Category: Festivals

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What’s On in Ryedale, York and beyond. Hutch’s List No. 40, from Gazette & Herald

Bread & Circuses, by Sarah Hall Baqai, from her exhibition at Rise@Bluebird Bakery, Acomb, York

FROM the terrors of Paranormal Activity to circus art, York’s four-day jazz festival to Brian Bilston’s egg-laying poetry, Charles Hutchinson looks ahead to October cultural opportunities.

Exhibition opening of the week: Sarah Hall Baqai, Bread & Circuses, Rise@Bluebird Bakery, Acomb Road, Acomb, York, until November 19

YORK artist Sarah Hall Baqai’s new collection of artworks has the theme of Bread & Circuses, a phrase taken from Roman poet Juvenal’s work Satire X, written in 100AD. In a nutshell, “give them bread and circuses and they will never revolt”, on account of being distracted.

Distraction does not come brighter and more entertaining visually than Sarah’s paintings inspired by life behind the scenes at the circus (from her work with Gifford’s Circus and Fools Delight Circus at Ham Court, Bampton), complemented by lettering and graphic work celebrating York Minster and willow lanterns in the shape of jugglers’ sticks.

James Bye’s James arms himself with a baseball bat in Paranormal Activity. Picture: Credit: Johan Persson

Psychological thriller of the week: Paranormal Activity, Grand Opera House, York, until Saturday, 7.30pm plus 2.30pm Wednesday and Saturday matinees

IN a new story inspired by the worldwide horror phenomenon, Paranormal Activity is directed by immersive theatre pioneer and Punchdrunk artistic director Felix Barrett and written by Levi Holloway, the playwright behind Broadway hit Grey House.

When James (James Bye) and Lou (Hannah Sinclair Robinson) move from Chicago to London to escape their past, soon they discover that places are not haunted, but people are. Can you hold your nerve in the face of this chilling production on its first British and Irish tour? Box office: atgtickets.com/york.

Roham Bayat’s poster for the inaugural YorkJazzFest

Festival of the week: YorkJazzFest, tomorrow to Sunday

BEPPE Lombardo, soprano saxophone player in his Italian teenage days and supremo of Trinicria Sicilian Ristorante in Bishopthorpe Road for 15 years, is running the inaugural YorkJazzFest with funding from York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Mayor David Skaith.

Angel On The Green, York Arts Barge, Young Thugs Studio, the Phoenix Inn and The Winning Post play host to concerts on the first three days, culminating in the Bishopthorpe Road Car Park Finale on Sunday, topped off by sets by Dennis Rollins’ Funky-Funk and Ian Chalk. For full listings and tickets, go to: yorkjazzfestival.com.

Ben Portsmouth: Performing Presley’s pearls with his Taking Care Of Elvis Band at York Barbican

King of The King tribute shows: Ben Portsmouth: This Is Elvis, York Barbican, Friday, 7.30pm

REGARDED as the “closest living performer to the legendary Elvis Presley”, Ben Portsmouth has enjoyed success in more than 20 countries and became the first European to be crowned by Elvis Presley Enterprises as the Worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist in Memphis in 2012.

This Is Elvis takes an immersive journey through Presley’s greatest hits from his rockabilly roots to the dazzling Las Vegas years in the company of Portsmouth and the Taking Care Of Elvis Band.  Box office: yorkbarbican.co.uk.

The Bar-Steward Sons Of Val Doonican: Satirical comedy lyrics on folk instruments from Barnsley

“Sexy knitwear” gig of the week: The Bar-Steward Sons Of Val Doonican, Milton Rooms, Malton, Friday, 7.30pm

FOUNDED in Barnsley Rock City in 2006 by their outspoken and energetic ringleader Scott Doonican, The Bar-Steward Sons Of Val Doonican are on a mission.

Anything but a typical folk ensemble, this collective of like-minded knitwear enthusiasts – Scott, Mo-Jo Doonican, Dave Doonican and the Reight Reverend Jeremiah Rickenbacker III – are determined to follow in their spiritual father’s immortal footsteps, keeping his legacy alive while Bar-Stewardising other famous people’s songs with satirical comedy lyrics on folk instruments, from Jump Ararnd to Goat Yoga. Box office: 01653 696240 or themiltonrooms.com.

Mark Harrison Band: Songs and stories at Helmsley Arts Centre

Where folk meets the blues: Mark Harrison Band, Helmsley Arts Centre, Saturday, 7.30pm

MARK Harrison writes original songs for today in the spirit of the great troubadours, coupled with stories to make you smile, move and think in a world where blues, roots and folk collide.

Finger-picking and slide guitarist Harrison is joined by Charles Benfield on double bass and Ben Welburn on drums and percussion to create a rhythm section that defies convention, as heard on eight albums to date. Box office: 01439 771700 or helmsleyarts.co.uk.

Alchemy Live: Performing the songs of Dire Straits at Kirk Theatre, Pickering

In Dire Straits: Alchemy Live, Kirk Theatre, Pickering, Saturday, 7.30pm

ALCHEMY Live were formed in 2020 by life-long Mark Knopfler fans and full-time musicians Martin Ledger and Neil Scott, who used the Covid pandemic and resultant lockdowns to put their Dire Straits tribute project in motion. Rehearsals started in 2021 after the worst of the pandemic was over, their first show being scheduled in York for Friday the 13th of May 2022 (what could possibly go wrong)?

They have never looked back, progressing to playing theatres since 2023. “It’s always been our ethos to concentrate on getting the music and sound right, rather than just putting on headbands and shiny jackets,” says frontman Ledger. Box office: 01751 474833 or kirktheatre.co.uk.

Brian Bilston: Showcasing his latest poetry collection at Milton Rooms, Malton

Poet of the week: Brian Bilston, How To Lay An Egg With A Horse Inside, Milton Rooms, Malton, Sunday, 7.30pm

BRIAN Bilston, a poet with more than 500,000 followers on social media, returns to the stage this autumn with his latest book, How To Lay An Egg With A Horse Inside, as he takes a journey through the hows, whys and whats of reading, writing and enjoying poetry every day.

Bilston has published such collections as You Took The Last Bus Home, Alexa, What Is There To Know About Love? and Days Like These, along with debut novel Diary Of A Somebody, poetry for younger readers and his 2025 album of poetry set to music, Sounds Made By Humans, recorded in collaboration with The Catenary Wires. Box office: 01653 696240 or themiltonrooms.com.

Olly Murs: Enjoying a Knees Up at Live At York Museum Gardens next July

Gig announcement of the week: Futuresound presents Olly Murs, Live At York Museum Gardens, July 9 2027

ESSEX singer-songwriter and The Voice UK coach Olly Murs is the first headline act to be confirmed for next summer’s Live At York Museum Gardens 2027 season, when the event will be expanded to two weekends for the first time. Special guests for that day’s bill are still to be announced.

Murs, 42, returns to the York outdoors after his hat trick of appearances at York Racecourse in 2010, 2017 and 2024. He rose to fame on The X Factor in 2009, since when he has released eight studio albums of pop, indie, ska and disco, the latest being last November’s Knees Up. Box office: York postcode pre-sale from today at https://futuresound.seetickets.com/event/olly-murs/york-museum-gardens/3730256?pre=postcode; general sale from Friday, 10am, at https://futuresound.seetickets.com/event/olly-murs/york-museum-gardens/3730256.

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Trinacria restaurateur Beppe Lombardo cooks up first YorkJazzFest from Oct 1 to 4

Trinacria restaurateur and YorkJazzFest promoter Beppe Lombardo

BEPPE Lombardo, soprano saxophone player in his Italian teenage days and supremo of Trinacria Sicilian Ristorante in Bishopthorpe Road for 15 years, is running the inaugural YorkJazzFest from Thursday to Sunday.

No fewer than 28 acts will celebrate jazz in all its forms in a festival that vows to  “bring together classic sounds, contemporary sounds, great venues and live music lovers across York”.

YorkJazzFest adds up to Four Days, Six Venues, One City. “Jazz is not one sound, one age, one room or one crowd,” says Beppe, who has put together a diverse programme with funding from York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Mayor David Skaith.

Angel On The Green, York Arts Barge, Young Thugs Studio, the Phoenix Inn and The Winning Post play host to concerts on the first three days, culminating in the Bishopthorpe Road Car Park Finale on Sunday, topped off by sets by the Fergus Quill Quintet and Dennis Rollins’ Funky-Funk, followed by Ian Chalk at the Phoenix.

