Available Events

A special 40th anniversary event with former Festival Artistic Director (1990 – 2001), Paul Spicer, in conversation with our current Festival Director, Damian Thantrey, looking back over 40 years of Lichfield Festival history, taking in ‘behind the scenes’ highs and (very occasional) lows, favourite artists and events, and much more…! Followed by an audience Q&A.

Sponsored by Morfudd Lamb

LFF Priority Booking (Founder, Platinum, Millenium, Gold): Tuesday 19th April
LFF Priortiy Booking (Silver and Bronze): Tuesday 26th April
General Public: Tuesday 3rd May, 10am

The Festival’s 40th anniversary Cathedral nights start with a bang, as Festival Patron and pop legend, Tony Hadley, returns to Lichfield to celebrate both the Festival’s and his own remarkable 40 years in music. Four decades since Tony first released music with his former band Spandau Ballet, his unmistakeable voice still brims with passion and urgency as it first did all those years ago. A big celebration for one of the biggest voices in pop, Tony will perform tracks from across his stellar career.

N.B. If booking the £80 VIP Meet and Greet tickets, the Festival team will email you a little closer to the event to confirm the details of the Meet and Greet, including time and location (we currently expect this to take place pre-show at around 6.30pm).

Sponsored by Pegasus

Since its formation in 1972 the Brodsky Quartet has performed over 3000 concerts on the major stages of the world and released more than 60 recordings. A natural curiosity and insatiable desire to explore has propelled the group in many artistic directions and continues to ensure them not only a place at the very forefront of the international chamber music scene but also a rich and varied musical existence.

Here, they are joined by Festival Associate Artist, Danny Driver, in a programme featuring works from the inaugural Festival in 1982.

YOUNG ARTIST SERIES

British-Irish violinist Eleanor Corr was the winner of the 2020 Royal Over-Seas League Gold Medal. She is currently the leader of ETO and a Philip and Dorothy Green Young Artist. She has given critically acclaimed recitals at venues such as Buckingham Palace, Wigmore Hall, Sage Gateshead, and has broadcast on BBC Radio 3. Her ‘folk inspirations’ programme, together with pianist Emil Duncumb, features works by Grieg and Janacek plus, as part of our own #RVW150 series, Vaughan Williams’ much-loved The Lark Ascending.

This concert is presented in conjunction with the Royal Over-Seas League

A bittersweet tale told by an idiot…

Will ‘Cavaliero’ Kempe was one of the finest performers of the Elizabethan age. Gentleman player, juggling jester, headmaster of Morris dancers and London’s finest clown, until…he fell out with Will ‘git face’ Shakespeare. Kempe died alone and poverty stricken and faded into obscurity. A world away from his former life having supposedly originated some of literature’s best-known characters, including Bottom, Dogberry, and Falstaff. Join Cavaliero Kempe as he gives his final performance to an audience of a mouse and a marrote, and tells us what really happened between him and William Shakespeare. This one-man play from Tortive Theatre premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2021 and received rave reviews from audience and critics alike.

Festival Associate Artist, Danny Driver, returns for a solo recital after a busy 2021 of streamed and live performances, not to mention a staggering nine concerts as part of our 2021 season. Amongst many other recent highlights are several Wigmore Hall performances and the recent announcement that his complete recording of the Ligeti Etudes has been named one of Presto Classical’s ‘Classical Recordings of the Year 2021’.

Sponsored by Peter Parsons

LFF Priority Booking (Founder, Platinum, Millenium, Gold): Tuesday 19th April
LFF Priortiy Booking (Silver and Bronze): Tuesday 26th April
General Public: Tuesday 3rd May, 10am

Friday 8th July / 8.30pm / The Hub at St Mary's / Unreserved seating

On Sale Dates: 

LFF Priority Booking (Founder, Platinum, Millenium, Gold): Tuesday 19th April
LFF Priortiy Booking (Silver and Bronze): Tuesday 26th April
General Public: Tuesday 3rd May

Lichfield’s own award-winning actor, writer and comedian, Katie Arnstein, returns to the Festival with Sticky Door, the 3rd part and final part of her It’s A Girl trilogy.  An ‘an incredible performer who seems primed for greatness’ (The Guardian), this 5-star show wowed audiences at the 2021 Edinburgh Festival, as Katie – casting herself as a female Casanova – scours the highways and byways of London for a no-frills lover-man every month, hoping that Helen Mirren will play her in the film version of her life…a storytelling show with songs about sex, stigma and cystitis.

