2008 Festival

For over half a century, Haddo House enjoyed a rich musical life under the direction of Lady Aberdeen, with appearances by many distinguished musicians, including the composer Benjamin Britten.

Inspired by this association and Haddo’s operatic tradition, our first Summer Music festival at Haddo House focused on music by Britten, as well as Russian composers with strong theatrical connections - in particular, Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, Prokofiev and Shostakovich – recalling Britten’s friendship with the latter. There were also works by Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven, composers revered by Britten.

The festival’s programme of 7 events took advantage of Haddo’s unique range of performance spaces, which include a Chapel with a fine ‘Father Willis’ organ. More intimate music-making took place in the Library and Drawing Room, with piano recitals and mixed ensembles in the larger, adjacent, timber-built Hall.

Our artists included the distinguished mezzo-soprano Jane Irwin, who performs regularly at the Edinburgh International Festival and at venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Musikverein, Royal Opera House Covent Garden and Bayreuth. We are especially delighted that the great music-film director, Bruno Monsaingeon, was able to attend the screening of his moving portrait of the legendary Russian pianist, Sviatoslav Richter, who had performed at Haddo House.