Dennis Rollins: Promising Funky-Funk! at the Bishopthorpe Road Car Park Finale to YorkJazzFest on Sunday

In part inspired by his father-in-law, Jim Morgan, who runs Catwick Live folk music nights at Catwick Village Hall, near Beverley, Beppe decided to launch YorkJazzFest, noting how his adopted home city had never previously held a city-wide dedicated jazz festival.

“Jim went to Celtic Connections in Glasgow and told me about how impressed he was by this multi-venue festival,” he says. “I thought it was a brilliant idea, so that’s where I started getting inspiration for a festival with lots of venues and a big finale at the Bishy Road car park.”

Beppe already had received more than £4,000 funding for an open-sided marquee – now to be used in the Bishopthorpe Road Christmas Bazaar – when he decided on staging the YorkJazzFest finale on a 42 square ft trailer, again open-sided, framed in decorative lighting too, supplied by Event Equipment Hire. “I’ll be co-ordinating the bar on the last day,” he adds.

“The first idea for running a festival came just after Covid, when the council put up some funds to refresh the high street, providing Christmas lights and summer bunting for Bishopthorpe Road.

Lo Vu: Playing YorkJazzFest at Young Thugs Studio at 9.15pm on Thursday

“Then David Skaith came along as the Mayor [of the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority] and created the [Sustainable] High Street Fund. His office has provided £11,600 funding to enable this festival to go ahead.”

Flamboyant  chef  and restaurateur he may be, but music has always played a part in Beppe’s life too. “I used to play saxophone in a brass band in Sicily, the Vittoria Youth Brass Band, which was set up to get kids off the streets, with the local council providing funds for free music lessons in schools, studying theory first  from [age] nine or ten and paying 75 per cent towards the cost of an instrument,” he says.

“I wanted a tenor sax, but I was told ‘for my height, you should have a soprano saxophone’ as I was 11. It was a bit harder to play, because it has a higher pitch, and it’s easier to get wrong, but I played for seven or eight years, at festivals and funerals, and I loved it.”

Beppe continues: “My father loved reggae, blues and soul, not really jazz, but because I had a sax, I started listening to Charlie Parker and John Coltrane, and I really got into jazz, Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Sonny Rollins, Gerry Mulligan, Chet Baker  – and I did like Kenny G too.

Olivia Cuttill: Leading her quintet at York Arts Barge on Saturday at 8.30pm

“But then I went into the Italian army and let the music go, and afterwards I started working on the family farm, in my father’s greenhouses.. He was a strict dad, teaching me a lot – and growing up in Sicily in the 1980s, with the Mafia bosses there, you learn to look after yourself and stay on the straight path.”

Beppe did not want to be a farmer – “I thought it was too risky” – and instead took on a job as a waiter in a Vittoria, learning the skills of making customers comfortable and relaxed, telling jokes: social skills that still apply in running Trinicria and promoting a jazz festival.

Drawing on his mother’s cookery prowess, he became a chef, picked for one of 30 jobs from 1,000 applicants by ClubMed  to work in France and Sardinia. York beckoned. “I knew I wanted to learn English, and a friend had done the Erasmus course in York and said it was the Florence of England,” Beppe recalls.

“I arrived on 21st October 2001 at five minutes to midnight and didn’t have anywhere to sleep. My first experience was these four English guys helping me to find a hostel.”

SwanNek: Booked into Young Thugs Studios for 7pm on Saturday

Looking out over Lendal Bridge the following morning, Beppe thought, “Oh my God, this is a beautiful city. It took me only a few days to fall in love with it.”

He has never left, working at Bari, in Shambles, Silvano’s, where he met his wife, and The Dormouse, in Clifton Park Avenue. “That’s where I really learnt English, covering every role, and became ‘the star’ of the place!”

Emboldened, he opened Trinacria in 2012, its name taken from the ancient name of the island of Sicily (whose roughly triangular shape is defined by three headlands). His restaurant runs on a triple bill of “best ice cream, best pizza, best ingredients). “I will not save on ingredients,” says. “I only use ingredients that I would eat.” 

As a Sicilian, by the way, he prefers to use semolina as 33 per cent of the pizza base to complement the flour, referring to the softer Neapolitan version as “wet paper”!

Alina Bzhezhinska: Whispers Of Rain concert at York Arts Barge on Friday at 8.30pm

After running a regular Thursday night  jazz night at his restaurant – now discontinued – he is staging his first jazz festival with plans for expansion over the city next year. “The vision is to make this a legacy event, thinking ‘why have Scarborough, Leeds, Manchester run jazz festivals for so long, but not York?’. I want to change that.”   

For full listings and tickets, go to: yorkjazzfestival.com.

Roham Bayat’s poster design for the inaugural YorkJazzFest

YorkJazzFest programme, October 1 to 4

Venues: Angel On The Green, Bishopthorpe Road; York Arts Barge, Foss Basin Moorings, Tower Street; Young Thugs Studios, South Bank Social Club, Ovington Terrace; The Phoenix Inn, George Street; The Winning Post, Bishopthorpe Road, and Bishopthorpe Road Car Park for Sunday finale.

Thursday

6pm, Balanco Malandra, Young Thugs Studios

7pm to 8.15pm, Harrison & Morrison Duet, Angel On The Green. Admission free

8pm to 10pm, Brendan Duffy Band, The Phoenix Inn. Admission free

8.30pm, Alligator Gumbo, York Arts Barge

9pm to 10.15pm, The Shandog Swingers, Angel On The Green. Admission free

9.15pm, Lo Vu, Young Thugs Studios

Rivkala: Performing at Young Thugs Studios on Friday at 7pm

Friday

6pm, DB Trio, Angel On The Green. CANCELLED

6pm, York Bargestra Big Band, The Winning Post

6.30pm, Danny Lowndes Hot Club, York Arts Barge

7pm, Rivkala, Young Thugs Studios

8pm, Stephen Swing Wilson, The Winning Post

8pm, Karl Mullen & Friends, The Phoenix Inn. Admission free

8.30pm, Alina Bzhezhinska: Whispers Of Rain, York Arts Barge

9pm, Mike Conliffe Trio, Angel On The Green. Admission free

9.15pm, Afrodesia, Young Thugs Studio

Saturday

6pm, Flowerden, The Winning Post

6pm, Mutant DJ Jazz, Angel On The Green. Admission free

6.30pm, Emma Foulds Quintet, York Arts Barge

7pm, SwanNek, Young Thugs Studios

8.30pm, Al Morrison Quartet, The Winning Post

8.30pm, Olivia Cuttill Quintet, York Arts Barge

9pm, Borgia, Angel On The Green. Admission free

9pm, Lovedancin’ DJ, Young Thugs Studio

Sunday

Bishopthorpe Road Car Park Finale. FREE ENTRY, no ticket required.

12 noon, YorkJazzFest Orchestra

1pm, Vipertime

2.15pm, Big Bamboo

4.15pm, Fergus Quill Sextet

6pm, Dennis Rollins’ Funky-Funk!

8pm to 10.30pm, Ian Chalk, The Phoenix Inn. Admission free.

Ian Chalk: Closing YorkJazzFest at The Phoenix Inn on Sunday at 8pm

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More Things To Do in York and beyond when circuses at the double pitch up. Here’s Hutch’s List No. 39 from The York Press

Bread & Circuses, by Sarah Hall Baqai, from her exhibition at Rise@Bluebird Bakery, Acomb

FROM the terrors of Paranormal Activity to circus art and entertainment, Tony Blackburn’s Sixties’ celebration to the debut York Jazz Fest, Charles Hutchinson heads into a fruitful autumn.

Exhibition opening of the week: Sarah Hall Baqai, Bread & Circuses, Rise@Bluebird Bakery, Acomb Road, Acomb, York, until November 19

YORK artist Sarah Hall Baqai’s new collection of artworks has the theme of Bread & Circuses, a phrase taken from Roman poet Juvenal’s work Satire X, written in 100AD. In a nutshell, “give them bread and circuses and they will never revolt”, on account of being distracted.

Distraction does not come brighter and more entertaining visually than Sarah’s paintings inspired by life behind the scenes at the circus (from her work with Gifford’s Circus and Fools Delight Circus at Ham Court, Bampton), complemented by lettering and graphic work celebrating York Minster and willow lanterns in the shape of jugglers’ sticks.

Russells International Circus: Intent on delivering in-tent entertainment on Knavesmire this weekend

While on the subject of circuses: Russells International Circus, Knavesmire, York, today, 3pm and 6pm, and tomorrow, 12 noon

ROLL up, roll up, as Russells International Circus, voted Britain’s best circus six years running, brings its new show for 2026 to York. Each two-hour performance is jam-packed with mesmerising aerial displays, jaw-dropping stunts, comedy and more besides. Box office: russellscircus.co.uk.

