The 3rd Claygate Music Festival promises to be a fortnight of musical delights with a different performance every day. The opening concert will be newcomers to the festival and we are delighted to welcome the European Doctors Chamber Orchestra which is just what it says – a fabulous ensemble of musical talent from medical professionals. This is a first for Claygate and will be hugely popular. There are plenty of other new additions including Vocality Choir from Claygate who sing accapella (unaccompanied) and produce beautifully melodic music from all over the world.

There will be a Classical Guitar concert by the internationally famous Katona twins, (arranged by the Oxshott & Cobham Music Society), New Orleans Jazz from the ever popular French Quarter All Stars, Swing and Blues from the New Era Big Band and a hearty Brass and Woodwind concert from the Band of the Surrey Yeomanry.

Add to that the pleasure of being entertained by international pianist and singer Jamsheed Master along with the deep rich voice of opera bass George Ikediashi. They will present a programme of Musical Theatre favourites (Rodgers & Hammerstein, Lloyd Webber, Bernstein & Sondheim amongst others).

As most of the performers have a connection with Claygate, it gives great joy to present Rebeca Jones with the Glissandi Harp Ensemble – another unique and truly spectacular event. For those who missed them at the last festival, make sure you book early this time as the finale could include more than 10 harps playing together – the sound and sight of these beautiful instruments in capable hands is exceptional.

The Festival will be held at various venues all over Claygate including Holy Trinity Church, the Village Hall, the Claygate Centre and the Christian Science Church which is kindly hosting a special concert by the Claygate Festival Strings. There is huge involvement by young people with Shrewsbury Lodge, Claygate Primary and Rowan School holding events in their respective schools.

Holy Trinity Band will also perform a joyful evening of Gospel music – always a popular event. The band includes Fridrik Karlsson (guitarist for the XFactor) Derek Huff on bass and Simon Botham on percussion.

Local band Aluna will present a lively evening of popular music with the rich voice of Yasmine Giles who has always been a sell out. The 1st Claygate Scout & Guide Band who are going from strength to strength will showcase their talents at a Sunday afternoon performance. We are so fortunate to have so many gifted young musicians in our village of Claygate and such dedicated volunteers to train them. Singer/songwriter Lisa Kwei (also Claygate) will entertain with songs from her debut album along with special guests and support act.

The Claygate Choral Society will bring the Festival to a close (almost) with a moving performance of Handel’s Israel in Egypt. This is a grand choral spectacular and judged to be a monumental example of Handel’s talent. The final Sunday will see everyone letting their hair down with the ever popular Old Time Music Hall. So you see there really is something for everyone.

The detailed programme will be distributed to all the households in Claygate, various outlets in Elmbridge and online at www.claygatemusicfest.com in late January 2010. Tickets will go on sale in February when the Box Office opens. The full programme will also be published in Living Within newspaper, closer to the time.

This grand event organised every two years by the Claygate Village Association (which arranges many of the community events in Claygate) is generously supported by the Claygate Parish Council, the RC Sherriff Trust and Living Within newspaper. This is a non profit making project so we will endeavour to keep the ticket prices as reasonable as possible for the quality of the performances. So start collecting your pennies and pounds to enjoy a really superb two weeks of fabulous music right on your doorstep.

Free flaming banners and buttons, thanks to: