Hellensmusic Festival

Now in its 12th year, Hellensmusic is an international music festival that takes place every May at Hellens Manor, St Bartholomew’s Church, and The Walwyn Arms in Much Marcle, Herefordshire. It was founded by virtuoso British pianist Christian Blackshaw, and Adam Munthe (Chair of the family trust that runs Hellens Manor). The Festival includes four days of chamber music concerts alongside free to observe masterclasses during the day.

Joining Christian Blackshaw as Artistic Directors, are the violinist Maya Iwabuchi (leader of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra) and Matthew Hunt (Principal clarinetist of the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen). They have invited colleagues from round the world to join them to present a four day programme of concerts: Amy Harman (Principal bassoon of the Aurora Orchestra), Gareth Lubbe (ex-principal viola in the Gewandhaus Orchestra) Alice Neary (Principal Cellist of BBC NOW), Julien Quentin (Pianist), Omar Massa (Composer and bandoneon player) and Charlotte Scott (violin).

Highlights of the four day festival include a world premiere by composer and bandoneon player Omar Massa in a programme that includes music by Dohnányi, Mozart and Haydn performed in The Great Barn at Hellens Manor on Saturday 10 May. The Festival opens in St. Bartholomew’s Church on Thursday 8 May with a folk music inspired programme showcasing music by JS Bach, Biber, Bartók and Rebecca Clarke. The evening concert on Saturday night sees Julien Quentin, Omar Massa and Matthew Hunt perform 300 years of the Greatest Hits at Much Marcle’s pub, the Walwyn Arms.

In addition to the concert programme, Hellensmusic invites international students to learn, live and work alongside our distinguished professionals, performing both as soloists and side by side with their tutors. All this in the beautiful surroundings of an ancient manor house.

Tickets are now on sale at https://hellensmusic.com/