A rare and close-up performance exploring pictures, textures and contrasts in music across the centuries, by leading chamber music group Pixels Ensemble

Renowned for presenting intimate, unique and fascinating concert programmes, we are delighted to welcome Pixels Ensemble for their debut at the festival in what is sure to be a very memorable evening.

Starting and ending with two very different piano trios - the lush, romantic Trio in G minor by Clara Schumann and the virtuosic and dramatic Trio by Rebecca Clarke - the programme also features the immersive soundscape of Petals, a duo for cello and live electronics by the Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho, alongside the delicate solo piano music of the French composers Claude Debussy and Hélène de Montgeroult.

This concert also offers school music students a rare opportunity to experience 3 set works from the Edexcel A Level Music syllabus being performed live. A free student workshop of these pieces will be held prior to the concert, at 5pm. Please click here for more info and to book a place.

Programme:
Piano Trio in G minor - Clara Schumann
Petals for Cello and Electronics - Kaija Saariaho
Études (selection) - Hélène de Montgeroult
Pagodes - Claude Debussy
Piano Trio - Rebecca Clarke

Performers:
Sophie Rosa - violin
Alex Holladay - cello
Ian Buckle - piano
Liam Carey - electronics

About Pixels Ensemble:

‘Finely judged detail, expansiveness and lots of heart’  - The Guardian
‘A fabulous evening of top class music-making.’ - Yorkshire Times

Pixels Ensemble is a versatile group of chamber music players with a shared interest in performing the finest repertoire, from the classical period to the present day. Its players are all established soloists, chamber musicians, recording artists, orchestral principals and explorers of contemporary music. Formed in 2016 by pianist and director Ian Buckle, the group appears in a wide range of line-ups and combinations, lending itself to innovative programming and enabling huge variety within individual concerts. Recent engagements include appearances at Liverpool Philharmonic, the Holywell Music Room in Oxford and Over-Seas House in London; and the group enjoys close associations with the University of Liverpool and Stapleford Granary, Cambridge. Pixels Ensemble is committed to new music, with premieres of pieces by Lera Auerbach, Dani Howard, Martin Iddon, Tim Jackson and Karen Tanaka.

'A fabulous detailed sound ... played with insight and a sense of perspective’ - Musical Opinion
‘Performed with thrilling rhythmic alertness’ - BBC Music Magazine

Tickets, including a free interval drink:
Adults £15
Children and students FREE

Want reserved seating? Get closer to the music and musicians by becoming a Friend of the Festival 2025 when buying your ticket. For more information click here.

Free parking is available on site.

This event is generously supported by Robin Bloxsidge and Nick Riddle.