Keen to associate itself and its instruments with leading cultural and entertainment events across the world, Yamaha has announced its plans to continue its support and association with the Swaledale Festival and its internationally-acclaimed artistic director, Malcolm Creese.As part of its commitment to the annual event, a Yamaha S6 Handcrafted Grand piano will take centre stage at no less than nine events this year.
The festival, which was originally conceived in 1980, takes place from May 28th to June 11th in historic churches in Yorkshire’s three northernmost dales – Wensleydale, Swaledale and Arkengarthdale.
Enjoying its reputation as a leading cultural event, festivalgoers will be able to enjoy a summer fortnight of classical, folk, jazz and brass band music, as well as poetry, drama, art exhibitions and guided walks in stunning scenery.
Artistic director Malcolm Creese commented: “After four record-breaking years, Swaledale Festival looks forward to yet another exciting season of world-class music and art.
“We greatly appreciate Yamaha’s continued support of this unique festival in its unique environment. By providing the Festival’s performance piano, Yamaha enables our artists and audiences to deliver and experience performances of the highest quality.”
This year’s festival will see performances from top-class musicians from around the world. From solo violinists to jazz guitarists, folk groups to brass bands, Arabic music to string quartets, there is music for every taste.
Artists on display include one of the world’s finest violinists, Alexander Markov, Martin Taylor, the world’s foremost exponent of solo jazz guitar; Northumbrian music icon Kathryn Tickell and her Band, poet Simon Armitage and Loyd Grossman giving the third Reeth Lecture.
Leanne Hassan from Yamaha said: “Yamaha pianos are becoming an increasingly popular feature on the world’s concert platforms and we are delighted to continue our support and to be working closely with this charming, high quality Festival in such an idyllic setting that has become a very special event in the UK music calendar.”