott Hall & Friday 24th February, Ednam House
Yvonne has sung many roles for the D’Oyly Carte
Opera Company and has established herself as a
well-known Gilbert and Sullivan Performer.
A FEAST OF GILBERT AND
SULLIVAN 6
LOUISE CRANE – Mezzo Soprano
Since making her debuts at Glyndebourne,
English National Opera and the Belgium Royal
Opera, Louise has established herself as one of this
country’s most sought-after and versatile mezzo
sopranos.
Returning for another year at the Northumbrian
Music Festival, A Feast of Gilbert and Sullivan is sure
to delight old and new audiences with its celebration
of the best of one of England’s most-loved musical
partnerships
DAVID MENEZES – Tenor
David has performed for a number of companies,
including Carl Rosa and the D’Oyly Carte Opera
Company, he has also sung with the British Youth
Opera and recently the New London Opera
Group.
LOUISE CRANE
These former singers from the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company truly convey the magic and wit of Gilbert and Sullivan,
reminding audiences why they are so iconic today.
14
PROGRAMME
Interval 15 mins
Regular Royal Queen ............................................ The Gondoliers
The Law Is The True Embodiment ................................. Iolanthe
The Sentry’s Song ................................................................. Iolanthe
The Fairy Queen’s Song ...................................................... Iolanthe
If You Go In (Pre Dialogue) ............................................. Iolanthe
When First My Old, Old Love I Knew
(Tink-a-tank) ................................................................ Trial By Jury
Sweet and Low ........................................................ Utopia Limited
I Cannot Tell What This Love May Be ......................... Patience
I Am A Pirate King (Dialogue) ........ The Pirates Of Penzance
A Man Who Would Woo A
Fair Maid (Dialogue Into) ............. The Yeomen Of The Guard
When A Wooer Goes A-Wooing
(Dialogue Into) ................................. The Yeomen Of The Guard
Take A Pair Of Sparkling Eyes ........................... The Gondoliers
I Am A Maiden .............................................................. Princess Ida
Oh Joy Unbounded .................................................... Trial By Jury
When I Was A Lad ................................................. HMS Pinafore
Kind Captain I’ve Important Information
(Dialogue Into) ........................................................ HMS Pinafore
I’m Called Little Buttercup .................................. HMS Pinafore
The Hours Creep On Apace ................................ HMS Pinafore
Never Mind The Why And Wherefore
(Dialogue Into) ........................................................ HMS Pinafore
When A Merry Maiden Marries ....................... The Gondoliers
Oh Is There Not One Maiden Here ................................................ .................................................................... The Pirates Of Penzance
Major General’s Song .......................... The Pirates Of Penzance
A Policeman’s Lot (Audience Participation) .................................. .................................................................... The Pirates Of Penzance
A Wandering Minstrel I .............................................. The Mikado
Three Little Maids ......................................................... The Mikado
Were You Not To Koko Plighted
(Short Dialogue) ........................................................... The Mikado
Here’s A How-De-Do (Pre Dialogue) .................... The Mikado
The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring ................. The Mikado
Finale Act Two ............................................................... The Mikado
Encore Once More Gondolieri
(Finale Act Two) ..................................................... The Gondoliers
ALISTAIR DONKIN – Baritone
Alistair was principal comedy baritone with the
original D’Oyly Carte Opera Company and
subsequently The Magic of Gilbert and Sullivan.
He now writes and directs shows.
GRAHAM STONE – Bass
Graham’s extensive career has seen him perform
for the Scottish Opera, and perform The Phantom
of the Opera in the West End. He has also been
part of several BBC opera performances and
recordings.
DAVID SMITH – Accompanist
DAVID SMITH
(Eshott Hall)
Yorkshire born David was trained at the Royal
Manchester College of Music. For many years
he was Head of Performance at Leeds College of
Music where he had management responsibility
for all instrumental teaching and performances.
He has conducted a series of piano workshops
and masterclasses at leading music conservatoires
in China. As musical director and accompanist,
David has worked with many well-known cabaret
and solo artists and his work has taken him to
top venues throughout the UK and USA. He has
made many TV appearances on programmes such
as Last of the Summer Wine, The New Statesman
and Heartbeat. Film credits include Romance on
the Orient Express, and Till we Meet Again. He
has been musical director for The Good Old Days
stage show at City Varieties in Leeds since 1989.
Poster Design: Creative
G&S A5.indd 1
Graffix www.cgx-it.co.uk
25/04/2013 14:48
15
Friday 15th October, Eshott Hall
Friday 11th November, Dalhousie Castle
& Saturday 25th February, Ednam House
GRAEME DANBY &
NORTHUMBRIAN SONG
A GRAND OPERA GALA
The North East’s very own opera star returns to the music
festival to celebrate the musical heritage of the North
East. Featuring songs that tell the region’s fascinating
story and the resilience of its people, Graeme will take
audiences on a magical journey through Northumbria
GRAEME DANBY
Graeme was born in Consett, County Durham, and is a true son of the North East. He is an
operatic bass who has performed at several of the world’s leading opera houses, notably the Royal
Opera House, Covent Garden and the English National Opera. He was educated at the Royal
Academy of Music in London. He is known for his strong, dramatic portrayals of characters in the
basso profondo repertoire. He is currently an active tutor in the performing arts department at the
University of Sunderland.