Sponsored by Lichfield Smiles

YOUNG ARTIST SERIES

Prize-winning Chinese pianist Junyan Chen has played in concert halls across the world. She is about to complete her studies at the Royal Academy of Music but has already played at prestigious venues across Japan, China, Italy, Spain and in the UK Recent highlights include Rachmaninov Concerto no. 4, conducted by Edward Gardner, and an incredible 4 prizes at the prestigious Vigo International Piano Competition.

Sponsored by Nigel O’Mara

Saturday 9th July / 2pm / The Hub at St Mary's / Reserved seating

On Sale Dates: 

LFF Priority Booking (Founder, Platinum, Millenium, Gold): Tuesday 19th April
LFF Priortiy Booking (Silver and Bronze): Tuesday 26th April
General Public: Tuesday 3rd May 

A wry, amusing, and incisive trip through the history of literature, feminism, and gender, as Rebecca Vaughan performs Virginia Woolf’s 1928 exploration of the impact of poverty and sexual inequality on intellectual freedom and creativity.  Meet Charlotte Brontë, Jane Austen, Aphra Behn, and Shakespeare’s sister – Judith – in this 21st century take on Woolf’s celebrated lecture. In the far-flung future of 2028, whatever you do…Keep Off The Grass!

Sponsored by Morfudd Lamb

A regular visitor to the Festival in the 1980s and 90s, celebrated guitarist, Paul Galbraith, returns to Lichfield for an intimate concert of music by Bach, Mozart, Schumann and Granados. Internationally renowned, Paul is one of the finest active guitarists today, as well as a brilliant innovator. With the help of the eight-string “Brahms Guitar”, an instrument he developed together with David Rubio, he has expanded both the limits of the instrument and the quality and breadth of its repertoire. Several highly acclaimed recordings attest to these developments, as well as to his searching artistic temperament and mastery.

His programme will include works by J.S. Bach, Mozart, Schumann, Granados & Albeniz

Sponsored by Shirley & Richard Newby

Satirday 9th July / 7.30pm / Lichfield Cathedral / Reserved Seating

On Sale Dates:

LFF Priority Booking (Founder, Platinum, Millenium, Gold): Tuesday 19th April
LFF Priortiy Booking (Silver and Bronze): Tuesday 26th April
General Public: Tuesday 3rd May, 10am

A major part of our 40th anniversary celebrations: a 40-voice concert featuring Thomas Tallis‘s masterpiece Spem in alium and our own new commission, From Silence, with text by international best-selling author, Alexander McCall Smith, and music by Thomas Hyde (whose orchestral overture Les at Leisure was premiered at the 2018 Festival). Alongside other works by Tallis, the programme also features several settings by Vaughan Williams as part of #RVW150, including his double-choir Mass in G minor. For this event, we will welcome some of the UK’s finest choral voices via ensembles The Carice Singers and Pieces of Eight, together with the Gentlemen of the Cathedral Choir.  Conducted by Patrick Craig and George Parris.

Sponsored by Frances Yorke, and many Founder, Millennium and other members of the Lichfield Festival Friends

Samuel Johnson said: ‘friendship should be in constant repair’. The Johnson Society of Lichfield invites you to join them for a now annual walk to Johnson’s Willow, with the theme of Friendship & Refreshment. Toast the memory of Samuel Johnson; see what he might have seen and celebrate his Lichfield friendships.

In Association with the Johnson Society

Sunday 10th July / 1pm / Starting from Chapter's Coffee Shop, Cathedral Close

On Sale Dates: 

LFF Priority Booking (Founder, Platinum, Millenium, Gold): Tuesday 19th April
LFF Priortiy Booking (Silver and Bronze): Tuesday 26th April
General Public: Tuesday 3rd May 

Samuel Johnson said: ‘friendship should be in constant repair’. The Johnson Society of Lichfield invites you to join them for a now annual walk to Johnson’s Willow, with the theme of Friendship & Refreshment. Toast the memory of Samuel Johnson; see what he might have seen and celebrate his Lichfield friendships.

