By Isle of Wight Observer
A new festival comes to the Island next month.
The Fairest Isle Festival, a celebration of early music from the 16th to the 18th centuries is set to delight audiences from May 10 to 12. The event will take place across various churches and venues on the Island, promising an immersive musical voyage back in time.
Highlights of the festival’s programme include performances by the Scandinavian Alehouse Boys, Barokksolistene, set to recreate the vibrant atmosphere of a 17th-century tavern. The works of Henry Purcell will also be celebrated, including the short opera, Dido and Aeneas. Under the guidance of artistic director, Robert Hollingworth, the festival’s resident band, will bring to life Purcell’s operatic gem, rich with dances, iconic songs, and duets.
Kicking off the festival will be the acclaimed recorder consort Palisander, which has been described as “Early music’s very own Spice Girls,” setting an upbeat tone for the event.
Festival-goers will have the opportunity to participate in various workshops, including “Learn to Sing a Sea Shanty” on the banks of the river Medina and “Come and Sing a Classic Baroque Choral Work” with Barokksolistene and prominent soloists. In an effort to foster young talent, the festival, in collaboration with the Isle of Wight Music Hub, will also host educational workshops and master-classes within local schools.
Tickets for this inaugural music festival are available via iw.observer/fairest-isle, inviting all to experience the rich sounds and stories of early music.
Isle of Wight Observer