Summer at Snape: 26 July - 31 August

Britten Pears Arts is delighted to announce the return of Summer at Snape, its celebration of summer with over 50 events running from 26 July – 31 August. Summer at Snape offers a season of memorable days and nights with world-class entertainment and a programme tailored for everyone with concerts, art, walks, workshops and more.

  • Music for everyone: from classics with the London Symphony Orchestra and new music from the trailblazing Sona Jobarteh to the alt-pop electronica of Caswell, brassy joys with the BBC Big Band, and classy tributes to Ella Fitzgerald and Joni Mitchell.

  • Families: A summer of creativity for children, families, and young people – family concerts with top-class musicians, the thrill of the Aldeburgh Carnival, the talents of Aldeburgh Young Musicians as they stage the Battle of the Bands, Mini Music Makers sessions for Britten Pears Arts’ youngest audiences, and much more.

  • Take Part: Fun for everyone with Come and Sing Disney, vibrant West African drumming and dancing at the Wooden Roots Experience, engaging vocal sessions with Apollo5, music and mindfulness wellbeing workshops with Quietnote, and plenty of other opportunities for a wide range of people to get involved and be creative.

  • Explore: Make a day of it with tranquil boat trips along the River Alde, Sunday brunch with live jazz, stimulating art exhibitions, a summer shopping day, and fascinating glimpses of living heritage at The Red House.

  • Snape Maltings is in the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with breath-taking views and walks. The Red House in Aldeburgh is a short distance from the stunning Suffolk coastline.

  • There is also a range of eclectic independent shops and galleries at Snape Maltings which support the charitable activities of Britten Pears Arts.

Event highlights include:

  • Orchestras include Sinfonia of London, the London Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Concert Orchestra, Southbank Sinfonia and the Irish Baroque Orchestra.

  • Soloists include violinist Alina Ibragimova; pianists Cédric Tiberghien, Alim Beisembayev and Sir Stephen Hough; soprano Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha; and guitarist MILOŠ.

  • Ensembles include the Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain, the United Strings of Europe, The Pasadena Roof Orchestra and the Black Dyke Band.

  • Vocal music from a capella ensemble Apollo5 and vocal consort The Gesualdo Six.

  • Storytelling: classicist Mary Beard explores Women’s Stories from the Ancient World with music from soprano Nardus Williams and lutenist Elizabeth Kenny, plus Clara Schumann’s letters are read by Harriet Walter with music from pianist Lucy Parham.

  • The jazz, blues, folk and world line-up features Sona Jobarteh, Mike Lovatt’s Brass Pack, Liza Pulman and Joe Stilgoe, Atlan, BBC Big Band and Seckou Keita.

  • Pop and popular classics from Tunde Baiyewu, Caswell, and Paul Zervas and Kathryn Pepper’s tribute to Joni Mitchell.

Roger Wright, Chief Executive, Britten Pears Arts commented, ‘Our aim with Summer at Snape is to welcome visitors and audiences, regular and first timers, to our two sites and let music and the arts transform lives and bring people and communities together. Our summer programme has always had a wide range of activity and musical styles – this year more than ever. The breadth of the programme is shown by the line-up for the opening few days: orchestral showpieces with the Sinfonia of London, engaging Stan & Mabel family concerts, a celebration of Suffolk singing with local performers, music & mindfulness sessions with Quietnote, the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Behind the Scenes at The Red House, and Tunde from Lighthouse Family. We hope it is a programme filled with exciting opportunities for you to take part and to enjoy what’s on offer. We look forward to welcoming you and your family this summer.’