In Association with the Johnson Society

Sunday 10th July / 1.30pm / The Hub at St Mary's / Reserved seating

On Sale Dates: 

LFF Priority Booking (Founder, Platinum, Millenium, Gold): Tuesday 19th April
LFF Priortiy Booking (Silver and Bronze): Tuesday 26th April
General Public: Tuesday 3rd May 

Regular and much-loved Festival visitors, Charles Court Opera, return with another of their cleverly-crafted and superbly-performed G&S stagings, following HMS Pinafore (2019) and their medley & murder masterpiece G&S Express (2021). Opening at the Opéra Comique in April 1881, Patience (or Bunthorne’s Bride) soon moved to D’Oyly Carte’s new theatre, the Savoy, the first theatre in the world to be lit entirely by electric light, and went on to run for 578 performances. Expect a typical tale of tongue-twisting lyrics and comedy, in a world where well-born young fall rapturously in love with unsuitable poets, both of whom are, in turn, in love with the eponymous Patience, a simple village milkmaid, who cares nothing for their art. Meanwhile, a hoard of military suitors add to the mayhem, and Patience learns that true love must be completely unselfish – it must wither and sting and burn…!

Sponsored by The George Hotel

Former Festival Young Artist (2018) and BBC Young Musician of the Year finalist (2016), Ben Goldscheider is now one of Europe’s most in-demand French horn soloists, appearing with major orchestras including the London Symphony Orchestra and the LPO. His 2021 recording Legacy: A Tribute to Dennis Brain has received great critical acclaim, and early 2022 sees performances in Spain, Germany, Greece and Sweden, as well as several appearances across the UK. He is joined by the superb Goldfield Ensemble as part of our 2022 celebration of the music of Vaughan Williams in this, the 150th anniversary of his birth. Their programme includes Vaughan Williams’ recently discovered and completed Horn Sonata, plus the 1898 Quintet in D major alongside Brahms’ much-loved Clarinet Trio in A minor.

Sponsored by the Lichfield Festival Friends

Sunday 10th July / 7.30pm / The Hub at St Mary's / Reserved seating

On Sale Dates: 

LFF Priority Booking (Founder, Platinum, Millenium, Gold): Tuesday 19th April
LFF Priortiy Booking (Silver and Bronze): Tuesday 26th April
General Public: Tuesday 3rd May 

Regular and much-loved Festival visitors, Charles Court Opera, return with another of their cleverly-crafted and superbly-performed G&S stagings, following HMS Pinafore (2019) and their medley & murder masterpiece G&S Express (2021). Opening at the Opéra Comique in April 1881, Patience (or Bunthorne’s Bride) soon moved to D’Oyly Carte’s new theatre, the Savoy, the first theatre in the world to be lit entirely by electric light, and went on to run for 578 performances. Expect a typical tale of tongue-twisting lyrics and comedy, in a world where well-born young fall rapturously in love with unsuitable poets, both of whom are, in turn, in love with the eponymous Patience, a simple village milkmaid, who cares nothing for their art. Meanwhile, a hoard of military suitors add to the mayhem, and Patience learns that true love must be completely unselfish – it must wither and sting and burn…!

Sponsored by Marian & Tony Bateman

LFF Priority Booking (Founder, Platinum, Millenium, Gold): Tuesday 19th April
LFF Priortiy Booking (Silver and Bronze): Tuesday 26th April
General Public: Tuesday 3rd May, 10am

A special organ duet recital with Cathy & Ben Lamb both of whom are leading lights in Lichfield’s music scene, featuring music by J.S. Bach, Mozart and Wesley.

Ben is Director of Music at Lichfield Cathedral, leading both the Cathedral choir and Lichfield Cathedral Chorus, has held organ scholarships at Truro and Salisbury Cathedrals and founded Sarum Voices who have recorded eight CDs. While Cathy, also an organ scholar at Salisbury Cathedral and Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, and main accompanist for Sarum Voices, is Director of Music Outreach at Lichfield Cathedral School and responsible for the TES award-winning MusicShare project, a collaboration between the school and Lichfield Cathedral.

