Festival 2022

Concerts:

“An autumn musical treat for Hay! Our old friends The Fitzwilliam Quartet ,the young Hill Quartet ,The Greenwich Piano trio , and composer  Liz Dilnot Johnson, offered us a cornucopia  of fine music from across the ages, even a folk evening in Hay Castle. Can’t wait for next year’s FSQ festival !”

“I know that I speak for the team at Saint Mary’s to say that the standard of music was second to none and a privilege to listen to.”

“I thought the weekend was a great success – lots of variety of both music and ensembles, and fantastic playing – a privilege to be present at such wonderful music-making. It was excellent to include some contemporary pieces, and to include a session with Liz Dilnot Johnson in the programme. The session in Hay Castle was tremendous.”

Re a student who attended most of the festival weekend on a concessionary basis:

For me, seeing that young lad soaking up and discovering the music was the most poignant part, and in my book the most valuable part of a festival like this. It probably proved a memorable and possibly formative experience for him, that may well shape his life.

Outreach Events:

Family Place Workshop

“It was an honour to be involved, and to hear the pieces played – and engage with them (sic.The musicians) creatively with the families”.

Report from The Family Place –

‘The Family Place were delighted to collaborate with The Fitzwilliam at Hay to provide a music workshop on Saturday 10 September. Three families participated in an exploration of three newly written pieces for solo violin, written by Liz Dilnot Johnson and performed by Selina Hamilton. Each piece created a tone poem depicting a natural subject, namely Harebell, Dumbledor Dances (Dumbledor is a type of beetle) and The Skylark on her Nest. It was a privilege to hear the pieces live, and to respond using instruments, crafting and words for a poem at the end. The contrasting textures in the music were reflected in the responses, playing beetle boxes and elastic bands, forming soft nests of small and large scales and making delicate harebell. When the group played alongside the Violin, it all seemed to work well, everyone listening and playing their part of overall sound. Thanks to Rob Peate for facilitating and photos, Selina for gracing us with her beautiful performances and to Annie and Erika for all their help.’

Hay Day Café:

“Hay Day Cafe members had a wonderful time when the Fitzwilliam Quartet played for us at Cusop Church on Monday.  We know from research and from our own experiences of supporting people living with or at risk of dementia, that music soothes anxiety and when familiar can bring back memories.”

“The lovely, relaxed session from the Quartet gave everyone a special warm glow in an intimate setting, which was a chance to get up-close and personal with the talented musicians and their instruments.”

“A magical afternoon in Cusop Church as the Fitzwilliam String Quartet made their very welcome annual visit to Hay.  Sublime live music, lovely people.”

Gwernyfed Grammar School:

“Thank you from all of us for coming along to perform. Seeing live performance is such an important opportunity for our musicians.”