GRAEME DANBY
Interval
ANTHONY KRAUS
Written and Presented by MARK
Verity studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Verity has been a member of the Glyndebourne Festival Chorus
and has sung at the Salzburg Festival, at York Minster, at Snape
Maltings and in Haydn’s Nelson Mass under Wilcocks.
PETER AUTY – Tenor
Having begun his career as a choirboy in St Paul’s Cathedral,
Peter has gone on to perform in some of the country’s most
prestigious venues, notably the Royal Opera House and
Glyndebourne Festival Opera.
TOM MCVEIGH – Baritone
Tom studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama
and has sung with Scottish Opera and The Royal Opera House.
He recently played Dancairo in Carmen at the Royal Albert Hall
and is a regular guest on Friday Night Is Music Night.
LOUISE CRANE – Mezzo Soprano
Largo Al factotum..............................Barber Of Seville.................... Tom
L’Amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle....Carmen............................... Louise
Votre Toast............................................Carmen.................................... Tom
O Mio Babbino Caro........................Ghianni Schicchi................Verity
Questo O Quella................................Rigoletto................................. Peter
Bella Figlia Dell’ Amore...................Rigoletto...................................... All
Soave Sia Il Vento...............................Cosi Fan tutte......................... Trio
Je Veux Vivre........................................Romeo & Juliet....................Verity
Mon Cœur S’Ouvre À Ta Voix......Samson and Delilha......... Louise
Deh Vieni Alla Finestra....................Don Giovanni......................... Tom
Porgi Amour........................................Marriage of Figaro..............Verity
Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Herz! ..........The Land of smiles............... Peter
ANTHONY KRAUS – Accompanist
16
Act 1
Act 2 Between 2005 and 2009 Graeme and Valerie Reid recorded various songs by Tyneside folk composer
Eric Boswell, including his most famous Little Donkey and several humorous Geordie ballads
written by Boswell. In 2012, Danby recorded a new version of “Blaydon Races”, commissioned by
BBC Newcastle. Recently he has been made artistic director of the North East Proms. He is also
noted for his performances before the crowds at St James’ Park, Newcastle.
Anthony read music at the University of Bristol, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (where
he won the Ricordi conducting prize) and the National Opera Studio. As a conductor and répétiteur,
Anthony has worked extensively in the UK and Europe with the English Touring Opera, Opera
National du Strasbourg (Jeunes Voix du Rhin), Sinfonia Viva, Royal Northern Sinfonia, English
National Opera and Opera North, with whom he has served as Chorus Master and is currently
Assistant Head of Music.
VERITY PARKER – Soprano
PROGRAMME
Libiamo Ne’ Lieti Calici .................La Traviata................................. All
Belle Nuit, O Nuit D’Amour.........Tales of Hoffman............... Ladies
Au Fond Du Temple Saint..............Pearl Fishers......................... Gents
Der Vogelfanger Bin Ich Ja ............Magic Flute............................. Tom
Che Faro................................................Orfeo.................................... Louise
E Lucevan Le Stelle............................Tosca........................................ Peter
Strida La Vampa.................................Il Trovatore......................... Louise
La’ Ci Darem La Mano....................Don Giovanni......... Tom / Verity
Federico’s Lament...............................L’Arlesiana............................. Peter
Caro Nome...........................................Rigoletto................................Verity
O Soave Fanciulla...............................La Boheme...........Verity & Peter
This is Graeme’s second appearance at the Festival – last year he delighted us with The Cliﬀs Of
Old Tynemouth, Take Me Up The Tyne, Ower Young To Be Married Yet, But It’s Mine, Everything
Changes, The Whippet and There’s More To Life Than Women and Beer. Expect the return of more
favourites and more exceptional North East Philosophy!
For English National Opera he has had several major roles, including Don Basilio in Rossini’s Il
Barbiere di Siviglia; Quince in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Collatinus in Britten’s The
Rape of Lucretia and Poo-Bah in Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Mikado. Graeme performs regularly at the
Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, where roles have included the Marquis d’Obigny in La traviata
and Billy Jackrabbit in La fanciulla del West. Other British engagements include Bartolo in Mozart’s
Le Nozze di Figaro for Opera North and Garsington Opera; Collatinus in Britten’s Rape of Lucretia
at Buxton Festival; and Sacristan in Tosca, Bosun in Billy Budd, Benedict in La Vie Parisienne and
Masetto in Don Giovanni for Scottish Opera.
Presenter Mark Langley introduces this programme
celebrating the very best opera has to offer. Sung by
four talented stars, this performance will see audiences
laugh, cry and immerse themselves in the magic of opera
LANGLEY
Since making her debuts at Glyndebourne, English National
Opera and the Belgium Royal Opera, Louise has established
herself as one of this country’s most sought-after and versatile
mezzo sopranos.
INGRID SAWERS
– Accompanist (Dalhousie Castle Hotel)
Ingrid performs in a wide variety of styles: classical,
contemporary and jazz-influenced. She has a longstanding
collaboration with saxophonist Sue McKenzie and has also
performed as a member of the Greenwood Trio.
