This week will see the New Paths Music Autumn Festival take place
A music festival in Beverley is set to welcome some big names from the world of classical music. New Paths Music Festival will welcome international acts such as award winning Attacca Quartet from New York, baritone Benjamin Appl, and the legendary french horn player Richard Watkins over the three day musical extravaganza.
A highlight for the festival’s organisers will be when five of its ‘Voyagers’ – talented and ambitious teenagers from the area who auditioned for the opportunity – take to the stage. They will be mentored by New Paths Music artists over the course of the year, giving them a chance to hone their skills with training from top coaches.
Among the talent is saxophonist Maisie Cunningham who hopes to join the Royal Marines Band and Toby Calvert, a trombone player in the National Youth Orchestra, who is interested in a career in aerospace engineering. Other participants on the programme include classical guitarist Cameron Frankish who already holds a diploma on his instrument, saxophonist Xavier Goddard, and pianist William Ward-Jackson.
The festival’s artistic director, Libby Burgess, said: “We are proud to be launching this programme for young people in the region, expanding their horizons and helping them reach their goals. Raw talent is only ever part of the picture, and these teenagers have worked hard to reach the level where they are. It’s a privilege now to provide a mixture of tuition, apprenticeship and mentoring to help them keep developing.”
She added: “Our New Paths musicians regularly perform all over the globe, compose for the grandest occasions, teach in the most prestigious conservatoires. Between them they have an incredible wealth of real live performing experience, expert knowledge, inspiring creativity, and wide-ranging contacts – and they would like to share that with young musicians in and around the East Riding.”
Roland Deller, founder of New Paths Music said: “Growing up in Beverley I had access to musical opportunities in the Minster Choir and East Riding Youth Orchestra which genuinely changed my life. It is a special full-circle moment now to be supporting the new generation!
“We are proud that participation in this scheme is completely free of charge and believe passionately in the importance of nurturing and inspiring talented young musicians in the region regardless of means. Perhaps some of our Voyagers will become the professional performers of tomorrow – but, whatever path they take, the transferable skills these young people build will be invaluable in life.”
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The New Paths Music Autumn Festival takes place at various venues in Beverley from September 25 – 27. Tickets are available from the Beverley Tourist Information Centre and at www.newpathsmusic.com.
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