Off Preston! I am sure one day I’ll find out if there is any connection with this town. I am pretty sure there must be a reason that will explain why I spent a night here. Anyway, it’s time to get to Hexham traveling up to Carlisle and then catch the Northernline to Newcastle.
The festival in Hexham is dedicated to the memory of the Sycamore Gap Tree this year and I am incredibly honored to be part of it. Last year when I came all the way up, my last train was exactly from Hexham, it seeemed like the whole world would had stopped in Hexham as this was the last station for many trains, due to the national strike.
The Hexham Abbey Festival is an annual cultural event held in and around Hexham Abbey, celebrating music, arts, and community. Typically taking place in late September, the festival features a diverse program of classical music, choral performances, jazz, folk, and contemporary works. It often showcases local talent alongside nationally renowned artists. The stunning medieval architecture of Hexham Abbey provides a unique and atmospheric setting for concerts and performances. In addition to music, the festival sometimes includes art exhibitions, workshops, and talks, making it a vibrant celebration of culture and creativity in Northumberland.
As soos as I got off the train, I immediately met Prof. Denis McCaldin, associate artistic director of the festival, waiting for me on platform 1. It was like meeting an old friend. After a quick stop at a coffe house, it was time to start rehearsing and getting ready for the concert - I couldn't wait!
My fingers were very cold but they started slowly to get warmer and warmer. I immediately started to get more confindent with the acoustic that was not boomy at all but it suited perfectly a solo recital, especially with Bach. What an inspirational place!
I was very happy with the concert and one of the highlights was definetly when I played the Lament for the Tree after James Arkless read SYCAMORE by Stan Beckensall. Stan is a local writer, a legend. I have to admit, I was tiny nervous to perform my Lament in front of the locals that love so much that tree and they are still upset about what happened.
Hexham is a historic market town located in Northumberland, England. It lies near the River Tyne and is known for its rich history and scenic surroundings. The town's most famous landmark is Hexham Abbey, a stunning medieval church that dates back to the 7th century. Hexham is also close to Hadrian's Wall, a significant Roman monument. The town has a charming mix of Georgian and Victorian architecture, with a variety of shops, cafes, and a weekly market. Hexham is a popular base for exploring the surrounding countryside and the Northumberland National Park.The cultural life is very lively thanks to the festival but also to the local concert venue where the prestigious Royal Northern Orchestra performs regularly
After the concert, I had lunch with Prof. Mccaldin and his wife. We had a very intersting conversation about classical composers inspired by nature. Composers such Messiaen or Elgar had a profound connection with Nature. I wasn't aware that Messiaen for example studied the sounds of the birds for all of his life, becoming an expert ornithilogist!
This is a topic that I am going to cover more in depth on my next blog, now it is time to get ready to get back to Haltwhistle.
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