Italian classics for music-lovers in January

Liz Nicholls

Amersham & Villages, Beaconsfield & Villages, Buckinghamshire, Great Missenden & Hazlemere, Marlow, Bourne End & Cookham, Princes Risborough & Stokenchurch, Round and About, Shows & Reviews

The Amersham Festival of Music team invite you to look ahead to their next highlights including an Italian concert at 4pm & 8pm on Friday, 10th January at St Mary’s

Amersham Festival of Music’s team are making a significant milestone this year: four decades of delivering world-class music to audiences.

So far, this year’s winter programme has offered an unforgettable celebration of classical music, jazz, and an exceptional programme of Italian concertos.

Festival artistic director Iain Ledingham says: “We’re delighted to celebrate our 40th anniversary with such a rich and diverse programme. From timeless masterpieces to the thrilling sounds of jazz, we are excited to offer something truly special for our audiences.”

Countess Howe has bid a fond farewell to Ian whose time as festival artistic director is drawing to a close, and welcomed his successor, Chris Hopkins, and look to the future of our much-loved Festival.

In1983 Iain set up the festival. His own stellar career at the Royal Academy of Music reflects his exceptional musicianship, which he generously brought to Bucks by establishing South Bucks Choral Society in 1980. He recognised the transformational benefits, joy and camaraderie of communal singing, taking singers with a wide range of ability, nurturing them and improving their skills. The end-product of his remarkable abilities has been choral singing of which the community can be really proud.

On Friday, 10th January, at St Mary’s in Old Amersham, two identical performances – at 4pm and 8pm – will bring music-lovers some much-needed warmth with An Italian Concert for the New Year. You’re invited to ring in 2025 with a stunning programme of Italian classics, filled with passion and exuberance. Featuring renowned soloists including soporano Daisy Livesy and violinist Charlotte Edwards and ensembles, this concert is the perfect way to start 2025 on a high note!

At 8pm on Friday, 14th February, at St James Church, Gerrards Cross you can enjoy music from Bach, Mozart, and Schubert. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with sublime music from these three legendary composers capturing the essence of love through timeless works.

In addition to celebrating their 40th year, the Amersham Festival of Music team remain dedicated to nurturing the next generation. Through their annual bursary scheme, they have helped more than 100 young musicians, distributing more than £20,000 in the past five years alone. These bursaries have been used to cover tuition fees or help young artists acquire much-needed instruments.

Please visit amersham festival.org and ticketsource.co.uk/amershamfestivalofmusic