ANTHONY KRAUS
– Accompanist (Ednam House)
Anthony studied at the University of Bristol and Guildhall School
of Music and Drama. He has worked with the English Touring
Opera, Opera National du Strasbourg, Royal Northern Sinfonia,
and Opera North, where he is currently Assistant Head of Music.
17
Saturday 12th November, Dalhousie Castle
& Friday 13th January, The Wordsworth Hotel
THE THREE ENGLISH TENORS
Packed with great tunes and humorous stories about
the life of a tenor, our three intrepid heroes sing
their way through all the great tenor arias, songs and
more high notes than you can shake a stick at. This is a
programme overflowing with excitement and fun. Not
to be missed!
SAMPLE PROGRAMME
O Sole Mio .............................................................. Di Capua
Che Gelida (La Boheme) ......................................... Puccini
Recondita Armonia (Tosca) .................................... Puccini
Vesti La Giubba (Pagliacci) ............................ Leoncavallo
The Trellis ........................................................... John Ireland
Apres Un Reve ................................................................. Faure
Maria (West Side Story) ....................................... Bernstein
Be My Love (The Toast of New Orleans) ........ Brodszky
Softly As A Morning Sunrise ................................ Romberg
The Flower Song (Carmen) .......................................... Bizet
Pearl Fishers Duet ........................................................... Bizet
Gendarmes Duet! (Geneviève de Brabant) ... Offenbach
Brindisi (La Traviata) ..................................................... Verdi
PETER AUTY
Having begun his career as a choirboy in St Paul’s Cathedral, Peter
has gone on to perform with most of the major opera companies in
Britain, including Opera North. He has also performed in some of the
country’s most prestigious venues, notably the Royal Opera House and
Glyndebourne Festival Opera.
INGRID SAWERS – Accompanist
Ingrid is a pianist who performs solo repertoires, which are both
instrumental and vocal, in a wide variety of styles: classical, contemporary
and jazz-influenced. Ingrid has a longstanding collaboration with
saxophonist Sue McKenzie (McKenzie Sawers Duo) and has also
performed as a member of the Greenwood Trio with soprano Frances
Cooper and clarinettist Joanna Nicholson. Ingrid has worked with many
leading young singers from the major Scottish orchestras (Carolyn Dobbin,
Alexander Grove, Clare Debono, Nicholas Mulroy, and Nicky Spence),
The Curve Dance Foundation, the Calton Consort and has also given
Scottish premieres of pieces by many composers including Thomas Adès,
Graham Fitkin, Martin Butler, and Richard Causton.
ANDREW FORBES LANE
After working as a lighting designer, theatre manager and
theatre company manager, Andrew trained as a singer and went
on to perform as a soloist with Opera North and the Welsh
National Opera – to name but a few.
NICHOLAS SALES
Nick’s career as a Tenor has taken him all over the world as a
soloist for all the major British Opera Companies. Recently for
Welsh Opera he sang the title role in Mozart’s Midridate, Re Di
Ponto.
18
Friday 2nd December, Doxford Hall
RIGOLETTO
Verdi’s dramatic masterpiece will be brought to life by
Heritage Opera, sung in Italian with English surtitles
Rigoletto, a jester employed by a rich Duke, uses his wit as a weapon to
keep ahead of court politics. As a web of intrigue tightens around him,
Rigoletto finds himself the victim of a curse, but it is his daughter Gilda
who is the one to suffer. From the tragic naivety of Gilda’s first love to
the Duke’s unthinking revelry, Verdi takes the characters from elation to
despair in an opera densely packed with extraordinary music.
CAST
Rigoletto ........................ The Duke’s jester ......................... Simon Thorpe
Gilda ............................... Rigoletto’s daughter ..... Sarah Helsby Hughes
Duke of Mantua .................................................................. Nicholas Sales
Sparafucile ..................... Assassin ................................... Matthew Kellett
Maddalena ..................... Sparafucile’s sister .................. Serenna Wagner
Giovanna ........................ Gilda’s nurs .......................... Andrea Tweedale
Count Ceprano ....................................................................... Stuart Orme
Countess Ceprano ...... The Count’s Wife ...................... Aimee Toshney
Matteo Borsa ................ Courtier ......................................... Seumas Begg
Count Monterone ........................................................ Stephen Holloway
Marullo ........................... Courtier ................................. Matthew Palmer
A Page ..................................................................................... Eleanor Strutt
Ball Guest ............................................................................ Imogen Garner
SIMON THORPE – Rigoletto
Simon studied at the Guildhall School of Music‚ where he was awarded
the Harold Rosenthal Prize. He spent a year at the National Opera Studio
and was a finalist in the Kathleen Ferrier Competition.
SARAH HELSBY HUGHES – Gilda
Sarah has played more than 15 roles for Heritage Opera, directing most
of their productions since 2008 and becoming Artistic Director in 2011.
NICHOLAS SALES – Duke Of Mantua
SERENNA WAGNER – Maddalena
Serenna’s highlights include her solo debut with The Halle
Orchestra. Since graduating she had worked for English National
Opera, Heritage Opera, Longborough Festival Opera and Focus
Opera.
