Classical music isn't just for posh people, you know. Nottingham Chamber Music Festival is out to prove the point with inclusive performances in venues like Nottingham Contemporary's Blend café, Delilah Fine Foods, and St Mary's Church in the Lace Market. There are also family performances and free admission events for people wanting to dip their toe in the genre...
Let's start with the basics - what is chamber music? Sometimes called "the music of friends", chamber music sees smaller set ups of musicians playing classical music, rather than the larger orchestra set ups you might expect from the genre. So instead of a small army of violinists, for example, playing the same note, one performer typically plays a whole part. The dynamic is more conversational, a bit like jazz, where musicians are able to bring a more responsive and expressive touch to performances.
If you're new to the world of classical music and not sure what to expect, Nottingham Chamber Music Festival (NCMF) is a good place to start. Arriving in the city centre from July 11th – 14th, Nottingham's most exciting and intimate classical music festival gathers Nottingham’s top local talent along with leading international musicians to perform in some unusual venues across the city centre. There are also several free events to check out across the city, making it a truly inclusive offering.
“The spirit of Nottingham Chamber Music Festival is to take you on an immersive musical experience through city. We’re here to share amazing music in spaces that are outside the traditional concert hall, whilst bring the artform to new audiences” says festival Director Carmen Flores. “Chamber music is all about seeing the musicians up close and feeling the joyous, visceral energy in their performance. Somewhere during the weekend, you’ll discover music that will truly move you.”
Events include a Music & Wine tasting concert at Delilah Fine Foods, a twilight exploration of Franz Schubert’s string quartet “Death and the Maiden” at St Mary’s in the Lace Market, Family Concerts at the Squire Performing Arts Centre, and concerts in the Nottingham Contemporary galleries and St Peter’s Church.
A free Festival pre-launch event, “Busk n’ Brew” takes place on Sunday, 30th June from 12pm – 2pm, and features local musicians at Blend Café in Nottingham Contemporary, for fun afternoon of music alongside the brew of your choice at Blend.
Scroll on for what events you can expect from the festival...
Festival pre-launch: Busk n’ Brew
Where: Blend Café Nottingham Contemporary
When: Sunday 30 June, 12pm – 2pm
How much: FREE
"Busk n' Brew" is Nottingham’s first ever pop-up chamber music event at Blend Cafe in Nottingham Contemporary. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of music performed by the Rosin Academy and other local groups, alongside the brew of your choice at Blend.
A Global Symphony
Where: Delilah Fine Foods
When: Thursday 11 July 11, 7:30pm
How much: £42.00, includes wine & canapés service
Music & wine come together in a feast for the senses at Nottingham’s food hall institution, Delilah Fine Foods! The Villiers Quartet perform music from around the world including America, Denmark, Italy, and France – with wine & canapés to accompany. The concert ends with Ravel’s sublime Quartet in F Major, for a delicious evening.
Haydn Quartet Play Along: VQ Discovery
Where: St Mary’s Church
When: Friday 12 July, 1pm – 3pm
How much: £12 (observers) - £30 (playing participants)
Join the Villiers Quartet for a group play-along of Haydn’s “Emperor” Quartet in C Major, Op. 76/3 in the beautiful surroundings of St Mary’s in the Lace Market. This workshop is open to student and adult amateur musicians, and to observers.
The Spirit of Love
Where: St Mary’s Church
When: Friday 12 July 12, 7:30pm
How much: £16
The Villiers Quartet and soprano Emma Walshe give the Nottingham premiere of the song-cycle “The Spirit of Love” by British composer Ailsa Dixon. Dixon is one of many women composers receiving new attention in recent years, and her songs explore love’s transcendence. The Villiers also perform Haydn’s “Emperor” Quartet, and Beethoven’s meditative masterpiece, the Quartet in C-sharp minor Op. 131.
Song and the City
Where: St Mary’s Church
When: Saturday 13 July, 11am
How much: FREE
“Song and the City” explores voice & poetry in music with the delightful Spanish soprano Elena Copons and pianist Deirdre Brenner. They perform at St Peter’s in the city centre, featuring Spanish-language songs by Eduard Toldrá and Carlos Guastavino, alongside lieder by Franz Schubert and Arnold Schoenberg. Enjoy this concert with coffee and tea!
Nottingham Young Musician of the Year
Where: Nottingham Contemporary
When: Saturday 13 July 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm
How much: FREE
Music and Art dance together! Nottingham Contemporary hosts our Miniature concerts, featuring musicians from the Nottingham Young Musician of the Year competition. Visit the galleries to hear these extraordinary young artists for a musical adventure on your Saturday afternoon.
Death and the Maiden
Where: St Mary’s Church
When: Saturday 13 July, 6.30pm & 8.30pm
How much: £16
An evening of music and poetry inspired by the thrilling, gothic world of Franz Schubert’s iconic string quartet “Death and the Maiden.” Featuring our Festival Artists, we explore themes of love and loss in the dramatic setting of St Marys in the Lace Market.
Family Concert with MishMash Ensemble
Where: Squire Performing Arts Centre
When: Sunday 14 July, 1.30pm & 3.30pm
How much: £7.50
Following last year’s fabulous performances, the festival is thrilled to welcome back the MishMash Ensemble. For 2024 the group features a mix of fabulous woodwind and brass musicians who warmly invite you to join them on a delightful, interactive musical journey, designed for seven to eleven-year-olds and their families/schools.
Head to Nottingham Chamber Music Festival's website for all event information and to book tickets
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