This year’s Wye Valley Chamber Music Festival celebrates the influence of composers as teachers and mentors for the generations that came after them. Each concert includes pieces from both sides of this important relationship. Different schools of composition and instrumental technique often flourished in specific countries or regions. At the same time, certain figures gained an international reputation as pedagogues, with students travelling hundreds, even thousands of miles to study with them. A rich interweaving of distinct musical voices was thus made possible.

This year’s Festival opens at the Bishop’s Palace in Hereford at 3pm on Saturday, February 14th with the final concert at Hellens, Much Marcle at 3pm on Sunday, February 22nd. There are two concerts at Monmouth School Recital Hall (Hereford Rd site), the first at 3pm on Sunday, February 15th and the second a Young Artists Showcase, at 7pm on Tuesday, February 17th. There are also two concerts at Treowen, the festival’s home, a grade 1 listed Jacobean Manor House in Wonastow, just outside Monmouth. There is an evening concert on Thursday, February 19th at 7pm, and on Saturday, February 21st, acclaimed musicologist Katy Hamilton will host the Festival Discovery Day, “La Boulangerie”, examining the influence of composer, teacher and mentor Nadia Boulanger. This is always a wonderful experience - a full day of talks and performances including lunch and refreshments.

Over 26 years, the Wye Valley Festival has brought together a group of world class musicians, a musical family which continues to grow and is now supporting the musical development of a new generation of artists.

Please note that Festival tickets are selling fast, particularly for the events at Treowen. Student tickets at one third of the adult price are available for all events.

To book and for full programme details, go to www.wyevalleyfestival.com.