ANDREA TWEEDALE – Giovana
Andrea read Music at the University of Sheffield before attending
the RNCM. Andrea was the RNCM recipient of a fellowship from
Independent Opera at Saddler’s Wells 2013/2014.
STUART ORME – Count Ceprano
AIMEE TOSHNEY – Countess Ceprano
A graduate of Glasgow University and the Royal Northern College
of Music, Aimee has since worked with companies including British
Youth Opera, Wexford Festival Opera and Young Opera Venture.
SEUMAS BEGG – Matteo Borsa
Seumas studied at the Royal Northern College of Music, where he starred
in L’Ivrogne Corrige, Albert Herring and A Streetcar Named Desire. He
has performed with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and at the
BBC Proms 2016 at the Royal Albert Hall.
STEPHEN HOLLOWAY – Count Monterone
Stephen studied at Christ’s College, Cambridge. His performances
have included The Magic Flute, La Cenerentola, Rigoletto and The
Marriage of Figaro.
MATTHEW PALMER – Marullo
Matthew studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. As
a soloist he has performed at the Oxford Lieder Festival, LSO St.
Luke’s, Milton Court as well as live on BBC Radio 3.
ELEANOR STRUTT – Page
Nick has worked for the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, ENO, Welsh
National Opera, Opera North and a host of other companies in the UK.
Eleanor made her operatic debut with Heritage Opera in 2012 and
has since appeared in several Heritage Opera productions including
Tosca, where she sang the role of Shepherdess.
MATTHEW KELLETT – Sparafucile
IMOGEN GARNER – Ball Guest
Matthew is a graduate of Trinity College of Music where he was awarded
the TCM Trust’s Silver Medal. Past performances include: Fauré’s
Requiem, Mozart’s Requiem, Bach’s Magnificat and Handel’s Messiah.
Imogen has previously sung Marcellina for Heritage Opera as well
as Swansea City Opera and Young Opera Venture. Imogen appears
regularly on the concert platform and is a keen recitalist.
19
Saturday 3rd December, Doxford Hall
THE MAGIC FLUTE
Prepare for a riotous night as Mozart’s wildly inventive
comedy is brought to life by Heritage Opera
Set in a mythical land between the sun and the moon, Prince Tamino is
saved from a serpent by three ladies in the service of the Queen of the Night,
who then orders him to rescue her daughter from the evil Sarastro. Prince
Tamino then sets off on an adventure filled with magic, intrigue and love.
STEPHEN HOLLOWAY – Sarastro
CAST
ANDREA TWEEDALE – Lady/Spirit
Tamino .............................................................................. Nicholas Sales
Papageno ....................................................................... Matthew Kellett
Pamina .............................................................................. Aimee Toshney
Queen Of The Night ...................................... Sarah Helsby Hughes
Sarastro/Speaker ..................................................... Stephen Holloway
Three Ladies/Three Spirits ..................................... Andrea Tweedale
Serenna Wagner/Imogen Garner
Monostatos ....................................................................... Roger Hankey
1st Armed Man/1st Priest/Slave ........................... Richard Belshaw
2nd Armed Man/2nd Priest/Slave ............................... Stuart Orme
Papagena .......................................................................... Eleanor Strutt
Andrea studied at the University of Sheffield before attending the
RNCM. After graduating, Andrea was the RNCM recipient of a
fellowship from Independent Opera at Saddler’s Wells 2013/2014.
NICHOLAS SALES – Tamino
Roger’s extensive experience stretches back over 40 years, his first role
having been Luiz in The Gondoliers, and since when he has played
almost 30 roles in the Gilbert & Sullivan canon. Heritage are delighted
to be welcoming Roger for his company debut as Monostatos, a role
he first played in 2014 for Midland Opera in Birmingham.
Nick has worked for the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, ENO, Welsh
National Opera, Opera North and a host of other companies in the UK.
MATTHEW KELLETT – Papageno
Matthew is a graduate of Trinity College of Music where he was awarded
the TCM Trust’s Silver Medal. Past performances include: Fauré’s
Requiem, Mozart’s Requiem, Bach’s Magnificat and Handel’s Messiah.
AIMEE TOSHNEY – Pamina
A graduate of Glasgow University and the Royal Northern College
of Music, Aimee has since worked with companies including British
Youth Opera, Wexford Festival Opera, Young Opera Venture, Focus
Opera and Grange Park Opera.
SARAH HELSBY HUGHES – Queen Of The Night
Sarah studied at Birmingham Conservatoire. She’s played more than
15 roles for Heritage Opera, directing most of their productions
since 2008 and becoming Artistic Director in 2011. She is also Stage
Director for Midland Opera.
20
Stephen studied at Christ’s College, Cambridge. His performances
have included The Magic Flute, La Cenerentola, Rigoletto, Tosca and
The Marriage of Figaro.
SERENNA WAGNER – Lady/Spirit
Serenna’s highlights include her solo debut with The Halle Orchestra.
She has worked with English National Opera, Heritage Opera,
Longborough Festival Opera, Focus Opera and Opera by Deﬁnition.
