London Mozart Players

As Sydenham International Music Festival turns 10, Kerry Ann Eustice looks into the innovative ways the event has brought classical to its audiences

No venue is considered out of bounds for Sydenham International Music Festival.

And to prove it, this year classical concerts will be performed in a pub and care homes as well as its St Bartholomew's Church HQ.

Since its beginnings as a one-off charity benefit to offer aid to Sudan, the festival has evolved and taking classical music to new audiences has become one of the event's signatures.

"For the people that can't get out to classic music. We're taking it to them."

Firsts for this year include a specially-commissioned piece of music, to be performed by the renowned London Mozart Players at the final concert, and a string of concerts in care homes where a quartet will perform popular classics made famous by the 1950s radio show Grand Hotel.

"It's for the people that can't get out to classic music. We're taking it to them," said festival director Robert Trory.

"Last year our new thing was performing classical music at the Dolphin pub. It was good to see the new faces."

Endellion String Quartet

This reminded Robert (a violinist) of the famous Paul Hamlyn concerts at the Royal Opera House. As tickets were promoted via workplaces and unions, a very different audience emerged.

"It was a bit noisy but the buzz in the theatre, the performers loved it. This wasn't your usual corporate shirts," he said.

"Musicians love coming to Sydenham where there is a vibrant atmosphere."

"Musicians love to have real people there and they love coming to Sydenham where there is a vibrant atmosphere."

One of Robert's favourite initiatives is the festival's children's concerts.

This year, accompanied by face painting and fancy dress, four to seven-year-olds (and often younger and older children) can enjoy Camille Saint-Saëns' The Carnival of Animals.

"Musically it hasn't changed much, but I suppose we are a bit more adventurous."

"Musically it hasn't changed much, but I suppose we are a bit more adventurous," Robert added.

"We do first-rate performances for everyone, serious concerts, those for kids, for care homes, that's what makes the event a success."

May 17 to June 15. For tickets, call 020 8778 4701.

For full festival listings click here

11:58am Tuesday 13th May 2008

Robert Trory

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