Orchestral music visits pastures new

At Glastonbury Abbey 30th June and 1st July 2012

“The energy of Glastonbury and the production values of Glyndebourne” The Telegraph

Orchestra in a Field will set Somerset ablaze next summer with a colourful and eclectic programme offering something for everyone. Held in the sweeping parklands of Glastonbury Abbey, with its romantic ruins, drifts of wild flowers, and ancient orchards, this unique event is the inspiration of award-winning conductor, Charles Hazlewood.

“People associate big orchestras with stuffy concert halls, and a lot of people are alienated by that image of ‘classical music’. But take the music out of that setting, and it’s a revelation,” says Hazlewood. “Imagine a brightly lit stage in the middle of a field at night, and the sheer sensory assault of a symphony orchestra at full tilt, plus soloists and a big chorus – it’s an amazing spectacle, let alone the sound!”

Main stage performances

Bizet’s Carmen
The world’s most popular opera with a stunning international cast and a world-class orchestra.

Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition
An awesomely beautiful slice of fiery Russian Romanticism, with thundering full orchestra and improvised responses from Charles Hazlewood’s All Star Collective.

Tubular Bells
A rare live ‘supergroup’ re-creation of Mike Oldfield’s seminal 70s classic.

Orchestra in a Field is a festival like no other. A kaleidoscopic tour of the world’s best music, from Tchaikovsky to Tubular Bells by way of trip hop, opera and scrap – all in a stunning natural setting in the ancient heart of Somerset.

“What we’re offering here just isn’t available anywhere else. We’ve got world-class orchestral music-making in a totally relaxed environment, delicious food from the best local artisan producers, a Talk Tent, acoustic sets, improvisation featuring leading musicians from right across the musical spectrum, a huge kids’ activity area, amazing lighting and site art, camping, glamping; you name it! It’s perfect family entertainment.”

Highlights

• The first large-scale performance by the UK’s brand new national disabled orchestra, The British Paraorchestra.
• An explosive rendition of the 1812 Overture by the astonishing and uniquely beautiful Scrapheap Orchestra, made entirely out of scrap, the subject of a major BBC TV film this winter.
• Witness Portishead’s Adrian Utley leading his gargantuan Guitar Orchestra
• Tune in to the Talk Tent featuring celebrity interviews, music-themed talks hosted by 5 X 15, and intimate acoustic performances from a host of famous names.
• Book early for the finals of a nationwide Rap Slam poetry competition.
• Join the Idler Academy to find out how the ukulele can free your mind and medieval lute music can save your soul.
• Enter your choir in an X-Factor style Community Choir Sing-off.
• Visit our Kids Area for an all-day programme of interactive games, music, craft and dance activities including jousting, a Flamenco Dancing Workshop and a Kids Kazoo Chorus.
• Browse our Food Emporium for a fantastic array of top quality food traders and producers, open all day and serving a range of delicious hot and cold food and scrumptious local ciders, beers and wines. Make up your dream picnic from the producers’ goodies, all ready to eat and drink.

These are just some of the highlights of what is certain to be a weekend of exceptional music and festivities. To find out more and get on the list for early bird discounts, visit us on Facebook and Twitter. Or join our mailing list at the top of this page.