IMOGEN GARNER – Lady/Spirit
Imogen has previously sung Marcellina for Heritage Opera as well
as Swansea City Opera and Young Opera Venture. Imogen appears
regularly on the concert platform and is a keen recitalist.
Saturday 10th December, Eshott Hall
& Sunday 11th December, Ednam House
VIENNESE STRAUSS
CHRISTMAS GALA
Join some of Britain’s most experienced opera stars
for an evening guaranteed to put audiences in the
Christmas spirit. Featuring great Viennese waltzes
and traditional Christmas carols in two stunning
locations, this is a Gala that promises to bring the
festive spirit to audiences of all ages and features some
of Strauss’ best works and works by other great Viennese
composers
Music from Strauss includes The Blue Danube, The Champagne Polka, Roses from the South, and The Radetzky March. The evening also
includes music and songs from other great Viennese composers – Lehar, Kalman, Romberg and Stolz – including numbers from The White
Horse Inn, The New Moon, The Student Prince, Die Fledermaus and The Merry Widow.
ROGER HANKEY – Monostatos
RICHARD BELSHAW
– 1st Armed Man/1st Priest/Slave
Richard sang in most of the Anglican cathedrals in England and
Wales as a child and went on to study at the Royal Northern College
of Music. He has performed with Hashtag Opera Co, Heritage
Opera and Opera Della Luna.
STUART ORME
– 2nd Armed Man/2nd Priest/Slave
ELEANOR STRUTT – Papagena
Eleanor made her operatic debut with Heritage Opera in 2012 and
has since appeared in several Heritage Opera productions, including
La Boheme, Barber of Seville, La Traviata and Tosca.
Continued Overleaf
21
Saturday 14th January
MARILYN
HILL SMITH –
Soprano
Marilyn Hill Smith
Marilyn spent much
of her early career as a
principal soprano with
English National Opera
Company. She has also
made guest appearances
with Royal Opera at
Covent Garden, with
Welsh and Scottish
National and with
Canadian and Singapore
Opera Companies. Her
concerts of Viennese
music earned her the
accolade “Britain’s Queen
of Operetta”.
ANDREW FORBES LANE – Tenor
After a period as a lighting designer, theatre manager and theatre
company manager Andrew trained as a singer and went on to
perform as a soloist with Opera North, Welsh National Opera,
English National Opera, Birmingham Opera Company and
Glyndebourne. He also performed with City of Birmingham
Symphony Orchestra, the Halle, the BBC Symphony Orchestra
and at the BBC Proms.
JEREMY PEAKER – Baritone
Jeremy is a founding member of the new D’Oyly Carte Opera as
well as a full time member of Opera North where he has played
a number of roles. He appeared at Gawsworth Hall Festival as
The Learned Judge in Trial by Jury, Sir Joseph Porter in HMS
Pinafore and Major General in The Pirates of Penzance. In
his spare time Jeremy operates his own company Much Loved
Productions, providing one-night concerts around the country,
which is now in its 22nd year.
ANTHONY KRAUS – Accompanist, Conductor
Anthony read music at the University of Bristol, the Guildhall
School of Music and Drama (where he won the Ricordi
conducting prize) and the National Opera Studio. As a
conductor and répétiteur, Anthony has worked extensively in
the UK and Europe with the English Touring Opera, Opera
National du Strasbourg (Jeunes Voix du Rhin), Sinfonia Viva,
Royal Northern Sinfonia, English National Opera and Opera
North, with whom he has served as Chorus Master and is
currently Assistant Head of Music.
22
LUKE
FITZGERALD
ORGAN
RECITAL
Performed in St Oswald’s
Church, Grasmere, Luke
Fitzgerald promises to take
audiences on a journey
through the wonder of
organ music, offering
stirring renditions of
classic works by Bach and
Brahms among others
Luke Fitzgerald is an organist, composer and conductor with a
particular passion for music that has arisen out of the liturgical
tradition. He was Organ Scholar of Portsmouth Cathedral from
2015-16 and is now one of two Organ Scholars at Gonville and
Caius College, Cambridge University, where he reads Music.
During his year in Portsmouth Luke was fully immersed in the daily
pattern of music and services at the cathedral, playing regularly for
midweek evensongs as well as contributing to the larger programme
of music on Sundays. In addition to liturgical commitments,
Luke gave recitals in the cathedral and churches in Coleshill
(Warwickshire) and Harlton (Cambridgeshire) and played for a
number of high profile cathedral events, including ordinations and
large services featured in the city’s music festival, the “Portsmouth
Festivities”. Since starting at Cambridge Luke has been greatly
inspired by both the music degree course and the opportunities to
build his profile as a recitalist and accompanist.
He has studied the organ with Nigel Kerry (OLEM, Cambridge),
Dan Hyde (recently appointed Director of Music at St Thomas’
5th Avenue, New York) and currently studies with international
recitalist Tom Bell. As a composer Luke has written music for a
wide variety of contexts, including choral pieces for performance
in concert and in worship, chamber music and works for orchestra.