Sponsored by David Cliffe & Jane Steeley

In partnership with the Lichfield and District Ramblers, this year’s six-mile Ramble will start at Darnford Park car park, before taking in local lanes, the canal towpath and Whittington village. Appropriate footwear and clothing required – and please bring refreshment for halfway through!

Ramble Information:

Length of walk: 6.5 miles 

Starting point: Darnford Park car park, at the junction of Ryknild Street and Tamworth Road, Lichfield.

YOUNG ARTIST SERIES

The Alkyona Quartet present imaginative interpretations of both well-known and hidden gems of the string quartet repertoire. They are well-known for their warm audience connection and vivacious performances, and are ‘as vibrant as their “Kingfisher” namesake’. They have  performed at leading venues including St John’s, Smith Square and the Royal Albert Hall. Their 2022 programme features Beethoven Quartet in D major, Op. 18, No. 3 and Mendelssohn’s Quartet in F minor, Op.80, the last major work written by the composer before his death.

Afternoon tea is available at Swinfen Hall after this event – please book direct with Swinfen Hall on 01543 481494

Sponsored by Nigel O’Mara

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men – with a history stretching back to Shakespeare himself – invite you to join them for a sparkling comedy, As You Like It. One of the UK’s finest touring theatre companies present this great play as Shakespeare first saw it performed – in the open air, by an all-male cast and with Elizabethan costumes, music and dance.

Separately, Rosalind and Celia, the noble Orlando, and the usurped Duke are banished and set up new lives in the Forest of Arden. Free from the constraints of their former lives lovers tussle, wits and fools spar, and everyone wrestles with what it really means to be yourself. This rustic romp packed with music, laughs, cross-dressing confusion and a dash of wrestling will keep you smiling to the last.

Bring a chair, cushions and/or a blanket, plus a picnic, and prepare to be entertained and transported in this special outdoor 40th Festival event at Lichfield Cathedral…

Sponsored by Swinfen Hall 

YOUNG ARTIST SERIES

The Flutes & Frets duo of flautist Beth Stone and guitar/lutenist Daniel Murphy, is a unique ensemble specialising in music from renaissance all the way through to contemporary repertoire. Their aim is to play these various styles of music on the instruments they were originally composed for, combining both modern and historically-informed performance together with arrangements and transcriptions. Their programme will feature works by Handel, Giuliani, Dowland and Glinka.

In memory of Caroline Green

Tuesday 12th July / 7.30pm / Lichfield Cathedral / Reserved Seating

On Sale Dates:

LFF Priority Booking (Founder, Platinum, Millenium, Gold): Tuesday 19th April
LFF Priortiy Booking (Silver and Bronze): Tuesday 26th April
General Public: Tuesday 3rd May, 10am

The National Youth Jazz Orchestra return to Lichfield to perform their Heritage programme, featuring bespoke arrangements of classic American Songbook melodies, led by NYJO Artistic Director, Mark Armstrong.

Sponsored by Jerry Sykes

YOUNG ARTIST SERIES

Joe Howson studied at the Royal College of Music, under the tutelage of Festival Associate Artist, Danny Driver.  His broad and adventurous solo repertoire spans from the baroque to the present, with a particular focus on lesser-known piano works of the twentieth century. Joe is also an experienced collaborative musician, working with ensembles such as Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, Sinfonia Cymru and Das Neue Ensemble, as well as accompanying for the vocal faculties at Trinity Laban and RCM and performing in multiple active chamber groups.

His programme includes Ravel’s Gaspard de la Nuit, which originally featured in the 1982 Festival programme.

Sponsored by Nigel O’Mara

Wednesday 13th July / 7.30pm / The Hub at St Mary's / Reserved seating

On Sale Dates: 

LFF Priority Booking (Founder, Platinum, Millenium, Gold): Tuesday 19th April
LFF Priortiy Booking (Silver and Bronze): Tuesday 26th April
General Public: Tuesday 3rd May

The third collaboration between Oz Clarke & the Armonico Consort team  sees them investigate the lows and (mainly) highs of the relationship between gin, music and humans over the centuries. Wine expert, Oz, hosts the perfect evening of music, gin, incredible facts and blunt fiction,  alongside counter tenor, and former Cathedral chorister, William Towers.  Enjoy a few glasses of gin whilst hearing the incredible music of Purcell, Handel and Dowland. Learn of the incredible tales of human endeavour and failure, which has given us one of the most celebrated resurgences in alcoholic modern history.

