Buxton Festival unveils north‑themed recital and Viardot opera 'Le dernier sorcier

The Buxton Festival on 13 July 2026 presented two distinct programmes. At St John's Church, soprano Louise Alder joined pianist Joseph Middleton for a north‑flavoured song recital, performing works by Grieg, Rachmaninov, Chopin, Sibelius, Richard Strauss and contemporary composer James MacMillan. Music critic Mike Wheeler praised the varied selections and the performers' interpretations.

The same day at the Pavilion Arts Centre the festival staged Pauline Viardot's opera Le dernier sorcier. The production, sung in French with English dialogue, featured Phil Wilcox as the ageing sorcerer Krakamiche, Eleri Gwilym as his daughter Stella, Sophie Clarke as the Queen of the Elves and additional roles such as Prince Lelio and Perlimpinpin. The intimate opera highlighted Viardot’s early 20th‑century work within the festival’s intimate setting.