In September 2017, Chiltern Arts introduced itself to the local community with a sold-out launch concert from the Academy of Ancient Music in Marlow. There followed two more launch concerts and the very first Chiltern Arts Festival in February with 16 events over nine days in locations across the Chiltern Hills.

Returning for a second season that opened at the end of September with a weekend celebrating the music of Bach, Chiltern Arts has now released its programme for the Chiltern Arts Festival 2019 – offering a feast of music over eight days in February, with something for every music-lover in the area.

The Festival opens in Berkhamsted where Chiltern Arts welcome back the City of London Sinfonia for a superb programme inspired by the orchestra’s London series entitled Bach and the Cosmos. Celebrated pianist Steven Osborne brings a programme of Schubert, Debussy and Prokofiev to Great Missenden Parish Church, featuring Schubert’s most famous piano sonata – the Sonata in Bb.

Renowned baritone Roderick Williams features alongside a distinguished group of singers and pianist Christopher Glynn for a Chiltern Arts World Premiere performance of Hugo Wolf’s Italian Songbook in Marlow’s All Saints’ Church, beautifully perched on the river. A special Concert and Dinner event The Gatsby in Berkhamsted welcomes the outstanding Kosmos Ensemble who will bring their unique folk-classical music to Chiltern Arts… and with tickets including a glass of prosecco, canapés and a two-course meal, it’s certainly one not to miss! The exceptional young baroque ensemble, Flauti d’echo, performs a beautiful programme exploring mirrored melodies and haunting reflections with music from Handel, Bach, Purcell and Telemann set in the idyllic surroundings of Hughenden Parish Church.

Choral lovers will be thrilled to hear one of the world’s finest vocal ensembles Stile Antico with a programme inspired by the musical gems of the time of Elizabeth I, and to have the opportunity to sing with the renowned composer and conductor, Bob Chilcott – there’s even a ticket deal to attend both events, which take place at St Mary’s Church in Henley.

And last, but certainly not least, the Festival closes with a stunning production of what is perhaps Mozart’s most famous and most-loved opera, Così fan tutte. Sset ingeniously on a 1950s film set and sung in English, this comedy of love and fidelity won’t fail to dazzle audiences.