His Serene Highness Dr Donatus, Prince of Hohenzollern, is appointed Patron of the London International Festival of Early Music.
The London International Festival of Early Music is honoured to announce the appointment of HSH Dr Donatus, Prince of Hohenzollern, as its new patron. A distinguished figure with deep ties to cultural heritage and the arts in London and England, Prince Donatus brings a wealth of experience and passion to this new role.
The London International Festival of Early Music, renowned for its celebration of historical music traditions, is an annual event that attracts some of the world’s most talented musicians, scholars, and enthusiasts of early music. The festival provides a platform for performances, masterclasses, and discussions, all aimed at fostering a deeper appreciation of early music, spanning from the Medieval to the Baroque periods.
Prince Donatus, a member of the German royal family, has long been a supporter of the arts and historical preservation. His commitment to cultural endeavours is well-known, with his involvement in various philanthropic and educational initiatives, which includes Teahouse Baroque, a network for advanced and amateur players and singers. His patronage is expected to further elevate the festival’s profile, gaining even more international attention and participation.
Prince Donatus says: “Music is surely nothing but communication, communication of an energy everyone craves. It can be great entertainment, but for me, in the duality of body and mind, it can be far more, a spiritual energy, however you describe this. The special merit of the London International Festival of Early Music is making music available in a market society, bridging culture and economy. In our times, the cultural value of bringing people together to enrich and develop their access to music cannot be overstated.”
Festival Director Chris Butler says: “Our festival is a unique combination of reflection and preparation as we bring together all that is best in the worldwide early music community. The whole LIFEM team, under our new patron HSH Prince Donatus, is looking forward to this year’s event with great excitement.”
The London International Festival of Early Music takes place from 13th to 16th November 2024 in Blackheath, London. From makers to performers, and recitals to competitions, this four-day festival offers a myriad of events designed to inspire, educate and entertain. Not only an opportunity to meet makers, try out instruments, and to hear some of the world’s most acclaimed performers in recital, the festival provides valuable networking avenues with those with a passion for early music.
This year’s festival concert artists include Amsterdam-based The Royal Wind Music, La Vaghezza, Erik Bosgraaf with Italian ensemble filoBarocco, viola gamba player Robert Smith with lutenist Nicolas Achten, as well as harpsichordist Maciej Skrzeczkowski, and recorder player Jiyeon Bang, winner of the 2023 SRP/Moeck Solo Recorder Competition.
Adding to the roster of festival commissions, this year the highly acclaimed Dutch composer Matijs de Roo will be writing a new work for gamba player Robert Smith.
St Michael & All Angels Church in Blackheath will once again be the venue for the Festival Evensong service on Saturday 16th November 2024 at 3.00pm, directed by Jonathan Wikeley, with the parish choir of All Saints Fulham.
A three-day exhibition takes place from 14th to 16th November at Blackheath Halls and is a vibrant marketplace featuring instrument makers from around the world, as well as societies, publishers and shops.
Additionally, the festival will play host to Makers’ Demonstration Recitals, Performers’ Platforms, giving young people from schools and colleges the opportunity to showcase their talents. And always a support of emerging talents, the final of the festival’s Young Ensemble Competition, this year judged by Erik Bosgraaf, Robert Smith and Darina Ablogina, will take place on Friday 15th November 2024.
Erik Bosgraaf, Artistic Director, says: “I am extremely pleased to be able to present my first curated LIFEM! The audience can expect a wide variety of early music’s most compelling musicians, many of whom will make their UK debut.”
