William Shield Festival 2025 | Saturday
Events List
Saturday 18th October 2025 | 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
A LIVE Lit & Phil Event | Prices vary
Saturday 18th October
10am-11:15am
James Hall (harpsichord) & Alexander Lee (soprano)
Recently graduated musicians from Newcastle University including James Hall, Harpsichord, and Alexander Lee, soprano, present music for the stage by William Shield and his contemporaries.
A LIVE Lit & Phil Event | £7
1pm – 2:15pm
Concert Royal in a Georgian Drawing Room: The French connection
Peter Harrison, baroque flute, Rachel Gray, Baroque ‘cello and viola da gamba, and John Treherne MBE, harpsichord, return to the Festival with a varied programme of mid-eighteenth century chamber music. Highly decorated French pieces are contrasted with English and German Music. In hr debut on the instrument, Rachel Rachel Gray will contribute a viola da gamba sonata by Carl Friedric Abel.
A LIVE Lit & Phil Event | £7
3pm-3:45pm
Dr Amelie Addison: William Shield’s Chamber Music
We are delighted to welcome Amelie back to the Festival. Her Research into the music and time of William Shield is providing so many different insights into the life and work of our local genius, This year she will introduce William Shield’s chamber music – the string quartets and trios that provide the clearest expression of his ideas – and demonstrate how his friendships and his travels inspired their many intriguing features.
A LIVE Lit & Phil Event | £7
4:30pm-6pm
Schlusskonzert
Everyone is welcome to sing and play! The evening will culminate with the traditional performance of Auld Lang Syne. Everyone of any ability is invited to take part. Music does not have to be connected with William Shield, but anything by the master would be particularly well received.
A LIVE Lit & Phil Event | FREE
(This is an externally organised event and the Lit & Phil cannot take bookings. Please follow the links provided to book these events)
We are grateful to support from Alan England, The Avison Ensemble, and other sponsors.
The Festival is organised through Community Music Whickham and Swalwell as part of its ongoing programme of courses, recitals and cultural activities.
Registered Charity Number 1162027
https://www.communitymusicws.com/
(If you would prefer to book directly over the phone, please call the Library Desk team on 0191 232 0192 and they will be happy to help)
