Thaxted Festival patron and Classic FM presenter Zeb Soanes and actress Selina Cadell (Mrs Tishell, Doc Martin) introduce a rich programme of words and music, inspired by themes in Holst’s The Planets.
The music, performed by the Echo Ensemble, has been chosen by our Composer-in-Residence Noah Max, and is inspired by themes in Holst’s The Planets, from Mars: The Bringer of War to Jupiter: The Bringer of Jollity. Works range from Stravinsky, Schubert, Ravel and Ives, to Noah’s own Phantasy Quintet. The readings, performed by Zeb Soanes and Selina Cadell are drawn from poets and great thinkers, including Wendell Berry, W H Auden, William H Davies, Olivia Rutigliano, Julian of Norwich, Charels Dickins and William Shakespeare
Zeb Soane’s voice is known to millions from his work as an announcer with the BBC; not least through his regular delivery of the Shipping Forecast. Now a regular Classic FM presenter, he provides relaxing music at the end of every weekday in his Smooth Classics at 7 programme. As a writer and performer, he brings entertainment for all ages across a range of live venues, and we welcome him back in his role as our highly valued Festival patron.
Selina Cadell has appeared at Thaxted Festival in William Walton’s Façade and is an accomplished actress and director. She co-directed Benjamin Britten’s The Turn of the Screw at Wilton’s Music Hall, conducted by John Wilson, to great acclaim, which was shown on BBC4 in 2021. Selina has just returned from New York, where she directed Eddie Izzard’s solo performance of Hamlet, which transfers to London’s Riverside Studios from 23 May this year.
With performances in venues ranging from the Royal Albert Hall to the Naze Tower on the Essex coast, Echo Ensemble make music to bring people together, creating unique experiences for audiences and artists alike. They received widespread acclaim for their première production of Noah Max’s opera A Child in Striped Pyjamas at London’s Cockpit Theatre in 2023.
Mars, the Bringer of War - Britten, Sinfonietta
Venus, the Bringer of Peace - Sarah Frances Jenkins, The Coming of Night
Mercury, the Winged Messenger - Stravinsky, Septet
Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity - Schubert, Octet iii. Scherzo
Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age - Noah Max, Phantasy Quintet, selections
Uranus, the Magician - Ravel, Introduction and Allegro
Neptune, the Mystic - Ives, The Unanswered Question
Venue: Thaxted Parish Church
Tickets: £38*, £34, £30, £22, £14. Age 30 and under: £10
*Premium seating in centre front rows.
This concert is sponsored by friends of Thaxted Festival who wish to remain anonymous.