In 1991 proposed that an annual music festival
be organised in the West Dorset village of Cerne Abbas (famed for the Cerne Abbas Giant),
which is close to the family home of clarinettist
Richard Hosford. The suggestion was taken up with enthusiasm in the village and the
first Cerne Abbas Music Festival took place in July 1991. The primary focus of the programme
was on chamber music by the classical composers, but also included twentieth century works.
The Festival has been extremely successful from its first year and is now the
centrepiece of the Gaudier's calendar. Cerne Abbas is particularly proud of its association
with the group. Members of the Ensemble stay in private houses in the village during the
Festival week and the village church, St Mary's, is the venue for the concerts with stage and
numbered seating arranged specially for the Festival.
This site brings together information about the Gaudier and the
concerts and gives details of booking and membership of the Friends of the Festival.
Welcome to our Festival!
For your diary: The 2012 Festival will take place from 7th to 10th June
proposed that an annual music festival
be organised in the West Dorset village of Cerne Abbas (famed for the Cerne Abbas Giant),
which is close to the family home of clarinettist
Richard Hosford. The suggestion was taken up with enthusiasm in the village and the
first Cerne Abbas Music Festival took place in July 1991. The primary focus of the programme
was on chamber music by the classical composers, but also included twentieth century works.
