Summer 2024 Reviews

22/07/2024

Image © Rick Jones, The Critics’ Circle

Once again, we’re proud to have received such positive reviews for our summer Festival season, from leading critics across a range of media. The links are here.

Nadine Benjamin and Jan Karl Rautio make perfect musical partners at the Thaxted Festival

‘It is good to be returning to Thaxted Festival for a sequence of vocal and operatic treats spread over several weekends, starting with this exquisite recital by Nadine Benjamin and the superb pianist Jan Karl Rautio.’ … About Musetta’s Waltz from La Bohème: ‘Fabulous – as was the entire evening. Nadine Benjamin and Jan Karl Rautio make perfect musical partners.’

Colin Clarke, Seen and Heard International, 25 June 2024

Read the full review here

East Anglia, Holst, Thaxted – Wild Arts, The Magic Flute, Sunday 30 June:

‘But the music was a joy, with an engagingly warm, well-sung Papageno from Gareth Brynmor John and brilliant playing from a tiny but accomplished band under Orlando Jopling.

Holst could only have been pleased to think that, in these times when access to live opera is so limited in Britain, it turns up at Thaxted. Courtesy of his surviving Festival. And making people very happy in the process.’

In the same review, see also the reviewer’s enjoyment of Peter Holder’s recital on Thaxted’s Lincoln Organ.

Michael White, Catholic Herald, 6 July 2024

Read the full article here

A delightful Magic Flute at Thaxted

‘Wild Arts continues to entertain and to stimulate in equal measure. This, surely, is what fringe opera is all about. I look forward to their offering next year ... ‘

Colin Clarke, Classical Explorer, 4 July 2024

Read the full review here

A delightful performance of The Fairy Queen by the Armonico Consort and Players in Thaxted

‘…it was an unalloyed delight to hear an evening of pure Purcell.’

Colin Clarke, Seen and Heard International, 8 July 2024

Read the full article here

Seven is heaven in Thaxted

Read Rick Jones’ enthusiastic take on the modern Thaxted Festival experience with the Nash Ensemble and Wild Arts:

‘Large crowds converged through the waving cornfields of Essex on the shard-like spire of Thaxted’s mediaeval church at the weekend. Passengers on the flight path into Stansted saw the festival hubbub below: the bunting, drinks tent and homemade cake stall. Safety belts on. There may be some turbulence. The illustrious Nash Ensemble was on the bill.’
Rick Jones, The Critics’ Circle, 5 July 2024

Read the full article here