Sacconi Quartet Headlines 2025 Folkestone Chamber Music Festival: Full Programme Announced

Folkestone, UK – The coastal town of Folkestone is set to become a focal point for classical music enthusiasts next spring with the return of the highly anticipated Sacconi Quartet Chamber Music Festival. Scheduled to take place from Friday, May 16, to Sunday, May 18, 2025, the festival promises a rich and varied programme showcasing both established masterpieces and contemporary works, performed by renowned artists. The Sacconi Quartet, celebrated for its dynamic performances and commitment to chamber music, forms the heart of this three-day event, which unfolds across several distinctive venues within the town.

Festival organisers have noted some changes in venue compared to previous years for certain events, advising attendees to consult the latest schedule. Additionally, the start time for the Sunday concert has been adjusted to earlier in the day.

Festival Programme Unveiled

The 2025 festival opens on Friday, May 16, with an evening concert at 7:00 pm held at the historic St Eanswythe’s Church. This performance features the full Sacconi Quartet – comprising Ben Hancox (“violin”), Hannah Dawson (“violin”), Robin Ashwell (“viola”), and Cara Berridge (“cello”) – joined by acclaimed pianist Simon Callaghan. The programme for the opening night includes significant works from the chamber repertoire: Maurice Ravel’s evocative Piano Trio, Sir Arthur Bliss’s expressive Quintet for Clarinet and String Quartet, and César Franck’s monumental Piano Quintet in F minor.

Later the same evening, at 9:30 pm, St Eanswythe’s Church will host a late-night concert offering a change of pace. This performance features Donald Grant & Friends, presenting a programme rooted in the folk fiddle tradition, demonstrating the festival’s breadth beyond classical norms.

Saturday’s Diverse Offerings: May 17th

Saturday, May 17, offers a diverse range of events beginning with a free morning concert. At 11:00 am, The Grand, The Leas, will be the venue for a performance by the Folkestone Young Strings Orchestra, directed by Floriane Peycelon. This concert is free to attend, highlighting the festival’s engagement with local musical talent and community participation.

The evening of Saturday, May 17, features a major concert at 7:00 pm at Holy Trinity Church. The Sacconi Quartet will take the stage alongside the esteemed The Royal College of Music Chamber Orchestra. The programme for this concert includes Dmitri Shostakovich’s Chamber Symphony in C minor (Op. 110a), Benjamin Britten’s Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings in C major. This collaboration with a leading conservatoire orchestra underscores the festival’s artistic ambition.

Concluding Day: May 18th

The festival concludes on Sunday, May 18, with an event scheduled for 11:00 am at The Grand, The Leas. Please note this earlier start time compared to some previous festival years. This concert presents a unique combination of music and literature, featuring Sacconi Quartet cellist Cara Berridge (“cello”) and author Kate Kennedy. The programme will include selected works by Johann Sebastian Bach for solo cello and the premiere of a new piece by contemporary composer Cheryl Frances-Hoad. These musical performances will be interspersed with readings by Ms. Kennedy from her book, offering a multi-disciplinary artistic experience.

Ticket Information and Logistics

Tickets for individual paid concerts are priced at £25 or £16, depending on the specific event. Concessions are available for attendees under 35, priced at £10. In a move to encourage younger audiences, entry is free for individuals under 25 for most of the paid events.

For those planning to attend multiple events, a Rover Ticket is available, offering access to various festival performances at a reduced overall cost of £85. This special price is available for tickets booked before March 31st.

Potential attendees are reminded that venue changes have occurred for some events this year and should verify the location for each concert they plan to attend. The festival encourages early booking, particularly for the Rover Ticket, to secure attendance at this key event in the 2025 chamber music calendar.

The Sacconi Quartet Chamber Music Festival remains a significant cultural event in Folkestone, attracting both local and international audiences to experience high-calibre musical performances in the town’s distinctive settings.