© 2011 Kew Music Festival

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The first ever Kew Music Festival took place during a blazing hot week in June where local children, keen amateurs and world-famous musicians played to packed audiences in Kew’s most historic venues.

The Festival kicked off with a recital by internationally-renowned violinist Nicola Benedetti who played to an intimate audience in Royal Cottage, Kew Green. Later in the week another private house hosted the String of Pearls quartet who rounded off their performance by playing Happy Birthday to the house’s owner Linda Pethick.

Centrepiece of the Festival was the event at Kew Palace on Midsummer Night. In the enchanting and bijoux surroundings of the Palace, childhood home of George III, audience members were treated to a portrayal of the King’s life there, including champagne reception, talk by local historian Dr David Blomfield MBE, tour of the Palace by curators Susanne Groom and Lee Prosser, and performance of Peter Maxwell-Davies’ cult masterpiece “Eight Songs for a Mad King”.

During the week local schools took part in the Festival including a delightful evening with the touring Garden Opera company and Broomfield House school. Tuesday’s concert at the Barn Church “Kew the Music” showcased some exceptional young musicians including pianist Bruno Ferrari and violinist Joo Yeon Sir.

On Friday the Musical Museum hosted pianist Lucy Parham with actors Alex Jennings and Emily Bruni in their enchanting and moving tale of the romantic life of Chopin.

Local orchestras Kew Sinfonia and Kew Wind Orchestra concluded the week, with the Mayor and the Kew Society supporting the final event.