Winchester Chamber
Music Festival 2025

International performers present live classical music in its most intimate form

‘With such a varied programme, there is something for everyone at the 2025 Festival. Now in its 18th year, I am enjoying the challenge of keeping the Festival fresh and alive with new, vibrant music while remaining dedicated to the genius composers of the past.

This year I’ve given a special focus to the musical output of Vienna and I’ve created even more events for the whole family, featuring the much loved Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saëns in one of the main concerts at St Paul’s Church. The Gala at the Theatre Royal will be another exciting burst of string orchestra energy and beauty, also featuring virtuosic wind soloists, and the Late Night at St Lawrence will have a more intimate, eclectic feel. 

I can’t wait to start rehearsing with the exceptional musicians, coaching and working side-by-side with the quartet from the Royal Academy of Music and getting out on stage to share it all with you. I’m also looking forward to sitting back with a beer to watch the Charlie Chaplin comic silent movie, accompanied live by the folk-style group, ZRI with violinist Max Baillie returning to the Festival.’ 

Kate has once again invited many internationally renowned musicians to join her on stage– some of whom will be well-known to Festival audiences, and others who are making their Winchester debut. We are honoured to welcome the new leader of the Royal Opera House orchestra and principals from the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Philharmonia, Welsh National Opera and BBC National Orchestra of Wales.