29/09/2024 - 21/11/2024
Cambridge Music Festival announces Autumn Series
Cambridge Music Festival (CMF) has unveiled its Autumn 2024 series, a celebration of musical excellence in venues across the city. Since its inception in 1991, CMF has transformed into a twice-annual series that brings music to life in bold and imaginative ways. The Autumn series promises to continue this great tradition.
Cult Classics
A highlight of the Autumn Series is the return of the Philip Glass Ensemble, who perform the complete Glassworks and selections from other iconic compositions by the minimalist master Philip Glass (29 September).
World-Class Soloists
CMF is renowned for presenting world-class artists whose performances often bypasssmaller cities. This autumn, the festival features distinguished soloists such as the celebrated pianist Boris Giltburg, who will mesmerise audiences with romantic works by Chopin and Rachmaninov (16 October). Acclaimed baritone Sir Simon Keenleyside leads a stellar cast of soloists in Mendelssohn's Elijah: Dame Sarah Connolly, Carolyn Sampson, Andrew Staples, performing with the BBC Concert Orchestra and an enlarged BBC Singers (1 November). The latter come to Cambridge fresh from their centenary celebrations. Mary Bevan also stars in what promises to be a stunning rendition of Mozart’s Requiem, featuring two Cambridge institutions: The Choir of King's Collegeand Britten Sinfonia (15 November).
World Music
Jali Bakary is the third generation in the Konteh family of Gambian masters of the kora–a21-string cross between a harp and a lute–capable of astonishing virtuosity and lyricism. CMF is delighted to welcome him to Old Divinity School for his festival debut (21 November).
Looking Ahead to Spring 2025
Cambridge Music Festival will return in Spring 2025 with an exciting lineup, including the Pavel Haas Quartet with pianist Boris Giltburg the vocal ensemble Windborne, and renowned pianist Benjamin Grosvenor. Further highlights include performances of Arvo Pärt’s Berliner Messeby the Theatre of Voices, works by Steve Reich performed by Piano Circus, and medieval music by the Jordi Savall Trio.The Philharmonia Orchestra's VR Orchestra installation will also offer a unique immersive experience, inviting audiences to engage with the orchestral experience in new and unexpected ways. Specific dates and further details will be announced later in 2024.