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A Weekend of Musical Brilliance: Lichfield Chamber Music Festival 2025

A view from behind of audience members sat in rows in a converted church, as Festival Director Damian Thantrey speaks.

Last weekend, Lichfield came alive with the sounds of exquisite chamber music as the 2025 Lichfield Chamber Music Festival was held. Running from 2 – 5 October 2nd in intimate venues such as The Hub at St Mary’s, the Festival offered a rich and varied programme that captivated audiences from start to finish.

The festival opened with a mesmerizing performance by Cuban guitarist Ahmed Dickinson, who’s masterful technique and emotive playing immediately set the tone for a weekend of musical excellence. The following afternoon, harpsichordist Julian Perkins took the stage at Wade Street Church performing his Handel’s Attick recital programme on the Clavichord; a first for Lichfield Chamber Music Festival. New to our audiences, this was a deeply engaging exploration of Baroque repertoire that highlighted both precision and expressiveness. This was followed by a spectacular evening of music by former Lichfield Festival Young Artist turned international soloist, Emily Sun.

Across Saturday, pianist and conductor Angus Webster, was joined by bright young Catherina Lee, and David Waterman (cellist of the renowned Endellion Quartet) for Schubert Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat major, before “Britain’s favourite clarinettist”, Emma Johnson brought a varied programme for her recital.

Across Sunday, cellist Gerard Flotats opened the day with the first of three concerts, performing the Brahms Cello Sonata No. 2 in F major, along with a selection from the more contemporary 24 Preludes for Cello & Piano by Auberbach. This was followed by rising star violinist Mabelle Park (1st prize, 2025 ROSL Strings) who made her Lichfield debut, performing the Elgar Violin Sonata in E minor.

Closing the Festival, former Festival Associate Artist, Danny Driver, joined us to celebrate the release of his new recording of the work, J.S. Bach Goldberg Variations BWV 988.

Beyond the music itself, the festival highlighted Lichfield’s growing reputation as a cultural hub. The city’s intimate venues allowed for a close connection between performers and audiences, making each concert a shared, immersive experience. As the festival continues to grow, it remains a shining highlight of Lichfield’s cultural calendar.