Purbeck International Chamber Music Festival SEPTEMBER 2025

🗓️ Thursday 4th – Sunday 7th September 2025

Enjoy four days of classical music on the Isle of Purbeck at a range of historic venues.

Purbeck International Chamber Music Festival (PICMF) has grown into a hugely popular and unique event in Dorset after it began life as part of local art festival Purbeck Art Weeks.

  • Cellist Stephan Braun at Purbeck International Chamber Music Festival
  • Grand piano in Corfe Castle church
  • Dave Neita and Musicians from the Purbeck International Chamber Music Festival
  • Natalie Clein, Cedric Pescia & Ruby Hughes

Each year the festival has a theme – the theme for 2024 was ‘Youth and Experience’. Keep an eye on the Festival’s Instagram for the latest updates: www.instagram.com/purbeck_chamber_music/

Programme for 2024

The 2024 classical music festival comprised nine concerts, curated and led by Dorset-born cellist and artistic director Natalie Clein.

Additional events for 2024 included two ‘In Conversation’ sessions, with Rob Rinder and Judge Theodore Meron.

Musicians

  • Natalie Clein – Cello & artistic director
  • Lotte Betts Dean – Mezzo soprano
  • Henning Kraggerud – Violin
  • Alma Kraggerud – Violin
  • Priya Mitchell – Violin
  • Aoife NĂ­ Bhriain – Violin
  • Nurit Stark – Violin
  • Brett Dean – Viola
  • Tatu Kauppinen – Cello
  • Einav Yarden – Piano

With guest speakers:

  • Judge Theodore Meron
  • Robert Rinder

Line-Up 2024

Thursday 29th August

Tales From the Enchanted Forest

With music by Kraggerud, Schubert, Beethoven, Dvořák and Brahms, including a group improvisation.

  • Start time: 7pm
  • Venue: St Mary’s Church

Friday 30th August

Cell’Ode to Joy

A selection of cello pieces from Bach, Gubaidulina and Arlen.

  • Start time: 11am
  • Venue: St Nicholas’ Church, Studland
In Conversation with Rob Rinder

Natalie Klein asks Rob Rinder: Why is music important in our lives?

  • Start time: 5.30pm
  • Venue: St Mary’s Church
Beginnings

The music of Beethoven, Stuart MacRae, Schumann and Mendelssohn, with a violin improv.

  • Start time: 7pm
  • Venue: St Mary’s Church

Saturday 31st August

Violin Extravaganza

Violin pieces from Mozart, Rosza and Veress, plus an Irish folk fiddle improvisation.

  • Start time: 11am
  • Venue: St Peter’s Church, Church Knowle
Fathers and their children

Music, song and improv, featuring works by Ralph Vaughan-Williams, JS Bach, CPE Bach and Haydn.

  • Start time: 4pm
  • Venue: St Mary’s Church
In Conversation with Judge Theodore Meron

Judge Theodore Meron talks with Natalie about life and his love of music, especially Schubert.

  • Start time: 6pm
  • Venue: St Mary’s Church
Youth and Experience – Joy and Reflection

Pieces for string by Schubert and Mendelssohn, plus a Brett Dean premiere.

  • Start time: 7.30pm
  • Venue: St Mary’s Church

Sunday 1st September

Friendship through generations

A selection of works by Dvořák, Schumann and Mendelssohn.

This concert is dedicated to Tony Viney.

  • Start time: 11.30am
  • Venue: St James’ Church, Kingston
Natalie Clein and Cedric Pescia at PICMF

Tickets

Buy a festival pass, which gives you full access to all concerts, or pay for individual performances.

  • Festival Pass: ÂŁ190
  • Adult, individual concert: ÂŁ15 – ÂŁ30 (depending on concert)
  • Student & Universal Credit concession: ÂŁ10
  • Under 25s: Free
  • (2024 info)

To book tickets and for full festival information, visit the Purbeck International Chamber Music Festival website: picmf.org/en/