MORE than a century ago, the Petersfield Musical Festival saw schools, societies and individuals pitted against one another in the annual competition.
Today, the volunteer organisers strive each year to make sure it is an inclusive festival, with music-making at all levels celebrated.
And for the eager audiences, there is something for all in this year’s sparkling programme with highlights galore, from March 11 to 19.
It is worth finding out what is on offer now – whether it is a choral performance, an organ recital or something with more swing – as the box office opens on February 8.
It has been the tradition in recent years to open the festival by showcasing local groups of musicians. And, accordingly, on Friday, March 11, the festival begins with a performance by Horndean-based AChoired Taste, in company with the exuberant Hampshire Guitar Orchestra.
Songs of stage and screen will get the toes well and truly tapping, from Rogers and Hammerstein favourites to the belting Big Spender.
Younger music enthusiasts are well catered for this year in a new venture.
Basingstoke Chamber Orchestra will perform the delightful Peter and the Wolf in the Festival Hall at 3pm on March 13.
There will be a chance to join in, and to try out some of the orchestra’s instruments at the end.
The Friday Celebrity Concert on March 18 harks back to the pre-war age of swing, with Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra and the Jiving Lindy Hoppers. Their high-octane routines are sure to bring the house down!
Elsewhere, artists new to the Festival this year include distinguished organist and composer Malcolm Archer (St Peter’s Church, March 16); Jinah Shim, Chandos Musician of the Year 2011, who will play Tchaikowsky’s piano concerto no 1 (Festival Hall, March 17); and former Bedales student Olivia Brett will be the soloist in Mendelssohn’s incomparable Hear my prayer in the Festival’s final choral concert, on March 19.