🗓️ 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.
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
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/