Guiting Music Festival

THE GUITING MUSIC FESTIVAL 2023
The 52nd Guiting Music Festival 2023, which takes place from Friday July 21st to Sunday July 30th, brings a host of top names from the classical, jazz and blues world to this delightful and picturesque village set high in the Cotswolds hills. Whether you are a newcomer to  the festival, or a regular, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this ‘secret gem of a festival’.

The festival is held in a large 250-seater marquee, erected on the playing field next to the village hall, overlooking the beautiful and stunning countryside around popular Guiting Power.  The festival is delighted to launch its programme on Friday July 21st with the award-winning jazz vocalist and one of the UK’s most celebrated and much-loved singers Clare Teal and her marvellous band. Clare’s show celebrates the hits and hidden gems of the Great American and British Songbooks, plus contemporary covers and originals.

Saturday July 22nd welcomes back the extraordinary, talented guitarist Antonio Forcione and his popular and unmissable music quartet. From Forcione’s guitar to the cello, bass and percussion backing, this show is both a masterclass in musicianship and a breath-taking live experience. 

The ever popular Sunday Jazz Open Air concert on July 23rd features the powerhouse legendary New Jersey-born singer, Madeline Bell, who is performing at the festival, alongside the BBC and Parliamentary award-winning singer, pianist Ian Shaw. Madeline was the
voice of Blue Mink (‘Melting Pot’, ‘Good Morning Freedom’) and one of the world’s most-heard session singers (Joe Cocker, Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, Donna Summer) Their show entitled ‘Bacharach, Dusty and Me’ promises to be a real showstopper
The support act is the exceptional saxophonist Alex Bone and his brilliant Trio.

Monday July 24th offers a rare chance to witness a thrilling global collaboration between one of the world’s leading harp players, Welsh born Catrin Finch, and the six-piece Grammy-nominated Colombian band Cimarrón. Fast paced and powerful, their music combines impetuous singing, amazing stomp dancing and fierce instrumental virtuosity of strings and percussion. An evening not to be missed.

Multiple award-winning Violinist Mathilde Milwidsky and pianist Petr Limonov start the festivals’ classical programme on Tuesday
July 25th with music by Schubert, Debussy, Mozart and Ravel.  Considered to be one of the finest, young, classical, international pianist
Anna Tsybuleva performs on Wednesday July 26th and has been described as a pianist with ‘rare gifts.’ She will be performing music by
Chopin, Beethoven and Debussy

Thursday July 27th sees the return of conductor Tom Fetherstonhaugh with the 10-piece string Fantasia Orchestra performing amongst other concerto’s the very popular Beethoven piano concerto No 4. The orchestra’s thrilling and varied concerts showcase classical and
contemporary music-making of the highest level. Also performing with the Orchestra, is one of Britain’s most treasured pianist Steven Osborne

The Guiting Music Festival is proud to host on Friday July 28 a musical force of nature Jess Gillam, who has been forging her own adventurous path since she shot to fame becoming the first saxophonist to reach the finals of BBC Young Musician and the youngest ever soloist to perform at the Last Night of the Proms. Hailing from Ulverston in Cumbria, Jess Gillam brings classical music to new audiences through both her world class live performances and her work on television and radio. Her show will include music by Telemann, Bach, Barbara Thompson, David Bowie and more.

On Saturday July 29th the Belgian clarinettist, Annelien Van Wauwe, with the Van Kuijk String Quartet graces the festival stage. Annelien
is forging a reputation as one of the most exciting and original clarinettists of her generation, captivating audiences with her expressive,
intense and lyrical performances. With the quartet, she will be performing music by Ravel, Mendelssohn, Glazunov and Mozart

The Guiting Music Festival on Sunday July 30th is proud to welcome the veteran blues performer, broadcaster and erstwhile pop star and lead singer of Manfred Mann, Paul Jones with the legendary guitarist John Etheridge and his band, for a Sunday afternoon of pure blues Music.  Supported by the very talented 6-piece Chris Corcoran Band, the Open-Air Blues Day is always popular and this year we expect a very big crowd. The Sunday shows are a family affair, children, dogs and picnics are welcome!
Not only does the festival offer the best music, there is also a selection of local seasonal food on offer as well as fine wines, beers and soft drinks at all the shows. Great music, delicious food and in the loveliest of surroundings – a perfect music festival!

10 days of great live music in the heart of the Cotswolds
GUITING MUSIC FESTIVAL LINE UP 2023
July 21 The Clare Teal Four
July 22 Antonio Forcione Quartet
July 23 Alex Bone (12.30pm – 2pm)
Madeline Bell & Ian Shaw (2.30pm – 4pm)
July 24 Catrin Finch & Cimarron
July 25 Mathilde Milwidsky & Petr Limonov
July 26 Anna Tsybuleva
July 27 Steven Osborne & Fantasia Orchestra
July 28 Jess Gillam
July 29 Annelien van Wauwe & Van Kuijk Quartet
July 31 The Chris Corcoran Band (12.30pm – 2pm)
Paul Jones & John Etheridge Band (2.30pm-4pm)
Show times: Monday – Saturday 6.30pm. Sunday from 12.30pm
Ticket prices: All shows £28.00.
Venue: Guiting Music Festival, Guiting Power, Glos GL54 5TX
10 miles West of Stow on the Wold and 4 miles SE of Winchcombe.

Tickets & information: www.guitingfestival.org