The Jake Leg Jug Band: Songs of murder, betrayal, gambling, liquor and redemption at Kirk Theatre, Pickering 

Ragtime gig of the week: The Jake Leg Jug Band, Kirk Theatre, Pickering, tonight, 7.30pm 

THE Jake Leg Jug Band delivers the authentic sounds of 1920s and 1930s’ America – jazz, blues, ragtime and gospel – in songs of murder, betrayal, gambling, liquor and redemption.

Since self-releasing debut album Cotton Mouth, Duncan Wilcox, vocals and double bass, and Warren James,  vocals, guitar and banjo, have released a further eight albums in 12 years, among them Next Stop!, Everythin’s Jake, Break A Leg, Fifth Avenue, Goodbye Booze, Hello Central and 2024’s spirituals collection Some Glad Morning. Box office: kirktheatre.co.uk.

Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey: Heading to York Barbican tonight

Eighties’ double bill of the week: Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey and Blancmange, York Barbican, tonight, doors 6.30pm

REMEMBER the Thompson Twins, makers of such 1980s’ hits as Hold Me Now, Doctor Doctor, In the Name Of Love, Love On Your Side, If You Were Here, Lies, Lay Your Hands On Me and King For A Day? Tom Bailey, the Sheffield-founded group’s lead vocalist and instrumentalist, now performs under the name Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey, revisiting his past and showcasing debut solo album Science Fiction.

Tonight he closes his autumn tour at York Barbican, the only Yorkshire location on his 14-date itinerary, when fellow 1980s’ chart act Blancmange support. Box office: yorkbarbican.co.uk.

Hannah Sinclair Robinson’s Lou and James Bye’s James on terror alert on the stairs in Paranormal Activity, on tour at Grand Opera House, York. Picture: Johan Persson Credit: Johan Persson

Psychological thriller of the week: Paranormal Activity, Grand Opera House, York, September 29 to October 3, 7.30pm plus 2.30pm Wednesday and Saturday matinees

IN a new story inspired by the worldwide horror phenomenon, Paranormal Activity is directed by immersive theatre pioneer and Punchdrunk artistic director Felix Barrett and written by Levi Holloway, the playwright behind Broadway hit Grey House.

When James (James Bye) and Lou (Hannah Sinclair Robinson) move from Chicago to London to escape their past, soon they discover that places are not haunted, but people are. Can you hold your nerve in the face of this chilling production on its first British and Irish tour? Box office: atgtickets.com/york.

Sounds Of The 60’s Live: Sensational Sixties show at York Barbican

Sixties’ celebration of the week: Sounds Of The 60’s Live, hosted by Tony Blackburn, York Barbican, September 29, 7.30pm

BBC Radio 2 presenter Tony Blackburn hosts an evening of stories and songs from “perhaps the most iconic ten years in music, fashion and popular culture” on the Sounds Of The 60’s tour, 62 years since his first broadcast on pirate radio station Radio Caroline South in 1964.

The Sounds Of The 60’s All Star Band and Singers perform hits by The Everly Brothers, Elvis Presley, The Drifters, Marvin Gaye, a Rolling Stones medley, The Walker Brothers, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Stevie Wonder and more besides. Box office: yorkbarbican.co.uk.

Roham Bayat’s poster design for the four-day York Jazz Fest

Festival of the week: York Jazz Fest, October 1 to 4

BEPPE Lombardo, soprano saxophone player in his Italian teenage days and supremo of Trinicria Sicilian Ristorante in Bishopthorpe Road for 15 years, is running the inaugural York Jazz Fest with funding from York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Mayor David Skaith.

Angel On The Green, York Arts Barge, Young Thugs Studio, the Phoenix Inn and The Winning Post play host to concerts on the first three days, culminating in the Bishopthorpe Road Car Park Finale next Sunday, topped off by sets by Dennis Rollins’ Funky-Funk and Ian Chalk. For full listings and tickets, go to: yorkjazzfestival.com.

Katy Cawkwell in the poster for Lilith at Rise@Bluebird Bakery

“Shocking, seductive and entertaining” show of the week: Katy Cawkwell in Lilith, Rise@Bluebird Bakery, Acomb, York, October 1, 8.30pm

BEFORE Eve, there was Lilith, as revealed in Katy Cawkwell’s uplifting one-woman storytelling showin an exploration and celebration of female power through the mythological figure of Adam’s first wife.

Lilith was not prepared to lie down and accept what was given to her. Thrown out of Eden, she slithered back in to take her revenge and wake up Eve to what her body could do.

“Viewed as a demon, worshipped as a goddess, adored as the Queen of Sheba, Lilith slips out of the Bible, reclaims the narrative and is dancing with us still, forever free,” says Cawkwell, who mixes myth from Arabia, Ethiopia, Mesopotamia and Jewish tradition with a dash of feminist flavouring and a large dollop of her own wild dreaming. Box office: bluebirdbakery.co.uk/rise.

Ben Portsmouth: Presenting This Is Elvis with the Taking Care Of Elvis Band at York Barbican

Tribute gig of the week: Ben Portsmouth: This Is Elvis, York Barbican,  October 2, 7.30pm

REGARDED as the “closest living performer to the legendary Elvis Presley”, Ben Portsmouth has enjoyed success in more than 20 countries and became the first European to be crowned by Elvis Presley Enterprises as the Worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist in Memphis in 2012.

This Is Elvis takes an immersive journey through Presley’s greatest hits from his rockabilly roots to the dazzling Las Vegas years in the company of Portsmouth and the Taking Care Of Elvis Band.  Box office: yorkbarbican.co.uk.

In Focus: Say Owt Slam, featuring Kirsty Taylor and KG, The Crescent, York, tonight, 7.30pm to 10pm

Bradford writer and educator Kirsty Taylor. Picture: Carolyn Mendelsohn

SAY Owt, York’s loveable gang of loveable gang of performance poets, brings the best working-class poets and rappers from Bradford tonight to complement the Say Owt Slam clash of the verbals.

“Since 2014, we’ve hosted high-energy nights of words and verse, bringing together poets, musicians, spoken-word artists, rappers and anyone with a story to tell,” says artistic director Henry Raby.

“We’re always proud of our line-ups, but this could be our most exciting parade of poets yet. It wouldn’t be possible without buzzy audiences showing up and being loud and demanding more and more shows! And it wouldn’t be a Say Owt season without a poetry slam!”

Henry continues: “Say Owt Slam is an energetic battle of words where judges in the audience score the poets and the top-scoring poet is crowned Say Owt Slam champion at the end of the night. Tonight, as well as a top crop of York poets, we have slammers from Glasgow, Manchester and Halifax hoping to win the competition.”

Kemmi Gill: Rapper, poet and youth worker

Tonight’s bill also features  two guests from guests from  Bradford, Kirsty Taylor and KG (Kemmi Gill). “Kirsty is a writer and educator inspired by her beloved home city of Bradford,” says Henry. “She is passionate about storytelling through poetry and has performed all over the country telling tales about people, class and the realities of Broken Britain.”

Taylor was a BBC Verb New Voice in 2017 and was awarded the Apples and Snakes & Jerwood Arts Poetry in Performance award in 2020. She is the creator of Front Room Poetry, which takes nanna-style living rooms and world-class poets to unusual settings such as car parks and housing estates.

Kirsty opened Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture 2025 in January last year when she performed her words to 20,000 people over the first weekend.

KG (Kemmi Gill) is a Bradford-born rapper, poet and youth worker, hailed by Wordplay Magazine as “one of the sharpest lyricists” in the UK rap scene. “Kemmi combines lyrical storytelling and wordplay to explore themes of struggle and hope and has contributed writing and performance work to major civic projects, such as  the open-air spectacular Rise and Common/Wealth’s sell-out show Public Interest,” says Henry.

To book tickets, go to: sayowt.co.uk

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REVIEW: Steve Crowther’s verdict on York Chamber Music Festival 2026, Beethoven and Brahms String Quintets, St Olave’s Church, Marygate, York, September 13

Tim Lowe: York Chamber Music Festival director and cellist

THE closing concert of the York Chamber Music Festival 2026 programme by festival artists Charlotte Scott and Tim Crawford, violin, Simone van der Giessen and Lilli Maijala, viola, and Tim Lowe, cello, opened with a rare outing for Beethoven’s impressive String Quintet in C Major, Op 29.

Although there was much to admire, the ensemble seemed out of sorts. To be sure, the extra viola gave the middle register added warmth and the tempo was well judged, but they didn’t seem to be quite in the zone.

