We are delighted to return to Bath and this most prestigious festival in the heart of the historic city. Over the past 30 years Bath Mozartfest has built an enviable reputation for artistic excellence in chamber and orchestral music. The annual festival takes place each November and presents the finest classical music performed by world-renowned artists.
This year we have decided to stay in the recently opened Hampton by Hilton which is situated in the heart of the city just two minutes walk from the Roman Baths and five minutes to Bath Abbey. The hotel is in contemporary style and has a consistency in room sizes (which several of the older style properties in the city lack). With a full breakfast buffet included each morning it has an 87% 4 & 5* review rating.
During our five night visit we have no less than nine concerts and recitals with outstanding artists including the Nash Ensemble, The Sixteen, Takács Quartet, Simon Trpčeski & Roderick Williams. Performances take place in the setting of the 18th century Assembly Rooms and Bath Abbey. Although the venues are within walking distance of the hotel we have included transfers to and from each of the Assembly Room concerts in case of inclement weather.
On our first evening we join the Festival Opening Supper at Woods Restaurant following the opening concert. On each of our other evenings we will have a two course meal before each evening concert.
Here's the complete concert programme:
Friday 11th, 730pm Takács Quartet
Edward Dusinberre violin; Harumi Rhodes violin; Richard O’Neill viola; András Fejér cello
- Mozart String Quartet No 20 in D major K 499
- Beethoven String Quartet No 11 in F minor Op 95 Serioso
- Dvořák String Quartet No 13 in G major Op 106
Saturday 12th, 11am Leonard Elschenbroich cello, Alexei Grynyuk piano
- Mozart Piano Sonata in D major K 576
- Brahms Cello Sonata No 1 in E minor Op 38
- Brahms Vier ernste Gesänge Op 121 (arr Shafran)
- Beethoven Cello Sonata No 5 in D Major Op 102 No 2
Saturday 12th, 730pm The Sixteen Choir & Orchestra
Bath Abbey Harry Christophers conductor
Purcell: Welcome Songs & Coronation Music for King James II
- Overture to The Tempest in G minor Z 631
- Coronation Anthem – I Was Glad
- What greater bliss from Welcome Song for King James II (1687) – Sound the trumpet! Beat the drum! Z 335
- If ever I more riches did desire Z 544
- Coronation Anthem – My heart is inditing Z 30
- O sing unto the Lord Z 44
- While Thirsis, wrapp’d in downy sleep Z 437 (A Pastoral Coronation Song)
- Catch: Full bags, a brisk bottle (No 9) Z 249
- Why, why are all the muses mute? Welcome song for King James II (1685)
Sunday 13th, 730pm Simon Trpčeski piano
- Mozart 8 Variations in A major on Come un agnello K 460
- Brahms Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann Op 9
- Prokofiev Tales of an Old Grandmother Op 31
- Beethoven 12 Variations on a Russian dance WoO 71
- Prokofiev Piano Sonata No 7 in B flat major Op 83
Monday 14th, 1pm Jennifer Pike violin, Jeremy Pike piano
- Mozart Violin Sonata in E flat major K 380
- Clara Schumann Romance for Violin & Piano Op 22 No 1
- Grieg Violin Sonata No 1 in F major Op 8
Monday 14th, 730pm Nash Ensemble
Alasdair Beatson piano, Richard Watkins horn, Benjamin Nabarro violin, Michael Gurevich violin, Lawrence Power viola, Timothy Ridout viola, Adrian Brendel cello, Graham Mitchell double bass
- Mozart Quintet in E flat major K 407 for horn and strings
- Mozart String Quintet No 5 in D major K 593
- Mendelssohn Song Without Words Op 109 for cello & piano
- Schubert Piano Quintet in A major D 667 The Trout
Tuesday 15th, 1pm Amatis Trio
Lea Hausmann violin, Samuel Shepherd cello, Andrei Gologan piano
- Mozart Piano Trio in C major K 548
- Suk Elegie in D flat major Op 23
- Mendelssohn Piano Trio No 1 in D minor Op 49
Tuesday 15th, 730pm Roderick Williams baritone, Susie Allan piano
A Birthday celebration for Ralph Vaughan Williams
- Vaughan Williams - Songs of Travel
Plus a selection of songs by Vaughan Williams, Boyle, Bruch, Butterworth, Clarke, Dring, Finzi, Gipps, Gurney, Holst, Howells, Ireland, Maconchy, Parry, Ravel, Stanford, Williams & Wood.
Wednesday 16th, 1pm The Teyber Trio
Tim Crawford violin, Timothy Ridout viola, Tim Posner cello
- Kodaly Intermezzo for String Trio
- Mozart Divertimento in E flat major K 563
We depart for home after this concert.
During our stay we have a morning walking tour of Bath and, on Sunday, a half day visit to Wells Cathedral and the Bishop's Palace. Transfers are included from the usual Northwest pick-up points.
Priority Booking is now available for all that have registered in advance and any remainin places will go on general sale from Wednesday 24th August.