Music Festivals
The Leith Hill Music Festival is an annual celebration of choral music, which takes place in April. Evangeline Farrer and Margaret Vaughan Williams, whose famous brother, Ralph, was Festival Conductor until 1953, founded this renowned Festival in 1905.
The successful pattern of the competition days continues. In the mornings choirs compete in friendly competition, singing the set pieces and passages from the main works. The competitions are open to the public. The choirs unite for the afternoon rehearsal when professional soloists and orchestra and the Festival Conductor join them. The day culminates in the evening's concert at which a special guest presents awards from the competition. St Matthew and St John Passions are performed in alternate years.
The Polesden Lacey Festival, held in June every year, presents a varied selection of musical and theatrical events. It offers a mix of jazz, pop and classical music, together with performances of a popular musical and a Shakespeare play.
The Dorking Concertgoers Society offer a season of music performed by musicians of international standing. The concerts are held in the Dorking Halls and run from October through to June. Details of the programme can be obtained by ringing the Dorking Halls: Tel 01306 881717.
Music at Woodhouse offers an opportunity to experience high quality chamber music in a concert hall with excellent acoustics overlooking beautiful gardens. Woodhouse is in Holmbury St Mary, in the heart of the Greensand Hills. For information telephone 01306 730956, email woodhousemusic@dsl.pipex.com.
There are many other opportunities to enjoy professional and amateur musical performances, from village choral societies to lunch hour recital in St Martin Church, Dorking. Details can be obtained from the Visitor Information Centre (telephone 01306 879327).
