Festival of Chichester

The 2023 festival will run from Saturday 10 June to Sunday 9 July.

The Festival of Chichester is a month-long celebration of the arts running from mid-June to mid-July each year in the historic city of Chichester.

We present a truly exciting and varied lineup of around 100 events every summer, combining a brilliant programme of classical music with the best in jazz, blues, folk, rock, pop and world music.

Add thrilling theatre, book events, talks and poetry, exhibitions, walks, tours, cinema, open days and galas and there really is something for everyone.

Grounded in the Chichester community, the festival aspires to the stars. We are pleased to welcome local and international performers of the highest calibre.

Performer Details
    Events by this performer
    Expired
    July 2, 2023
    Forget everything you think you know about string quartets. Bowjangles is an award-winning, irreverent, anarchic group of multitalented genre spinners, bringing music, storytelling, cabaret, theatre, choreography and comedy together in a way you’ve never seen before. Brilliant classical musicians at...
    Expired
    June 6, 2023
    Jacques Ibert (1890–1962) : Impromptu pour Trompette et Piano Manuel De Falla (1876–1946) : Canciónes populares españoles (trans. Fraser Tannock) Karl Pilss (1902–1979) : Sonata für Trompete und Klavier (1935) I. Allegro AppassionatoII. Adagio, Molto CantabileIII. Allegro Agitato GyörgyLigeti (1923–2006)...
    Expired
    May 30, 2023
    Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750): Prelude & Fugue in G minor, BWV 885 from The Well-Tempered Clavier Book II Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827): Piano Sonata No.28 in A major, Op.101 I. Etwas lebhaft, und mit der innigsten EmpfindungSomewhat lively, and with...
    Expired
    May 23, 2023
    Read a review. Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) : Variations on Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen (from The Magic Flute) Francis Poulenc (1899–1963) : Sonata for cello and piano I. Allegro – Tempo di MarciaII. CavatineIII. BallabileIV. Finale ArvoPärt (1935–) :...
    Expired
    May 16, 2023
    Emma Halnan, flute, & Heather Wrighton, harp Programme Hendrik Andriessen (1892–1981) : Intermezzo for Flute and Harp   Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) : Andantino from Concerto for Flute and Harp in C Major Paul Lewis (1943–) : Two Waltzes Ástor Piazzolla (1921-1992) :  Histoire du...
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    July 9, 2023
    Read preview notes and a review. Celebrate the last night of another fabulous Festival, with the Consort of Twelve and the Portsmouth Baroque Choir performing Handel’s Messiah. Bring a picnic for the dinner interval. 2023 will be the 280th anniversary...
    Expired
    July 9, 2023
    Read a preview. Exceptional recorder players on seven sizes of instrument will present the leading edge of English musical style from 1700 – 2023. An inspirational performance directed by Helen Hooker. Fabulous music in magnificent Boxgrove Priory Church …Viva los...
    Expired
    July 8, 2023
    Read a preview. Sussex Young Musician winner 2022 and International Guitar Foundation Young Artist Zoe Barnett presents a diverse programme of guitar solos for the West Sussex Guitar Club, inspired by the folklore of Brazil, Iran and Catalonia. Tickets £15...
    Expired
    July 8, 2023
    Read one review and another review. Catherine Lawlor, former leader of the Chichester Symphony Orchestra, will perform Bruch’s violin concerto. The orchestra will also perform Brahms’ Symphony No 2 and Brahms’ Academic Overture. The student songs quoted in the Academic Overture were inspired by...
    Expired
    July 7, 2023
    Chichester Chorale presents music by Henry Purcell, including his Birthday Ode for Queen Mary ‘Come ye Sons of Art’. The Chorale is conducted by Tom Robson and accompanied by the Chichester Chamber Ensemble in the idyllic setting of Boxgrove Priory....
    Expired
    July 7, 2023
    Read a preview. Vivaldi’s Gloria and Magnificat, Albinoni’s Concerto for Oboe, and Torelli’s Concerto for trumpet will be performed. The singers are the Sussex Song Makers, conductor Elizabeth Muir-Lewis, with the Sussex Ensemble, leader Nick Houghton. The Torelli and the Albinoni complement the beauty of the...
    Expired
    July 5, 2023
    Read a profile of Amanda. “The guitar queen with a silken touch” (The Independent) presents an inspiring programme of Romantic and Contemporary music by the celebrated composers Verdery, Kavanagh, Assad & Torroba. Known for her sensitive musicality and special ability...
    Expired
    July 4, 2023
    Read a review. Italian pianist Ida Pelliccioli performs a programme of music inspired by the “forgotten” Spanish composer Manuel Blasco de Nebra (1750-1784). This concert features as part of Chichester Cathedral’s regular Lunchtime Concert series in the spectacular setting of...
    Expired
    July 3, 2023
    Read an article with Bogdan Vacarescu. International virtuosos Bogdan Vacarescu and Valentina Seferinova present a stunning programme for violin and piano featuring treasures by Vivaldi, Tartini, Vitali, Beethoven, Chopin and Sarasate. “A performance of virtuosity, energy, spontaneity and poetry in...
    Expired
    July 1, 2023
    Local pianist, Chris Coote, organised concerts for local charities, raising thousands from donations over many years. Chris was also chairman of the Bognor Regis Music Club. Join us as we come together to celebrate the life of our friend Chris,...
    Expired
    July 1, 2023
    In aid of the Sussex Snowdrop Trust, this summer Spectacular Concert features the very best of choral music from the Walton Voices as well as spectacular pieces from the repertoire of the Southdowns Concert Band. Tickets £15. Visit the Festival of Chichester...
    Expired
    June 30, 2023