This was occasionally apparent in the technically demanding outer reaches of Beethoven’s writing, where intonation was less secure, particularly in the first and third movements. The players took a short tuning break after the opening Allegro moderato, and the Adagio molto espressivo which followed was much more assured.

Here, the playing had warmth, and indeed, depth. The phrasing was clean and the two violas gave the timbre a rich, velvety quality. The third-movement Scherzo: Allegro had rhythmic bite and the sudden dynamic contrasts were convincing. I enjoyed the closing Presto.

The players clearly relished the fast passages, the central five-part fugato was clearly articulated, and the call-and-response episode was beautifully played.

Brahms’s String Quintet in F major, Op. 88 was an altogether more rewarding experience. The Allegro non troppo ma con brio was notable for the expressive opening first-violin theme: fine playing by Charlotte Scott, the resonant viola solos by the impressive Lilli Maijala and the energy and clarity of the often dense contrapuntal texture. The ending was just lovely.

Contrapuntal clarity and rhythmic drive were the memorable takeaways of the Allegro energico – Presto final movement. The performers were on fire as they responded to Brahms’s accelerating contrapuntal energy. Thrilling.

However, it was their performance of the central Grave ed appassionato that provided the concert highlight. The movement itself combined and integrated elements of both the slow movement and the scherzo. The opening Grave was very dark, a timbre created by the exploitation of the two violas and cello. It really is a unique sound.

Their delivery of the lighter, dancing Allegretto vivace was spot on: crisp articulation, pizzicato exchanges and even – dare I say it – evidence that Brahms actually had a sense of fun. The return of the weighty Grave was very well judged – the changes of colour very striking.

Despite some performance uncertainties, cellist Tim Lowe not only anchored the playing but also, in doing so, provided a reassuring sense of security. His contribution was vital throughout the programme.

Review by Steve Crowther

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More Things To Do in York and beyond from September 12. Hutch’s List No. 37, from The York Press

The poster for the Pigeon Paint Off at City Screen Picturehouse, York, On Saturday

A COMPETIVE Pigeon Paint Off, the biggest of book fairs, top-drawer chamber music and Wright&Grainger’s new material are among Charles Hutchinson’s recommendations for a particularly intriguing week ahead.  

Bird show of the week: Dead Toe Society presents Pigeon Paint Off, City Screen Picturehouse, York, Saturday, 12 noon to 5.30pm

THE inaugural Pigeon Paint Off creative fundraising event in support of Columba Sanctuary and Advocacy for Pigeons features a live art competition with 11 artists and resulting picture auction, complemented by a Pigeon Social and Pigeon-themed Pub Quiz from 6pm, with the quiz starting at 7pm. Look out too for bird-themed arts and crafts on sale and a raffle with “some snazzy prizes”.

“Watch talented artists bring original works to life, each one inspired by our feathered friends, in two rounds of one-hour paint-offs with audience votes deciding the champion,” says organiser Sam Crick. “You’ll also be able to learn more about why pigeons are suffering, the issues they are facing, why they need our support and how you can help advocate for their wellbeing.” Tickets:https://www.tickettailor.com/events/deadtoesociety/2373410. 

Book event of the week: York National Book Fair, Knavesmire Suite, York Racecourse, Knavesmire, Saturday, 10am to 5pm

AT Britain’s largest antiquarian book fair, 186  ‘bookshops’ are set up under one roof with prices ranging from only a few pounds to tens of thousands for more than 100,000 books. All subjects, all dates, from medieval to ultra-modern, are on sale, along with ephemera, manuscripts, prints, photographs and posters, while trade stands are selling marbled papers and binding materials.

York Racecourse offers unlimited free parking and a free shuttle bus is running from the Memorial Gardens on Railway Street to Knavesmire every 30 minutes. Tickets on the door cost £2. Alternatively, head to https://yorkbookfair.com/one-day-complimentary-ticket-2/ to book a complimentary ticket. Children aged under 16 are admitted for free

Classical festival of the week: York Chamber Music Festival, Saturday and Sunday

THIS year’s festival has invited six of the best string players in Europe – Charlotte Scott and Tim Crawford, violins, Simone van der Giessen and Lilli Maijala, violas, and Adrian Brendel and festival artistic director Tim Lowe, cellos, to participate, along with regular festival artist Katya Apekisheva, the British-based Russian pianist.

On Saturdayy, at 1pm, at St Saviourgate Unitarian Chapel, Brendel plays Imogen Holst’s The Fall Of The Leaf and J. S. Bach’s Cello Suite No 2 in D Minor; at 7.30pm, at the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York, all seven perform Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio No 1 in D minor Op 49, Mahler’s Piano Quartet (movement) in A minor – Nicht zu schnell and Brahms’s Piano Quartet in C minor Op 60. All but Apekisheva return for Beethoven’s String Quintet in C Major Op. 29 and Brahms’s String Quintet in F major, Op. 88, on Sunday at 3pm at St Olave’s Church, Marygate. Box office: ycmf.co.uk or 01904 658338.

Artist trail of the week: Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage, Staithes, near Whitby, Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm

DISCOVER 113 artists exhibiting across 67 venues through Staithes. Explore galleries, cottages, studios and hidden spaces transformed into exhibition venues across the fishing village. Find out who is taking part at https://www.staithesfestival.com/festival/artists.php.

Enjoy live music, buskers, creative workshops, demonstrations, outdoor cinema, family activities and festival extras too. For the full event programme, go to: https://www.staithesfestival.com/festival/events.php.

Americana gig of the week: James Felice & William Lawrence, Pocklington Arts Centre, Saturday, 8pm

JAMES Felice and  drummer William Lawrence, two members of New York State’s  Felice Brothers, are taking to the road to perform songs from their respective solo works in a dreamy and quiet evening of Americana music and storytelling. James and William last appeared at Pocklington Arts Centre alongside Ian Felice and Jesske Hume in the Felice Brothers gig in June 2021. Box office: 01759 301547 or pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk.

Songs old and new of the week: Michael Ball, Glow UK Tour, York Barbican, Saturday, doors 7pm

MUSICAL star and radio and TV presenter Michael Ball promotes his 23rd solo album, Glow, on his 25-date tour.

“There’s probably only one thing I enjoy more than being in the studio – writing, producing and singing songs with people I love – and that’s taking it all out on the road and performing those songs, as well as all the old favourites to the audiences I love,” he says. Liss Jones supports. Box office: yorkbarbican.co.uk.

Comedy gig of the week: Urzila Carlson, Fatty On A Yacht, York Barbican, Sunday, 8pm

SOUTH African-New Zealander Urzila Carlson returns to the UK with her understated punchlines and signature deadpan delivery in Fatty On A Yacht. Ever felt like you don’t belong? Like everyone else got the memo – and you turned up in the wrong outfit, on the wrong day, on the wrong yacht? Carlson’s new show is for anyone who has ever tried to squeeze into a space, physical or social, and thought “This can’t be right”. “It’s about not fitting in, standing out and laughing about it anyway,” she says. Box office: yorkbarbican.co.uk.

Country gig of the week: Ward Thomas, Celebrating 10 Years Of Cartwheels Tour, York Barbican, September 14, 7.30pm

HAMPSHIRE twin sisters Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas perform their second album in its entirety, revisiting the record – written at home and in Nashville – that made history as the first by a British country act to top the UK Albums Chart in 2016.

“We had to plan a celebration for its ten-year anniversary,” says Lizzy. “We’ll be bringing our full band, doing a type of show we haven’t done in a long time.” The Wandering Hearts support. Box office: yorkbarbican.co.uk.

New music, words and stories of the week: Wright& Grainger, Scratch An Itch, Theatre@41, Monkgate, York, September 18, 7.30pm

 IN a rare little moment of public-facing recklessness, Easingwold duo Wright&Grainger have some brand new stuff they wish try out in front of, and with, some other people. “It’ll defo involve a piano,” say Alex and Phil. “It’ll defo have music and words and story.

“There’s some tasty clues to follow, some sweet ideas to develop, some scary instincts to trust. And now there’s this big and warm open invite to you, to come join. So please do. We’d love that. Fingers crossed it’ll be good.” Box office: tickets.41monkgate.co.uk.

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Arts event of the week: Staithes Festival of Arts & Heritage, September 11 to 13

An artwork by Ian Burke, one of 113 artists participating in Staithes Festival of Art and Heritage at 67 locations in the fishing village

THIS weekend’s festival celebrates art, creativity, music and heritage throughout the historic fishing village of Staithes, near Whitby, North Yorkshire.

Enjoy a packed programme of live music, headline concerts, creative workshops, demonstrations, outdoor cinema, family activities and festival extras.

