Celebrated cellist Julian Lloyd Webber opens a day of live performances honouring Sir Malcolm Arnold at Cripps Hall and St Matthew’s Church in the composer’s hometown of Northampton. The community‑focused Malcolm Arnold Festival showcases the composer’s music performed by guest ensembles including the Northampton Symphony Orchestra and Towcester Studio Band. An affordable Day Ticket provides low‑cost entry, with free admission for students and under‑18s. An evening Gala Concert is priced separately.

The annual celebration of Northampton’s musical genius

Probably best known for his internationally famous film scores, symphonic showpieces, and symphonies, the Malcolm Arnold Festival is an annual programme of events celebrating one of England’s most prolific, colourful and charismatic composers – Sir Malcolm Arnold (1921-2006).

The festival will be opened at Cripps Hall at 11am by its President, the internationally renowned cellist and music educator Julian Lloyd Webber, who shares a profound personal connection with one of the many standout performances. Malcolm Arnold wrote his Fantasy for Cello for the cellist in 1986. Reflecting on the work, Lloyd Webber notes that Arnold’s writing is incredibly generous and direct, demonstrating a genuine love for the instrument through lyrical phrasing that naturally draws out the richest, warmest qualities. Fittingly, it will be Lloyd Webber’s wife, Jiaxin Lloyd Webber – herself an acclaimed cellist – who will take centre stage in this performance.

Guest Ensembles and Rising Stars

Joining Jiaxin will be guest ensembles including Towcester Studio Band – in some of the best of Arnold for brass, and Roger Coull, Nicholas Roberts and Lynn Arnold who perform works for violin, cello and piano. Rising stars from the premier international music academies and conservatoires are also taking part in a wealth of music-making.

Gala Concert promises Arnold Showpieces

St Matthew’s Church provides the venue for the festival’s evening Gala Concert at 19:30 when the Northampton Symphony Orchestra presents a rousing celebration of orchestral music by Malcolm Arnold alongside two of his fellow-composers – Ruth Gipps and Shostakovich – performed under the baton of the orchestra’s musical director and life-long Arnold champion John Gibbons BEM.

Full details are provided on the website as well as a booking link and tickets will also be available on the door.