CLASSICS IN THE CASTLE

Classics in the Castle is a summer season of Friday evening concerts, held in the beautiful surroundings of Auckland Castle. These concerts have brought to Bishop Auckland a good number of established artists of international renown. They have also provided a platform for many younger musicians in the earlier stages of their professional careers, drawing on the great wealth of musical talent, from home or overseas, that has been nurtured in the UK’s universities and music colleges. A Classics in the Castle season seeks to offer music lovers an interesting and enjoyable journey and a degree of adventure. The season will invariably include a piano recital and string ensembles and the repertoire a number of well-known works. It will also typically give the opportunity to discover the repertoire for other instruments, such as the mandolin and saxophone in 2009 and from time to time to walk on the wilder side with groups like Zum and Red Priest. Outside the summer series of concerts, the Society holds a special Christmas Concert each year, led by one of the several excellent choirs in the region. Festive fare is served during the interval. With the generous support of Cavatina Chamber Music Trust, tickets for children eight years and older and students under 22 are free. Click for Ticket prices

Bishop Auckland Music Society is now in its 18th year. The Society is run entirely by volunteers. It receives no public funding and pays its way through ticket sales and the generous support of individuals and businesses. Help is always welcome.

Venue

As a venue for summer concerts, Auckland Castle provides an ideal location. While conveniently located just off the market place in Bishop Auckland, this historic building, which has parts dating back to the 1100s, is set in its own extensive grounds and deer park. There is parking for the concerts in the grounds. The concerts are held in the Throne Room, a beautifully proportioned hall and an ideal size for recitals and chamber music. Musicians have given high marks to the acoustics of the hall and to the Steinway piano (purchased new in 2002), as well as to the enthusiasm and friendliness of Bishop Auckland audiences! As the pianist Sarah Beth Briggs said after her last concert: “Definitely one of the best venue/piano combinations in the UK”. Auckland Castle

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