The northern cultural powerhouse Harrogate International Festivals has unveiled its virtual HIF Weekender line-up featuring a raft of internationally acclaimed musicians — including the world premiere of David Lancaster's brass band commission 'Eclipse' featuring trumpeter Mike Lovatt.

Eclipse

Running from 23rd-26th July, musical highlights includes the world premiere 'Eclipse', inspired by the Coronavirus pandemic and Mike as part of collaborative performance with musicians all over the world.

David Lancaster was commissioned by the Festival following the cancellation of the Summer Season.

Inspired by the pandemic, 'Eclipse' was scored in just five days and represents the darkness and danger facing the arts at this time, with an invitation to remain hopeful until the light returns.

Feature performances

In addition the festival will also feature performances from cellist Steven Isserlis, the Navarra String Quartet, multi-award-winning violinist Tasmin Little and harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani.

There are also a raft of emerging young jazz musicians such as Sean Payne and Noah Stoneman to a rave DJ set from Graeme Park and a stellar series of interviews across the cultural mix including composer Ben Palmer and presenter John Suchet on his biography of Beethoven.

Inspired by the pandemic, 'Eclipse' was scored in just five days and represents the darkness and danger facing the arts at this time, with an invitation to remain hopeful until the light returns4BR

Rich selection

Sharon Canavar, CE of Harrogate International Festivals, said: "Out of crisis comes creativity, and Harrogate International Festivals is delighted to present a world-class line-up for our first virtual HIF Weekender.

Whilst there is no denying that this is a hugely challenging time for the arts and for artists, festivals play a vital part in the creative industries ecology and defining our cultural landscape, and so we are extremely proud to be presenting this rich selection to our audiences world-wide for free, ensuring the arts remain accessible to all at a time when we need it the most."