Blow away the winter blues with a three night stay in the heart of the elegant Georgian city of Bath for the 11th edition of the ‘Bachfest’ celebrating the works and era of Johann Sebastian Bach.
We have just returned from a ‘sold out’ visit to the Mozartfest (and will return in November 2023). We stayed for the first time at the new Hampton by Hilton and have had outstanding feedback from our guests for the quality and style of the rooms and public areas. The hotel is situated in the heart of the city just a five-minute walk from the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey and the historic Guildhall. For the two performances that take place at St Mary’s Bathwick our coach will transfer guests to and from each concert.
The Bachfest attracts some of the world’s finest musicians, and 2023 begins with a performance with pianist Angela Hewitt, known for her interpretations & recordings of Bach. Her concert programme includes Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier – Book II.
Immediately after this first performance we join the Festival Opening Supper (one course with wine).
On Friday we have a tour of this historic city (on foot and by coach) with a coffee and cake stop enroute. We then enjoy an afternoon recital by the Onyx Brass Quintet, described by BBC Music Magazine as the classiest brass ensemble in Britain. Celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2023, the quintet will bring us a wide programme of works by Monteverdi, Couperin, Rameau, Handel, Purcell and five fugues of J.S. Bach.
Friday evening we have an early two course dinner with wines before we enjoy a concert of Vivaldi concerti with the acclaimed early music ensemble La Serenissima.
On Saturday morning we visit the outstanding Holburne Museum and at lunchtime we are pleased to be able to support the performance of soprano Ruby Hughes and the remarkable Fretwork Viol Consort who celebrate 37 years of performance in 2023.
Saturday evening we have a two course meal with wines before our final performance in the magnificent setting of Bath Abbey. The world-renowned baroque orchestra The English Concert join forces with the young harpsichordist Jean Rondeau and a programme including Bach’s Brandenburg Concerti No. 1 (F major), No. 3 (G Major) and No. 6 (B Flat Major).
On Sunday morning we check out after breakfast and head to the beautiful city of Wells with a visit to the Cathedral and a walk through the grounds of the Bishop’s Palace before we return to the Northwest arriving early evening.