Snape Maltings Concert Hall

Orchestras

  • The Sinfonia of London and conductor John Wilson open Summer at Snape with colourful showpieces including Britten’s well-loved Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, Walton’s Violin Concerto, performed by British talent Charlie Lovell-Jones, and Rachmaninoff’s second symphony (26 July, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

  • The brilliant emerging musicians of Southbank Sinfonia with conductor Simon Over, present a programme of Brahms’ Second Symphony and Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto, recently announced as the new No.1 in Classic FM’s Hall of Fame, with Karen Kuronuma as soloist (5 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

  • Ireland’s flagship period-instrument orchestra, the Olivier Award-winning Irish Baroque Orchestra, led by director Peter Whelan, plays a programme of Baroque classics including Handel’s Arrival of the Queen of Sheba and his ever-popular Water Music (8 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

  • The London Symphony Orchestra and its Chief Conductor Designate Antonio Pappano present an evening of Elgar and Sibelius, featuring Elgar’s Violin Concerto with violinist Vilde Frang as soloist an Sibelius Symphony no.1. (23 Aug, 7pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

  • The BBC Concert Orchestra returns to Snape Maltings for a special recording of the well-loved radio show, BBC Radio 3’s Friday Night is Music Night, presented by Katie Derham, which promises a typically eclectic mix of music (30 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

Visiting Artists

  • Violinist Alina Ibragimova and pianist Cédric Tiberghien perform a duo recital of much-loved sonatas for violin and piano. The programme includes Beethoven’s epic “Kreutzer” Sonata, as well as music by Janáček, Enescu, and Barry (2 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

  • Alim Beisembayev - Winner of the Leeds International Piano Competition and BBC New Generation Artist gives a classic solo piano recital of Schubert, Debussy, and Chopin (10 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

  • Rising South African opera star Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha, the 2021 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Song Prize winner, is joined by pianist Simon Lepper for a varied programme of music from around the world including Mahler, Wagner, South African songs, and timeless classics such as Amazing Grace (14 Aug, 7.30pm, Britten Studio).

  • Classical guitarist MILOŠ returns to Summer at Snape with his own take on beautiful works arranged for solo guitar (27 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

  • Sir Stephen Hough closes Summer at Snape with a solo piano recital of romantic music by Liszt, Chopin, and Chaminade, the first female composer to be awarded the Légion d'Honneur (31 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

Ensembles

  • The Pasadena Roof Orchestra with vocalist and band leader Duncan Galloway, celebrates 55 years of touring with re-orchestrated classics from the 1920s and 30s, including those by Duke Ellington and George Gershwin (29 July, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

  • The all-singing, all-plucking Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain continues to break the mould with a programme of captivating evening songs by Bowie, Tchaikovsky, ZZ Top, The Cranberries, and many more (16 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

  • The 2023 National Championship winners, the Black Dyke Band, conducted by Nicholas J. Childs, presents a programme of brass-band classics spanning film, classical, and jazz (24 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

  • The groundbreaking ensemble United Strings of Europe, led by Artistic Director Julian Azkoul, is joined by virtuoso percussionist Beibei Wang for a performance of a programme based on their new album Through the Night. The album delves into the depths of human emotions with music spanning nearly 500 years, including the world premiere recording of Daniel Kidane’s Be Still, Schönberg’s Transfigured Night, and Richard Strauss’ Metamorphosen (26 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

Vocal Music & Storytelling

  • Five-piece vocal ensemble Apollo5 will be joined by long-term collaborator, composer/arranger Fraser Wilson to present a summery performance of music from their album Invocations, spanning genres and centuries, including choral works such as Byrd’s Mass for Five Voices and Ola Gjeilo’s Ubi Caritas (12 Aug, TBC, Britten Studio).

  • Women’s Stories from the Ancient World is a newly devised sequence of words and music curated by soprano Nardus Williams and renowned classicist Mary Beard. Together with lutenist Elizabeth Kenny, they explore the enduring echoes of women’s voices in antiquity through storytelling interwoven with vocal and lute compositions by Strozzi, Handel, Caccini, Purcell, and Blow (25 Aug, 7pm, Britten Studio).

  • I, Clara, presented by pianist Lucy Parham and actor Harriet Walter, is an exploration of the remarkable life of Clara Schumann, brought to life through her own letters and diaries. The programme celebrates her legacy, intertwining her piano music with works by Robert Schumann, Brahms, Liszt and Mendelssohn,  (20 Aug, 7.30pm, Britten Studio).

