Simon O'Hea
Young musicians show us the way forward
Youth concert 1Youth concert 2 It is always a great pleasure to witness the wealth of talented performers from the local schools who come together to entertain us as part of the Festival. In 2025 once again over 300 singers and instrumentalists performed to a high standard in front of capacity audiences. The first section … Read more
The PPod – on location with the Petersfield Musical Festival
Shine Radio writes: “Across several visits we have been bending an ear to the performances at this year’s Petersfield Musical Festival. We will be talking to organisers, performers and audiences to bring you a flavour of what the annual festival is offering this year.” Presented by Laura, Julie and Phill from Shine Radio. Listen to … Read more
Louisa Denby, choral conductor – a profile
On Wednesday 19 March, Vox Cantab, a chamber choir comprising current and former Cambridge University singers, will treat us to a varied programme of choral works, including several inspired by Petersfield and the surrounding area, under the direction of Louisa Denby. Read preview notes by Louisa. Louisa (third from the left in the photo) tells … Read more
Preview: Merry Opera – Die Fledermaus
On Friday 21 March, Merry Opera is putting on a production of Die Fledermaus, a timeless operetta brimming with irresistible melodies, sharp humour, and vivid characters. Set against the backdrop of a 1920s world caught between post-war excess and fading Edwardian morality, this production captures the essence of its enduring appeal. The story’s farcical plot, … Read more
Helena Paish, Mezzo Soprano – a profile
On 15 March at 7.30pm Helena is performing along with the Petersfield Musical Festival Chorus with Southern Pro Musica in a concert entitled “Gloria! Vivaldi, Haydn & Corelli” at Petersfield Festival Hall. How did you get in touch with the Petersfield Musical Festival? I found out about the Petersfield Musical Festival when I got emailed … Read more
Thomas Humphreys, Baritone – a profile
On Saturday 22 March at 7.30pm Thomas is performing along with the Petersfield Musical Festival Chorus with Basingstoke Symphony Orchestra in a concert entitled “Dona Nobis Pacem” at Petersfield Festival Hall. How did you get in touch with the Petersfield Musical Festival? I think it happened in several stages. I had been in contact with … Read more
Paul Spicer on the Festival’s choral concerts
Conductor Paul Spicer gives us his thoughts. We have another great Festival coming up soon, and as ever, we have two choral concerts which, judging by the first rehearsals, will be really exciting events. On Saturday 15 March we start with Haydn’s beautiful and uplifiting Creation Mass, the Schöpfungsmesse which was written in 1801 and … Read more
Preview: Vox Cantab at the Petersfield Musical Festival
On Wednesday 19 March Vox Cantab, a chamber choir comprising current and former Cambridge University Choral Scholars, will provide a varied programme of choral works, including several inspired by Petersfield and the surrounding area, under the direction of Louisa Denby. Louisa gives some background to the choice of works and composers. The first half of … Read more