His work has been heard in the Spitalfields festival, live on Radio 3
and in venues ranging from King’s College Chapel to a converted
water pumping station. Luke’s recent output includes a Piano Sonata
premiered in June 2016 by Jay Richardson (Pembroke College,
Cambridge), an SATB, a capella setting of the Beatitudes in Latin,
premiered in Verona in July 2016, and a Mass for Men’s Voices and
Trumpet commissioned by the Choir of Portsmouth Cathedral,
also premiered in July 2016. He studied composition at the Royal
College of Music Junior Department under Russell Hepplewhite,
where he received the Humphrey Searle Composition Prize as well
as the Theory of Music Prize, and now studies with Prof. Robin
Holloway, University of Cambridge.
Luke is honoured to be given the opportunity to play this recital for
all guests and most especially his grandfather Robert Parker, founder
of the Northumbrian Music Festival.
PROGRAMME
Prelude In B Minor, BWV 544, 6’ 45’’............................................................................... JS Bach
Prelude Wenn Wir In Höchsten Nöten Sein, BWV 641, 2’’....................................... JS Bach
Toccata From Plymouth Suite, 5’............................................................................ Percy Whitlock
Prelude O Gott, Du Frommer Gott, Op. 122 No. 7, 5’ 30’’.................... Johannes Brahms
Prelude Schmucke Dich, O Liebe Seele, Op. 122 No. 5, 3’..................... Johannes Brahms
Prelude O Welt, Ich Muss Dich Lassen, Op. 122 No. 12, 6’.................... Johannes Brahms
Carillon De Longpont, Op. 31. No. 24, 4’.............................................................. Louis Vierne
Prelude In C Minor, Op. 37 No. 1a, 4’ 30’’................................................. Felix Mendelssohn
Placare Christe Servulis,Op. 38 No. 16, 3’............................................................ Marcel Dupré
Luke Fitzgerald
23
Saturday 14th January
THE GLORY OF SACRED MUSIC
A rare chance to hear the wonder of music created to
celebrate the glory of religious experience. Featuring
Haydn, Mozart and Handel, this performance will truly
demonstrate the power of one of the world’s most
enduring sources of inspiration
Saturday 25th February, Ednam House
& Friday 10th March, Doxford Hall
THE NORTHUMBRIAN RANTERS
The Northumbrian Ranters is a traditional
music ensemble comprising fiddles, cellos,
accordions, flutes and Northumbrian pipes
Act 1
Zadok The Priest ............................................................................... Handel
Messiah: Comfort Ye/Ev’ry Valley Shall Be Exalted ............... Handel
Messiah: There Were Shepherds
And Lo, The Angel/And The Angel Said
And Suddenly There Was With The Angel ............................... Handel
Messiah: Glory To God In The Highest .................................... Handel
Messiah: He Was Despised ............................................................ Handel
St Matthew Passion: Make Thee Clean ........................................... Bach
Jesu, Joy Of Man’s Desiring ................................................................ Bach
St John Passion: Ah, My Soul ............................................................ Bach
St Matthew Passion: Have Mercy, Lord .......................................... Bach
Alleluia (Exsultate Jubilate) ............................................................ Mozart
Ave Verum Corpus .......................................................................... Mozart
Laudamus Te ..................................................................................... Mozart
Benedictus .......................................................................................... Mozart
Act 2
The Creation: The Heavens Are Telling ...................................... Hadyn
Cujus Animam .................................................................................... Rossini
Quis Est Homo ................................................................................... Rossini
Elijah: O Rest In The Lord ................................................. Mendelssohn
Elijah: Lord God of Abraham ............................................ Mendelssohn
Requiem: Libera Me ........................................................................... Fauré
How Lovely Are Thy Dwellings .................................................. Brahms
Requiem: Ingemisco ........................................................................... Verdi
Samson: Let The Bright Seraphim ............................................... Handel
Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus .......................................................... Handel
24
Celebrating its 10th anniversary
this year, it plays all types of
traditional music from England,
Ireland, Scotland, as well as from
Norway and Spain. It works to
protect our county’s rich musical
heritage by encouraging young
people to learn about and perform
traditional music. Aged between
10 and 18, the Ranters tour both
nationally and internationally,
keeping the musical heritage of
Northumberland alive.
SAMPLE PROGRAMME
Bonaparte’s Retreat ................................................ Arr Sophy Ball
Spring The Summer Long .......................... Arr Colin Bradford
Scotland ..................................................................... Arr Emily Ball
Fish Market Song
Hidden Hexham ......................... Composed Alistair Anderson
Full throttle 2 ........................................... Arr Richard Johnstone
Xavier ......................................................................... Arr Sophy Ball
Lament For Neil Gow
Northumbrian Pipes
Clogging
Finale
25
Saturday 11th March, Doxford Hall
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
Heritage Opera present’s Gilbert and
Sullivan’s iconic comic opera
Frederic, a pirate’s apprentice, falls in love with Mabel, the daughter
of Major-General Stanley. Frederic is due to be released from his
apprenticeship on his 21st birthday, but there’s a snag. Born on 29
February, Frederic discovers that he is technically only five. Although
very much in love, his dedication to duty is unshakeable. Can he
find a way to live happily-ever-after with Mabel?
