17 July to 2 August 2025
With less than two weeks to go until the 2025 Petworth Summer Festival, we’re excited to showcase seven exceptional classical concerts. These performances lie at the heart of the festival’s classical programme, promising unforgettable music and outstanding voices.
A standout highlight is pianist Nicholas McCarthy, who, born without a right hand, has earned international recognition and continues to challenge the boundaries of classical performance. We also shine a spotlight on the ORA Singers, whose concert will be enhanced by readings from acclaimed actors Clive Francis and Laurel Waghorn.
Expect powerful performances and remarkable talent. Read more on the Petworth Festival page on Music in Portsmouth.
Link to Petworth Festival website for booking purposes.
Some highlights:
ORA Singers – The Spirit of Shakespeare with guest readers Clive Francis and Laurel Waghorn
Sunday 27 July – 7.00pm, St Mary’s Church, Petworth
The award-winning vocal ensemble, directed by Suzy Digby, will perform a beautifully crafted programme inspired by the words of William Shakespeare, with repertoire ranging from Thomas Morley to Ward Swingle. Interspersed with readings from actors Clive Francis and Laurel Waghorn.
Wigmore Soloists featuring Michael Collins
Friday 18 July – 7.30pm, St Mary’s Church, Petworth
Top clarinettist Michael Collins leads an outstanding ensemble of musicians regularly seen at London’s iconic Wigmore Hall. Music by Brahms, Schubert and Dohnányi.
Braimah Kanneh-Mason (violin) and Plinio Fernandes (guitar)
Sunday 20 July – 7.30pm, St Mary’s Church, Petworth
A sparkling combination of young stars, Braimah Kanneh-Mason the violin playing sibling of Sheku and Isata, and Classic FM Rising Star, guitarist Plinio Fernandes, a regular collaborator with the likes of Lang Lang.
Iestyn Davies (counter-tenor) with Fretwork
Tuesday 22 July – 7.30pm, St Mary’s Church, Petworth
Experience Iestyn’s exceptional voice alongside the acclaimed ensemble Fretwork as they explore the hauntingly beautiful repertoire for countertenor and viols.
Samson Tsoy (piano) and Pavel Kolesnikov (piano)
Wednesday 23 July – 7.30pm, St Mary’s Church, Petworth
Following their Petworth debut as students in 2015, the now internationally established duo return in a sensational programme featuring Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring and Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite.
Leeds International Piano Competition Prize Winner – Junyan Chen
Friday 1 August – 7.30pm, St Mary’s Church, Petworth
We’re delighted to welcome back Junyan Chen, who made a huge impression on her Petworth debut in 2021. A deserved prize-winner at the 2024 Leeds Piano Competition, she plays repertoire by Ravel, Couperin, and Messiaen.
Nicholas McCarthy (piano)
Saturday 2 August – 2.30pm, Champs Hill, Pulborough
Nicholas McCarthy, born without his right hand in 1989, overcame significant obstacles to pursue his passion for piano. He made history in 2012 as the first one-handed pianist to graduate from the Royal College of Music, earning worldwide recognition. In 2018, he was awarded honorary membership by its President, HRH King Charles.
Nicholas joins us just days after making his BBC Proms debut where he performs Ravel’s Piano Concerto for the Left Hand.