  • The award-winning British vocal consort, The Gesualdo Six, directed by Owain Park and featuring some of the UK’s finest consort singers, presents a journey through sacred and secular vocal-consort works of the group’s namesake, the 17th-century Italian composer Carlo Gesualdo (20 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

Jazz, Blues, Folk & World

  • The first female professional West African kora player Sona Jobarteh and her band perform tracks from her second album, Badinyaa Kumoo (Words of Unity), which conveys a powerful message of unity (4 Aug, 6pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

  • Mike Lovatt and his 25-piece brass ensemble return to Snape Maltings, joined by vocalist Louise Marshall, to celebrate the timeless music of the great Ella Fitzgerald. The programme features classics such as The Lady Is A Tramp, It Don’t Mean A Thing, and Summertime (11 Aug, 7pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

  • Singer Liza Pulman and pianist Joe Stilgoe join forces for ‘A Couple of Swells’, blending their styles for an evening of classic songs and duets including People Will Say We’re in Love and Me and My Shadow and hits from Irving Berlin to Paul McCartney (13 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

  • Irish folk band Altan gives the first UK performance of its newly released album, Donegal, which takes inspiration form the deep and rich musical tradition of its native County Donegal (15 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

  • The BBC Big Band, led by acclaimed conductor, band leader, and arranger Barry Forgie, marks the centenary of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with a celebration of one of the greatest composers of the twentieth century, featuring his most beloved works (18 Aug, 7pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

  • Renowned as the 'Hendrix of the kora,' Seckou Keita, returns with his Senegalese band to unveil his latest album, HOMELAND, an exploration of his roots infused with global influences (22 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

Pop and popular classics

  • Lead singer of the multi-platinum-selling Lighthouse Family and British singer-songwriter of Nigerian descent, Tunde Baiyewu, joins his band to celebrate 30 years of his unique sound and captivating songs in the world of soul and R&B music, with a mix of new material and greatest hits including High and Lifted. (30 July, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

  • Singer-songwriters Paul Zervas and Kathryn Pepper join together for The Songs of Joni Mitchell, an intimate tribute to Joni Mitchell featuring classics including California, A Case of You, and Both Sides Now (31 July, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

  • Caswell, who has previously supported Ed Sheeran, Pixie Geldof, and The Magic Numbers, joins her band for entertaining storytelling, soulful vocals, and hypnotic melodies (7 Aug, 7pm, Britten Studio).

Participatory Events & Family Concerts

  • In partnership with Concerteenies, Stan and Mabel with the London Mozart Players is an interactive concert presented by Polly Ives, designed for children aged three and above. The event features music specially composed by Paul Rissmann, accompanied by illustrations from Jason Chapman's original book (27 July, 1 & 3.30pm TBC, Britten Studio, Snape Maltings).

  • The Wooden Roots Experience offers two full days of traditional West African drum and dance workshops led by world-renowned artists Babara Bangoura Fakoly, Monette Marino, Harouna Dembélé, Sidiki Dembélé, and Aida Diop (3 & 4 Aug across Snape Maltings site).

  • Audiences of all ages can take part in creative Come & Sing sessions:

o   Apollo5 leads Family Come & Sing, a creative singing session for the whole family (12 Aug, 1.30pm, Britten Studio).

o   Ben Parry leads Come & Sing: Disney, offering family and friends the chance to perform an evening of Disney classics with the Britten Pears Chamber Choir and vocalist Freya Parry (17 Aug, 5pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

  • Young music-makers can partake in interactive musical experiences at Music Makers events:

o   Music Makers: Music Theatre provides young music-makers with a chance to explore the world of music theatre, guided by Aldeburgh Young Musicians and professionals (31 July, 2 – 5pm, Peter Pears Recital Room).

o   Music Makers offers a free afternoon of music-making for those aged 5-10, exploring warm-ups, musical games, and creating new music (12 Aug, 3.30pm, Peter Pears Recital Room).

o   Mini Music Makers presents a fun session of music and activities for those aged 0-5 (12 Aug, 2.30pm, Peter Pears Recital Room).

