What’s On

Musical Waterways & The Amazing Inventioneers

Sun 28– Mon 29 September • Huddersfield, UKJoin the internationally acclaimed Marsyas Trio for two days of hands-on music-making, family fun, and world-class performance.

 

Event Overview

This two-day celebration brings music, science, and history to life in engaging, family-friendly ways. The Marsyas Trio—praised for their vibrant performances and adventurous programming—lead a programme that blends hands-on workshops, interactive storytelling, and stirring chamber music.

 

Events Programme

Event 1: How Does My Instrument Work? – An Interactive Workshop

Sunday 28th September • 1:00–2:30 pm • North of England Centre for Music and Arts, Standedge Visitor Centre, Waters Road, Marsden, Huddersfield HD7 6NQ
Free, booking required  |  Book Here

For ages 8–12 — Create instruments from recycled materials, try vocal and body percussion, and compose short pieces. Adults are welcome for the final 15 minutes to enjoy a performance by the young participants, joined by the Marsyas Trio.

 

Event 2: Family Concert — Musical Waterways & The Amazing Inventioneers

Sunday 28th September • 6:00–7:00 pm • North of England Centre for Music and Arts, Standedge Visitor Centre, Waters Road, Marsden, Huddersfield HD7 6NQ
Paid tickets, booking required  |  Book Here

Step into an age of steam and waterpower. Meet pioneering engineers John Smeaton, Sarah Guppy, and Mr & Mrs Parsons as they design England’s bridges, canals, and turbines. Learn how instruments make their sound, and even perform alongside the Marsyas Trio.

 

Event 3: Marsyas Trio in Concert

Monday 29th September • 7:30 pm (doors 7:00 pm) • St Paul’s Hall, University of Huddersfield
Paid tickets – Adults who have attended events on the Sunday – £10, Children (under 18) – Free  |  Purchase on the door

• Haydn — Trio in D major, Hob XV:16
• Michael Finnissy — June
• Judith Weir — Several Concertos
• Louise Farrenc — Trio in E minor, Op 45
• Czerny — Fantasia concertante, Op 256

Join the celebrated Marsyas Trio for an evening that bridges classical elegance and modern creativity. Opening with Haydn’s luminous Trio in D major, the programme journeys through Michael Finnissy’s atmospheric June and Judith Weir’s inventive Several Concertos. After the interval, discover the passionate lyricism of Louise Farrenc’s rarely-performed Trio in E minor before the night concludes with Czerny’s dazzling Fantasia Concertante. Performed by Helen Vidovich (flute), Olga Stezhko (cello), and Val Welbanks (piano), this concert offers a rare opportunity to experience chamber music’s breadth and brilliance in the stunning acoustic of St Paul’s Hall.

 

FAQ

Do I need a ticket for the free event? Yes, please book in advance as space is limited.

Are the events suitable for children? Event 1 is for ages 8–12. Event 2 is family-friendly. Event 3 is suitable for ages 10+.

Is there parking nearby? Both venues have public parking and transport links nearby.

Time  |  7:30pm (doors open 7:00pm)

Helen Vidovich, flute  |  Olga Stezhko, piano|  Val Welbanks, cello

The Marsyas Trio is a chamber ensemble featuring flute, cello, and piano. Known for their vibrant performances and innovative programming, they champion both classical and contemporary works, often highlighting underrepresented composers. Their acclaimed recordings and educational outreach reflect their commitment to expanding the chamber music repertoire.

Haydn                            Trio in D major, Hob XV:16

Michael Finnissy           June

Judith Weir                    Several Concertos

Louise Farrenc              Trio in E minor, Op 45
Czerny                           Fantasia concertante, Op 256

Discover a captivating concert that bridges classical brilliance and contemporary creativity. Beginning with Haydn’s radiant Trio, the program unfolds with Michael Finnissy’s evocative June and Judith Weir’s dynamic Several Concertos, works that challenge and inspire with fresh perspectives. After the interval, experience the passionate lyricism of Louise Farrenc’s Trio in E minor, a rare gem from the 19th century, followed by Czerny’s exhilarating Fantasia Concertante, a showcase of virtuosic flair. This concert promises a unique and memorable journey through chamber music’s evolving landscape.

Time  |  7:30pm (doors open 7:00pm)

Xander Croft, violin  |  Miles Ames, violin  |  Inis Oírr Asano, viola  |  Felix Hughes, cello

The Elmore Quartet, formed in 2017, is a celebrated British string quartet known for their vibrant performances and commitment to chamber music. They have won multiple awards, performed across prestigious venues in the UK and Europe, and recorded for BBC Radio 3.

Leo Geyer                          ‘Unfurling’

Haydn                                 String Quartet in C major, Op 74 No 1

Imogen Holst                    String Quartet ‘Phantasy’

Beethoven                         String Quartet in E-flat major, Op 127

Get ready for a thrilling evening of string quartets that spark the imagination and stir the soul. Unfurling bursts forth with fresh energy, Haydn’s Op. 74 No. 1 dazzles with elegant brilliance, and Phantasy casts a haunting, mysterious spell. The night culminates in Beethoven’s powerful and deeply moving Op. 127—an unforgettable experience that will leave you inspired and breathless. Don’t miss it!

