10 Ways to Enjoy the Ryedale Festival this Summer
Over the next few weeks some of the biggest names in music are appearing in stunning Ryedale locations this summer. Across 17 days there are opportunities to experience great music-making up close in intimate venues, and at the Ryedale Festival the locations are as special as the music.
Tickets are selling fast so book now to avoid disappointment.
Whether you decide to watch, listen, eat, drink or enjoy the view…here are 10 ways to enjoy the Ryedale Festival this year.
 |  |
| One of the greatest of all singers Janet Baker gives a rare public interview in her native North Yorkshire, discussing her life in music and the remarkable people, music and ideas that inspired her stellar career, Or check out the spellbinding Scottish accordionist Ryan Corbett on his ‘troubadour trail’ of beautiful village churches, the dazzling bassoonist Ashby Mayes in Sowerby, or the trailblazing pianist Rebeca Omordia in Hovingham, whose revelatory album African Pianism has changed the face of classical music. |
| Explore icons and stars of tomorrow |
 |
| The Gesualdo Six bring the past alive as vividly as any Hilary Mantel novel. The pinpoint beauty and purity of their voices will be extra-special in the long-echoing spaces of Ampleforth Abbey as they perform music from the time of Henry VIII to the present day. San Francisco’s renowned Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra bring Handel’s sparking organ concertos, and one of Handel’s earliest choral masterpieces. Explore early music concerts |
 |  |
| The power of the human voice is celebrated with a residency for the baritone Roderick Williams, renowned for his charismatic and compelling performances. The fabulously talented soprano Siân Dicker joins pianist Krystal Tunnicliffe for an evocative song recital – ‘ A Tale of Two Cities’ – celebrating the sights and sounds of London and Paris. And a fabulous group of young singers and musicians bring the magic of Handel’s Acis and Galatea to three beautiful and atmospheric Ryedale churches. It’s a story of love, jealousy, anger and sorrow, with some of the most beautiful melodies Handel ever wrote. Explore singing, song, and opera |
 |  |
| Under eights will love our musical version of the children’s book-of-the-moment Izzy Gizmo while older children can enjoy the inspirational National Youth Choir in Scarborough. Join the charismatic choral leader Ben Parry and live band for an afternoon singing their greatest hits of everyone’s favourite Swedish supergroup! Enthusiasm is all you need (flares are optional!) and participants of all ages and abilities are welcome. If you’d rather watch than join in, don’t miss captivating violinist Roberts Balanas who blends classical, pop, rock and funk. Explore events for the family |
 |
| Immerse yourself in the sound of a great orchestra this summer. The London Mozart Players are in Norton with a programme including one of Mozart’s most dazzlingly piano concerts, where as America’s top period instrument orchestra Philharmonia Baroque are in residence and play sparkling programmes of Handel and much more. The Royal Northern Sinfonia visit Hovingham Hall to play Haydn’s famous Trumpet Concerto alongside one of his most inspired symphonies in a spectacular final gala concert. And one of the most magnificent of all choral works is performed by one of the world’s finest orchestras The Hallé, Sir Mark Elder, and a stellar cast of soloists in the inspiring surroundings of York Minster. Explore orchestral concerts |
 |
| Celebrate Yorkshire’s brass heritage by coming to hear Kirkbymoorside’s award-winning band in concert or catch the celebrated all-star quintet Inner City Brass in Norton. Travelling from further afield, join the sensational French trumpeter Lucienne Renaudin Vary in recital at Coxwold with virtuoso accordion player Félicien Brut. Explore brass concerts |
 |
| You heard them in Ryedale first… Looking West is a specially commissioned work by Julian Philips to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Vaughan Williams. It celebrates the stories and landscapes of Northern England through the voices of Celtic Saint Bega, Cumbiran artist Winifred Nicholson, and a modern day Pilgrim. Ancestor is a brand new co-composed piece by Errollyn Wallen and Tarik O’Regan, inspired by Handel and full of colour, character and imagination. Storyshaped by Callam Au is a musical exploration of the archetypes that make up a hero’s journey. A salt-of-the-earth country lad, a beautiful princess, a trip through a magical cave of wonder, and a battle with ferocious monster. What happens in the end? You’ll have to come and find out! Explore world premieres |