Welcome!

from Leslie Olive, Festival Director

A warm welcome to Reigate Summer Music 2009. If you are an RSM habitue, you will be aware that there are no outdoor concerts this year due to a shortfall in commercial sponsorship. But I am delighted that we are able to present an interesting and enjoyable week of music nonetheless.

Once again Sarah-Jane Dale has put together an attractive programme of lunchtime concerts which are free to the audience, and they are not just small-scale events, featuring as it does the prize-winning Surrey Harmony, who represent the UK in the World Championships of women's barbershop this year.

The festival begins with Suffolk Opera's highly entertaining production of a Donizetti opera. The Elixir of Love, sung in English, is a tuneful romp where vocal delivery, characterisation, and sheer sense of fun are everything.

There is much to enjoy throughout the week, leading up to the popular Garden Supper Concert on Saturday 25th, which this year features Crispian Steele-Perkins with full brass ensemble as well as The English Arts Chorale and one of its Chamber Choirs.

Do join us as often as you can during festival week.