Celebrating a successful classical music festival in Hertford

Following this year's Hertfordshire Festival of Music, which took place in Hertford last month, Go Hertford spoke to its Artistic Director, James Francis Brown.

“Looking back on this year’s Hertfordshire Festival of Music, I’m reminded that it’s never just the performances that define a festival — it’s the shared spirit behind them.

“This year’s programme offered a rich blend of artistry and imagination. The Brompton Quartet performed with finesse, youthful vitality, and striking insight. Tenor Guy Elliott gave a remarkable account of Britten’s Serenade, while horn player Chloe Harrison’s return to the festival was both moving and technically dazzling. The Festival String Orchestra, conducted by Christopher Braime, brought, brilliance, cohesion, and sensitivity to a programme of much-loved English repertoire.

“We were also delighted to welcome composer Peter Fribbins, whose quartet received a poised and compelling performance — one that may well spark further artistic collaboration. Lloyd Moore joined us for the premiere of his new Canzona, shaped with elegance and expressive nuance by Sarah-Jane Bradley. Barry Dodge’s talk on the painter Paul Nash was both resonant and thought-provoking, accompanied by newly written music which I had the pleasure of composing in response to these evocative and emotionally charged images. Elizabeth Eastwood’s contributions — as both tour guide and speaker — brought warmth, knowledge, and a vivid sense of place to two notably well-attended events exploring Hertford during wartime.

“Hertfordshire Festival of Music is proud to support living British composers through performance, collaboration, and the commissioning of new work — a commitment that remains central to the festival’s identity and future.

“Community engagement and musical education have long been central to the festival’s ethos, and this year’s contributions from the Hertford Chamber Choir, directed by Manvinder Rattan, and the HFoM Community Concert Band under Chris McGinity, offered a particularly resonant moment. Framed by the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, their performances invited reflection as well as connection — reminding us of music’s enduring role in communal remembrance and shared experience.

“The Festival Service, relaxed orchestral rehearsal, and hands-on history sessions added further scope to the programme. From the period jazz brilliance of the Chris Eldred Trio to evocative visual elements, 2025 reflected HFoM’s distinctive identity: local roots, collaborative energy, and artistic ambition.

“We — myself and our tireless trustees — owe heartfelt thanks to all those working behind the scenes: venue teams, volunteers, sponsors, and local authorities, including Hertford Town Council, whose efforts may not always be visible but remain essential to everything we do.

“And finally, to our audiences: your curiosity and goodwill bring these performances fully to life. Whether you joined us for an intimate recital or an orchestral celebration, thank you for being part of this year’s Festival.

“Plans are already underway for HFoM 2026 — with the theme Made in Herts. We look forward to celebrating our 10^th anniversary with you next summer.”

Find out more about the Hertfordshire Festival of Music

Hertfordshire Festival of Music is generously supported by Hertford Town Council’s Community Fund. Over 2024/2025, the Hertford Town Council Community Fund has allocated up to £10,000 to individual local organisations and charities to fund a number of worthwhile projects across Hertford. Find out more here or apply here.