York classical pianist Sarah Beth Briggs. Picture: Fritz Curzon
THE 2026 Northern Aldborough Festival will see York pianist Sarah Beth Briggs performing at the prestigious classical event for the first time in what the organisers describe as “her long overdue appearance at our festival”.
For Saturday morning’s concert, at The Old Hall, North Deighton, near Wetherby, Sarah has crafted a programme designed to welcome seasoned concert-goers and newcomers alike, comprising Haydn’s Sonata in C, Hob XVI/50, Mendelssohn’s Variations Sérieuses, Op. 54 and works by Poulenc and Schumann.
What should listeners expect at the 11am performance, Sarah? “Vibrant, infectious classical melodies sit alongside a romantic depiction of a German forest and French music, in turn sunny and zany, and a concluding work where solemn, haunting melodies give way to explosive speed, drama and pure romantic passion,” she says.
Sarah Beth Briggs in Dean’s Park, York Minster. Picture: Marci Stuchlikova
Those infectious classical melodies, specifically the recital-opening first movement of Haydn’s late C major Sonata, have earned it the distinction of being Sarah’s most popular track globally, boasting more than 1.8 million plays on Apple Music, showcasing the timeless appeal of Haydn’s writing.
As ever with Sarah’s recital performances, Saturday’s programme will be introduced from the stage. “Breaking down barriers in the classical music world is something which I see as essential,” she says.
To prove the point, her December 2025 concert at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall was described by the Nottingham Post reviewer as “presenting each piece in ways which both illuminated the music and created just the right sort of rapport with an audience that really does appreciate artists who can manage friendly chat as well as fine playing.”
“Breaking down barriers in the classical music world is something which I see as essential,” says Sarah Beth Briggs. Picture: Fritz Curzon
Newcastle-born Sarah’s career was launched as a child prodigy, performing as the then youngest-ever finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition at the age of 11 in 1984, the year when she gained a Dame Myra Hess Award too. This was followed by international success, winning the International Mozart Competition four years later in Salzburg, aged 15.
Her piano playing has taken her to many of England’s premier venues. “I’ve performed with numerous major orchestras and played in Europe and the USA too, but I’m greatly looking forward to playing for the thriving Yorkshire cultural community this Saturday,” she says.
Sarah Beth Briggs: Heading for Crucible Playhouse, Sheffield, for Piano Classics concert on September 5
Sarah’s next appearance in Yorkshire will be as part of the Piano Classics series at the Crucible Playhouse, Sheffield on Saturday, September 5. Her 2pm programme will feature Beethoven’s Bagatelles Op.126; Clara Schumann’s 4 Pièces Fugitives Op.15; Tailleferre’s Sicilienne; Poulenc’s 3 Novelettes; Robert Schumann’s Waldszenen Op.82 and Brahms’ Piano Pieces Op.119.
Tickets for Saturday can be booked at https://aldboroughfestival.co.uk/tc-events/sarah-beth-briggs/; for Sheffield, 0114 249 6000 or https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/piano-classics-2.
NORTHERN Aldborough Festival runs at Aldborough, near Boroughbridge, from today until June 27. For the full line-up, go to: https://aldboroughfestival.co.uk/line-up/); for ticket details, go to: https://aldboroughfestival.co.uk/.