The Ryedale Festival is back with summer – and aims to make North Yorkshire one of the best places to enjoy classical music.
The festival will take place between Friday 12 to Sunday 28 July and feature over 50 performances in 35 beautiful and historic locations across the county.
The stacked line-up includes guest apperances from Dame Sheila Hancock and BBC Young Musician award-winning cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason.
Dame Sheila Hancock will join the festival to talk about her love for classical music and introduce live performances of some of her favourite pieces, on Thursday 25 July at Duncombe Park.
“Classical music thrills, comforts and amazes me,” she said. “When I begin to lose faith in the human species, it reminds me what the best of us can do.”
Sheku Kanneh-Mason joins friends for a programme that ranges from Brahms to Bob Marley in Malton and York (Saturday 27 July).
This year’s programme also includes seven world and UK premieres, including a newly commissioned string quartet by Julian Anderson, piano trios by Gabriel Prokofiev and Rob Zuidam, and a song cycle by Kian Ravaei exploring his Iranian heritage.
There’s fun for all the family too with family and baby-friendly events, talks, masterclasses, late-night candlelit concerts, choral evensong, a garden party and Kirkbymoorside’s outstanding and award-winning brass band.
Festival director Christopher Glynn said: “I look forward to welcoming audiences from near and far to enjoy internationally renowned performers this summer, and all in beautiful Yorkshire locations.
“Just as importantly, the festival offers opportunities to hundreds of local young people and a platform for emerging talent, as well as breaking new ground with seven world/UK premieres. Above all, it’s a team effort involving thousands of people who all believe in the important and life-enhancing role that music can play in our communities.”
As part of the festival’s commitment to reaching wider audiences, thousands of discounted tickets will be available through the Ryedale Rush scheme, and those under 25 can come to any event for £5 or less.
To find out more, see the full festival line up and book your tickets, visit the Ryedale Festival website.