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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, the Northern Aldborough Festival 2025, in its 31st year, will bring world-class music, including performances by Dame Sarah Connolly, Fantasia Orchestra, and Wild Arts Opera, to the rural Yorkshire village of Aldborough from 12-21 June, culminating in a spectacular outdoor concert and fireworks.
Northern Aldborough Festival 2025
Nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire’s quintessential countryside, the picturesque village of Aldborough prepares to host the Northern Aldborough Festival 2025, marking its 31st year as a beacon of high-end live music in a rural setting.
Running from 12 to 21 June 2025, this cherished event transforms the tranquil village—once a thriving Roman capital—into an unlikely epicentre for classical music, jazz, opera, and more. Organized by a dedicated charity, the festival’s mission remains steadfast: to bring world-class performances to an intimate, rural stage, offering audiences an experience typically reserved for the global cosmopolitan elite.
Aldborough may be small, but its cultural might is undeniable. At the heart of the festival lies the ancient 14th-century village church, where concertgoers can step back in time and enjoy performances in a setting as enchanting as the music itself. From celebrated mezzo sopranos to rising stars, the 2025 lineup promises a rich tapestry of sound, spotlighting the artistry and power of the human voice.
A Stellar Lineup for 2025
This year’s festival boasts an extraordinary array of talent, blending classical mastery, innovative opera, and soulful jazz. Highlights include:
- Dame Sarah Connolly and Dame Imogen Cooper: The renowned mezzo soprano joins forces with the distinguished pianist for an unforgettable performance.
- Fantasia Orchestra: Fresh from their debut at the BBC Proms, this dynamic ensemble, led by conductor Tom Fetherstonhaugh and featuring violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen, brings youthful energy to the stage.
- Jacqui Dankworth and Her Trio: One of the UK’s leading jazz vocalists delivers a soul-stirring set with her acclaimed trio.
- Wild Arts Opera: This exciting company presents Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love, a comedic gem of the operatic repertoire.
- Armonico Consort: Directed by Christopher Monks, they perform Rachmaninov’s breathtaking The Vespers.
- Ben Goldscheider and the Heath Quartet: The French horn virtuoso teams up with this celebrated quartet for a captivating collaboration.
- Thanda Gumede Trio: Acclaimed vocalist Thanda Gumede, who has graced stages from the BBC Proms to Buckingham Palace, offers an eclectic and powerful performance.
Beyond the music, the festival welcomes Matthew Parris, the respected journalist, as its headline speaker, adding a thought-provoking dimension to the programme.
New Voices Singing Competition: Discovering Tomorrow’s Stars
A cornerstone of the 2025 festival is the return of the New Voices Singing Competition, an annual nationwide search for the UK’s finest classical singing talent. With a prestigious judging panel and a generous £7,000 prize fund, this event celebrates emerging voices and underscores the festival’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers.
Late-Night Revelry at ‘The Shed’
For those reluctant to let the night end, Aldborough’s late-night venue, ‘The Shed’, returns with a relaxed atmosphere, live entertainment, and refreshments. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and continue the festivities after the evening concerts.
Last Night Outdoor Concert: A Grand Finale
The festival culminates in its hugely popular Last Night Outdoor Concert, set in the scenic grounds of Aldborough Manor. A leading pop act—yet to be announced—will take the stage, entertaining around 1,000 festival-goers under the open sky. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnics, dance into the night, and enjoy a dazzling orchestrated firework display to cap off the week-long celebration.
A Rural Gem with a Global Reach
What makes the Northern Aldborough Festival truly special is its ability to marry the intimacy of a village setting with the grandeur of world-class artistry. Whether you’re drawn by the promise of operatic romance, the thrill of discovering new talent, or the joy of a firelit finale, this event offers something for every music lover. Mark your calendars for 12-21 June 2025 and prepare to be enchanted by the magic of Aldborough—a small village with a mighty voice.
For more details, keep an eye on the festival’s official announcements as the date approaches. Don’t miss your chance to experience this unique celebration of sound and community in the heart of North Yorkshire.
Northern Aldborough Festival History
Founded in 1994, the Northern Aldborough Festival is a cultural gem set in the charming village of Aldborough near York, earning praise from The Times as “well on its way to being one of the leading fixtures on the classical music calendar.” The festival’s mission is to deliver exceptional live music to fresh audiences in intimate, rural settings where such performances are rare, blending global talent with a consistently world-class standard. Over its three-decade history, it has become a beacon of artistic excellence, showcasing musicians from across the world in the bucolic North Yorkshire countryside.
Festival Director, Robert Ogden
The Artistic Director of the Northern Aldborough Festival is Robert Ogden, a man whose life bridges the worlds of music and heritage craftsmanship. Beyond his role at the festival, Robert manages Ogden of Harrogate, a prestigious family jewellery business established in 1893 by his ancestor, James Robert (JR) Ogden. Before stepping into this legacy, Robert enjoyed a distinguished career as an operatic countertenor, performing to widespread acclaim in renowned opera houses and concert halls worldwide. His musical journey began as a chorister at Westminster Cathedral, followed by rigorous training at King’s College, Cambridge, the Royal Northern College of Music, and the Netherlands Opera Studio, equipping him with the expertise and passion that now shape the festival’s artistic vision.
Find more now:
https://aldboroughfestival.co.uk
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