    Tenor Tom Robson is joined by Arculo Consort of Viols to present a programme of song and consort music to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the death of William Byrd. Come and join these fantastic musicians in the stunning setting...
    Expired
    June 30, 2023
    Tesoro Duo – soprano Karen Barnett and tenor Simon Long – will be returning this year to the Assembly Rooms for a musical extravaganza of music from Movies, Musicals, and More. The tenor/soprano duo will perform a wealth of music...
    Expired
    June 30, 2023
    Read a preview. Pavlos Carvalho performs the 1st suite, G major, the simple, innocent genesis of all the suites, and then the more inward-looking and reflective 2nd suite in G minor. Bach speaks to the soul and intellect at once;...
    Expired
    June 27, 2023
    Saxophonist Alastair Penman performs as part of Chichester Cathedral’s regular Lunchtime Concert series in the spectacular setting of the Cathedral Nave, with piano accompaniment from Jonathan Pease.  Chichester Cathedral’s Lunchtime Concert series is self-supporting, and thrives through the generosity of its...
    Expired
    June 25, 2023
    Read an interview with Ensemble Reza. Join us for an afternoon of beautiful music as we take you on a journey with tales and music written by composers, both new and old from our local Sussex. Based in Mid Sussex...
    Expired
    June 24, 2023
    ‘Sing Psalms and Songs’ will include music old and new, and will commemorate the 400th anniversary of the deaths of William Byrd and Thomas Weelkes. Following an incredibly well-received and vibrant performance in 2022, South Downs Soloists are excited to...
    Expired
    June 21, 2023
    Read preview notes. Sonare turns the spotlight onto a wealth of exciting, moving and even boundary-breaking music. Spanning 900 years, and taking in everything from German mystics to famous siblings and even cross-pollinators of Indian and Western music… This will...
    Expired
    June 20, 2023
    Chichester Cathedral’s Organ Scholar Tim Stewart performs as part of the Cathedral’s regular Lunchtime Concert series in the spectacular setting of the Cathedral Nave. Herbert Howells – Rhapsody in C-sharp minorFelix Mendelssohn – Allegretto from Sonata No.4 in B-flatDietrich Buxtehude...
    Expired
    June 19, 2023
    Join Linda Kelsall-Barnett and the West Sussex Guitar Orchestra with friends from the West Sussex Guitar Club for a summer extravaganza of the guitar in ensemble. Enjoy a wide range of repertoire from 1600 to the present day specially composed...
    Expired
    June 18, 2023
    Zabetas is one of the warmest and most relatable and uplifting Greek musicians. His catchy and melodic music, filled with the down-to-earth tragedy and comedy of the human condition, makes his songs part of the DNA of Greek life. They...
    Expired
    June 18, 2023
    Read preview notes. Launching volume 2 of her recording of Bach’s cello suites, Lynden will play extracts from these wonderful compositions, using 4-string and 5-string baroque cellos; writer and broadcaster Roger Parker will discuss the music; tea follows. Proceeds to...
    Expired
    June 17, 2023
    The Royal Marines Association Concert Band is back in Chichester! An evening of great music where the Band will feature Marches, Overtures, music from the Classics, Soloists, West End, popular songs and a Last Night Of The Proms finale. Visit...
    Expired
    June 17, 2023
    Bognor Regis Music Club is pleased to welcome back La Folie after the Consort’s brilliant concert last year. Under the leadership of Luke Haydn, it prides itself on historically informed performances of Baroque music. Its programme includes Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons,...
    Expired
    June 13, 2023
    Read a review. The Plaegan Piano Trio perform works by Johannes Brahms as part of Chichester Cathedral’s regular Lunchtime Concert series in the spectacular setting of the Cathedral Nave. Helen Sills violinBettina St J. Skeen celloAlan Brown piano Johannes BrahmsIntermezzo...
    Expired
    June 11, 2023
    “The Lyrical Euphonium” returns to the Festival of Chichester featuring recital favourites from the latest critically acclaimed CD/Album by Martin Smith featured on BBC Radio. From Elgar to Capuzzi and Cecilia McDowall, Evelyn Glennie and Rebecca Clarke in a charity...
    Expired
    June 10, 2023
    Bernardi Music Group is proud to open this year’s Festival of Chichester with a cosmic musical journey that will take you Beyond Our World. Joined by electric violist and conductor Nic Pendlebury and Trinity Laban ensemble this evening is set...
    Expired
    June 3, 2023
    New Sussex Opera Chorus presents Gounod’s Faust – an immersive production of this opera, a popular, tuneful favourite, although in recent times not frequently performed. NSO Chamber Orchestra and Chorus, conductor Nicholas Houghton, director Cate Crockford. Staged and sung in...
    Expired
    June 14, 2023
    Read a preview. Vaughan Williams – Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas TallisMendelssohn – Violin ConcertoDvořák – Symphony No.9 ‘From the New World’ Tom Fetherstonhaugh, conductor Enjoy a summer’s evening of some of the most memorable melodies ever written, performed...
    Expired
    July 1, 2023
    The University of Chichester and Chichester Cathedral present a concert to raise awareness and funds for refugees from around the world, including Ukraine. Watch a video about this concert. Proceeds from this concert will be donated to Sanctuary in Chichester....
    Expired
    June 11, 2022
    This Bernardi Music Group open-air concert will make the opening of the festival, with movements from Beethoven’s Pastorale Symphony No 6 and Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence.  Founded by Andrew Bernardi in 1989 to inspire all ages of the community to share and benefit from...