The annual Hampstead and Highgate festival begins on September 24th

The annual Hampstead and Highgate festival begins on

September 24th, running until October 3rd. In that time

the whole of Hampstead and Highgate will be lit up by the energy of this

wonderful event, which this year is inspired by Sergey Diaghilev and his Ballets

Russes company (1909–1929). The beauty of Diaghilev’s work will be explored

through all kinds of cultural arts, including dance, music, film, and photography.

For those unfamiliar with Diaghilev’s work, he is perhaps

one of the greatest overlooked artists of the early 20th century. By

bringing together artists like Picasso and Matisse with composers like

Stravinsky and Debussy, he managed to create some of the most striking ballets

ever performed. As a tribute to his contribution, the festival will present

some wonderfully entertaining and exclusive events.

For the first time, there will be free lunchtime concerts

for all to attend at Hampstead Parish Church, as well as a classical concert

series featuring Germany’s Fauré Quartett, Dame Felicity Lott, and the young

International Baroque Players performing some of the greatest pieces ever

written. On top of this you will find a rare photographic exhibition of Hampstead resident and Diahilev

ballerina Tamara Karsavina, and a screening of Four Emperors, One Nightingale, and a Ballet that was Lost followed

by a Q & A with the filmmakers and Diahilev revivalists Millicent

Hodson and Kenneth Archer, amidst other silver screen classics.

The Embassy Theatre will play host to numerous productions

and special performances, including world-renowned actor and author Simon

Callow’s reading of ‘Lightning Conductor’, a new monologue in praise of Sergey

Diaghilev written by playwright Matthew Hurt, and director Jonathan Miller in

an evening on Anton Chekhov.

Amongst the culturally enlightening elements of the festival

there are also events for children and the whole family including a unique

1920s Parisian children’s ballet involving four local dance schools, a

Storywalk on Hampstead Heath, and a family concert based around beloved

children’s classic Babar the Elephant.

It is very rare that events such as these come along, and

Hampstead and Highgate are immensely privileged to be welcoming such world

renowned artists and performers for your enjoyment. For more information on the

festival including times, venues, and prices visit http://www.hamandhighfest.co.uk/