An immersive week at the world's oldest Classical music festival
The sun (mainly!) shone and the festival site at Gloucester Cathedral buzzed with atmosphere and activity.
On Tuesday 25 July I gave a talk in the Chapter House on the life and work of vaccination pioneer Dr Edward Jenner - and how his life and work has been celebrated through music and words with The Jenner Project.
Wednesday 26 July saw the world premiere of ‘What the Lark Saw’, evolving from the outputs of Gloucestershire community groups and their facilitators, and performed by the Cheltenham Youth Choir, Cheltenham Children's Choir, Severnside Singers, children from Elmbridge Primary School, accompanied by an ensemble of 2 flutes, violin, guitar, harp and piano and conducted by Rachel Bowen. Such a fabulous project.
Friday 28 July I attended a supporter's reception and had the opportunity to meet many interesting people involved with this fabulous festival - and from a distance saw the actor Sam West (Siegfried from All Creatures Great and Small)!
Saturday 29 July I was back for a superb performance of 'Tide and Time' by Flowers Band conducted by Michael Fowles, a fantastic programme, again in the glorious surroundings of Gloucester Cathedral.
Many thanks to the Three Choirs Festival for inviting me and to everyone who played, sung, conducted, facilitated, supported, and listened! Looking forward already to going to Worcester next year!
Connections around the world from New Zealand to Australia, Canada and the USA - and a special performance next year in the Netherlands.
Connections around the world from New Zealand to Australia, Canada and the USA - and a special performance next year in the Netherlands.
'Landscapes' and 'Shadow cast by the sun' from 'Rhythm of Light', recorded by Hepworth Band and conducted by Ryan Watkins, will be broadcast on Radio 3 Sunday 29 June. 'Rhythm of Light' was commissioned in 2021 to celebrate the life and work of sculptor Barbara Hepworth.
'Landscapes' and 'Shadow cast by the sun' from 'Rhythm of Light', recorded by Hepworth Band and conducted by Ryan Watkins, will be broadcast on Radio 3 Sunday 29 June. 'Rhythm of Light' was commissioned in 2021 to celebrate the life and work of sculptor Barbara Hepworth.
'Beyond the Light', one of two tracks on the Grimethorpe Colliery Band album 'Postcards from Grimethorpe' conducted by Jack Stamp, was broadcast on the new Radio 3 series, Brass Banding with Hannah Peel.
'Beyond the Light', one of two tracks on the Grimethorpe Colliery Band album 'Postcards from Grimethorpe' conducted by Jack Stamp, was broadcast on the new Radio 3 series, Brass Banding with Hannah Peel.

After a sellout event last year, Youth Brass in Concert is back – and it’s sure to be bigger and bolder!
Join us the day after the 48th Brass in Concert Championship to witness seven of the UK’s best youth bands compete for the prestigious title of Youth Brass in Concert Champions. Expect a level of creative programming and musical calibre which proves that the future of brass banding is in seriously good hands.
Celebration and passion lie at the heart of the show, so whether you’re a seasoned brass fan or new to the scene, you do not want to miss this day.

The Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference offers guests interested in music education an array of clinics and exhibits, as well as access to music and teaching icons. The conference will also focus on industry trends and future topics in business and music education. With more than 18,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 40 countries, The Midwest Clinic offers music educators and musicians alike an unmatched networking opportunity.