Celebrate music at Stratford festival

With a theme of ‘past and present’, the event starts on Saturday (October 12) with a festival fanfare and is followed by concerts by the Fairey Band from Stockport and violinist Alexander Sitkovetsky on Sunday.

Other highlights during the nine-day event include performances of Grieg’s Holberg Suite and Liszt’s Sonnet No 104 of Petrarch, concerts by the Contemporary Consort with composer David Matthews, new works by composers from the Birmingham Conservatoire, a musical portrait of a Shakespearean character and an evening of Latin American tango.

Artistic director Ambrose Miller said: “The festival welcomes once again a host of fine musicians, including established, internationally renowned names, those rapidly gaining their international reputations and young prize-winning players who are certain to be the musical stars of the future.

“In the year commemorating the first act of Parliament to protect our architectural heritage, our festival theme ‘Past and Present’ is reflected in the music to be played.”

Next Sunday’s concert by the Fairey Band - a group of employees at the Fairey Aviation Works in Stockport - is at the King Edward VI School and starts at 3pm.

The festival finale at Stratford Civic Hall on Sunday October 20 includes an evening of jazz, featuring the renowned Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra, and guest vocalist Clare Teal.

For a full programme with venues and ticket prices and to book tickets, call 01789 298197 or visit www.stratfordmusicfestival.com

For events at the civic hall, visit www.civichall.co.uk