Hellensmusic returns for its 10th Anniversary, featuring performances from world class musicians from the UK and Europe.

Local young musicians, schoolchildren and advanced music students feature in concerts and masterclasses.

Hellensmusic is an annual music festival taking place every Spring, at Hellens Manor, at the local church St Bartholomew’s, and at the Walwyn Arms all in the village of Much Marcle, Herefordshire.

Co-directed by Maya Iwabuchi (leader of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and a former leader of the London Philharmonic Orchestra) and Máté Szücs (ex-Principal viola of the Berlin Philharmonic), its patron and founder is Christian Blackshaw, the virtuoso British pianist associated with his performances and recordings of Mozart, amongst others.

The festival presents an 8-day varied programme with chamber music concerts performed by resident musicians in the evenings, and free to observe public masterclasses where advanced music students from the UK and Europe come to learn with internationally renowned artists.

Concerts include Belgian Trio D'Or performing music based on melodies from Romania and Hungary, and contemporary Klezmer music, at St Bartholomew´s Church; three chamber music evenings at Hellens Manor, with a programme of music across generations, from Mozart to the contemporary New York composer Caroline Shaw; and a Gala evening on Saturday 14 May when all members of Hellensmusic will be playing on stage together - 16 musicians will perform a programme of great-works from Strauss, Schoenberg, and Chopin reimagined. There is also the unmissable ever popular Pub Concert at the Walwyn Arms.

Introducing 2023’s festival, Adam Munthe says “Our 10th Anniversary of Hellensmusic is here to bring inspirational music to our small corner of the planet. Our soloists come from round the world, and the masterclass students too; great international artists, and exciting new talents working, learning, living together in the surroundings of an ancient Manor, which remains both a home and a laboratory. We welcome you all!”

Artistic Directors say: “Our foremost wish during this week is to help create the necessary support for young musicians embarking on their professional careers. So, in this collaborative spirit and celebrating future hopes and dreams, we mark our 10th anniversary by bringing this year’s students right into the spotlight. Their talents will be seen and heard alongside our senior musicians in many more of the concerts, a truly unique ‘Class of ‘23’. We so look forward to giving you this experience, as we live it“.

Festival goers are invited free to observe masterclasses, and enjoy the beautiful grounds, with views over the Malvern Hills, before taking in a concert. This year also see’s the return of the festival´s famous pre-concert suppers and a delicious BBQ on Sunday with the opportunity to attend two special day-time concerts with repertoire from Beethoven, Elgar and friends.

For more information please go to the festival website www.hellensmusic.com

Tickets cost from £5 to £20

Available from www.hellensmusic.com/programme

T. 0333 666 3366 / Also available at: The Courtyard, Herefordshire