Concerts & Events | Concert & Event Reviews
Our Concerts & Events – PAW 2024
We were delighted to be able to present the following concerts and events over the Purbeck Art Weeks Festival 2024:
Saturday 25 May – St James’, Kingston at 6pm
In the Summertime… – Gawain Glenton
Gawain who has been to Purbeck before with the English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble and with I Fagiolini, returns with In Echo, an ensemble of cornettos, violins, viola, violone and organ, to open the Festival with a celebration of summertime, featuring virtuosic 17th century German music and the ensemble’s own take on Pachelbel’s famous Canon in D.
Bank Holiday Monday 27 May – Lady St Mary, Wareham at 6.30pm
From Venice (to Rome) With Love – I Fagiolini
I Fagolini return to Purbeck to perform a little known four-choir mass by Benevoli, Carissimi’s beautiful oratorio, Jephtha, and some of Monteverdi’s greatest ensemble and solo works from Venice.
Wednesday 29 May – Conservative Club, Swanage at 6pm
The Changing Face of Beauty – Philip Jackson
Illustrated talk by internationally renowned sculptor, Philip Jackson, exploring how concepts of beauty – both male and female – have evolved over the centuries.
Friday 31 May – St James’, Kingston at 6pm
Dawn Chorus – Fieri Consort
We welcome the Fieri Consort back to Purbeck with their magical programme of music inspired by birdsong, from the revolutionary songs of Monteverdi, Marenzio and Giaches de Wert to 20th century masterpieces by Vaughan Williams and Stanford.
Monday 3 June –Swanage British Legion, Swanage at 7.30pm
Open mic poetry night with The Purbeck Poets.
A friendly open mic poetry night hosted by local poet, Martin Hobdell. If you would like to perform please contact Martin in advance to book a slot, or turn up early on the night – first come, first served: martinhobdell24@gmail.com
Please note the change of venue: Swanage British Legion, 150 High Street, Swanage, BH19 2PA.
Wednesday 5 June – Encombe at 10.15am for 11.30am
A Coffee Concert
Joanna Shaw (flute), Miranda Fulleylove (violin) and Sebastian Comberti (cello) perform trios by Quantz, JC Bach and Haydn.
Friday 7 June – St Edward’s, Corfe Castle at 6pm
Lend Ears and Tears – Helen Charlston (mezzo soprano) and Toby Carr (lute)
Helen and Toby return with another lovely programme, this time of English songs from the 16th and 17th centuries to the world premiere of songs by contemporary composers, Anna Semple and Ben Rowarth.
Saturday 8 June – Lady St Mary, Wareham at 6.30pm
Fading – The Gesualdo Six
The Gesualdo Six return to close the Festival with an achingly beautiful contemplative concert of music inspired by the ancient service of Compline, from the renaissance to the present day.
Other events we hope you’ll enjoy include:
This year’s interactive installation, the Spirit of Rollington, with artist Charlotte Fereday.
Daily from 11am to 3pm at Rollington Barn.
Charlotte Fereday has been a Rollington exhibitor for the last few years and feels that there’s something magical about the way it springs up out of nowhere and becomes such a vibrant place for two weeks, and then gets packed away for another year. She aims to capture some of the spirit of Rollington in one large scale textile piece.
Charlotte will be inviting everyone who passes through to sit with her for one minute to be sketched, with all the sketches being incorporated into a massive stitched wall hanging.
During the two weeks Charlotte will split the time between sketching and stitching, with the intention that the piece will evolve over the festival fortnight, and be finished during the last weekend.
Our popular Pop-Up Studio sessions at Rollington Barn.
The rare and elusive Water Bottle Tree – A remarkable 24 ft ‘Water Bottle Tree’ will be making an appearance at various secret locations across Purbeck during Purbeck Art Weeks Festival. A towering testament to environmental awareness by Purbeck-based sculptor Robert Marshall, the tree is crafted from used plastic bottles and aims to shed a light on the detrimental impacts of single-use plastics, the alarming misuse of water resources in our society and industries and the huge impact on the planet.
Have you spotted it? Share your sightings with us on Facebook and Instagram by tagging #PAW2024 and @purbeckartweeks in your post. We’d love to hear how the messages behind the artwork have inspired you in a creative way.
Thursday 30th May – Furzebrook Village Hall at 10am – 10.45am (3 – 6 years), 11am
Dorset Youth Dance Workshops
Come and join Dorset Youth Dance for a morning of dance, creativity and fun! These free workshops for children will give your budding young movers a chance to learn more about dance through inspiring creative exercises and games. Workshops are suitable for all and are the perfect way to boost your half term creativity!
Email dyd@activateperformingarts.org.uk for more info or to book a spot or click here for more information.
Wednesday 3rd July – The Mowlem Theatre, Swanage at 6.30pm
Young Purbeck Musicians in Concert.
Each year we celebrate the wonderful abilities of some of our best local younger musicians, together with school groups and inter-school instrumental and vocal ensembles. Do join us as we celebrate our young talent.
As in previous years, to enable more young musicians to participate, this year’s concert takes place towards the end of term and after exams. Book as soon as tickets become available to the general public on the Mowlem website:
The Mowlem.com
Tickets: £3 per adult, £1 for 18 and under (limited to 2 per adult ticket)
A programme of what will be performed will be available on the day.