Many events are free to enjoy, while some require payment or advance booking. To book tickets, go to: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/staithesfestivalofartsandheritage. For the full event programme, visit: https://www.staithesfestival.com/festival/events.php.

Preview Evening, today, 6pm to 9.30pm

Artist Trail, Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm

DISCOVER 113 artists exhibiting across 67 venues throughout Staithes, including 15 students from Northern School of Art (Middlesbrough campus) taking part in a group exhibition. Full-time students Sophieand Harry will exhibit independently at St Peter’s Centre and 1 Webster Steps.

Explore galleries, cottages, studios and hidden spaces transformed into exhibition venues across the village. Explore the artists at https://www.staithesfestival.com/festival/artists.php.

Eliza Carthy: Performing at Staithes Memorial Village Hall tonight at 7.30pm with a new punk-spirited album to promote. Recorded with The Restitution, Frenemies is set for release on October 26, addressing themes of motherhood, the state of the modern world, forgiveness and personal resilience as Eliza turned 50. Guest contributors to the recording include Jools Holland, Robyn Hitchcock, actors Miranda Richardson and Tim McInnerny, and Queen Of Harps

Live Music

ENJOY ticketed headline concerts by folk fiddler and singer Eliza Carthy, of Robin Hood’s Bay, at Staithes Memorial Village Hall from 7.30pm to 9.30pm tonight and Saltburn-by-the-Sea shanty group Saltburn Smugglers, same venue, same show time, tomorrow.

Look out too for a packed programme around the village with full details at https://www.staithesfestival.com/music. Many performances are free to attend, with donations welcomed in support of Staithes Festival or the RNLI (from Lifeboat House performances). View music programme and book tickets.

Taking part will be Dire Staithes and Wall Of Noise tonight; Saltburn Ukulele Band, Men Of Staithes, Becky Foord, Nick Rooke Band and Andy Blackford’s WYSIWYG tomorrow; Irish Coalminers Fylingdales Folk Choir, Michael Nagasaka and Ben Beattie and Men Of Staithes on Sunday. Look out for buskers and pop-up performances around Staithes throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Heritage

DISCOVER the stories, history and landscape of Staithes through heritage talks, guided walks, geology, fossils and events celebrating the village’s artistic and maritime past.Some heritage events are free, while others require payment or advance booking at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/staithesfestivalofartsandheritage.

South Bank Studios seascape acrylic artist Carolyn Coles: Taking part in Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage at Kindly Light, Wesleyan Chapel, Chapel Yard, Staithes

Further highlights

Outdoor Cinema at Kippers Corner

Friday and Saturday, 9pm

Venue: Kippers Corner, High Street
Cost: Free
Presented by: Staithes Cinema Club

As the sun sets, join the gathering on the High Street opposite Kippers Corner. Bring your deckchairs and blankets for a screening of films about Staithes’ past and present, telling the story of thisremarkable village.

Booking: No booking required
More information: www.facebook.com/staithescinemaclub

Lighting Show

Friday and Saturday evening

Venue: Around the village
Cost: Free

As dusk settles over Staithes, visitors can look forward to the festival’s lighting show, adding colour, atmosphere and a little extra magic to the village after dark.

Booking: No booking required

Fossils, Science & Nature

Staithes Rocks: Guides rock platform walks

Saturday, 9.45am to12.30pm

Venue: Staithes Harbour Beach
With: Earth Science Outreach UK
Cost: £12
Booking: Advance booking required
Book tickets: Staithes Rock & Fossil Safari Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite

Explore the Jurassic world on a guided rock-platform walk between Staithes Harbour and Old Nab.

The people behind the Yorkshire Fossil Festival bring together a family programme of fossils, science and creativity, with walks, talks, craft workshops and hands-on activities exploring the deep-time heritage of Staithes and the surrounding area.

Suitable for beginners and enthusiasts.

More information: Earth Science Outreach UK

Yorkshire Marine Nature Partnership

Saturday, 10am to 4pm

Venue: Cowbar Staith
Cost: Free

Explore examples of Concrete Coast enhancements designed to blur the boundary between land and sea, helping coastal defences work for both people and nature.

Be inspired by coastal textures and your own relationship with the sea, then contribute to a collaborative community print tapestry.

Booking: No booking required—drop in throughout the day

Fossil Art and Palaeontology Workshop

Saturday, 1.30pm–3.30pm

Venue: Staithes Harbour Beach
With: Earth Science Outreach
Cost: Free

GO hands-on with creative activities led by creative scientists.

Part of the Staithes Rocks programme, this drop-in workshop brings together fossils, science and creativity while exploring the deep-time heritage of Staithes and the surrounding area.

Suitable for beginners and enthusiasts.

Booking: Staithes Rock & Fossil Safari Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite

More information: Facebook page

Needle felt/pyrography by Whitby artist Lacey Brown at St Peter’s Centre, Church Street, Staithes

North York Moors National Park: Information and Nature Activity

Saturday and Sunday, 10am to5pm

Venue: Garden of Poplar House, High Street, near Staithes Museum
Cost: Free

Visit the North York Moors National Park team to discover more about the diverse landscape surrounding Staithes.

You can take part in an activity to create a growing display of positive actions and inspiring ideas for nature recovery.

Booking: No booking required
More information: North York Moors National Park | NYMNP

The Amazing Technicolor Pendulums

Saturday and Sunday, 10.30am–4pm

Venue: Cleveland Corrosion, Bank Top
Cost: Free

Discover what happens when engineering and science become kinetic art.

Watch colour, movement and physics come together as swinging pendulums create constantly changing patterns in this family-friendly display.

Booking: No booking required

Heritage & Local History

Rod Jewell’s Staithes Experience: Heritage Exhibition

Saturday and Sunday, 10am to5pm

Venue: Granary Yard Garage Studio
Cost: Free

Roll up, roll up for a continuous and rare silent film showing the arrival of the motorised Staithes lifeboat in 1924, along with reels from Rod’s treasured Victorian magic-lantern collection of unpublished slides featuring bygone Staithes in the 1890s, the Staithes Group of Artists and fisherfolk.

Immerse yourself in collector Rod’s Staithes Experience. Photographs, antiques, ephemera and bric-a-brac will be on display and available to buy.

Rod is the author of the photographic village history Staithes: Between Two Nabs.

Booking: No booking required

An artwork by York digital photomontage and mixed media artist Adele Karmazyn. Find her work rooted in a fascination with antiquities, weathered textures and forgotten spaces at High House, Cinder Path, Staithes

Bill Hinchley’s Guided History Walk

Saturday and Sunday, 11am to1pm

Meeting point: Bank Top viewpoint, Staithes Lane
Cost: Donations in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance
Booking: Advance booking required

Join lifelong Staithes resident and historian Bill Hinchley for a captivating heritage walk through the village.

Equipped with coastal humour, personal memories and rich storytelling, Bill brings the historic fishing village vividly to life.

Book your walk:

Saturday, 11am–1pm Buy tickets – Bill Hinchley’s Guided History Walk around the village – Saturday 11am-1pm – Meet Bank Top viewpoint, Staithes Lane.
Sunday, 11am–1pm –Select tickets – Bill Hinchley’s Guided History Walk – Sunday 11am-1pm – Meet Bank Top viewpoint, Staithes Lane.

More information: Free video of a snippit of Bills walk – also available free to watch at Staithes Museum

Caroline Hawley Treasure Valuations

Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm

Venue: Poplar House, High Street
Cost: £5 per lot consigned, payable on the day

Find out more about your family heirlooms, prized possessions or boot-sale bargains with Bargain Hunt’s Caroline Hawley and her auctioneer husband, John.

Hawleys Auctioneers will be on hand to value and share information about jewellery, watches, coins, silver, paintings and objets d’art.

For larger items, please bring photographs.

Booking: No booking required—pay on the day

More Information: Hawleys

Shoal, by Saltburn by the Sea wildlife artist Dennis Roddam, on show at Valley View, Staithes Lane, Staithes

Creative Workshops & Demonstrations

Live Festival Illustrations with Amy Lipscombe

Friday, 6pm to 9.30pm
Saturday and Sunday, 10am–5.30pm

Venue: Windsor House, Church Street
Cost: Prices from £20, payable directly to the artist

Commission your own A6 coloured-pencil illustration of yourself, your family or even your pet as a special reminder of this year’s festival.

Amy will take a photograph during your visit and complete your illustration later that day or post it to you afterwards.

Booking: No advance booking required

More Information: Amy lipscombeart Facebook

Spin Art

Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm

Venue: Singing Waters Yard, High Street
Cost: £5, payable on the day

Spin your own masterpiece with Ed and Al in Singing Waters Yard – fun for the young and not so young. Create a piece of art to take home as a memento of your visit to Staithes Festival.

