Crickhowell Music Festival 2025
Posted: 15th April 2025Crickhowell Music Festival returns this May with a programme that promises to be as dynamic as it is diverse. Under the theme New Beginnings, the festival will showcase a rich tapestry of choral and instrumental music, blending well-loved classics with lesser-known gems.
This year’s line-up includes an exhilarating selection of works from some of the most celebrated composers in history. Audiences can look forward to Crickhowell Choral Society and guest artistes capturing the timeless genius of J.S. Bach and Mozart, the rhythmic energy of Vivaldi, the refined elegance of Delalande and the boundless creativity of Haydn.
In keeping with its tradition of rediscovering forgotten masterpieces, the festival will also present works that have rarely been performed in modern times. Among these are a Magnificat by Johann Kuhnau, Bach’s predecessor in Leipzig; a Psalm setting by Louis XIV’s favoured composer, Michel-Richard Delalande; a dramatic chorus by C.P.E. Bach; an original ode to Apollo by Restoration composer Matthew Locke; and a Haydn mass regarded by many as one of his finest.
The festival’s commitment to authenticity and musical excellence is evident in its collaboration with leading musicologists Jeffrey Skidmore, Robert King, and Peter Holman, who have provided editions of these works. A line-up of accomplished soloists, each specialising in the vocal styles required, will bring these compositions to life.
One of the festival’s most anticipated highlights is the return of tenor James Gilchrist, who will perform a special recital at the Clarence Hall on Bank Holiday Monday, 5 May. A key figure in the festival’s early years, Gilchrist has since become one of Britain’s most acclaimed tenors. With a voice renowned for its lyrical beauty and expressive depth, his performance of songs both old and new is sure to be a standout moment of the weekend.
The festival opens with an evening of vibrant folk music on Friday, 2 May, setting the tone for a weekend of musical discovery. Welsh supergroup Avanc will take to the Clarence Hall stage, offering a thrilling reimagining of traditional Welsh song and dance. Named after the legendary water monster of the Mabinogion, Avanc’s energetic and inventive approach promises to captivate audiences and bring a fresh perspective to folk traditions.
With performances spanning centuries and styles, New Beginnings invites audiences to experience the joy of music in all its forms. From the grandeur of choral masterpieces to the intimate beauty of solo recitals and the raw energy of folk traditions, this year’s Crickhowell Music Festival promises to be a celebration of creativity, renewal and the enduring power of music. We can’t wait!
Tickets available from this link, from Webbs of Crickhowell, by emailing crickchoral2018@gmail.com, or by calling 07980 270449.
