Maurice Ravel (1875 - 1937) wrote only one string quartet and he dedicated it to his friend and teacher Gabriel Fauré. The Festival’s superb resident string quartet has the facility and the panache to do full justice to this electrifying and forward-looking work. Lennox Berkeley’s Sonatina demands a formidable guitar technique and great sensitivity, both of which are ably demonstrated by Carl Herring.

The Swaledale Festival has commissioned Tim Garland’s new piece for six string players: Swaledale Variations for 26 Strings. Tim’s ability to incorporate seamlessly an eclectic range of folk and jazz influences into beautifully constructed ‘classical’ composition is unique. As his music is played by more and more of the world’s best orchestras, small groups and soloists, his reputation as the leading composer in the field is growing rapidly. Tonight’s world première promises to be a memorable Festival occasion.

Our thanks to Theakston’s for sponsoring this event.