Developing Young Artists

  • Suffolk Youth Orchestra presents a programme which includes Britten’s Four Sea Interludes and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade (1 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

  • Aldeburgh Young Musicians (AYM) is an artist development programme for musicians aged 10-18. Part of the national network of Centres for Advanced Training, AYM facilitates the musical development of over 30 young people, unlocking their potential through a range of inspirational and immersive residential courses and additional activities. To conclude a 5-day residency, vocalists and instrumentalists perform the story of The Pirates of Thorpeness Bay through much-loved hits from the West End (2 Aug, 4pm, Britten Studio). Additionally, in the Leavers’ Celebration, AYMs will celebrate the musical achievements of the 2024 graduates (6 Aug, 6pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

  • Vocal ensemble Apollo5 returns to lead Explore Your Voice, a workshop offering singers the chance to enhance their vocal capabilities and engage in group singing (12 Aug, 5pm, Britten Studio).

  • UNBOUND, the culmination of the year-long VOICEBOX project led by soprano Juliet Fraser, presents brand-new works by advanced singers specialising in contemporary vocal performance. Performers Patricia Auchterlonie, Hester Dart, t l k, Oskar McCarthy, Sarah Parkin, Pascal Zurek, and dancer Tarli Lumby will unveil six world premieres, demonstrating the boundless possibilities of the human voice       (17 Aug, 3pm, Britten Studio).

  • Britten Pears Young Artists present their End of Course Recital: French Song and Mélodie, marking the conclusion of an intensive 6-day course with coaching from acclaimed interpreters of French repertoire, Véronique Gens and Susan Manoff, along with renowned pianist and coach Audrey Hyland (24 Aug, 2pm, Britten Studio).

  • The Bandstand at The Maltings, hosted on the Henry Moore Lawn, spotlights local talent from across Suffolk programmed by Britten Pears Arts and young creatives (29 Aug, 12pm, Snape Maltings).

  • Masterclass: French Song with Véronique Gens and Susan Manoff offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of international experts coaching singers and pianists from the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme (21 & 22 Aug, 2.30pm, Peter Pears Recital Room).

Community & Wellbeing

  • A Celebration of Suffolk Singing showcases choirs and music groups from across Suffolk alongside the National Teachers’ Choir (28 July, 2.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall)

  • Quietnote: music and mindfulness offers a day of wellbeing workshops with a distinctive music-based approach, focussing on mental health. There will be two different sessions, each running twice, throughout the day (29 July, 10am – 4pm, Jerwood Kiln):

o   Introduction to mindfulness through music, a one-hour personalised workshop explores the practices of mindfulness through music, with traditional mindfulness practices and guided musical meditations.

o   Exploring mindfulness and music with your children offers adults the chance to explore mindfulness and music for youth.

  • The Fontanas return to Snape Maltings to lead the three-day Aldeburgh Carnival Group A project, a free summer project for ages 8-18, offering singing, dancing, and movement workshops. The event culminates in a vibrant performance of high-energy music, ranging from Latin ska anthems to Brazilian samba soul (17 – 19 Aug, Snape Maltings & Aldeburgh High Street).

  • The Tale Collectors, musicians and storytellers present a thought-provoking performance of real-life stories from the Suffolk community (31 Aug, 3pm, Peter Pears Recital Room).

The Red House

  • Behind the Scenes at The Red House offers an exclusive inside view of spaces not usually open to the public, and the opportunity to meet the dedicated team responsible for Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears’ beloved home. There will also be a range of activities, tours, and talks available throughout the day.

  • On 14 August, The Red House gardens will host an Open Day, part of the National Garden Scheme, granting visitors access to the five acres surrounding the historic home (14 Aug, The Red House).

  • The Red House offers access to Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears' personal collections, archive, and art. Visitors can also enjoy guided tours through Britten and Pears’ house, studio and library, and discover manuscripts, papers, rare books, and art.