A weekend of world-class classical music
October 15, 2018

Following on from last year’s success where international stars such as Michael Collins and Louise Winter appeared in concerts at St Mary’s Church in Battle, the 2018 festival again offers some real treats for classical music lovers in a special weekend of classical music on October 26 – 28.

An exciting new collaboration between Battle Festival and the Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition features this year’s winner, 25-year old Roman Kosyakov in a piano recital to start off the weekend (26 October, St Mary’s Church, Battle, Adult £15, Student £5, Under 18 free). A dazzling performer, Roman was awarded the audience prize in addition to winning first prize, and his programme of Schubert, Bach, Rachmaninov and Barber promises a most enjoyable evening.

On Saturday 27 October Battle Festival’s resident ensemble, the internationally renowned Primrose Piano Quartet, will be joined by guest second violin Jonathan Stone of the Doric Quartet and cellist Richard Lester, well known to audiences also as co-founder of the Peasmarsh Festival. The programme features two absolute milestones of the chamber music genre; the Piano Quintet by Robert Schumann and Schubert’s sublime String Quintet in addition to Beethoven Variations (St Mary’s Church, 7.30pm, Adult £17, Student £5, Under 18 free).

The Free Coffee Concert returns on the morning of 27 October (Battle Baptist Church, 11am), which this year introduces a young wind quintet formed of principal players of the Hastings Philharmonic.

Building on the success of the past two years, the popular Family Concert returns on Sunday 28 October (Battle Memorial Hall, 3pm, Adult £9, Child £1). This year’s theme is “Around the World in 80 Minutes”, featuring popular classical music from around the globe accompanied by film and other visuals. Doors will open at 1.30pm for a wide range of fun activities including the chance to try a musical instrument.

For tickets, book online or call 01424 319982 (open 12-6pm), or visit Rother Books or The Crafty Norman in Battle High Street.