Wealth of musical talent

9:03am Friday 3rd October 2008

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THE 2008 Little Missenden Festival is bigger than ever, covering a variety of genres from early baroque and classical music to contemporary jazz and folk, as well as art lectures, poetry and special children’s items. The Festival was started in 1959 by Pat Harrison, a music teacher living in the village, and now has eighteen events, all held at the village hall and church. A Vaughan Williams theme will run throughout the 2008 programme.

“We have woven in several pieces by composer Ralph Vaughan Williams to tie in with the recent 50th anniversary of his death,” says John Buston, festival secretary. “Young tenor Nathan Vale, who took part in the Proms this summer, is singing a Vaughan Williams’ classic. The Askew Sisters include his work in their foot-stomping folk collection and young cellist Gemma Rosefield performs folk melodies by Williams. We also have a biographical film interspersed with his music.”

Other festival attractions include chamber jazz and original pieces by living composers, some specially commissioned.

The festival has wide appeal. “The essence is getting the balance right. It is a community event to a great extent,” adds John.

One programme aimed at youngsters has an insect theme, while a further three concerts are based on previous infant school workshops and inspiration from Picasso’s painting Girl With A Ponytail.

“Local composer Janet Davey has tracked down Picasso’s young model in Devon. Sylvette is now 73 and coming to the festival!”

The festival fortnight kicks off with a concert by The Binchois Consort, featuring early 15th Century and 16th Century music by candlelight in the Norman/Saxon church.

Little Missenden Festival: October 10–October 19.www.little-missenden.org. Tel: 01844 342039. E-mail: tickets@little-missenden.org