David Whelton - Speaker

This lunch is open to Society members only.

David Whelton is Managing Director of the Philharmonia Orchestra and has played a crucial role  in supporting the Festival over the last decade. 

The Orlando Consort

Matthew Venner - Counter tenor
Mark Dobell - Tenor
Angus Smith - Tenor
Donald Greig - Bass

The Call of the Phoenix: Rare and exquisite motets from 15th-century England. Glorious sacred music by the forebears of the great Tudor composers, including Dunstaple, Plummer, Frye, Lambe.

“What glorious music it is! Every piece is involving in some vital way, so often one wonders, ‘How come I’ve not heard that before? Acknowledged ‘masterpieces’ rub shoulders with works by near-complete unknowns, but invention is sustained at a high level. I’ll wager that even connoisseurs of this ‘rare’ repertory have surprises in store for them here; and I cannot see how the general listener can fail to be seduced.” Gramophone Magazine.

Simon Preston - Organ

During a singularly distinguished career, Simon Preston has established himself, not only as one of the great organists of the 20th century, but also as one of the most illustrious musicians in the history of English Cathedral Music.

A lecture-recital by Peter Medhurst on the subject of ‘English Song in Elgar's Time’. This event is open to all.

We welcome back Les Berriauds de Vierzon, a song and dance troupe from Hereford's twinned town in France, who who will be retracing the customs of the Berry region at the end of the 19th century.

Supported by Friends of Herefordshire Museums and Arts & Mr JM Renshall

The festival is very pleased to welcome back David Briggs, former artistic director at Gloucester Three Choirs and now an internationally-renowned organist with a world-wide reputation as an innovative musician and dazzling performer.