We’re pleased to have been contacted by the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester about their chamber music festival from 15-17 March. This festival focuses on Haydn’s music. Jeremy Young, the artistic director, writes:

“This year’s festival pays homage to the innovative genius of Joseph ‘Papa’ Haydn, rightfully known as the ‘Father of the String Quartet’. We explore some of his inspiring and original chamber works as well as seminal compositions including The Seven Last Words of our Saviour on the Cross. Throughout, we showcase our own talented students alongside guests Quatuor Mosaïques, Trio Wanderer, the Heath Quartet, Trio Gaspard, Simon Rowland-Jones and the Benyounes Quartet.

We also look at how Haydn’s ‘invention’ developed, the composers directly inspired by him, and some living composers who still refer to his genius. We explore what the string quartet, or indeed, chamber music as a whole has or might become. An ever-present in composition, education and performance, the quartet is capable of ground-breaking experimentation, radical invention and extraordinary expression, and is arguably now a vehicle for innovation in its own right.

There is a wide variety of events taking place, from more traditional quartet performances to modern imaginings and arrangements, film screenings, talks and masterclasses, allowing you to curate your own individual and unique journey through this busy weekend and reflect on Haydn’s immense impact as a true original.”

More information and tickets via rncm.ac.uk