Chipping Campden classical festival kicks off (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Chipping Campden classical festival kicks off

CHIPPING Campden Music Festival, which runs from Saturday, June 4 to Wednesday, June 15 offers a cornucopia of classical music to suit all tastes.

The Festival opens with a recital by the legendary pianist John Lill, who plays music by Schumann, Brahms and Beethoven. Other piano recitals are by Mark Bebbington, who includes music by Ivor Gurney, on Wednesday, June 8, and the sought-after Richard Meyrick on Friday, June 10.

Cellist Julian Lloyd-Webber and pianist John Lenehan give a recital on Tuesday, June 7 and current BBC Young Musician of the Year, Nicola Benedetti, makes her Festival debut on Tuesday, June 14.

Baritone Christopher Maltman, The Lindsay String Quartet, the London Mozart Players, the Choir of Tewkesbury Abbey School and the Orchestra of St John's London will all be performing in the magnificent wool church of St James's, Chipping Campden during the Festival.

Two jazz suppers at the Cotswold House Hotel and a programme of music and readings in the gardens of Burnt Norton House are also included in the Festival programme.

The driving force behind the Chipping Campden Festival is local wine merchant Charlie Bennett who trained as a pianist at the Royal College of Music, before returning to Campden to run Bennett's Fine Wines.

For more information, bookings and brochures ring 01386 849018 or visit www.campdenmusicfestival.co.uk