THE HISTORY

The annual Festival of Music has now become an established feature in the Wells calendar of musical and social events. It had its origins, as so many good ideas have, in a chat over a drink in late 1999 when the then fairly new Vicar, Fr. Peter Farrell, said he felt that St. Cuthbert's was not only a large, beautiful and historic church but it was an ideal venue for some special event or series of events which would make full use of the building's potential, and also provide a means of outreach and service to the community of which St. Cuthbert's has formed an important part for many centuries. From this thought grew the idea of a week-long festival of music centred on the church, and thus the Wells St. Cuthbert's Festival 2000 was born. From that tentative beginning the festival has gone from strength to strength. The 2000 Festival was a notable success, thanks in no small part to the support of local Sponsors, and building upon the experience of the previous years; the Festivals that followed have also been very successful artistically, socially and financially.

FESTIVAL 2010 - Sunday 5th September to Sunday 12th September

We are already able to tell you that the preacher at the Festival Eucharist on 5th September will be the former Dean of Wells, the Very Revd. Richard Lewis and on the final Sunday it will be the Revd. Canon Mervyn Matthews. Artistes booked include;

Monday 6th at 7.00 pm - Zum - 'Gypsy Tango Inferno'
Tuesday 7th at 7.00 pm - Chris Grist on cello accompanied by Warren Mailley-Smith, piano.
Wednesday 8th 7.00 pm - Ensemble In Echo - 'Divine Fruits; Songs & Sonatas of the Italian Baroque'.
Thursday 9th 7.00 pm - The Brittanic Ensemble
Friday 10th 7.00 pm - 'Sullivan to Sondheim'
Saturday 11th 7.00 pm - The Croscombe Orchestra

Our midday concerts, which begin at noon (with the exception of Monday's concert,which begins at 12.30 pm) are also varied. We start the week with a duo comprising Clare Deniz, cellist, and Hisayo Shimizu, pianist. On Tuesday the concerts continue with Jonathan Price on the organ. The Paradis Trio - cello, violin and piano - entertain us on Wednesday, and the Sunny Skiez Jazz Duo change the pace on Thursday. Friday sees a welcome return of talented young musicians from the Music Department of Wells Cathedral School.

Please make a note in your diaries of the dates; without your wonderful support there would be no Festival! You can see from the above that the programme will have something for everyone - a week of fine music, good company and the odd glass of wine! We will update you with more details in the early summer.

Information about becoming a Friend of the Festival and sponsorship, and further information about the programme can be obtained by e-mailing the Parish Office or telephone 01749 676906.