Time  |  7:30pm (doors open 7:00pm)

Sarah Beth Briggs is an acclaimed British classical pianist who began her professional career at just 11 years old. She gained early recognition as the youngest finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition and later won the International Mozart Competition in Salzburg. Sarah has performed as a soloist with leading UK orchestras such as the Royal Philharmonic and the Hallé, and has appeared at prestigious venues including London’s South Bank Centre. Alongside her performing career, she is an experienced educator, teaching at the University of York and offering masterclasses internationally. Her recordings, featuring works by composers like Britten and Haydn, have received widespread praise.

Mozart                 Fantasia in D minor, K 397

Schubert             Piano Sonata in A major, D 664

Brahms                Klavierstücke, Op 119

Debussy               Suite bergamasque

Hans Gál              Three Preludes, Op 65

Mendelssohn     Variations sérieuses, Op 54

Experience the profound artistry of piano music through a program that spans a rich spectrum of emotions and styles. From the dramatic intensity of Mozart’s Fantasia in D minor to Schubert’s elegant lyricism, the selection offers depth and nuance. Brahms’ Klavierstücke, Debussy’s evocative Suite bergamasque, Hans Gál’s delicate Three Preludes, and Mendelssohn’s passionate Variations sérieuses further enrich this compelling musical journey.

This concert presents a rare opportunity to hear these distinguished works performed with sensitivity and insight. We warmly invite you to join us for an evening of refined and inspiring piano performance.

Time  |  7:30pm (doors open 7:00pm)

Thelma Handy and Sophie Rosa, violins  |  Vicci Wardman, viola  |  Jonathan Aasgaard, cello  |  Ian Buckle, piano

The Pixels Ensemble is a dynamic chamber music collective founded in 2016 by pianist and artistic director Ian Buckle. Comprised of distinguished soloists, chamber musicians, and orchestral principals, the ensemble is dedicated to performing a diverse repertoire that spans from the classical period to contemporary works.

Rebecca Clarke                 Three movements for two violins and piano

Mozart                                Piano Concerto in E flat, K 449

Elgar                                    Piano Quintet in A minor, Op 84

Join us for a transformative evening where music breathes life into every note. Discover the haunting beauty of Rebecca Clarke’s Three Movements for Two Violins and Piano, be swept away by the radiant brilliance of Mozart’s Piano Concerto in E flat, K 449, and feel the profound passion in Elgar’s stirring Piano Quintet in A minor, Op 84. This concert is a celebration of artistry and emotion that will move your soul and ignite your imagination.

Time  |  7:30pm (doors open 7:00pm)

Ensemble Renard comprises five of the country’s most outstanding young musicians. Together, they exist to explore a wide range of timbral possibilities within modern day chamber performance. Centrally a wind quintet, Ensemble Renard’s frequent collaboration with composers and guest instrumentalists allows them to showcase a prismatic variety of colours.

Mozart arr. Meyer                                         Andante in F for small mechanical organ, K 616

Pavel Haas                                                    Wind Quintet, Op 10

Isabella Leonarda arr. King                          Sonata Nona, Op 16 No 9

Bartók arr. Strivens                                       Six Dances in Bulgarian Rhythm from Mikrokosmos

György Ligeti                                                Six Bagatelles

Judith Weir                                                    Mountain Airs

Anton Reicha                                                Wind Quintet in E flat, Op 88 No 2

Discover a captivating concert featuring a unique blend of classical and modern chamber music. Experience the delicate charm of Mozart’s Andante in F for small mechanical organ, alongside the vibrant energy of Pavel Haas’s Wind Quintet, Op. 10. The program also highlights Isabella Leonarda’s elegant Sonata Nona, Bartók’s rhythmic Six Dances in Bulgarian Rhythm from Mikrokosmos, and György Ligeti’s intriguing Six Bagatelles. Adding to the atmosphere are Judith Weir’s evocative Mountain Airs and Anton Reicha’s dynamic Wind Quintet in E flat, Op. 88 No. 2. This concert offers a rich journey through history and innovation, perfect for lovers of refined and adventurous music alike.

 

This concert is supported by The Countess Of Munster Musical Trust

Time  |  3:00pm (doors open 2:30pm)

Cellist Raphael Wallfisch, renowned for his rich tone and expressive musicianship, combines his extensive experience as a performer and educator with pianist Simon Callaghan, whose technical skill and sensitivity bring depth to their interpretations. Together, they form a compelling duo celebrated for their dynamic performances and heartfelt musical connection.

Beethoven          Cello Sonata in A major, Op 69

Martinů               Cello Sonata No 2

Rachmaninov     Cello Sonata in G minor, Op 19

Experience an unforgettable evening of rich, emotive music featuring three masterful cello sonatas. Journey through Beethoven’s elegant and timeless Cello Sonata in A major, Op. 69, delve into the vibrant and expressive textures of Martinů’s Cello Sonata No. 2, and be swept away by the passionate intensity of Rachmaninov’s Cello Sonata in G minor, Op. 19. This concert promises a powerful exploration of the cello’s voice across three distinct musical eras.

Time  |  7:30pm (doors open 7:00pm)

A welcomed return for the Dovestone Quartet. The quartet is a student ensemble from the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) who played for us in our last season.

 

arr. Danish String Quartet     Shore and Polska from Dorotea

Grieg      String Quartet No. 1 in G minor

Jessie Montgomery      Strum

Debussy      String Quartet

 

The Dovestone Quartet appear by kind permission of the RNCM.