Big bang for final festival

From the archive, first published Wednesday 11th Apr 2007.

"WE want to go out with a bang" - that's the message from organisers of the last Chelmsford Cathedral Festival.

The nine-day event takes place in and around the cathedral from May 10 to 19.

Organisers decided this would be the last in the 24-year festival's run because of increasing financial losses in recent times.

This year's festival starts with an evening beer-tasting event on Thursday, May 10 hosted by Roger Protz - a leading beer writer. He is the editor of the best-selling CAMRA Good Beer Guide.

On Friday, May 11, is Opera and Beer with the London Larks - an unusual combination with opera music in a beer tent aimed at broadening the genre's appeal.

The concert on the first Saturday is The Chelmsford Sinfonietta. This is a newly-formed professional orchestra whose inaugural concert took place in July last year.

Continuing the musical theme will be The King's Singers - a household name who have been going strong for nearly 40 years. They will be performing at the cathedral on Sunday, May 13.

The Endellion Quartet will be performing on Monday, May 14 followed the next evening by The Unknown Elgar. Pianist David-Owen Norris joins forces with soprano Amanda Pitt to present lesser known works of the composer, who was born 150 years ago.

Wednesday's concert will feature the work of Henry Purcell. The King's Consort - Purcell at the Chapel Royal will be conducted by Robert King - widely acclaimed as one of the leading British conductors of his generation.

Thursday takes on a different tone when former television weather forecaster Michael Fish tackles the topical subject of global warming.

Famed for his "what hurricane?" forecast in October 1987, the popular broadcaster will bring his own thoughts on the subject that affects us all - and might even talk about that hurricane and the wrong kind of snow!

Friday's concert features Stacey Kent and Jim Tomlinson - the world-renowned husband and wife jazz team.

Hailed by some as the new Dankworth and Lane, the couple come to the festival following the success of their latest album, The Lyric, which won Album of the Year at the 2006 BBC Jazz Awards.

And the last Chelmsford Festival will end with the London Festival Opera performing The Magic Flute and other opera favourites.

Festival chairman Peter Judd said: "Let's go out with a bang and give thanks for all that has been down the years.

"I would like to pay tribute to everyone who has been involved in whatever capacity over the years - the contribution of so many has been fantastic. I salute you."

Full details on times, ticket prices and venues can be found by contacting the box office on 01245 606505.

THE festival is not just about the concerts at the cathedral.

The Festival in the Community showcases events during the week all over the borough.

Some events are free and take place in the town centre, others are by ticket entry.

On the opening Saturday there will be performances in the town centre by various groups including Morris dancers, school choirs, dance groups, gymnasts and bands. These start at 10am and continue until 1pm.

On Sunday there will be story time for children at Chelmsford library and on Monday there is a festival exhibition at Chelmsford library gallery.

There is an organ recital at Christ Church in New London Road (tickets £6) and a tasting of whisky with Rev Julian Hartley at 8pm at the Chapter House (tickets £10).

Wednesday again sees performances in the town centre including Chancellor Park School Dance, St Cedd's School Music and Moulsham School.

Brentwood School Big Band will be playing at St John's Church in Moulsham Street (tickets £6).

Thursday sees the County Hall Singers at the County Hall Atrium at 1pm. Environ Jazz takes place at The Tiptree Marquee at 8pm (tickets £5).

The penultimate day on Friday will see Warm Latin Music with Ruth and Roger Montgomery at the Church of the Ascension (tickets £6) and more wine tasting with Hamish Wakes-Miller (£10) at the Chapter House.

The festival finishes on Saturday with more free performances in the town centre.

Amongst those entertaining will be Hylands School Music, KEGS Corps of Drums, Essex Dance Theatre and New Hall School Dance.

There will be a mased choir concert at the cathedral at 11.30am (tickets £3, under 16s free).

And Bespoke Brass will be playing at Trinity Methodist Church at 2.30pm (tickets £6).

Details of all Festival in the Community events can be found in the Festival brochure.