PERFORMANCES AND EVENTS 2021

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Our box office is now open

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This event preview page is intended to help you plan your visit to the Festival and book tickets.

Download our full brochure for computer or mobile!

Download the HFoM Festival Programme Book here. If viewing while attending a performance, please remember to have your device on silent mode!

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To give as many people as possible the opportunity to enjoy our performances, several events will be repeated. This is to enable social distancing and to allow for adequate venue cleaning between events. There will also be occasions when two different concerts are presented on the same day. In order to distinguish these events, repeated programmes will be listed as ‘Performance 1' and 'Performance 2’; and concerts with different programmes are listed as ‘Programme 1 and Programme 2’. You may book for both performances/programmes but space will be limited, so EARLY BOOKING is ADVISED.

 

All our events are COVID-secure and have been planned with the safety of our audiences and artists very much in mind.

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With the exception of the Chloë Hanslip Masterclass, all of our venues are accessible to anyone with mobility issues. We would encourage any patrons who use wheelchairs to contact is in advance of the event to ensure we cater for your precise needs, please e-mail info@hertsmusicfest.org.uk.

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We look forward to seeing you at our events.

EVENT 1

ALBION STRING QUARTET

 

Friday 4 June,  6.30pm - c. 7.30pm/8.30pm - c. 9.30pm

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“The playing, by the excellent Albion, is masterly in its vividness, freedom and sensitivity" - David Cairns, Sunday Times

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HFoM takes great pride in Haydn’s local connection and in our first performance in 2021 we present a seminal work from the great inventor of the string quartet. Featured Living Composer Judith Weir’s fascinating quartet from 1990 can be heard in both programmes and one of William Walton’s most vibrant and exciting works completes the second programme.

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Hertford St. Andrew's Church, St Andrew Street, Hertford SG14 1HZ (MAP)

 

Tickets: £19.50

Price includes booking fees

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EVENT 2

HISTORIC WALK AROUND HERTFORD, IN COLLABORATION WITH HERTFORD TOWN AND TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

 

Saturday 5 June, 2.00pm - c. 3.30pm

 

Look back at a millennium of the rich and eventful history of Hertford on this guided walk. Learn about the siege at Hertford castle, the Tudor palace and meet some historic Hertford residents.

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Tour commences from The White Hart public house, at 2.00pm sharp

The White Hart: 13, Salisbury Square, Town Centre, Hertford SG14 1BW (MAP)

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Tickets: £7 per person. 

Tickets available via Town & Tourist Information Centre (TTIC):

By phone - 01992 584322, in person at TTIC (open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30am – 5:00pm): 10-12 The Wash, Hertford SG14 1PX

You may also enquire by email to: tic@hertford.gov.uk

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Space is limited to 24, so early booking is advised.

It is advisable to wear appropriate and comfortable footwear and take extra care on occasionally narrow roads. No unaccompanied children. Tickets are non-refundable.

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EVENT 3

RELAXED REHEARSAL WITH HFoM FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA 

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Saturday 5 June, 12.00pm - c.12.45pm

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Families with very young children, and people who may ordinarily not be able to observe the traditional ‘silence’ when attending live music events, are welcomed to watch and hear a professional orchestra at work. Noise may be made!

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All Saints’ Church, Queens Road, Hertford SG13 8AY (MAP)

 

FREE EVENT - donations welcome

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Tom Hammond - conductor/presenter

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Capacity will be limited to 75 at any one time due to Covid-19 restrictions.

EVENT 4

FAIRYTALE STORIES - HANSEL AND GRETEL / THE SNOW QUEEN

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Saturday 5 June, 1.30pm - c. 2.30pm /4.00pm - c. 5.00pm

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The Wheels on Debussy and Matthew Sharp are proud to present Hansel and Gretel and The Snow Queen - a one-man musical, story-telling show for children 3+ and their families.

 

Join us for a feast of fairytales with beloved stories, bewitching music and the once in a lifetime chance to help our heroes and heroines along the way.

Written and performed by 'extraordinary cellist, virile baritone, compelling actor, Matthew Sharp' (The Daily Telegraph) - 'virtuoso of the arts' (The Times)

 

Hertford St Andrew’s Church, St Andrew’s Street, Hertford SG14 1HZ (MAP)

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Tickets £9.50

Price includes booking fees

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Matthew Sharp - cello, voice

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EVENT 5 

HFoM FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA WITH CHLOË HANSLIP & TOM HAMMOND

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Saturday 5 June, 5.30pm - c. 6.30pm/8.00pm - c. 9.00pm

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Principal Artist Chloë Hanslip ('…wholly infectious conviction, spontaneity and panache… superbly accomplished performances…' - Gramophone) performs Arvo Pärt’s meditative masterpiece Fratres, and a charming suite by Sibelius in a concert launched by Bartók’s exhilarating Romanian Folk Dances. We’ll also hear a beguiling exploration of continuous melody in a Blake-inspired work from our Featured Living Composer - Master of the Queen’s Music, Judith Weir CBE.

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All Saints’ Church, Queens Road, Hertford SG13 8AY (MAP)

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HFoM Festival Orchestra

Chloë Hanslip - violin

Tom Hammond - conductor

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Tickets £23.50

Price includes booking fees

 

PERFORMANCE 2

 

8.00pm - c. 9.00pm

 

Béla Bartók arr. Willner

Judith Weir

Jean Sibelius

Arvo Pärt

EVENT 6

ZRI - THE BREWHOUSE SESSION

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Saturday 5 June, 9.30pm - c. 10.30pm

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With tunes from JS Bach to Taylor Swift, ZRI give their special Gypsy-Jazz-Klezmer treatment to music from Vienna’s Red Hedgehog tavern, that will make you want to leap to your feet and dance!

