ABOUT THE CERNE ABBAS MUSIC FESTIVAL

In 1991 the Dorset born clarinettist Richard Hosford and the internationally renowned Gaudier Ensemble founded the Cerne Abbas Music Festival. The musicians have been returning every year since then delighting audiences with an unrivalled breadth of Chamber music from the 18^th century to the present day.  Since 2023 the Festival has scheduled two weekends of concerts during the year, a new format which is proving very successful.

As Artistic Director, Richard Hosford creates concert programmes ranging from intimate solo performances to mixed ensemble work and invites not only established international colleagues to perform but also outstanding young professionals at the start of their careers and students who comprise the next generation of professional musicians.  The musicians combine performing with teaching roles at the major conservatoires; the development of young musicians and the provision of opportunities for them to perform are priorities.

The Festival receives no public or corporate funding and is dependent on ticket sales and the wonderful generosity of its Benefactors and the loyal support of its Friends’ organisation.  If you would like to find out more about becoming a Benefactor or a Friend, please contact the Friends’ Secretary (go to Contacts page)