Booking: No booking required—pay on the day

Painting Demonstrations with Lynton Parmar-Hemsley

Saturday and Sunday, 10.30am to 4pm

Venue: Staithes Gallery, High Street
Cost: Free

Visit Staithes Gallery during the festival weekend to see painting demonstrations by artist Lynton Parmar-Hemsley throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Booking: No booking required
More information: www.lyntonartist.com

Chiaroscuro Portrait Relief Linocut Workshop

Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 12 noon

Venue: Sunday School beneath the Wesleyan Chapel, Chapel Yard
With: Artist Ian Burke
Cost: £15
Booking: Advance booking advised

Explore the dramatic effect of light falling across one side of the face using simple relief-linocut techniques. No drawing experience is required.

Ian will provide expressive black-and-white portrait images inspired by woodcuts, which participants will transfer onto lino and carve as the first printing block. A second lino block will then be created to print the light and bring out the features through contrast and tone.

During the session, you will create your own striking chiaroscuro portrait print and explore how light can define form and expression.

Book your workshop:

Saturday, 11am–12 noon Buy tickets – “Artist Ian Burke’s Chiaroscuro Portraits Relief Linocut Workshop Saturday 12th September – Sunday School under the Wesleyan Chapel, Chapel Yard
Sunday, 11am–12 noon Buy tickets – “Artist Ian Burke’s Chiaroscuro Portraits Relief Linocut Workshop” – Sunday school Chapel Yard

More information: www.ianburkepainterprintmaker.com

Preening, Staithes, by Yorkshire wildlife artist Tracey Waddington, whose work will be at Harbour Cottage, High Street, Staithes

Recycled Copper Ring-Making

Saturday and Sunday, 1pm to 5pm

Venue: Chapel Garth, High Street
With: Bean Creative
Cost: £7 per person, payable on the day
Session length: Approximately 20 minutes

Try something a little different by making your own unique copper-pipe ring using old plumbing parts. Become creative with files and hammers to produce a beautiful ring: the perfect piece of recycled festival jewellery.

Booking: No booking required
More information: Bean Creative Jewellery

Painting Demonstration with Sue Nichol

Saturday, 1.30pm–2.30pm

Venue: Laura Knight’s Studio
Cost: Free

Join artist Sue Nichol for a free drop-in painting demonstration. She will show how she creates her bold and colourful paintings inspired by the Yorkshire coast and its famous sailing cobles.

Booking: No booking required
More information: www.suenicholartist.com

Family Activities

Staithes Co-op Children’s Art Competition

Saturday, 10am to 4pm

Venue: Cowbar Staith
Cost: Free

View the artwork created by the talented winners of the children’s seaside art competition and have a go at winning raffle prizes.All funds raised will help support the festival.

Booking: No booking required
More information: Co-op

Poetry & Performance

The Stand-Up Tragedy Show

Sunday, 10.15am to 11.45am

Venue: The Lifeboat Shed
Cost: Free
With: Andy Blackford, Carmen Marcus and Bob Beagrie

The Stand-Up Tragedy Show features Andy Blackford—voted 1970’s Man Least Likely To Make 30—and his more talented friends, the poets Carmen Marcus and Bob Beagrie.

Booking: No booking required
More information: https://www.bobbeagrie.co.uk

Plan your visit

Please note, there is no festival visitor parking in the old village. Instead, festival parking will be available at Cowbar, with a free shuttle service for visitors who need assistance.

Check the latest parking, travel and accessibility information before setting off. For more information, go to: https://www.staithesfestival.com/plan-your-visit-to-staithes/parking.php.

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REVIEW: Martin Dreyer’s verdict on North York Moors Chamber Music Festival, Dialogue and The Dividing Line, St Hilda’s, Danby and St Hedda’s, Egton Bridge, August 11 and 13

Violinist Charlotte Scott

THE titles – the festival’s own – give a rough indication of where we are in this year’s theme of Creation.

Dialogue is self-explanatory; the Dividing Line is that between earth and sky. Each of these recitals in churches on the northern edge of the North York Moors featured a world premiere, in a context of related works, old and new.

The afternoon in Danby involved only three violinists: Alena Baeva, Benjamin Baker and Charlotte Scott. Two pieces each by Bach and Berio framed two dances by Saariaho and the world premiere of Creation by Isabella Gellis, the only work in the programme involving all three players.

She describes it as a reimagining of an aria about a butterfly, sung by the Child in her 2024 opera The Devil’s Den, which was staged by Opera North last November. The role requires some daunting vocal pyrotechnics.

In the earlier part of its eight minutes, a glissando and close harmony set up a sense of lament. These recurred later, but the highest voice emerged gently at first and then with full-throated lyricism before lower, slower voices suggested the butterfly temporarily at rest.

It was not long before a series of high-note signposts, against tremolo accompaniment, grew ever more intense, keenly reflecting the original aria. Finally this dissipated into hovering harmony, in a pianissimo that stopped abruptly. Even without the visual reference, the piece stands alone most effectively.

Charlotte Scott despatched an immaculate if slightly deliberate account of Bach’s Second Partita for solo violin at the start, which was more than matched by Alena Baeva’s concluding no-holds-barred version of his taxing Chaconne, in which the three voices within the score emerged clearly.

Benjamin Baker teamed up with each of them in turn in five of Berio’s Duetti, bringing out the more lyrical sides of the composer’s human portraits. All three players warmed up for the Gellis with a suitably balletic approach to Saariaho’s two Danses des Flocons.

There were no less than a baker’s dozen of players on hand two afternoons later in Egton Bridge. The first half of the programme culminated in the world premiere of Charlotte Bray’s That Which You Wove Of Lightest Thread, I Wear To Honour Stone, for horn and string quartet.

Its title is taken from Paul Celan’s poem Totenhemd (‘death shirt’). What made this unusual was its close affiliation with a woven installation by the artist Caroline Burraway, which was on display in the nave. It consisted of a number of largely dessicated leaves woven together with human hair. It was deliberately designed to fall apart over time.

Bray’s music had a similar feel. Most of the action was in the solo horn, now in brief fanfares or calls to action, now less affirmative, more faltering. Its lines were brief rather than lyrical. Underneath the

string quartet wavered uncertainly, as if quaking at the horn’s decisiveness and fearful of its dominance. It was as if the horn was a tyrant, the strings his cowering people. This was musical impressionism in modern guise.

It had been preceded without a break by Thea Musgrave’s evocative Dawn, for oboe solo (Nicholas Daniel), followed by Kurtag’s Ligatura (from The Answered Unanswered Question), in the version for two violins, two cellos and celeste, and Ives’s The Unanswered Question, with Ben Goldscheider’s horn standing in for the trumpet and the wind quartet ‘chorus’ playing from behind the audience, attempting to answer the question of the title. The three works made an effective sequence and a useful prologue to the Bray.

Schubert’s String Quintet after the interval got off to a less than persuasive start, where slightly stronger accents might been more effective. The second movement hovered as it should and there was a welcome injection of light-heartedness in the Scherzo.

The finale came together with some force, the instruments now seeming more settled with each other. Much of the ensemble’s energy seemed to radiate not so much from the first violin, Alena Baeva, but from the centrally positioned viola, Sascha Bota, whose glances in all directions acted as a focus for his colleagues. It was a solidly competent rather a memorable account.

Oboe player Nicholas Daniel

Highlights from the Second Week, North York Moors Chamber Music Festival, August 17 to 22, at Welburn Manor Marquee unless otherwise stated

IN retrospect, the first half of ‘From the Silence’ (August 17) was relatively unexciting. The sudden rhythmic interjections in Thomas Adès’s piano work Traced Overhead, played by Joseph Havlat, and the largely slow-paced and thoroughly thought-laden And Other Things by Isabella Gellis, for clarinet, cello and piano, threatened to outstay their welcomes.

Dream, by Huw Watkins, for clarinet, violin and piano, was much more incident-packed, belying its title. From a quiet start, it exploded into fire. The piano calmed things down, but the other instruments lost patience with this and erupted again. Stimulating.  Adès’s Four Berceuses were surely ironically titled: definitely not recommended for lulling a child to sleep.

After the interval, reverting to Mozart and Beethoven, we might have expected classical normality. We were wrong. In Mozart’s Oboe Quartet in F, the typical approach is for oboe to dominate and the supporting strings to fill in where needed. This was quite different. All four players were totally engaged, the strings not to be outdone by the soloist and making their presence felt at every opportunity, weaving in and out of the texture with deft inflexions all round.

