Northern Chords Festival, which aims to make classical music more accessible, is now in its tenth year

Northern Chords is set to return to the region next month with a three-day festival in Newcastle between May 18 and 20.

The festival, founded by the local cellist and conductor Jonathan Bloxham, is one of the North-East’s most prominent and vibrant chamber music festivals.

This year’s festival is all about exploring vocal chamber music.

At Newcastle University the programme will feature vocals and piano, with former BBC Young Musician of the Year Martin James Bartlett performing with BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Audience Prize winner, tenor Ben Johnson.

At The Mining Institute, the programme will feature vocals and the harp; and the final concert will see an early evening performance with Voices of Hope – the North-East choir who took the title of BBC Choir of the Year in 2016.

Bloxham, originally from Whickham, wants to break down barriers in a field of classical music which is still often perceived as elitist. As well as being the founder and artistic director of Northern Chords Festival, he is also assistant conductor of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

“This festival for me is all about bringing music home,” he says. “I hope that Northern Chords continues to offer a refreshing take on classical music, with performances that can be enjoyed by anyone.

“It’s amazing that the festival has reached ten years. I’d like to thank the festival team and musicians, many of who give their time voluntarily and all with great enthusiasm and dedication.”

As one of the country’s most critically acclaimed young musicians, Jonathan’s mission is to bring other young and world-class musicians to perform in the region. Northern Chords Festival is supported by The Fidelio Trust, Talent Unlimited and private donors.

Festival Performances

Opening Gala - 7.30pm, Friday, May 18

King’s Hall, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University

With Martin James Bartlett piano, Ben Johnson tenor, Jonathan Bloxham cello, Joseph Shiner clarinet, plus the Northern Chords Festival Ensemble

Programme includes: Schumann, Liszt, Brahms, Warlock, Grainger, Coates

Gloriana - 7.30pm, Saturday, May 19

The Mining Institute, Newcastle

With Ben Johnson tenor, Jonathan Bloxham cello, Elizabeth Bass Harp and Voices of Hope

Programme includes: Britten, Vaughan-Williams and a selection of folk songs

Music for Troubled Times - 6pm, Sunday, May 20

St James’ and St Basil’s Church, Fenham

With Jonathan Bloxham conductor, Ben Johnson tenor, Northern Chords Festival Orchestra and Voices of Hope

Programme includes: Haydn

Early bird tickets are available until April 23 for £8 (plus booking fee). Tickets for students with a valid NUS card are £5 and will include a free beer. Other tickets (plus booking fee) are £12, £10 seniors, £5 students, unwaged and under 18s on Friday and Saturday and £15/£12 concessions/£5 students/ under 18 free (plus booking fee) for the Sunday performance.