Page 141 - Aldeburgh Festival 2022 FINAL COVERAGE BOOK

waiting to be performed that is the main reason for extending the
festival to three weeks this year.

“It’s not unique, but it’s certainly unusual – particularly in the modern
era. I think there were a couple of early festivals which were three
weeks long, but it’s certainly not been done in recent years. It should
make it a very special event this year.” The other reason for the
extended run is that the Britten-Pears Young Artist Programme is
marking its 50th anniversary this year. The current line-up of
performers will join with prestigious alumni to stage a special concert
on Saturday June 11, while works by the current cohort of young
composers will be woven into the fabric of the festival.

But the Aldeburgh Festival is more than a music event. As Roger Wright
points out, its official title has always been The Aldeburgh Festival of
Music and the Arts, and art exhibitions, film screenings at Aldeburgh
Cinema, talks and lecturers have always been an important element of
the programme, and frequently are useful to put the music into context.