A FESTIVAL of jazz and classical music put together by a family of world-class musicians aimed at engaging young people in the arts will be held near Malmesbury.

Music at Dauntsey will be an event like no other with extended family and long-established professional friendships showcasing a variety of musical genres.

A Jazz evening beginning at 7pm on Friday, June 24 will feature jazz pianist Zoe Rahman and guest-star brother Idris on clarinet. 

Giovanni Amati, one of the festival organisers, said “If you missed Zoe's appearance at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival with Courtney Pine, this is a rare opportunity to hear her locally”.

At 9pm, acclaimed jazz-influenced singer/songwriter Julia Biel, supported by her partner Idris on bass and Zoe's partner Patrick Illingworth on drums, will perform a set of original songs in her own distinctive style, plus a few old jazz favourites.

On Saturday, June 25 at 2pm there will be a children’s workshop for all-comers led by Idris Rahman with input from his fellow jazz musicians. 
Parents of participating children are welcome to bring their own picnic.

Giovanni said: “The whole programme is designed to be an easy introduction to music of diverse genres. 

"The idea is to make it friendly, to get young people involved.”

From 7pm a classical programme will begin in the stunning surroundings of the 10th Century church of St. James the Great.

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons will be presented in a unique collective style. 
In place of a single soloist, four upper strings, Andres Kaljuste, Minna Pensola, Maria Włoszczowska and Antti Tikkanen, will tackle one concerto each.

They will be matched by Rebecca Gilliver, principal cellist of the London Symphony Orchestra, with Sophia Rahman on harpsichord and Jani Pensola on double bass.

At 9pm the festival will conclude with Schubert’s Trout Quintet, featuring another sibling pair, Minna and Jani Pensola, on violin and double-bass.
Giovanni added, “The festival ideal is to foster a relaxed atmosphere among audiences and artists. 

"We hope that young and more experienced concert-goers alike will feel welcome to enjoy a weekend of top-level music-making in a glorious setting.” 

Any profits from the weekend’s events will be donated to Wiltshire Youth Action.

  • The festival takes place at Dauntsey Park House near Malmesbury from Friday, June 24 - Saturday, June 25. Tickets are £15 for the concerts and £10 per family for the workshop. There will be a bar with Indian food on Friday evening and Italian on Saturday, available at £10 per person. Tickets will be available on the door but it is advised to book in advance through Gio on 07748185544 or gioamati@btinternet.com. For more information visit dauntseyparkhouse.co.uk/events.