*Ticket includes two tasting gins

Sponsored by Close Friends

LFF Priority Booking (Founder, Platinum, Millenium, Gold): Tuesday 19th April
LFF Priortiy Booking (Silver and Bronze): Tuesday 26th April
General Public: Tuesday 3rd May, 10am

YOUNG ARTIST SERIES

Aaron Akugbo is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and an ex-principal of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. He is already freelancing in the principal chairs of some of the most prestigious orchestras in the UK including the BBC Philharmonic, BBC Symphony and Royal Philharmonic Orchestras.  Accompanied by pianist Zeynep Özsuca, Aaron will play works by Telemann, Sally Beamish, Enescu and Florence Price.

Sponsored by a Lichfeldian

After 2021’s look at the City’s unique and historic architecture, join the wonderful Lichfield Camera Club for their 2022 guided walk, focussing on our environment and environmental heritage. Starting from The Hub at St Mary’s, create your own works of art drawing inspiration from the world around you, whether through the eye of a camera, iPad or smartphone lens.

Meet the team at The Hub at St Mary’s at 2pm before setting off for this fascinating afternoon event!

Meet the unexpected, overlooked and forgotten models of art history. Who was Picasso’s ‘Weeping Woman’? Why was Grace Jones covered in graffiti? How did Francis Bacon meet the burglar who became his muse?

Muse tells the true stories of the incredible muses who have inspired art history’s masterpieces. From Leonardo da Vinci’s studio to the covers of Vogue, art historian, critic and writer Ruth Millington uncovers the remarkable role of muses in some of art history’s most well-known and significant works.

Sponsored by David Cliffe

Thursday 14th July / 7.30pm / Lichfield Cathedral / Reserved Seating

On Sale Dates:

LFF Priority Booking (Founder, Platinum, Millenium, Gold): Tuesday 19th April
LFF Priortiy Booking (Silver and Bronze): Tuesday 26th April
General Public: Tuesday 3rd May, 10am

The Longest Johns, the trailblazing band at the forefront of the recent transatlantic resurgence of sea shanties – and  the instigators of the TikTok phenomenon and chart hit, Wellerman – appear at the Lichfield Festival for the first time this July.

Over the past decade the four friends from Bristol have gone from singing sea shanties and folk songs in pubs to raising the roof to a jam-packed tent of adoring fans at Latitude 2021, appearing on the prestigious BBC Sounds Stage, and garnering 250 million combined streams online. They brought an incredible year to a close with a sell-out UK tour in December 2021, taking their electrifying live show across the country and beyond, and they toured the US as well this March, due to unprecedented demand.

Sponsored by Florette

YOUNG ARTIST SERIES

Continuing the Festival’s long relationship with Chetham’s School of Music, we once again welcome some of their most talented students to perform in our 2022 Young Artist Series. Discover the UK’s next big prospects, with solo performances by a selection of their young musicians, including recorder player, Mabel, trombonist Samuel Froggatt, and cellist/singer Elicia Palmer, with music by Gounod, Strauss and Schubert.
 

Sponsored by David R Mayes OBE

A critically-acclaimed stage production based on the celebrated book ‘Walking to Jerusalem’. More than 100 walkers took part. Nine walked the whole way. This is their story…

2017 marked three major anniversaries in the Palestinian struggle: to change the record after a century of injustice, a pilgrimage set out to walk from London to Jerusalem – in penance, solidarity and hope. This was the inspiration of award-winning actor and playwright, Justin Butcher, (Scaramouche Jones, The Madness of George Dubya) who brings the story to life in a playful and inventive blend of stand-up and theatre.  Along Roman roads and refugee routes, with occasional outbreaks of blisters, tear gas and desert spirituality, Butcher traces the perils, pratfalls and marvels of the path to Jerusalem.  A chronicle of serendipity: happenstances, both hilarious, and infuriating – or, as pilgrims might say, encounters with the Divine.

