Welcome to Lake District Summer Music
On this site you will find information about LDSM, the Summer Schools we operate as well as our Internationally renowned classical music festival held every summer amongst the stunning scenery of the English Lake District featuring some of the best artists from the world of classical music as well as up and coming performers.
Lake District Summer Music Festival 1–17 August 2008
The architecture of music must be one of the oldest sciences civilisation has forged. From deep in the aeons of time sounds and rhythms have been gathered into recognisable forms. From religious celebrations to secular inspiration the high peaks of European music have been established in an architecture of sound, texture and rhythm in which we can all participate with the expectation of understanding.
Our 2008 Festival explores musical architecture and the masterpieces which evolved within its structures. From the riches and colours of early music to contemporary works via Beethoven’s complete cello and piano works; from music written between 1914–46 when the world changed, via choral music and song; from quartets and soloists via the genius of Schubert and Beethoven’s octet and septet to the exuberance of Bernstein and Gershwin there is something for all.
A special final festival day brings theatre and music together with a new play inspired by Messiaen’s quartet, which was written in a prisoner of war camp. With the performance of this unique music as well as a performance of a recently discovered violin composition, this could be described as a ‘Finale for All Time’.
Not only a Festival, its integrated Summer School, Masterclasses and Young Artists add another dimension to the LDSM experience. Enjoy our Festival, and our artists and their artistry in music which touches us all. We look forward to greeting old friends and meeting new ones.
Renna Kellaway, Artistic Director
2008 Festival programme now online
The full diary for our 2008 Festival has now been released. Click here to view the list. As you will see our website has been redesigned for the 2008 Festival, we hope you enjoy the new layout. The site will be kept up-to-date from now until the Festival, so do pay us another visit soon!
As we are a registered UK charity, we rely on donations to continue our work. Please take the time to explore our site and discover how you can help us to do this by way of donations, sponsorship and becoming a patron.