The slow movement was utterly soulful, rivetingly so up to and including its final cadence. In the finale, with all four going hell for leather, ensemble remained taut. This was the most exciting account of the work one could ever expect to hear, sensational in its daring and impact, certainly not what one might anticipate in a work that can easily sound bland. This was anything but. The deft oboist was Nicholas Daniel, with violinist Benjamin Baker, viola player Simone van der Giessen and cellist Tim Posner in close attendance.

By the time we reached Beethoven’s ‘Ghost’ Trio, Op 70 No 1, rain lashing the canvas made life difficult for players and audience alike. It had its compensations, however. The first movement was exceptionally fiery – a matter of self-defence – yet with some exceptionally subtle phrasing in its development section.

The Largo took on an extra layer of creepiness in this weather. The finale took time to outweigh the demons conjured in the Largo, but eventually – with the rain now letting up – moved into sunnier, pastoral climes. It was a brave and ultimately satisfying account.

* * * * *

THE next afternoon in a packed St Mary’s, Lastingham (August 18), ‘The Architect’s Hand’ offered Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet, partnered by the world premiere of an oboe quartet by Huw Watkins, whose String Trio made such a profound effect in this venue last year.

The Mozart was marked by clarinettist Matthew Hunt’s clear attempt to blend as smoothly as possible with the strings, made possible only by his extraordinary breath control. His duetting with first violinist Charlotte Scott in the slow movement, for example, was ideally balanced, all strings being muted here.

The strings made a shapely impact in the first of the Scherzo’s trios (where clarinet is silent). But it was in the six variations of the finale that Hunt really came into his own. Skipping between octaves in the first variation, bubbling in chalumeau register in the second, he was particularly effervescent in the fourth. In the more chromatic final two variations, the ensemble delivered some teasing pauses and tempo-changes.

Oboist-in-residence Nicholas Daniel returned to the front line in Watkins’s exciting new work. He was partnered by violinist Benjamin Baker, viola player Simone van der Giessen and cellist Jamie Walton, very much an ‘A’ Team. Into some fierce opening string chords, the oboe crept gingerly before building furiously as its tessitura rose, against highly syncopated strings. This movement faded dreamily at its close.

In a largely slow movement, Baker’s violin was much the most agitated participant, its decorative roulades contrasting with the largely calm, pastoral mood of the oboe and lower strings. The oboe’s legato line was a delight. Virtuoso runs in the oboe dominated the finale, where all four players were kept busy.

It was if the oboe were challenging the others to follow him. This they did after the opening triplet motif made a reappearance, whereupon all four took flight, the oboe rising ever higher towards an extremelyeffective, hushed ending.

* * * * *

‘NIGHTFALL’ (August 20) opened with the pianist Katya Apekisheva playing another three of Schumann’s Fantasiestucke Op 12, which have been featured throughout the festival. Aptly, her phrasing was particularly lovely in Des Abends (‘In the evening’).

It was the prelude to the UK premiere of Tom Coult’s Two Nocturnes And A Maze, for horn, violin and piano, which was written for performance in a hillside church in the Swiss Alps.

As one might expect, there were echoes of Alpine horn in Nocturne I, to which piano responded chordally and violin in jerky fashion. Nocturne II was much closer to Bartok’s night-music, with a repeated-note motif batted between horn and violin, as the horn became gradually higher and more sustained. It finished sparsely, with single notes from each player.

In between, Maze, with horn now muted at first, the texture was lighter and airier, with pizzicato violin and staccato piano. The relationship between the three parts was vague but the combinations were engaging.

Daniel Lebhardt followed the opening movement of Beethoven’s ‘Moonlight’ Sonata, with the slow movement of Schubert’s Piano Sonata in B flat, D.960. He was splendidly grand in its bold central section.

Apekisheva returned, with violinist Benjamin Baker and cellist Jamie Walton, the festival director, for an affecting account of Schubert’s single-movement Trio D.897 (nicknamed – not by Schubert – ‘Notturno’). Its opening is curiously marked pianissimo and appassionato. We certainly sensed the passion here.

* * * * *

THE closing afternoon concert (August 22), ‘…In The End’, juxtaposed Mozart’s First Piano Quartet, K.478 with Schumann’s Piano Quintet, a lusciously attractive combination. In the Mozart, Lebhardt was the pianist, supporting Alessandro Ruisi (violin), Emma Wernig (viola) and Bartholomew LaFollette (cello). It took the repeat of the exposition for it to be clearly defined, after which the ensemble mined the rich seam of drama in the development section.

The slow movement was as tender as could be imagined. In the rondo finale, Lebhardt turned the various returns to the theme into fascinating mini-cadenzas,  but the four players were a little tentative in their interactions.

A more familiar combination of players turned out for the Schumann. Baker’s fellow-violinist was Oliver Heath, alongside Simone van der Giessen (viola) and Jamie Walton (cello), underpinned by Apekisheva’s piano. Oddly enough, this is the first work in the repertoire for this particular combination of instruments.

The second theme in the first movement, shared between cello and viola, was delightfully lyrical, straight from the heart of the Romantic era. The slow movement, more or less a funeral march, ebbed and flowed tellingly, before an ending delivered without vibrato.

 In the whirlwind Scherzo, the passage-work from the strings was especially crisp, leading into a finale that reminded us just how expert Apekisheva can be in a supporting role: she sustained an immaculate balance with the strings rather than turning it into a mini-piano concerto, particularly in the concluding fugato. The thunderous applause was appropriate, as much for the work itself as for the ending of another highly successful festival.

Reviews by Martin Dreyer

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Festival of the week: York Chamber Music Festival, September 11 to 13

Tim Lowe: York Chamber Music Festival founder, artistic director and cellist

SINCE its founding by cellist Tim Lowe in 2013, York Chamber Music Festival has gone from strength to strength.

This year the festival has invited six of the best string players in Europe – Charlotte Scott and Tim Crawford, violins, Simone van der Giessen and Lilli Maijala, violas, and Adrian Brendel and Lowe, cellos, to participate, along with regular festival artist Katya Apekisheva, the British-based Russian pianist.

This week’s event at the National Centre for Early Music (NCEM), Walmgate, Union Chapel, St Saviourgate, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York, and St Olave’s Church, Marygate Lane, celebrates the brilliance of the chamber music repertoire, focused on the radiant, melody-rich string quintets of Mendelssohn and Brahms.

Pianist Katya Apekisheva

Across the weekend, festival-goers can experience music in all imaginable instrumental combinations, from the profound intimacy of Brendel’s solo cello recital featuring Bach’s Suite No. 2, to a dynamic duo performance by Lowe and Apekisheva and expansive works for quartet and quintet.

Headline highlights include Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio in D minor — hailed by Schumann as “the master trio of our age” — and Chopin’s lyrical Cello Sonata, his undisputed chamber masterpiece.

“We are also thrilled to present Beethoven’s rare and sublime C Major String Quintet, an 1801 gem that features a slow movement of breathtaking warmth and beauty that bridges his early classical style with the vast ‘inner world’ slow movements he became famous for later in life,” says artistic director Lowe.

Violinist Charlotte Scott

Violinist Tim Crawford. Picture: Andrej Grilc

After last year’s festival, Lowe was gratified to receive this message among the audience feedback: “What spontaneity, what passion, what delight in collective music-making, what beauty! They listen and respond to each other, play for, and to, and with their friends (as they so obviously are), sharing their pleasure with us – and we are privileged to overhear that love for and engagement with the music, true chamber-music playing.”

The full programme can be found at the festival website: https://www.ycmf.co.uk/2026-programme. Tickets are available from the NCEM box office, at St Margaret’s Church, Walmgate, York. Alternatively, book at ycmf.co.uk or phone 01904 658338 in office hours. A Festival Saver ticket offers extra value for those wanting to attend multiple concerts. Those aged 18 and under can enjoy free admission to all events.  

Cellist Adrian Brendel. Picture: Peter Adamik

Festival programme in brief:

Today, 1pm to 2pm, Unitarian Chapel, cello recital, Tim Lowe and Katya Apekisheva play Mendelssohn’s Variations Concertantes, Chopin’s Cello Sonata and Martinů’s Rossini Variations.

Today, 7.30pm, NCEM, Charlotte Scott, Tim Crawford, Simone van der Giessen, Lilli Maijala, Tim Lowe and Adrian Brendel play Joseph Haydn’s String Quartet in D major, Op. 20, No. 4, Sergei Rachmaninoff’s ‘Romance’ from String Quartet No. 1 (Andante espressivo) and Felix Mendelssohn’s String Quintet No. 2 in B flat major, Op.87.