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You'll be able to enjoy McMullen's excellent drinks alongside the fantastic music. 

Book soon as tickets are limited.

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McMullen Brewery Courtyard,​ 26 Old Cross, Hertford SG14 1RD (MAP)

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Tickets:  £16.50

Price includes booking fees

EVENT 7

1670 – A MEETING OF FRIENDS

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Sunday 6 June, 1.00pm - c. 2.00pm/3.30pm - c. 4.30pm

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Inspired by the 350th anniversary of the Grade 1 listed Friends’ Meeting House in Hertford, this programme is centred around the year 1670.

 

Drawing on their vast collection recorders, all manner of shapes and sizes from the tiny garklein to the great sub-contra bass, Fontanella will bring to life this Delightful Companion, aptly named by Robert Carr in the seventeenth century.

 

From a virtuosic concerto by John Baston to divisions on the famous Greensleeves, Henry Purcell’s Three Parts upon a Ground and hits from The Catch Club, this concert promises to paint a colourful musical landscape!

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All Saints’ Church, Queens Road, Hertford SG13 8AY (MAP)

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Tickets: £21.50

Price includes booking fees

EVENT 8

FLORIAN MITREA AT BENSLOW

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Sunday 6 June, 6.00pm - c. 7.00pm/8.30pm - c. 9.30pm

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Hertfordshire-based pianist Florian Mitrea makes a welcome return to the Festival this year with three master works of the piano repertoire by Beethoven, Chopin and Liszt. The programme includes a world première by Alan Mills.

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Peter Morrison Hall, Benslow Music Trust, Ibberson Way,

Hitchin SG4 9RB (MAP)

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Tickets: £20, £10 (livestream), free for under 27's

Contact Benslow Box Office for this event 

 

EVENT 9

MUSIC IN MIND - LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

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During the Festival period, specially trained musicians share the gift of music with selected care homes throughout the county of Hertfordshire via interactive online sessions for people living with dementia, including their carers and families. For those living with the condition, participating in music can bring not only an improvement in symptoms, but a sense of joy and elation for those taking part.

 

In collaboration with the outreach wing of the Orchestra of the Swan – Music Cares, and the Alzheimer’s Society

EVENT 10

TASMIN LITTLE: A MASTERCLASS

(in partnership with Future Talent and Queenswood School)

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Tuesday 8 June, 6.00pm - c. 7.00pm/8.00pm - c. 9.00pm

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In collaboration with Future Talent, who support gifted young musicians from low income backgrounds, distinguished international violinist Tasmin Little gives a masterclass for violin/viola players. This event will be available to watch as a livestream, without charge. To attend this free event, please register here. (You may select either or both sessions but please be aware that there is a cleaning period of 1 hour between sessions.)

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The event will also be available to watch as a livestream via Zoom, without charge. Please email festivalmanager@hertsmusicfest.org.uk to register your interest and a link will be sent in advance of the event.

 

Ernest Read Hall, Queenswood School, Shepherd's Way, Brookmans Park, Hatfield AL9 6NS (MAP)

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Daniel Swain - accompanist

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Capacity will be limited to 35 at any one time due to Covid-19 restrictions.

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EVENT 11

FLORIAN MITREA IN RECITAL

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Wednesday 9 June, 12.00pm - c. 12.55pm

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Florian Mitrea’s second appearance at HFoM 2021 balances Mozart’s charm with one of Chopin’s most popular works, and a repeat performance of a new work by Alan Mills.

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All Saints’ Church, Queens Road, Hertford SG13 8AY (MAP)

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FREE EVENT - donations welcome

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Capacity will be limited to 75 at any one time due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Alan Mills

Frédéric Chopin

Sonata in C major KV 309

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Fantasy in D minor KV 397 and Rondo in D major KV 485

The Lord Is My Shepherd

Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise Brilliante Op.22

EVENT 12

JUDITH WEIR IN CONVERSATION

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Thursday 10 June, 5.00pm - c. 5.45pm

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Master of the Queen’s Music and HFoM’s Featured Living Composer 2021, Judith Weir CBE talks to Artistic Directors James Francis Brown and Tom Hammond about her creative life, with opportunity for audience questions and participation. To attend this free event, please register here.

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Ernest Read Hall at Queenswood, Shepherd's Way, Brookmans Park, Hatfield AL9 6N (MAP)

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FREE EVENT

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EVENT 13

CHLOË HANSLIP AND DANNY DRIVER IN RECITAL

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Thursday 10 June, 6.00pm - c. 7.00pm/8.00pm - c. 9.00pm

 

For the Festival Finale, Principal Artist Chloë Hanslip ('Her performance can only be described as a tour de force.' - The Guardian) is joined by pianist Danny Driver to perform Beethoven and music by HFoM Artistic Director James Francis Brown and Judith Weir CBE.

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Chapel at Queenswood, Shepherd's Way, Brookmans Park, Hatfield AL9 6NS (MAP)

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Tickets: £21.50

Price includes booking fees

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Chloë Hanslip - violin

Danny Driver - piano

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The Hart's Grace

Sonata in G major, op. 96