Chairman’s Welcome
As Chairman of Banstead Arts Festival Society, it is a privilege and great joy to continue to bring live music to Banstead. As well as engaging celebrated national and international artists it gives the society particular pleasure to support young musicians in the early stages of their professional careers.
We look forward to the 2026-27 Autumn/Winter Season when we have four very exciting concerts by outstanding artists.
The season opens on 17th October with a recital by bass-baritone Christopher Webb with pianist Martin Ford. Recently acclaimed by The Times for his ‘vigorous and exquisite’ singing Christopher, a member of St Paul’s Cathedral choir, enjoys a busy and varied career as a soloist and ensemble singer. Martin is Organist & Director of Music at the Royal Military Chapel (Guards’ Chapel). They will perform a programme of German and English ‘art songs’ including works by Schubert, Korngold, Herbert Howells, Benjamin Britten and conclude with Flanders and Swann.
On 21st November we welcome Trio Archai, one of the most exciting young ensembles of its generation. Having gained international recognition by winning First Prize and the Beethoven Prize in China at the Schoenfeld International String Competition 2025, the trio has performed in prestigious venues and festivals across the UK and Europe. They will perform piano trios by Mozart, Fauré and Schumann.
French-born pianist Diana Cooper will give a recital on 20th February. Having studied in both Paris and London, she has won numerous prizes and awards. She has received critical acclaim for her artistic maturity and in particular for her interpretation of Chopin. Her wide ranging programme will include Chopin’s four intense and gloriously expressive scherzos.
At our final concert on 20th March we look forward to welcoming three very experienced musicians: flautist Susan Frank, violist Scott Dickinson and harpist Lucy Wakeford. The trio is delighted to be performing in Banstead and their varied programme will include trios by Debussy, Ravel, Telemann and Bax, as well as solo items.
Further information is given in the Autumn/Winter Concerts page {click here}
I hope that you will join with us to enjoy the performances offered by the Banstead Arts Festival Society in 2026/27
Margaret McFarlane