The much-loved North York Moors Chamber Music Festival returns this summer, running from 10 to 23 August 2025. Now in its 17th year, the festival continues to bring world-class classical music to one of Yorkshire’s most atmospheric and evocative landscapes.
A Musical Journey Inspired by the Sonnet Form
This year’s theme, Sonnet, takes inspiration from the classic 14-line poetic structure. Over the course of 14 concerts, the festival invites audiences on a musical journey through the seasons of a pagan year, exploring themes of solstice, equinox and the elements of Fire, Air, Water and Earth.
These four elements form the foundation of a conceptual arc inspired by T.S. Eliot’s Four Quartets, with performances set in four historic churches across the North York Moors: St Hilda’s in Danby, St Hedda’s in Egton Bridge, St Michael’s in Coxwold, and St Mary’s in Lastingham. The remaining ten concerts will be held at a purpose-built acoustically-treated venue in the grounds of Welburn Manor, near Kirkbymoorside.
World-Class Performers in a Unique Setting
Festival founder and internationally renowned cellist Jamie Walton describes this year’s programme as a celebration of collaboration and storytelling:
“This year’s festival, Sonnet, celebrates the art of collaboration in awe-inspiring settings, taking audiences on a musical quest through interwoven themes within a central storyline. It promises to be another exhilarating and thought-provoking experience.”
The festival continues to attract a line-up of distinguished musicians from across the globe, many of whom become fully immersed in the event by taking up artist residencies for the fortnight. This creates a unique camaraderie and a rare opportunity for deeply collaborative performances.
Artists performing this year include Alena Baeva, Benjamin Baker, Emma Parker, Oliver Heath, Charlotte Scott and Victoria Sayles (violin); Simone Gramaglia, Simone van der Giessen and Gary Pomeroy (viola); Rebecca Gilliver, Tim Posner and Jamie Walton (cello); Will Duerden (double bass); Katya Apekisheva, Joseph Havlat, Daniel Lebhardt, Anna Tibrook and Huw Watkins (piano); David Gerrard (harpsichord); James Gilchrist (tenor); Julian Bliss and Matthew Hunt (clarinet); Ben Goldscheider (French horn); Silvija Ščerbavičiūtė (flute) and Celine Souat (harp). The Waldstein Trio will also perform.
Tickets and Booking Information
Tickets for individual concerts are priced at £18, with a full season ticket covering all 14 concerts available for £190. As part of its commitment to accessibility and audience development, the festival offers free admission to anyone under the age of 30.
To book tickets or find out more, visit www.northyorkmoorsfestival.com, call 07722 038990, or email [email protected].
With its exceptional music, intimate venues and stunning moorland settings, the North York Moors Chamber Music Festival promises an unforgettable cultural experience in the heart of Yorkshire this summer.
