Archive: This article describes 2023 events or announcements. For current information, see the organiser’s website.
Buxton International Festival’s 2023 programme ran from 6 to 23 July, with opera, jazz, music and books.
The announced programme included three new opera productions, Vincenzo Bellini’s La sonnambula, GF Handel’s Orlando and Mozart’s Il re pastore.
Buxton International Festival and Norwich Theatre presented The Land of Might-Have-Been, a musical by Michael Williams inspired by the early life of Vera Brittain and her brother Edward. Williams co-created the UK Theatre Award-winning opera Georgiana, performed at the 2019 festival.
CEO Michael Williams said: “It’s a stop-in-your-tracks, shout-from-the-rooftops festival this year. Buxton 2023 is full to the brim with daring and excellence. It’s contemporary, relevant, reflective and provocative with sumptuous opera, glorious music and opinion-forming book talks. We reach for the stars in Buxton, make no mistake.”
2023 book programme
The advertised book programme included Sir David Hare, discussing We Travelled, and artist Jeremy Deller, discussing Art is Magic.
The programme also listed journalists Jeremy Bowen, Edward Stourton and Gary Younge, and Alastair Campbell, discussing But What Can I Do?
Baroness Catherine Ashton, the EU’s first High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security, was advertised to discuss diplomacy and her book And Then What?
Colin Grant was advertised to discuss his book I’m Black So You Don’t Have To Be.
Dame Kate Bingham, chair of the UK Vaccine Taskforce during the COVID-19 pandemic, was also listed.
Victoria Dawson, books director commented “Our guest authors are often surprised by the beauty of our town, the calibre of their fellow speakers and the world class quality of our music and operas. Perhaps it’s time to share our more than four-decade long secret.”
2023 classical music programme
The advertised programme included violinist Nicola Benedetti and The English Concert performing Vivaldi, and pianist Paul Lewis presenting the first two parts of a Schubert series that was then planned to conclude in 2024.
Joanna MacGregor was listed with a programme from Bach to Piazzolla. Pianist Peter Donohoe was billed with clarinettist Sacha Rattle.
Jazz legends
Wynton Marsalis was advertised for 10 July 2023. The jazz line-up also included The Super Big Tramp Band, Tom Seals, Madeline Bell, Tommy Smith, Dale Storr and Shez Raja.
Due to popular demand, the ‘Jazz Weekender’ ticket returns for the opening weekend of the festival (6-10 July) – they are on sale now.
Neil Hughes, BIF’s jazz director, said: “Building on from last year’s success, expect big bands, late-night concerts, the dance evening and some gospel; and we are adding even more into the mix. 2023 is going to be spectacular.”
Priority booking for the programme opened on 7 March 2023, followed by public booking on 4 April.
More information and bookings: buxtonfestival.co.uk
Buxton International Festival, 3 The Square, Buxton, SK17 6AZ
T: 01298 72190 Box Office / 01298 70395 Festival Office
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