HISTORY
Written in 1878, The Pirates of Penzance was the only Gilbert
and Sullivan Opera to make its debut in America, launching on
Broadway 31 December 1879, with the UK premier coming a few
months later on April 3rd 1880. Pirates was the fifth Gilbert and
Sullivan collaboration and introduced the much-parodied “MajorGeneral’s Song”. The opera was performed for over a century by
the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company in Britain and many other
opera companies and repertory companies worldwide. Modernised
productions include Joseph Papp’s 1981 Broadway production,
which ran for 787 performances, winning the Tony Award for Best
Revival and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical and
spawning many imitations, and a 1983 film adaptation. Pirates
remain popular today, taking its place along with The Mikado and
26
HMS Pinafore as one of the most frequently played Gilbert and
Sullivan operas.
HERITAGE OPERA
Established in 2006 by conductor Chris Gill, Heritage Opera has
been run by Sarah Helsby Hughes and Nicholas Sales since 2011.
Specialising in performing in stately homes, in 2011 Chris Gill made
the audacious decision to commission a brand new opera, specifically
designed to complement the kind of performances delivered by
Heritage Opera. The result was the world premier of Mansfield
Park at Boughton House, the home of the Duke of Buccleugh, in
Summer 2011. Composed by Jonathan Dove, the opera went on to
be toured extensively across Lancashire, Yorkshire and Cheshire, and
eventually appeared at the trendy London opera festival, Grimeborn,
to rave reviews from the national press.
Since then Heritage Opera has gone from strength to strength,
touring across new venues in Scotland and the South of England.
Key to its philosophy is exclusively using professional singers in
order to maintain high artistic standards, while endeavouring to use
Northern artists where possible in order to stay true to its roots.
Charity Begins At Home
Once again the Northumbrian Music Festival is proud
to support the efforts of three local charities,
HospiceCare North Northumberland, St John’s Hospice
and The Lavender Touch. All rely heavily on donations
and support from the public and in return provide a
unique and invaluable service to the local community
HospiceCare North Northumberland has
been established since 1995, and is the
main provider of palliative care in North
Northumberland. The charity delivers care
and support to adults, their families and carers
who have a life-limiting illness. In the last year
their Hospice at Home service saw an increase
of 97 percent in new referrals. This service is
delivered 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year
at any stage of illness, not just end of life. All
services are free of charge.
This year HospiceCare North Northumberland
will need to raise over £400,000 and will
receive just 9 percent from the NHS, but even
that isn’t guaranteed to continue. To ensure
the continuation and quality of the service
HospiceCare is able to provide, the rest of the
funding must be found through donations
and fundraising. As it is an independent local
charity, the Hospice’s income is not supported
by national charities such as Macmillan and
Marie Curie. All the money you donate will
stay local and help HospiceCare to continue to
deliver the much needed service to local people.
Castleside House, 40 Narrowgate, Alnwick
NE66 1JQ 01665 606515
www.hospicecare-nn.org.uk
St John’s Hospice was established in 1986 to provide
free palliative care to patients with life-shortening
conditions across North Lancashire, South Lakes and
parts of North Yorkshire. Last year over 1,200 people
used its services, which include an in-patient unit,
a day hospice service (which runs weekly sessions
to help patients manage symptoms and give carer
respite) and a Hospice at Home team who provide
24 hour short-term nursing care for patients in the
final stages of illness in their own home.
It costs £3.8 million a year to run the hospice, with only around 30 percent
of this amount provided by government funding. As a result the hospice
relies overwhelmingly on public donations in order to continue its vital
work. As an independent local charity St John’s Hospice does not receive
funding from larger national charities such as Macmillan or Marie Curie. All
the money donated goes straight back into supporting members of the local
community and their families and will help St John’s Hospice continue to
deliver vital care.
Slyne Road, Lancaster LA2 6ST 01524 382538 www.sjhospice.org.uk
The Lavender Touch is a
Scottish Borders Charity raising
funds to help support people
with cancer. They do this
through fundraising and selling
their own developed products.
The therapy treatments will help
alleviate some of the symptoms experienced by cancer patients, for example
insomnia, muscle aches and pains, anxiety, low mood and nausea.
Unit 1, Craft Centre, Tweedbank, Galashiels, Scottish Borders
TD1 3RU 01896 208255 www.lavendertouch.co.uk
27
Welcome To The Collection
The Robert Parker Collection Includes:
Dalhousie Castle & Aqueous Spa Edinburgh, Scotland • Doxford Hall Hotel & Spa Northumberland, England
Ednam House Kelso, Scottish Borders • Eshott Hall Northumberland, England
The Wordsworth Hotel Cumbria, England
Collection Packages:
For a limited time we are offering the following special packages allowing you the opportunity to experience our Collection.
Win A Luxury musical break
At one of: Doxford Hall, Eshott Hall, Ednam House,
Dalhousie Castle or the Wordsworth Hotel
To include an overnight stay for two people sharing a room, tickets to a gala concert of your choice at the hotel hosting the concert, gourmet
dinner and full locally sourced breakfast. To enter, simply answer the following question:
Question:
Which city is associated with Christmas & Strauss?
