One of England’s most colourful and charismatic composers – Sir Malcolm Arnold (1921-2006) – is to be celebrated across three days during October 2023 at the 18th International Malcolm Arnold Festival.
The festival is returning to the composer’s birthplace, the city of Northampton. There will be live music, talks and a masterclass over the weekend of 14-15 October, and broadcasting from around the UK as part of a specially procured programme will be a digital live-stream day on Sunday 29 October.
Festival Director Paul Harris says ‘This year’s Malcolm Arnold Festival, yet again, promises to be a real feast. As usual, we will be presenting a whole range of events from chamber concerts to full-scale symphonic works.’
Highlights of the weekend festival include:
- clarinet masterclass by Emma Johnson MBE
- The Enderby Band (pictured below) with a programme of music for brass by Malcolm Arnold
- John Gibbons conducts the Northampton Symphony Orchestra
- live music-making and talks at the composer’s Northampton School for Boys
- Arnold’s works for brass and wind by the Nick Budd Brass Quintet
- John Griff, gives an insight into the composer’s famous film music
- Hilary Davan Wetton conducts the LGT String Orchestra with Arnold favourites.
The ‘Live-stream’ day will be free-to-view and will feature:
- highlights from the composer’s five ballets
- a newly choreographed performance of a movement from Solitaire
- a special performance of Peacock in the Zoo with words by Arnold’s daughter.
Paul added ‘A wonderful way to spread Malcolm’s glorious music to an international audience… we look forward to reaching ever more Arnold enthusiasts around the world.’
For further information visit the Malcolm Arnold Festival website