Piano masterclass features at Chippy music festival

The Chipping Norton Music Festival will include performances from people locally and further afield in a bid to improve people’s confidence.

The festival starts today, Friday and runs until March 18.

Musical and dramatic performances will include solo singing, playing piano, trombone, ukelele or violin and is for all ages and types of performers.

There are categories for family performances, quartets and duets as well as choirs of all sizes, and performers range in age from seven to 75. The festival is non-competitive and adjudicated by professionals.

Three special events are also being held from world class musicians.

Craig Ogden, who is also the festival’s vice president, will be giving a guitar recital on Sunday, March 12 at 7.30pm.

Dave Townsend wil be leading a folk evening on Monday, March 13, at 7pm, in the town hall. Mr Townsend is performer of both folk and classical music on the concertina, accordion and violin, and created the Mellstock Band which is described as the ‘sound of rural England’. There will be a special drop in session where folk musicians can come along and perform their songs and music and receive feedback. Tickets to join the audience are £1.50 on the door.

Anthony Williams will be giving piano masterclasses on Thursday, March 16, from 5pm.

Mr Williams is an author of books such as The Piano Teacher’s Survival Guide.

Tickets to watch the masterclasses are £2.50 on the door of Chipping Norton Town Hall.

Sarah Cobb, chairman of the Chipping Norton Music Festival said: “This year’s festival is one the biggest in its 105-year history.

“We’re especially pleased that Craig Ogden, the world famous classical guitar player and our very own vice president will be giving a concert this year.

“To experience the thrill of live music or drama performance, everything is here, right on the doorstep in Chippy.”

More information about the music festival including a timetable of performances can be found at www.cnmf.org.uk.