Petersfield Musical Festival

Petersfield Musical Festival An annual celebration of music and a musical charity supporting & rewarding creative talent. Next festival on from 12 to 20 March 2027

Coming up next on 17-25 March 2023. The Petersfield Musical Festival is both an annual celebration of music and a musical charity which supports and rewards creative talent throughout the year. The Festival takes place in March with concerts in the Festival Hall and St Peter’s Church providing a showcase for local musical talent, young up-and-coming performers as well as internationally-acclaimed

artists. Through the biannual Young Composers’ Competition and the Michael Hurd Fund for Young Musicians, the Festival encourages new music and assists young performers many of whom go on to take part in the concerts. For over a century, the Festival has been a hub for the many musical organisations in Petersfield and the surrounding area with choirs, orchestras, chamber groups and wind bands, including those from the local schools all taking part in the Festival Hall built for the purpose in 1935. For more information on the festival, and ways in which you can get involved, provide support or seek sponsorship, visit our website.

Great ClassicsSaturday 25th April, 7.30pmSt Paul's Church, ChichesterWith Southern Pro Musica Conductor, Jonathan Willco...
16/04/2026

Great Classics
Saturday 25th April, 7.30pm
St Paul's Church, Chichester
With Southern Pro Musica
Conductor, Jonathan Willcocks

Did you know that PMF and SPM are closely associated? Jonathan Willcocks is both President of PMF and Musical Director of SPM, and SPM perform every year at the Festival in March.

Petersfield music-lovers have also enjoyed SPM'S annual sell-out candlelit concert in February at St Peter's Church. They will be delighted to hear about the lovely concert in Chichester featuring music by Mozart, Hummel, Warlock and Schubert.

To purchase tickets go to:
www.southernpromusica.org, or in person at One Tree Books , Lavant Street, Petersfield. Tel 01730 261199

The 2026 Festival closed with a blistering performance of Verdi’s Requiem, capturing its vast emotional range from hushe...
29/03/2026

The 2026 Festival closed with a blistering performance of Verdi’s Requiem, capturing its vast emotional range from hushed reverence to apocalyptic intensity. Under Paul Spicer’s assured direction, Southern Pro Musica and the Festival Chorus delivered drama, precision and powerful contrasts, with antiphonal trumpets and thunderous percussion electrifying the hall. The four young soloists shone, particularly mezzo Charlotte Clapperton, whose rich, expressive tone stood out in the Lux Aeterna. From the terrifying Dies Irae to the pleading intimacy of the Libera Me, this performance balanced fire and reflection, revealing the profound fear and hope at the heart of Verdi’s masterpiece.

Read more:

https://petersfieldmusicalfestival.org.uk/2026/03/29/verdi-requiem-captures-both-fear-and-joy/

Review of Youth Concerts. Over 300 young singers and instrumentalists lit up this year’s Youth Concerts, showcasing the ...
28/03/2026

Review of Youth Concerts. Over 300 young singers and instrumentalists lit up this year’s Youth Concerts, showcasing the extraordinary musical talent in our local schools. From Haydn’s Creation and wildlife-themed choral works to Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, James Bond classics, and music from Hercules, the programmes were vibrant and varied. Festival-winning young composers impressed with original works, while jazz and wind bands brought energy and flair. Richard Stilgoe’s Four Songs for WaterAid added purpose and fun. Huge thanks to the dedicated teachers, conductors, accompanists, parents, and coordinator Philip Young who make these inspiring concerts possible.

https://petersfieldmusicalfestival.org.uk/2026/03/28/young-musicians-show-us-the-way-forward-2/

Review: Red Priest gives Baroque classics a thrilling make-overRed Priest electrified a sold-out Festival Hall with a da...
27/03/2026

Review: Red Priest gives Baroque classics a thrilling make-over

Red Priest electrified a sold-out Festival Hall with a dazzling reimagining of Baroque masterpieces. Performing entirely from memory, the ensemble blended theatrical flair, virtuosic skill and playful humour in works by Vivaldi, Bach, Handel, Telemann and more. From spirited improvisations and jazzy pizzicato to a show-stopping harpsichord cadenza described as a “Jimmy Hendrix” moment, the group brought freshness and drama to familiar classics. Highlights included Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 and Corelli’s La Folia, delivered with energy and verve. The audience responded with foot-stamping applause and bravos, rewarding an unforgettable night of bold, imaginative music-making.

https://petersfieldmusicalfestival.org.uk/2026/03/27/red-priest-gives-baroque-classics-a-thrilling-make-over

Come to THE GIANT indoor Easter Charity Market at Petersfield Festival Hall on Easter Saturday, April 4th, raising money...
27/03/2026

Come to THE GIANT indoor Easter Charity Market at Petersfield Festival Hall on Easter Saturday, April 4th, raising money for Portsmouth Hospitals Cancer Fund and other local charities including the Petersfield Musical Festival.

Admission to the market is free.

Charity, trade and craft stalls will be set up in the main hall and Rose Room at Petersfield Festival Hall on Saturday 4 April with plenty of Easter gifts, collectables, greetings cards, original art, books, crochet and vintage jewellery.

Local artist John Starling will be selling his art prints, books and cards. A poet and author from Alresford is also promoting her books. Regular stallholder Ivy Watson has her popular haberdashery and bric-a-brac stand selling everything from buttons and soaps to garden gloves. Soy wax candles, local chutney and spring bulbs will also be on offer.

Refreshments including hot drinks and bacon rolls will be served in the Rose Room. A raffle for the hospital cancer fund is to be held in the foyer. The market is open 9.30am to 3pm. Bookings for stalls whether charity, craft or trade are all welcome on 07798753836.

Review: Petersfield Orchestra: Bernstein, Gershwin and RachmaninovPetersfield Orchestra dazzled a full house with a vibr...
26/03/2026

Review: Petersfield Orchestra: Bernstein, Gershwin and Rachmaninov

Petersfield Orchestra dazzled a full house with a vibrant, jazz-infused programme. Bernstein’s Candide Overture opened the evening in sparkling style, full of crisp contrasts and exhilarating energy. Pianist Karen Kingsley shone in Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F, blending technical brilliance with authentic bluesy flair, while conductor Robin Browning kept the balance flawless throughout. After the interval, Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances showcased the orchestra’s finesse, from delicate woodwind passages to bold brass and dynamic percussion. With thrilling climaxes and masterful control, this richly varied concert proved why Petersfield Orchestra continues to captivate its audiences.

https://petersfieldmusicalfestival.org.uk/2026/03/26/petersfield-orchestra-finds-its-inner-jazz

A short clip from a Petersfield Musical Festival concert on 13 March 2026: "St Cat’s Ensemble: From Gershwin to Gandalf ...
25/03/2026

A short clip from a Petersfield Musical Festival concert on 13 March 2026: "St Cat’s Ensemble: From Gershwin to Gandalf – A Symphonic Wind Global Journey" by the St Cats Ensemble of mvt. 1 “Gandalf”. Photo of Adam Broughton by Paul Grove.

https://youtu.be/O4aCb0S08Aw

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Petersfield Musical Festival, 6 Stoneham Park
Petersfield
GU323BT

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