Email your answer to [email protected] mark the subject line ‘Christmas’ and include your answer, full name, address and telephone
number. Or, write your answer below and a contact number / email and return to Northumbrian Music Festival: On Tour, The Cheviot
Centre, Padgepool Place, Wooler, NE71 6BL
Answer:
Contact Number:
ROMANTIC
CASTLE BREAK
You will be welcomed with champagne on arrival, before
being escorted to your themed Four Poster bedroom within
the castle. In the evening you will dine like royalty in our 2
AA Rosette Awarded Dungeon Restaurant, with a 3 course
dinner. During your stay enjoy a 1-hour spa treatment.
From £300.00 Per Couple
Doxford Hall Hotel & Spa
BROLLY BREAK
Available from October 2016 until March 2017.
To include Dinner, Bed and Breakfast for 2 nights with
a 3rd night bed and breakfast. Cream tea on day
of arrival (to include tea and scones), 1x
Complimentary Doxford Hall Umbrella, 1x half-hour
spa treatment per person.
From £499.00 based on
two people sharing a
classic room.
Email:
Terms - Competition closes 23/9/16, winner will be notified by 30/9/16. The winner will be the first correct entry drawn. Prize is non-transferable
and has no cash value. Please tick this box if you do not wish to be notified of further details about the hotels and the festival.
28
Dalhousie Castle
& Aqueous Spa
Continued Overleaf
29
Welcome To The Collection - Continued
POSTAL BOOKING FORM
Tickets can be purchased by phoning 01668 283100 or by going to
www.nmfestival.co.uk Online bookings are subject to a booking fee.
Name: .............................................................................................................................
Address:.........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
Post Code: .............................................Telephone: .................................................
Matine
The mu
festival
music f
talented
raising
Email: .............................................................................................................................
Ednam House
FLOORS CASTLE
BREAK
Enjoy Dinner, Bed and Breakfast at Ednam House, plus
entry to the beautiful Floors Castle and Gardens.
From £97.00 for a Single
Room or £77.00 Per Person
for Double Occupancy
The Wordsworth Hotel
GOURMET BREAK
For those who appreciate the finer things in life.
One night’s Bed and Breakfast, a skilfully
crafted eight course dinner menu in the award
winning Signature Restaurant accompanied
by carefully selected wines. Late checkout
and delectable packed lunch.
A one night stay with
two people sharing from
£199.00 per room
QTY
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank
the following for their
generous support for
the 2016 Northumbrian
Music Festival:
Musical Director
Eshott Hall
SUMMER
LATE BREAK
1 night’s Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
in a Luxury Bedroom.
From £199.00
Per Room
Jeremy Peaker
01226 380175
[email protected]
www.mlpltd.com
PR, Marketing
& Web Management
The Glendale PR Team
All breaks and prices are subject to availability at the time of booking.
To book your collection package please contact each hotel directly.
01668 283044
[email protected]
www.glendalepr.co.uk
Media Partners
TOTAL
A Feast of Gilbert and Sullivan 6
14/10/16 - Eshott Hall - £69 per person
24/02/17 - Ednam House - £59 per person
Graeme Danby Northumbrian Song
A Grand Opera Gala
11/11/16 - Dalhousie Castle - £69 per person
The Three English Tenors
12/11/16 - Dalhousie Castle - £69 per person
13/01/17 - The Wordsworth Hotel / St Oswald’s
Church Grasmere - £69 per person
Rigoletto
2/12/16 - Doxford Hall - £69 per person
The Magic Flute
Evening
Festiva
perform
Penzan
extensiv
compan
perform
Viennese Strauss Christmas Gala
Luke Fitzgerald: an organ recital
The Glory of Sacred Music
Northumbrian Ranters
We
The Pirates of Penzance
Grand Total Payable
£
For bookings at one venue make cheques payable to name of the individual
hotel. Multiple hotel bookings cheques payable to Doxford Hall Hotel and
post to: Northumbrian Music Festival, Cheviot Centre, Padgepool Place,
Wooler, Northumberland, NE71 6BL.
www.facebook.com/RobertParkerCollection
30
31
Great Getaways
Rural charm on the banks of the Tweed, a historic haunt close
to Edinburgh, a stunning property in Cumbria, an idyllic retreat
in the Scottish Borders or a DUO of delightful Northumberland
country houses. This collection of hotels has it all
Doxford Hall Hotel
Chathill, Alnwick, Northumberland NE67 5DN
Telephone: 01665 589700 www.doxfordhall.com
Ednam House Hotel
Roxburghshire, Scottish Borders TD5 7HT
Telephone: 01573 224168
www.ednamhouse.com
Eshott Hall
Morpeth, Northumberland NE65 9EN
Telephone: 01670 787454 www.eshotthall.co.uk
Dalhousie Castle
Bonnyrigg, Edinburgh, EH19 3JB
Telephone: 01875 820153
www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk
The Wordsworth Hotel & Spa
Grasmere, Lake District, LA22 9SW
Telephone: 01539 435592
www.thewordsworthhotel.co.uk
www.robertparkercollection.co.uk
www.facebook.com/RobertParkerCollection
Northumberland • Scottish Borders • Edinburgh • The Lake District

the festival brochure - Northumberland Music Festival

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