RNCM 2014 Chamber Music Festival the Art of Bach
RNCM 2014 Chamber Music Festival
The Art of Bach
In January, the RNCM Concert Hall closes for a major £3 million redevelopment, meaning that for the first time, the RNCM’s Chamber Music Festival will take place in Manchester city centre, at Manchester Cathedral, St Ann’s Church, and Chetham’s School of Music.
Entitled the Art of Bach, the 2014 Festivalfocuses on the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, undoubtedly one of the most influential composers of all time, and over three days, Friday 10 to Sunday 12 January, RNCM musicians, professional ensembles and many special guests present an array of concerts dedicated to his work.
Throughout the Festivalall six Brandenburg Concertos will be performed by students and guests including the Gould Piano Trio’s Lucy Gould and Benjamin Frith, the Talich Quartet, and the Sitkovetsky Piano Trio, and the composer’s Art of Fugue, a 90 minute piece based on one four-bar theme, forms an integral partasRNCM composers showcase new arrangements featuring strings, wind, brass, and chamber choir. Music by Bach’s extended family, in particular C P E Bach, is also included, in addition to masterclasses with pianist Harvey Davis, violinist Jan Talich, and the Festival Director, cellist Petr Praus.
Talking of the Festival, Petr said:‘This musical journey began before last year’s Festival, in which the RNCM marked its 40th anniversary with an extraordinary celebration of Beethoven. I spent time looking back at the history of the College’s Chamber Music Festivals, from my own time as Artistic Director to the very first editions, for a musical dynasty I could unlock fully for the first time. The Festival has such a rich history and finding a theme each year is a decision I cherish. But on this occasion the answer came easily: the Bach family. With over 50 musicians to its name, I’m delighted to present their music to you over these fantastic three days.’
Over 150 students will take part in the Art of Bach, the College’s 16th festival, together with prize-winning ensembles, young musicians from the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Chetham’s School of Music, St Mary’s School and Junior RNCM. There is also music from Roger Hamilton and The Band of Instruments,performing with soprano Lynne Dawson, the RNCM’s Head of Vocal Studies; the magnificent Academy of Ancient Music; and the Cathedral Choir, which presents two sacred choral works alongside RNCM musicians as part of services at Manchester Cathedral.
RNCM Chamber Music Festivals usually take place within the College’s various performances spaces, including theConcert Hall. In September 2013, the College launched Your RNCM, a £3 million campaign to transform this space into a state-of-the-art venue fit for the 21st century. As a result, the Concert Hall will be closed from January until October 2014. To learn more about Your RNCM, including how to get involved, visit
For more information or to request interviews and images, please contact Liz Rowley, PR and Media Relations Officer, at or 0161 907 5369.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Pricing Information:
- Full Festival Ticket: £102
- Friday Ticket: £30
- Saturday Ticket: £45
- Sunday Ticket: £38
- To book call the RNCM Box Office on 0161 907 5555 or log on to Door sales will be available at all three venues, but will be cash only and subject to availability.
Venue Information:
Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street, Manchester, M3 1SX
Tel: 0161 833 2220
St Ann’s Church, St Ann Street, Manchester, M2 7LF
Tel: 0161 834 0239
Chetham’s School of Music, Long Millgate Street, Manchester, M3 1SB
Tel: 0161 834 9644