Sponsored by Barbara & David Porter

A critically-acclaimed stage production based on the celebrated book ‘Walking to Jerusalem’. More than 100 walkers took part. Nine walked the whole way. This is their story…

2017 marked three major anniversaries in the Palestinian struggle: to change the record after a century of injustice, a pilgrimage set out to walk from London to Jerusalem – in penance, solidarity and hope. This was the inspiration of award-winning actor and playwright, Justin Butcher, (Scaramouche Jones, The Madness of George Dubya) who brings the story to life in a playful and inventive blend of stand-up and theatre.  Along Roman roads and refugee routes, with occasional outbreaks of blisters, tear gas and desert spirituality, Butcher traces the perils, pratfalls and marvels of the path to Jerusalem.  A chronicle of serendipity: happenstances, both hilarious, and infuriating – or, as pilgrims might say, encounters with the Divine.

Friday 15th July / 7.30pm / The Hub at St Mary's / Reserved seating

On Sale Dates: 

LFF Priority Booking (Founder, Platinum, Millenium, Gold): Tuesday 19th April
LFF Priortiy Booking (Silver and Bronze): Tuesday 26th April
General Public: Tuesday 3rd May

Host of both BBC2’s Lightning and Live at the Apollo, Zoe Lyons is a regular on Have I Got News for You, QI, and Mock the Week.  Her many TV appearances also include Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, House of Games, The Apprentice: You’re Fired, Hypothetical, and she was also  winner of the BBC’s Celebrity Mastermind.

An immediately recognisable voice on Radio 4, she is also a regular on The News Quiz, Just a Minute, The Unbelievable Truth and The Now Show, plus her own four part series Passport Paddy. She is an award winning stand-up, winner of Dave’s Joke of the Fringe, Comedian’s Comedian of the Year, and The Funny Women Award, as well as being nominated for the Edinburgh Best Newcomer Comedy Award.

Saturday 16th July / 11.30am / The Hub at St Mary's / Unreserved seating
The late great Professor Stephen Hawking once said that “the development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race.” So, how do you prevent an AI from taking over the world? In this exciting multi-media talk, our special guest today, Dr Nira Chamberlain OBE discusses how mathematics is providing crucial answers.

Dr Nira is one of the UK's leading mathematicians. He was appointed President of the Institute of Mathematics in 2020 and, in 2018, was the winner of the Big Internet Math Off title for the ‘world’s most interesting mathematician’. Amongst his many media appearances, he has  recently been a guest of Radio 4’s The Life Scientific, discussing how mathematical models can solve real-life problems.

“There’s a world outside and I want to see it!”

The superb West Midlands-based Paperback Theatre bring us their own adaptation of the classic family tale, Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows.

Can our heroes save the day? Find out by joining us for this raucous, fast-paced adventure, full of silliness, songs and car chases, that will be both hilarious and touching in equal measure!

YOUNG ARTIST SERIES – Gordon Clark Scholars

Tim Posner cello and Joseph Havlat piano join us as our 2022 Gordon Clark Scholars – Gordon Clark was one of the Festival’s founding fathers and, each year, young performers are able to attend the prestigious Prussia Cove masterclasses thanks to the generous support of his eponymous Trust. Highlights for Tim will in 2021/22 will include the world premiere of Polo Piatti’s Cello Concerto and a recital debut at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam; Joseph studied at the Royal Academy of Music and is much in demand as a soloist, chamber musician and composer.

Sponsored by Nigel O’Mara

“There’s a world outside and I want to see it!”

The superb West Midlands-based Paperback Theatre bring us their own adaptation of the classic family tale, Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows.

Can our heroes save the day? Find out by joining us for this raucous, fast-paced adventure, full of silliness, songs and car chases, that will be both hilarious and touching in equal measure!

Saturday 16th July / 4pm / The Hub at St Mary's / Unreserved seating

On Sale Dates: 

LFF Priority Booking (Founder, Platinum, Millenium, Gold): Tuesday 19th April
LFF Priortiy Booking (Silver and Bronze): Tuesday 26th April
General Public: Tuesday 3rd May

1982 saw the very first Lichfield Festival and in honour of that, as part of our bespoke 40th anniversary #LF40 series, we take you back in time to the 1980s, for a cabaret celebrating a decade of great music (and questionable fashion sense…).

