The HILLS will come alive with the sound of music as a popular festival returns to the Cotswolds.
The 52nd Guiting Music Festival is fast approaching, with little over a month to go until the 10-day extravaganza.
Top names from classical, jazz and blues will take to the 250-seater marquee erected on the playing field next to the village hall, overlooking the stunning countryside.
“The Guiting Music Festival started 52 years ago and I am delighted that it has become more popular than ever,” says Probyn Miers, Chairman of GMF.
“It is such a wonderful way to spend a summer evening, listening to first-class music from a wide variety of international artists with the stunning backdrop of the Cotswolds hills.”
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It all gets underway on Friday, July 21, with the award-winning jazz vocalist, Clare Teal.
Day two sees the return of guitarist Antonio Forcione before the ever-popular Sunday Jazz Open Air concert on Sunday, July 23, featuring New Jersey-born singer Madeline Bell.
Madeline was previously the voice of pop group Blue Mink and has worked with the likes of Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder and Donna Summer.
She will be joined by singer and pianist Ian Shaw, with support from saxophonist Alex Bone.
Monday, July 24, will see a collaboration between one of the world’s leading harp players, Catrin Finch, and Grammy-nominated Colombian band Cimarron.
The following day violinist Mathilde Milwidsky and pianist Petr Limonov get the festivals’ classical programme underway.
Anna Tsybuleva keeps the theme going on Wednesday before the return of conductor Tom Fetherstonhaugh on Thursday with the Fantasia Orchestra.
The final weekend begins with Jess Gillam on Friday (July 28) who shot to fame when she became the first saxophonist to reach the finals of the BBC Young Musician.
Belgian clarinettist Annelien Van Wauwe and the Van Kuijk String Quartet grace the festival stage on Saturday, performing music by Ravel and Mendelssohn.
The Guiting Music Festival then comes to a close on Sunday (July 30) with the Open Air Blues Day.
Veteran blues performer Paul Jones will be joined by guitarist John Etheridge, with support provided by the Chris Corcoran Band.
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Tickets for the majority of shows cost £28, with the only exception being the Fantasia Orchestra performance, priced at £36.
More information, including how to purchase tickets, can be found at www.guitingfestival.org.
GUITING MUSIC FESTIVAL LINE UP 2023
July 21 - The Clare Teal Four
July 22 - Antonio Forcione Quartet
July 23 - Alex Bone (12.30pm – 2pm)
Madeline Bell & Ian Shaw (2.30pm – 4pm)
July 24 - Catrin Finch & Cimarron
July 25 - Mathilde Milwidsky & Petr Limonov
July 26 - Anna Tsybuleva
July 27 - Steven Osborne & Fantasia Orchestra
July 28 - Jess Gillam
July 29 - Annelien van Wauwe & Van Kuijk Quartet
July 31 - The Chris Corcoran Band (12.30pm – 2pm)
Paul Jones & John Etheridge Band (2.30pm-4pm)
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