T.S.Eliot at Kings Lynn Festival
Guy Johnston, Niamh Cusack and Rowan Williams illuminate T.S. Eliot
The Festival season is upon us! The summer months bring out the banners and bandstands, bowties and batons. Although, it is fair to say that the fervour for music within the British Isles usually means there is something going on somewhere the length and breadth of the year.
Back to the summer scene, and I have just had my first taste of the season with a performance at the Kings Lynn Festival. A programme built round T.S. Eliot’s Four Quartets consisted of readings given by Niamh Cusack, commentaries by Rowan Williams and interpolated music from the Bach unaccompanied cello suites by Guy Johnston.
A full house of 800 gave pin-drop attention to the performances. From the aesthetic viewpoint, It was as near perfect an evening as you will find – sensitive, probing, alert, even profound – full of music not just in the notes but in the words and thoughts; an occasion that uplifts and continues to resonate.
There is so much going on from Aldeburgh to Edinburgh, from Proms to Parks. Try this link ARTS FESTIVALS in the UK as a good collecting point for all that’s in the melting pot – find something near you and support the summer festival scene!