Associate Artist and Festival-favourite, Jessica Walker, joined as always by the wonderful Joe Atkins on piano, brings us a typically-eclectic, specially-curated programme, including her own stylish and personal interpretations on 80s hit songs by Kate Bush, Dolly Parton, Annie Lennox, Barbra Streisand and many more. Big hair and shoulder pads optional…

Sponsored by Barbara & David Porter

LFF Priority Booking (Founder, Platinum, Millenium, Gold): Tuesday 19th April
LFF Priortiy Booking (Silver and Bronze): Tuesday 26th April
General Public: Tuesday 3rd May, 10am

This concert is in memory of Pauline & John Round 

Sponsored by Lichfield Festival Friends

Sunday 17th July / 12pm / The Hub at St Mary's / Reserved seating

On Sale Dates: 

LFF Priority Booking (Founder, Platinum, Millenium, Gold): Tuesday 19th April
LFF Priortiy Booking (Silver and Bronze): Tuesday 26th April
General Public: Tuesday 3rd May

YOUNG ARTIST SERIES

Trio Mazzolini is a London-based piano trio made up of violinist Jack Greed, cellist Yurie Lee, and pianist Harry Rylance. Shortly after their formation in 2019, they were awarded a Chamber Music Fellowship at the Royal Academy of Music – a position they retained for the 2021/22 academic year. They are also one of the two ensembles for the 2022 Britten-Pears Young Artist Programme.  Following on from their superb 2021 Festival debut, they return to close our 2022 Young Artist Series with a programme featuring Haydn, Schoenberg Verklärte Nacht and the sublime Amy Beach Piano Trio.

Sponsored by Nigel O’Mara

Ahead of his Festival closing recital this evening, internationally-renowned cellist and author, Steven Isserlis, discusses his latest book ‘The Bach Cello Suites – A Companion’.

Bach’s Six Suites for solo cello  are amongst the most legendary works in music, and Steven’s award-winning 2007 recording is regarded as a benchmark.  In the book, Steven goes into the history and emotional journey of the Suites, using all his experience of performing them.

“A master of the material…it is an absolute treat to be led to this sublime music by such an expert.” Michael Palin

Sponsored by Lorna Boxall 

Sunday 17th July / 4.15pm / The Hub at St Mary's / Reserved seating

On Sale Dates: 

LFF Priority Booking (Founder, Platinum, Millenium, Gold): Tuesday 19th April
LFF Priortiy Booking (Silver and Bronze): Tuesday 26th April
General Public: Tuesday 3rd May

Associate Artist, Jessica Walker, returns for a special cabaret appearance to celebrate the music, life and songs of the late, great Stephen Sondheim, who died in late 2021 at the age of 91.

Among the most important figures in 20th-century music theatre, Sondheim won eight Tony Awards, 8 Grammy Award, a Pulitzer Prize and an Oscar, among his many accolades, starting his theatre career by writing the lyrics for West Side Story and Gypsy, before becoming a composer and lyricist, whose best-known works included Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George, Follies, Into the Woods and A Little Night Music. Join Jessica, her regular collaborator, pianist Joe Atkins, and special guests, for an afternoon of his greatest hits (together with lesser-known gems), including Send in the Clowns, Losing My Mind, Being Alive and many more…

Sponsored by Mike & Adrienne Swallow

Sunday 17th July / 9.15pm / Lichfield Cathedral / Unreserved seating

On Sale Dates: 

LFF Priority Booking (Founder, Platinum, Millenium, Gold): Tuesday 19th April
LFF Priortiy Booking (Silver and Bronze): Tuesday 26th April
General Public: Tuesday 3rd May

The 40th anniversary Festival closes with what is sure to be a superb recital by renowned British cellist, Steven Isserlis. A regular visitor during the Festival’s early years, he first appeared with us in 1988 to play a solo recital featuring two of the Bach Cello Suites in the Lady Chapel of the Cathedral, returning in 1989 to play the Elgar Cello Concerto with the CBSO.

Acclaimed worldwide for his profound musicianship and technical mastery, Steven enjoys a uniquely varied career as a soloist, chamber musician, educator, author and broadcaster, appearing with the world’s leading orchestras and conductors, and giving recitals in major musical centres. His 2022 Festival programme will feature two works from the first part of the 19th century: Moscheles Cello Sonata, Op. 121 and Beethoven Cello Sonata No. 3 in A major, Op. 69.

Sponsored by Lorna Boxall & Margaret Cooper Ramsell