Nordic viola player Lilli Maijala

Tomorrow, 1pm to 2pm, Unitarian Chapel,  cello recital, Adrian Brendel plays Imogen Holst’s The Fall Of The Leaf and J. S. Bach’s Cello Suite No 2 in D Minor.

Tomorrow, 7.30pm, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, Charlotte Scott,Tim Crawford, Simone van der Giessen, Lilli Maijala, Tim Lowe, Adrian Brendel and Katya Apekisheva play Felix Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio No 1 in D minor Op 49, Gustav Mahler’s Piano Quartet (movement) in A minor – Nicht zu schnell (not too fast) and Johannes Brahms’s Piano Quartet in C minor Op 60.

Sunday, 3pm to 4.30pm, St Olave’s Church, Charlotte Scott,Tim Crawford, Simone van der Giessen, Lilli Maijala, Tim Lowe and Adrian Brendel play Ludwig van Beethoven’s String Quintet in C Major Op. 29 and Johannes Brahms’s String Quintet in F major, Op. 88.

Viola player Simone van der Giessen

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Wildflower Wildfire to make debut with Botanically Brontë, A Literary Cocktail Experience at York Food and Drink Festival

The poster for Wildflower Wildfire’s Botanically Brontë – A Literary Cocktail Experience. Artwork by Laura Crow. Calligraphy by Emily Hansen, Leaf on Letters

WILDFLOWER Wildfire invites you to step in the world of Yorkshire’s scribbling siblings, the Brontës, for Botanically Brontë – A Literary Cocktail Experience at Friargate Theatre, Lower Friargate, York, on September 25.

This original immersive theatre event blends storytelling, performance and botanical drinks in a journey through the seasons alongside Charlotte, Anne, Emily and Branwell Brontë, exploring their lives, relationships and literary legacy.

“Across the performance, audiences will be served four specially created botanical cocktails, each inspired by a different season and member of the Brontë family, from the bright florals of Elastic Springs to the bittersweet Last Winter Rose,” says event creator Xandra Logan, York actress, writer and producer – and barrister to boot – who has moved into theatre development to make this 90-minute piece for this autumn’s York Food and Drink Festival.

Miles John: Playing Reverend Arthur Bell Nicholls

“Expect literature, atmosphere, storytelling and a little theatrical magic as the world of the Brontës is brought to life around you. No prior knowledge of the Brontës needed.”

Incorporating bespoke cocktails as part of the package, “there will be both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to suit audience preference”.

The cast comprises Vicki Glover as Charlotte Brontë; Xandra Logan as Emily Brontë; Leah Paige as Anne  Brontë; Katie Leckey as Branwell Brontë; Adam Marsdin as Patrick Brontë; Miles John as Arthur Bell Nicholls; Laura Haynes Bury as Martha Brown and Molly Meleady-Hanley as The Phantom.

Xandra Logan: Founder of Wildflower Wildfire, who will play Emily Brontë

“The production is an ensemble piece and the characters all make up an important part of the Brontë story,” says Xandra. “The actors are largely based in this region or derived from here. The production is an ensemble piece and the characters all make up an important part of the Brontë story.” 

Drawing on her Yorkshire roots, Xandra is “delighted to portray Emily and explore her fierce imagination, independence and connection to the landscape that shaped her work.”

Her latest role follows screen appearances in Cut Deep, Closing Time and Before The Leaves Turn and the title role on stage in Mary Rose.

Vicki Glover: “Delighted to return to the Brontë world as Charlotte”

Vicki Glover trained on the RADA Foundation course and is completing her BA (Hons) Acting studies at Manchester School of Theatre. Acting professionally since the age of 14, her credits include Shrek 2, The Murder Trial Live, The Manson Family Massacre and Operation Sparrowhawk. “After portraying Emily Brontë, Catherine Earnshaw and Catherine Linton previously, I’m delighted to return to the Brontë world as Charlotte,” she says.

West Yorkshire actress Leah Paige, who has experience across stage and screen, will play Anne. “Passionate about bringing overlooked stories to life, I’m thrilled to portray the often-underestimated Anne Brontë, celebrating her quiet strength, kindness and unwavering principles,” says Leah, who will make her feature debut on Amazon Prime later this year.

Northern Irish actor and director Katie Leckey (they/them), who will play Branwell Brontë, holds an MA in Theatre-Making from the University of York and is co-founder and artistic director of York company Griffonage Theatre, for whom they perform, write and direct.

Katie Leckey: “Looking forward to giving a voice to the often-underrepresented Branwell”

Leah Paige: “Passionate about bringing overlooked stories to life“

Their credits include A Kingdom Jack’d (Merchant Adventurers’ Hall), Shakespeare and Rome (York Museums Trust/York International Shakespeare Festival), Queer Spaces (York Theatre Royal/Stephen Joseph Theatre), Dung Beetle Dan (Thunk-It Theatre, Deer Shed Festival) and The Courteous Enemy (Edinburgh Fringe).

“I’m looking forward to giving a voice to the often-underrepresented Branwell and bringing his poetry to life in Botanically Brontë,” says Katie.

Last seen on stage in York in Party Piece at Theatre@41, Monkgate. and as Dr Little in Goodnight Mister Tom at Harrogate Theatre, Adam Marsdin will play Patrick Brontë. Alongside numerous film credits across Yorkshire, he presents Pantheon Mythology, trains at NGA Leeds and is an Equity member.

“I relish exploring the warmth behind the disciplined Victorian father,” says Adam Marsdin of his role as Patrick Brontë

“I relish exploring the warmth behind the disciplined Victorian father: Patrick’s delight in his children’s imaginations, his love and pride in who they become, and the poignancy of a man who ultimately outlived them all,” says Adam.

Miles John, a professional actor raised in Scarborough and trained at UCA Farnham, is cast as Reverend Arthur Bell Nicholls. Working across stage, screen and voiceovers, his credits include Watch Me Die (Edinburgh Fringe), Loot (York Theatre Royal), The Grieving Stones (feature film), For King And Country (short film) and Pipistrelle Pipistrelle (radio drama).

Laura Haynes-Bury’s role will be Martha Brown. “I have particularly enjoyed exploring Martha as the eyes and ears of the Brontë household, offering an intimate glimpse into the family’s lives,” says Laura, whose credits include Till The Stars Come Down for York Actors Collective and various site-specific theatre performances.

Molly Meleady-Hanley: Appearing as The Phantom in Botanically Brontë

After graduating from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama with an MA in Advanced Theatre Practice, Sheffield-born actor and playwright Molly Meleady-Hanley will play The Phantom.

Her credits include Bigmouth at the Courtyard Theatre, London, as part of Camden Fringe, a self-written production at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre, and feature film Fritz And Matlock with Invisible Engine Films. “I’m excited to explore the world of the Brontës and sisterhood in Botanically Brontë as The Phantom,” she says.

Wildflower Wildfire presents Botanically Brontë, Friargate Theatre, York, September 25,   6.15pm & 8.30pm. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/botanically-bronte-a-literary-cocktail-experience-tickets-1998250964426.

Laura Haynes Bury: “I have particularly enjoyed exploring Martha as the eyes and ears of the Brontë household”

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Festival launch of the week: York Jazz Fest, Thursday October 1 to Sunday October 4

York Jazz Fest: Four days, six venues, one city

THE inaugural York Jazz Fest will run from October 1 to October 4.

Spanning four days of live performances, discovery and community, the festival will highlight the full spectrum of jazz, ranging from timeless, classic standards to forward-thinking, contemporary sounds.

Designed to celebrate both Yorkshire and national talent and to promote grassroots venues, the new event will take place at five cultural and music spaces: The Phoenix, George Street; The Arts Barge, Foss Basin; Angel On The Green, Bishopthorpe Road; Young Thugs Studio,  Ovington Terrace;  The Winning Post, Bishopthorpe Road, and Pop-Up Festival Site at Bishopthorpe Road Car Park.

The festival will reach its climax on Sunday, October 4 with an all-day grand finale at the specially constructed Pop-Up Festival Site, transforming the car park into an open-air hub of live music on the main stage, complementing headline jazz acts with street food vendors, craft beers and wine and spirits bars.

“Our aim is to bring world-class live music directly into the heart of York’s community while showcasing the incredible heritage and intimate charm of our independent venues,” says festival  promoter Beppe Lombardo. “Whether you are a lifelong jazz enthusiast or just looking to discover something new, York Jazz Fest offers something for everyone.”

The full 2026 festival programme, line-up announcements and ticketing details will be released in the coming days. For updates, early access to tickets and venue information, visit: www.yorkjazzfestival.com or follow @YorkJazzFest on Instagram.

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